19th June update
We are still hoping this can go ahead even though there is a rise in COVID cases. Currently (19th June) we may need to apply a few extra precautions, as follows:-
- we will just allow one family at a time into the fenced off area.
- you will be asked to fill in a form with your contact details and then place your find(s) and the form into a plastic bag which we will seal up and keep.
- we will examine the finds in a safe way and then write you a report which we will add to the plastic bag.
- the bag will then be delivered back to you.
We have had finds submitted already including this excellent example of a Bellamine jug from the 17th century which was dug up in Manor Road.
This type of heavy stoneware jug was made mostly in Germany and used for a variety of purposes. One of which was probably decanting alcohol from vats and barrels.
The Germans called them Bartmann jugs (bearded man) possibly something to do with the wild man of the forest in German folklore.
The jugs have a moulding of the mans face with heavy beard (they are supposed to be unique designs) on the top and there is usually another moulding of a coat of arms or something similar further down on the body of the vessel.We have found small sherds of this pottery before in the village but nothing as good as this.
In addition to its original purpose it was used in the 17th century as a “witches bottle”. They were filled with obnoxious substances (urine, blood, nail clippings etc.) and hidden under fireplaces or in doorways of the houses for protection against witches. Interestingly this jug was found under the porch of an old house.
The jugs are known as Bellamine jugs in the UK and other protestant countries possibly after Cardinal Roberto Bellamino (1542-1621) who not only was anti protestant but also anti alcohol. And he had a beard. They were trying to ridicule him.
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It’s mid April and spring is definitely here and people are out in their gardens - digging. We have a request to make.
While digging in your garden in Great Bowden you will no doubt come across some interesting items other than soil. Please collect any artefacts that you find. Give them a wash and dry them and store them in a box until Saturday 17th July when we have a Finds Day on the Village Green near the Shoulder of Mutton. We will do out best to identify things for you or get some additional expert help if we think it is necessary.
The event is registered with Council for British Archaeology as part of the Festival of Archaeology 2021 and is also part of Leicestershire’s Festival of Archaeology.
We may have to abide by certain restrictions and rules and so we hope you will bear with us. This is an outdoor event and so may have to be cancelled in the event of persistent rain (hopefully not in July!)
The sort of artefacts we would like to see:
Sherds of pottery. Not very obvious modern china or pot but anything else including glazed, partly glazed and unglazed items. If you are not sure - put it in. Please wash and dry these before storing them.
Lyveden Stanion medieval cooking pot
Sherds of glass Again, please don’t include any glass that is obviously modern and you can identify. Clean glass carefully as the patina on old glass can be removed by washing and will make ID difficult. Maybe dry brush instead.
Metal. Save anything interesting except nails and screws and tin cans. Include old toys, buttons, coins, etc. In the very very unlikely event that you find treasure, a cache or hoard of coins please do not disturb them but get in touch with the local coroners office or the Finds Liaison Officer for Leicestershire currently based at Rutland County Museum.
Medieval Horseshoe
Worked stone, tiles and old burnt brick. Please take photos if you dig up a course of old brickwork or what looks like a structure. We don’t need to see the bricks.
Flint that looks as though it has been worked. Knapped flint has chipped edges or a bulb of percussion with “ripples”.
Bone. Please don’t save bone on this occasion as it has to be stored.
Plastics - maybe old bakelite or something really interesting but not old flower pots etc. please.
Miscellaneous items. Who knows what you may find - or what clues to the history of your garden you may unearth.
We look forward to meeting you on Saturday 17th July - with your finds.