Swindon’s first archaeology conference to illuminate the town’s ancient past

The STEAM Museum and Swindon Museum & Art Gallery are hosting their first archaeological conference this November. The conference is being held in honour of Bernard Phillips who was a leading member of Swindon’s archaeological community, and heavily involved in the excavations of its most iconic sites.

The conference is a packed programme provided by professional archaeologists, community groups, academics, and researchers who will look back at Bernard’s contributions to the understanding of the history of the Roman Swindon, as well as the excavations at Littlecote Roman Villa.

There will be updates on the recent excavations along the Southern Connector Road, the geophysical surveys of Durocornovium, excavations at Wroughton, which are revealing the Roman and Saxon settlement, and work in advance of the developments at Wichelstowe Farm.

Councillor Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage, Leisure, and Town Centre Experience, said: “I am delighted we will be showcasing Swindon’s rich archaeological history through this inaugural exhibition and it is particularly poignant it's being held in Bernard’s memory, who was such a champion of the Borough’s past.

“Over the years, archaeological digs that Bernard was involved with have uncovered some magnificent Roman remains and these are still being discovered to this very day as we have seen with the recent finds the Wanborough Road and Southern Connector Road sites. This event will highlight the best of them for all to learn more about our local history.

“I encourage all to book onto this event at the STEAM Museum to learn more about Swindon’s ancient history.”

The day also contains updates on long running specialist investigations in the Roman complex at Groundwell Ridge and the Roman Chiseldon cauldrons, now at the British Museum. We will also be joined by archaeologist and specialist publishers with stands to explore.

The Roman Swindon and Environs Conference will take place at STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway on Saturday, 12 November, between 10am and 5.15pm.

The Conference is a great way for anyone interested in what lies beneath Swindon and its locality.

Tickets cost £22 and include a buffet lunch.

The event is being held in collaboration with Wiltshire County Council Archaeological Service and Wiltshire Museum, and is kindly sponsored by the Association of Roman Archaeology.

To view the conference programme and to purchase tickets, visit the STEAM Museum’s website: www.steam-museum.org.uk/RomanSwindon