THE Royal Agricultural University has invited members of the public to put on some sturdy footwear and join them at an archaeological dig to uncover some exciting WW2 history next month.
The historic university will be hosting a range of fun activities and talks in September as part of the free Heritage Open Days event taking place across England.
Visitors will be able to explore the university's historic dining hall, the scenic quad area and clocktower, the historic Tithe Barn (which is now the university bar), and its chapel on the Cirencester campus on Saturday, September 9 between 1pm to 4pm.
The RAU'S pro vice chancellor Mark Horton - who is also a well-known archaeologist who has has hosted the BBC’s Coast programme and has also appeared on Channel 4’s Time Team - will give a talk about the history of the institution at 2pm.
In addition, the RAU's Swindon campus will also be open on Friday September 8, Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10.
During these three days history lovers will have the opportunity to join archaeologists for an archaeological excavation to help uncover the WW2 secrets of Swindon’s GWR Park.
This will take place between 10am and 4pm on the Friday and Saturday and between 10am and 3pm on the Sunday.
Visitors have been encouraged to bring sturdy footwear and weather appropriate clothing that they don't mind getting a bit grubby.
Organiser Cassie Newland, director of the university’s Cultural Heritage Institute, said: “Have you ever wondered how archaeologists decide where to put their trenches?
"Or how they reconstruct past civilisations from a handful of broken pottery?
"Well now's your chance to find out!
“As well as learning how the New Swindon Rifle Corps prepared to fight on the front lines and kept themselves safe from enemy bombardment, we also hope to uncover artefacts that will connect us to local people in the past and discover how to research their untold stories.”
Everyone is welcome but under 16s will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
For more details about this event visit tinyurl.com/yeymjcku.
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