ARCHAEOLOGY IN THE WELSH MARCHES.

THE COURSES
Porth y waen Study Centre offers a range of 
non-residential short holiday archaeology
courses: some are practical and cover on-site 
excavation and survey techniques; other
courses cover topics which range from Hillforts 
and huts to Norman castles, with pagan and
early Christian Celts and Anglo-Saxons in between. 
Visits to local archaeological and historical sites form 
a part of many of the courses. We aim to give you a 
warm welcome and an opportunity to learn in a relaxed 
atmosphere as part of a small group. Weekend
and longer courses are offered.


The Centre is owned and managed by
Margaret Worthington B.Ed, M.Phil, AIFA who
also teaches many of the courses. She has over
fifteen years experience of teaching archaeology
to adults. She has directed ten seasons of
excavation in France and six in Greece and has
directed fieldwork in the Welsh Marches for
many years, particularly on Offa's Dyke and
Wat's Dyke. Other tutors have been chosen for
their expertise in specific topics.


Groups can arrange special courses to suit their
needs - just contact the Centre and we will be
happy to discuss your request.


Walkers on Offa's Dyke footpath (just a field
away from the Centre) might like to pause for a
day to learn about the background to the
monument and the recent research which is
helping to explain its siting and purpose.
Contact the Centre in advance to check

available dates.

The Welsh Borderlands are steeped in history
which has left its mark on the landscape. There
are fine Iron Age hillforts with magnificent views
over the surrounding countryside. Many of the
ancient churches are dedicated to early Celtic
saints and have stories written in their stones and
their graveyards for those who can read them.
This beautiful countryside, which links the Welsh
mountains with the Shropshire plain, has been a
border area for centuries: Celtic tribes in their
hillforts and farmsteads raided cattle from their
neighbours across it; the Romans advanced on
the westem tribes from it; the Anglo-Saxons and
Celts fought over it with the two great
earthworks of Offa's Dyke and Wat's Dyke
delimiting their areas, then as now. With the
advent of the Normans, the area had special
status as a buffer zone between England and
Wales and many castles mark this territory. The
borderlands remain an interesting mixture of
cultures.


The scenery is magnificent with rugged uplands,
rolling hills and lush lowlands which are watered
by rushing streams and the winding River Severn
running south and the River Dee running north.
This varied landscape with its wide range of
habitats offers a haven for animals, birds and
plants. There are market towns and villages,
canals and narrow gauge railways, stately homes
and gardens all waiting to be explored. To give
you time to enjoy the area, the week-long courses
start on Sunday afternoon and end on Friday
morning.

The Centre is non-residential as there is an
excellent range of accommodation and places to
eat nearby. Further information will be offered to
you when you enrol.

  If you would like more information please contact  HOMEMADE HOLIDAYS.

           E.Mail us from this page or call us direct.
           U.S/Canada. Toll Free 1.800.813.7352.
           U.K. Tel/Fax 01606 835448.
           Tel/Fax from outside U.K. +44.1606 835448.