There doesn’t seem to be a slow moment around the Current Archaeology offices these days! The big news this month is the conference and the Current Archaeology Awards coming up in February. We’ve included a special section in this issue announcing the session schedule, the nominees for the awards, information on how to register and special offers for conference delegates. This year’s event promises to be the best yet, with star speakers and sessions on some of the most controversial issues facing archaeology in Britain today. Read carefully and cast your votes for the best of the best that we’ve published over the past year.
Our features start out in a seasonal mood with an in-depth look at the archaeology of Christmas: what do we really know about this important holiday? Most of us celebrate at midwinter without realising how far back the roots of this festive season and our traditions stretch; and as for Santa Claus, he’s a bit of a shady character. Enjoy!
FEATURES
FROM STONE HENGE TO SANTA CLAUS
The Archaeology of Christmas
We look at the evolution of our modern Christmas, from prehistory to the present.
MAGIC AND MINING
The Alderley Edge Landscape Project
Archaeologists unravel the truth about the legends of Alan garner’s Alderly Edge.
ART DECO ARCHAEOLOGY
The Heroic Band and its legacy
Fresh inquiry challenges the work of some of Britain’s most famous archaeologists.
TIPPED FOR THE TOP
Wearmouth-Jarrow’s World Heritage Site bid
The Venerable Bede’s former home is the UK’s 2010 nomination; can it succeed?
REGULARS
NEWS
Iron Age torcs: a £1m-plus find; Treasure Report; Looters Loophole Closes; Lankhills cemetery; Gloucester Goth; Bronze Age food miles; 2010 British Archaeological Awards; Back to Bosworth; The Kyng’s Beestes; Unseen artefacts from the Mary Rose.
REVIEWS
Books this month: The Iveragh Peninsula; Tasting the Past; Where the Rivers Meet; Antiquaries and Archaists; Upcoming Releases
DIARY
Tony Rook at Lullingtone’s 60th
OPINION
Poetry in Pottery
SHERDS
Chris Catling’s irreverent take on heritage issues.
LAST WORD
Andrew Selkirk visits the new Ashmolean Museum.
ODD SCOS
The National Hedgelaying Society.