Latest News
'Pilgrim Souvenirs...' book launch
On Saturday, Durham University’s Museum of Archaeology hosted the launch of Pilgrim Souvenirs, Devotional and other Objects of Faith: Late‑medieval to modern period small finds from the River Wear, Durham. This new Arch and Arch monograph explores a remarkable collection of pilgrim badges, crucifixes, ampullae, coins, and other devotional objects recovered from the River Wear in Durham City, many linked to the cult of St Cuthbert, together with modern ecclesiastical objects linked to Archbishop Michael Ramsey. Unearthed through Gary Bankhead’s long‑running diving project beneath Elvet and Prebends Bridges, these finds highlight Durham’s enduring role as a centre of faith and pilgrimage, offering fresh insight into the city’s spiritual life across seven centuries.
For more information, see: Arch and Arch Monographs.
The Fifteenth Hadrian's Wall Archaeology Forum
The Fifteenth Hadrian's Wall Archaeology Forum will take place on Saturday November 1st at the Queen's Hall, Hexham, commencing at 9.50. Talks will describe recent excavations at Vindolanda, Milecastle 64, High Rochester and Carlisle along with the results of researching the excavation archives at Corbridge and a GIS study of a selection of Milecastle. Tickets @ £20.00 per person can be obtained from boxoffice@queenshall.co.uk or tel: 01434 652477.
New Arch and Arch Research Report
Available from 16th October 2025.
The Arch and Arch are delighted to announce the forthcoming publication of yet another monograph in our research report series: 'Pilgrim Souvenirs, Devotional, and other Objects of Faith'. The research presents the results of a remarkable sixteen-year underwater investigation of the River Wear in Durham City, led by Durham-based underwater archaeologist Gary Bankhead. At its heart is a compelling assemblage of medieval pilgrim souvenirs—ampullae, crucifixes, badges, coins, and devotional tokens—many linked to the cult of St Cuthbert and the city’s long-standing role as a pilgrimage centre. Recovered near Elvet Bridge, these objects speak to centuries of spiritual practice, personal devotion, and ritual deposition. Among the most striking finds are two medieval crosses echoing St Cuthbert’s own pectoral cross, offering rare glimpses into the symbolic and emotional lives of pilgrims who once passed through Durham.
Equally remarkable is a group of modern ecclesiastical objects recovered from beneath Prebends Bridge, now identified as gifts and commemorative items associated with Archbishop Michael Ramsey’s distinguished ecclesiastical career. Crafted from precious metals and rich in symbolic meaning, these items had long puzzled researchers due to their deliberate placement in the river. Recent investigations have resolved the mystery of their deposition, revealing a purposeful act that continued Durham’s tradition of symbolic offerings well into the twentieth century. Together, these devotional finds—medieval and modern—form the Durham River Wear Assemblage, a nationally significant collection that redefines our understanding of faith, pilgrimage, and personal expression across seven centuries.
For more information, see: Arch and Arch Monographs.
The Secret Gardens of St John's
We have reserved 15 places for the Arch & Arch group during the next Secret Gardens event from 11 – 1pm. Places can be booked via the SJCR online shop: Secret Gardens of St John's by selecting the Arch Society option.
AGM and visit to the Norman chapel at Durham Castle
This year’s AGM took place at Durham Castle and Cathedral World Heritage Site with a tour of the Castle followed by the meeting in the Prior’s Hall in the Cathedral College. It was a gloriously sunny day. Members met on Palace Green and were guided by our Past President and historian Adrian Green and Gill Rennie, Curator at Durham Castle. From the Castle courtyard (pictured) Adrian highlighted the original twin towers of the Norman castle overlooking the city to the north. The towers, the oldest standing buildings in Durham dating from the late 11th century, have been revealed through close inspection of the stonework (using photogrammetry) and removal internally of later wall coverings. The Norman chapel (now subterranean) was originally the ground floor with an upper chamber in what is now the Senior Common Room (formerly the Bishop’s Dining Room). Find out more about the Norman Chapel Restoration Project.
We entered the chapel through the newly-installed automated glass doors which help to control the environment inside. Gill explained that extensive water and salt damage had precipitated the need for major conservation works, funded by Durham University, to save the fabric of the chapel and its wonderful carved capitols. Conservators have painstakingly replaced mortar with a ‘sacrificial’ mix to remove the salts and the stonework has been cleaned. A new audio-visual installation is in production. This is based on new research following an Arts and Humanities Research-Council Funded project called ‘Hidden Heritage’.
We got a better idea of the scale of the works from outside the chapel. Standing on the North Terrace we were able to look down the excavated ventilation shaft which now allows air to flow freely, to slowly dry out the chapel walls. This process is expect to take five years.
In the Presidential Address following the AGM, Richard Annis shared a fascinating insight into the even earlier history of the castle complex. He showed images of the excavation works in progress, and the earlier features discovered, including what appears to be a drain running underneath the castle wall and the Norman chapel connecting an earlier building in the castle courtyard.
This year saw four committee members step down. Jennifer Morrison (pictured receiving gifts - image courtesy of Gilbert Makay.) retired as Hon. Secretary after 8 years on the committee. Heidi Richards stepped down as Excursions Officer. John Castling and Laura Anderson had completed their 3 year terms and also stepped down.
Members approved the audited accounts and report for submission to the Charity Commission, including a new reserves policy to set aside £5000 contingency. The Society is in a healthy financial position thanks to the generous bequest by Roger Norris. The meeting ended with a presentation to Jennifer Morrison with warm thanks for her service to the Society. She will continue to be a member.
Proposed major excursion to South West England
This year's main excursion will focus on South West England, specifically East Devon and Somerset. Two bases on this occasion, commencing with 5 nights at the Mercure Rougemont Hotel in Exeter followed by 3 nights at The Castle Hotel in Taunton. Places of interest to be visited, in addition to the two cities and their cathedrals, would include Powderham Castle, Compton Castle, Saltram House, Buckland Abbey, Stourhead Palladian mansion and estate, Cleeve Abbey, Dunster village with Luttrell Castle, and maybe a few others along the way.
'Archaeology of Waterways' Conference
We are delighted to announce that we are one of the official partners of the Nautical Archaeology Society's Annual Conference which is themed: 'Archaeology of Waterways'. The event is to be held at Durham University's Learning Centre from 15th - 18th November 2024. The programme of presentations over the weekend in Durham can be downloaded here. Details of excursions, workshops (on the 15th and 18th) and the conference dinner (Saturday 16th) will be available soon. Tickets for the conference can be purchased from the NAS Membership and Events Portal: www.nauticalarchaeologysociety.org .
Discounted tickets can be bought by members of Arch & Arch, the Nautical Archaeology Society, and the Finds Research Group. Students can also apply for discounted tickets that do not include lunch. Tickets for excursions, workshops (on the 15th and 18th) and the conference dinner (Saturday 16th) can be downloaded here.
New Arch & Arch monograpgh published!
We are delighted to announce the release of our first monograph for 14 years with a research report based on objects recovered by underwater archaeologist Gary Bankhead from a submerged riverbed, positioned just downstream of the twelfth century Elvet Bridge in Durham City. This 280-paged colour hardback book, published as an Arch & Arch monograph in association with Durham City Freemen and the Finds Research Group, represents a cultural, scientific and technical study of 334 lead cloth seals recovered from the River Wear between 2008 and 2022. These small, enigmatic objects represent the largest assemblage of such material available for analysis outside of London and, as such, are of crucial significance for understanding the cloth trade during the period to which they have been ascribed.
For more information visit: diveintodurham.uk, or contact Gary Bankhead at gary.bankhead@durham.ac.uk.
