Britains Secret Treasures
Tony Burke whom you may recall was responsible, with his wife, for discovering the "matrix seal", informs us that next week ITV will be screening a series on Britain's Secret Treasures.
Transmitting on ITV1 across six nights (begins Mon 16th July 2012, see schedule below), Britain’s Secret Treasures is presented by award-winning journalist Michael Buerk in his broadcasting debut for ITV, alongside historian and author Bettany Hughes, winner of this year’s distinguished Medlicott Medal for History.
The series will map out the 50 key artefacts found by members of the public and recorded by the British Museum’s scheme in the past 15 years.
Facing the daunting task of selecting which discoveries were included and determining their ranking on the list, was a panel of experts from the British Museum and The Council for British Archaeology. They have sifted through almost one million items to judge each one on its national importance, beauty and cultural and historic significance. From a human tool found in Norfolk dating back 700,000 years, to the Silverdale Hoard of Viking Treasure, these items hold incredible stories, many of which revolutionise our understanding of the past.
The first episode will be shown on Monday 16 July 2012 at 8pm. The series continues throughout the week at 7.30pm or 8pm as follows.
Episode 2 - Tuesday 17th July on ITV1 at 19.30
Episode 3 - Wednesday 18th July on ITV1 at 20.00 (one hour)
Episode 4 - Thursday 19th July on ITV1 at 19.30
Episode 5 - Friday 20th July on ITV1 at 20.00
Episode 6 - Sunday 22nd July on ITV1 at 19.00 (one hour)
Surrey finds are featured in Episode 1 (Epsom harness boss and Limpsfield WWI medal), and Episode 5 (for our Stone seal matrix see issue 25 of the CCHT Newsletter - February 2012 pages 10 and 11).
The large gilt harness boss is thought to have come from Charles II's coach and horses while visiting Epsom; the WWI medal, while not of great age, has a lovely story of connection with the medal winner's family.
If you have an interest in archaeology you may be interested in the Council for British Archaeology and the 22nd CBA Festival of British Archaeology. Click here to find out more.
