Following on from our very successful days last winter when we talked about Stonehenge and its surrounding landscape, we’re going to turn our attention to the subject of burials through the ages. The ways in which our ancestors treated the dead, from the ways in which remains were buried to the objects they were sent to the next world with, tells us much about their beliefs.

This day will involve three experts who will look at differing aspects of this fascinating subject:

Julian Richards is an archaeologist who, in the course of his career, has been involved in the excavation of human remains of all periods, from the Neolithic to the 19th century. Drawing on his experiences of presenting the BBC series Meet the Ancestors, Julian will chart changes in burial practices over 6000 years and show how they shed light on changing beliefs.

Jackie McKinley is one of the country’s leading experts in the study and analysis of human remains, both inhumations and cremations. A regular expert on Time Team Jackie will show how human remains can offer clues to health and diet and how newly developed science is increasing our capacity to reconstruct ancient lives.

David Dawson is the director of the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes, home to the collection of spectacular Bronze Age grave goods excavated over 200 years ago by the pioneering archaeologists Richard Colt-Hoare and William Cunnington. David will explore some of these grave groups to show how they provide insights not only into prehistoric technology but also to the lives of their owners.

We will also have a contribution from:

Tim Daw, the creator of Wiltshire’s newest long barrow at All Cannings, who will explain the development of his pioneering burial site and examine the phenomenon of modern barrow building.

After each presentation there will be an opportunity for questions and discussion and the remainder of the day will allow the opportunity to explore wider issues.

• The course starts with registration at 10.00am
• Tea/coffee will be provided throughout the day
• Lunch is not provided and there are no shops or food outlets nearby so please bring a packed lunch; lunchtime will give an opportunity to explore Springhead’s beautiful gardens.
• The course ends at 5pm

Tickets are available via Ticketsource. The course is limited to 40 participants and early booking is advised.
The cost per person is £40, plus booking fee; all proceeds will go towards supporting Springhead’s education aims.

Please note the heating is kept low so wrap up well.

Event Code: [SPRH]