Marlow Archaeology

PICTURE (TOP):
Workers at
Marlow Brewery
around 1900.
  • Our archaeology fieldwork

Most of our important fieldwork has been conducted on various sites in and around Marlow and nearby Cookham, with finds and features dating from the Mesolithic to the mid 19th century.

As examples, we have at length excavated a mixed period site on a Marlow farm, discovering a very rare Neolithic tannery among other fascinating features. We excavated at Cliveden, investigated a fortified Iron-Age enclosure at Taplow Court and attempted to locate medieval church foundations at Bisham Abbey.

Our Rookery Park excavation revealed a 17th-century chalk cellar within the foundations of a substantial house spanning the 17th to 19th centuries. We also excavated an interesting site close to Cookham church and have recently carried out searches for the position of the mysterious yet documented 'lost' Saxon Burghal Hidage fort of Alfred the Great at Cookham.

At our larger excavations we usually arrange educational open days for the public. These can include school group visits and we produce informative photographic displays of our work that are exhibited at various local events, as well as at historical and archaeological courses and conferences in neighbouring counties. Several of our members are involved in major projects around the country and we use their experience gained to better teach good archaeological practice to our new members.
  • Who we are:
  • The history of human activity and settlement in Marlow and the neighbouring area extends back over 6000 years to the Neolithic and beyond. Marlow Archaeology is investigating this history through research, site investigation including excavation, and talks from specialists in their subjects. Our work has ranged from the site of a unique Neolithic tannery to that of a Victorian villa.
  • Our activities:
  • Most recently we supported the excavation of an Anglo-Saxon warrior by Reading University and conducted a geophysical survey that revealed a substantial Roman period building.
  • We are participating in the Chilterns Conservation Board's Beacons of the Past Project and the Bucks Thames Archaeology project. Our regular talks are delivered via Zoom whilst the present pandemic crisis lasts.
  • Our next talk will be on Cheddar man and the genetic prehistory o0f Britain: the story so far... by Dr Tom Booth of the Francis Crick Institute. Thursday 26 November, 8pm, on-line. Click here to register.
  • Membership and enquiries:
  • If you share our passion for the past, why not join us? No previous knowledge or experience is necessary and you will receive a warm welcome whether your interests are active or sedentary. See our membership application form.
  • Find us on our website at www.marlowarchaeology.org.uk or contact us by email at marlowarch.mas@gmail.com

Theanks to Peter Borrows of Marlow Archaeology for providing information for this page.