Current SIAH news

SIAH winter lecture series 2020–21

The talks held via Zoom. If you are already taking part in the SIAH Zoom discussions then we will have your contact email address and you will be sent the link to join the meetings.

If you are new to Zoom and would like to hear the talks, just send your email address to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and he will add you to the list. A brief explanation of how Zoom works can also be sent, just ask when you contact Dr Nick Amor, chairman.

2021 AGM will be Saturday 24th April.

13^th February 2021 at 1400 - Stuart Boulter and Simon Picard, Cotswold Archaeology, Suffolk, Recent excavations at Flixton Park quarry

Excavation work continues on this longstanding project, which has produced a remarkable range of archaeological periods and feature types represented in the surface archaeology. There have been significant discoveries with sites dating from the Paleolithic to the Post-Medieval, an outline of which will be discussed in today’s talk.

13^th March 2021 at 1400 Dr Nicholas Amor, Chair SIAH, Keeping the peace in medieval Suffolk

A study of the county’s 14^th-century archives suggests that the fear of crime was greater than the reality. This talk considers the actual levels of crime, and the rise of justices of the peace who were appointed to keep law and order, and their role in determining the shape of Suffolk society. It is anticipated that the publication of his book, of the same title, will coincide with this talk.

9^th January 2021 - John Day, East Anglian Traditional Art Centre: Celebrating the anniversaries of of East Anglian artists

The year 2021 makes the Bicentenary of the death of John Crome of Norwich, the artist who inspired the Norwich School of Painters, and also George Frost, the Ipswich sketcher who knew John Constable. John Day of the East Anglian Traditional Art Centre will discuss the region’s artists, how they have influenced his life and how they inspired him to establish the Centre.

12^th December 2020 - Dr Martin Bridge, Institute of Archaeology,: An introduction to the application of dendrochronology, with particular reference to Suffolk.

Dr Bridge will explore the application of dendrochronology (tree-ring dating) to buildings and artefacts, e.g. church chests, of special relevance to Suffolk. Rapid progress with the technique has been made in recent years, and as more work is done the success rate increases. The possibilities and limitations are described along with some prospects for new related dating methods.

14^th November 2020 – Sarah Doig, Local History Researcher, – Basil Brown of Rickinghall: beyond Sutton Hoo.

This talk explores beyond the usual portrayal of Basil Brown as an eccentric, self-taught Suffolk boy. Sarah Doig will shine a light on this native of Rickinghall, identifying those who influenced the young Basil, examining his motivations and local discoveries, whilst reflecting his boundless energy for enthusing others. Drawing on his own words along with recollections from local residents and fellow-workers, a more complete image emerges of this renowned archaeologist.

SIAH Events Spring/Summer 2020 on hold   In the light of new Government guidance, including advice to 'avoid non essential contact' with others, we have decided to suspend our Spring/Summer programme until further notice. You should assume that our summer excursions will not proceed unless and until it is safe to do so. We will, of course, advise you by email as soon as we feel we can safely meet again.

In these very unusual circumstances, we are working on ways of holding a virtual AGM so look out for further announcements on this website, and by the Chairman's email,  shortly.

Rendlesham Revealed project: HLF Stage 2 bid successful

Rendlesham Revealed project,  HLF Stage 2 bid  has been successful and has received over £500,000. As a partner in this project SIAH is delighted to bring this news to our membership. Further details in the SIAH Spring newsletter 2020, and see also: ttps://heritage.suffolk.gov.uk/rendleshamrevealed. Please use this website If you wish to contact the team. Events, workshops and volunteer opportunities will be widely advertised, follow @SCCArchaeology on Twitter, Instagram and @SCCArchaeologicalService on Facebook to keep up-to-date.