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Dig in at archaeology days


941099676 LMVRs S Dig in at archaeology daysYoung historians have been uncovering the secrets of the past during hands-on archaeology sessions at a County Durham museum.

Killhope’s lead mining museum staged a children’s archaeology day when young relic hunters were allocated their own plot of land to dig up under the guidance of experienced archaeologists from Durham County Council.

Shelagh Connor, the museum’s visitor services officer, said: “It’s a great opportunity for children to try their hand and something different and pick up some tips from the experts.

“Each child had a dedicated area to excavate and had time out from their investigations to enjoy the rest of the museum’s attractions, whether taking a trip down the mine or looking for red squirrels.”

Archaeology days are aimed at children between four and 11-years-old and more are planned for Sunday, 25 July, and Sunday, 1 August.

Normal admission charges apply, with a £3 charge per plot. However, spaces are limited and should be booked in advance by calling 01388 537 505.

For more information about Killhope, which is run by Durham County Council, visit www.killhope.org.uk or email info@killhope.org.uk

Uncovering the past: Nine-year-old Leah Peart from St John’s Chapel, Weardale, at an archaeology day.

Past pulls them in at Consett open day


916141101 wPXPx S Past pulls them in at Consett open dayIf any proof were needed that the past has pulling power, talk to members of the Consett and District Heritage Initiative. They organised an open day recently that attracted over 300 visitors.

The idea was to celebrate times gone by and to generate interest in the work of the

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Paying respect to the men of Fromelles


912903341 v7fv8 S Paying respect to the men of Fromelles

A new chapter is about to be written about the heroes of Fromelles.

The Time Machine has followed this story from the beginning when the bodies of  World War 1 soldiers were discovered in a mass grave at Fromelles in northern France in 2009.

Now an exhibition, organised by

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Set a course for the ‘Fighting Ships’


912868057 zSLij S Set a course for the ‘Fighting Ships’The height of British naval power is remembered in a new exhibition at Hartlepool Art Gallery.

‘Fighting Ships’ – which runs until Saturday 28 August – explores how Britain’s warships during the reign of King George III were depicted in art and how that led to the emergence of a distinctive

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A fabulous peek at the past


895366476 SDP5c S A fabulous peek at the pastEnglish Heritage’s historical archive catalogue is now available online. The public will be able to search online through a catalogue describing more than a million historical photographs and documents relating to England’s historic buildings and archaeological sites; held by the National Monuments Record (NMR), English Heritage’s public archive.

Workers at Osram glassworks, Newcastle

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Exploring North Tyneside's past


Residents are getting the chance to explore North Tyneside’s past thanks to the local authority.

North Tyneside Council’s free-guided heritage walks, revealing the fascinating history of North Tyneside’s town centres, are back by popular demand.

Spaces are limited for tours taking place on Saturday 12 June, educating people about the heritage of Whitley Bay, Wallsend and North Shields.

The tours will start at 10am in Wallsend, 12 noon in North Shields and 2pm in Whitley

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Medieval knight brought back to 'life'


878434776 BgiS9 S Medieval knight brought back to lifeSkeletons discovered at Stirling Castle in Scotland are giving up their secrets – 650 years after being laid to rest. The bodies of 10 people including a medieval knight (right), who died during one of the country’s most turbulent periods of history, are the subject of a study being led by world renowned

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Turning the clock back at Consett


871339522 ghqFk S Turning the clock back at ConsettConsett’s past is to be brought back to life at the weekend. The Consett and District Heritage Initiative is holding an open day on Saturday to celebrate times gone by in the town and surrounding district.

From 10am to 3pm memorabilia, old photographs and reminiscences will be in excellent supply at the event

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Exhibition charts town’s shipbuilding heritage


844498873 m6Ua7 S Exhibition charts town’s shipbuilding heritageAs Hartlepool prepares to welcome the Tall Ships in August a fascinating new exhibition looks back on the town’s maritime history. Called ‘Built It, Sailed It, Wrecked It’, its taking place at the Museum of Hartlepool at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience until July 18.

It recalls Hartlepool’s shipbuilding history and explores the stories of some of

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Tank rescued from the depths


827314166 SKQfL S Tank rescued from the depthsThe second world war continues to cast a long shadow as locals from Johvi in Estonia discovered. A story that had almost faded in folklore was deemed worthy of investigation by members of a local war history society and later produced incredible results.

It concerned a scene witnessed by a local boy in September 1944

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