Archaeology

What interesting objects lie beneath our feet?

Coventry's rich heritage is reflected in the archaeology collections held here at the Herbert. Objects date from the Palaeolithic (2 million years ago) through to the nineteenth century. There are around 15000 objects in the collection ranging from flint tools and Egyptian artefacts to an English Civil War shoe.

The collection includes a small amount of prehistoric material, as well as larger quantities of Roman finds, mostly from the Lunt Roman Fort in Baginton. Many of the finds are still on display at the Fort today. In the late Anglo-Saxon period, Baginton was still an important centre of activity. A cremation cemetery excavated in the 1930s revealed many fine items including brooches, brooches, spears, shield bosses and

jewellery as well as the nationally important Baginton Bowl. Lady Godiva founded a Benedictine Monastery in Coventry in1043 and a thriving Medieval town developed.

One of our most important collections from this period is a rare group of Saxon glazed wall tiles. The majority of the collection dates from the late Medieval and Tudor periods. At this time Coventry was the fourth largest city in Britain, and the most important in the Midlands. The wool and cloth trades, markets and religious activity lead to the growth of Coventry as a commercial hub. The collections from this time include pottery, tiles, painted window glass and carved doorways, as well as an impressive leather collection. This contains many shoes, a mask, a book cover and archery equipment.

The Shelton Collection is of particular significance in the archaeology collections. J.B. Shelton OBE collected objects associated with Coventry's past during the 1930s and 1940s, putting together a small museum that formed the basis of The Herbert. The collection includes a wide range of items. The Coventry Face Jug is one of the most characteristic and important fourteenth century jugs from this collection.

Since 1961 professional archaeologists have worked in the Museum looking after and working with the collections for research, education, exhibition, exploring and understanding Coventry's past. Many finds are discovered by chance and the Herbert also offers a free object identification service to the public.

Fun with finds from the archaeology collections

All sorts of different and exciting archaeological activities take place at the sites run by Arts & Heritage. These have included Roman Fun Days at the Lunt Fort, costumed talks and demonstrations in the museum as well as store tours in the Herbert and Whitefriars.

Paul Thompson
Archaeology Officer
paul.thompson@coventry.gov.uk
Tel: 024 7629 4761

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