Petersfield High Street South Side

Part of front cover designed by Edward Grainger for Petersfield Monographs No. 2 entitled ‘High Street Petersfield’.

Archaeology Group

Peter Price (centre) with members of PAHS

From the outset, the Historical Society created specialist study groups for the members including an Archaeological Group which was set up in 1974. At that time it worked closely with Dr Peter Reynolds at the start of the Butser Ancient Farm Project but many other sites and subjects were studied over the years. Their progress appears to have always been reported in the Society’s bulletins.

Regrettably, by the 1990s the group seemed to have disbanded. Fortunately the Society’s past chairman, Peter Price, is an archaeologist and on retirement, he generously agreed to restart the group and the first meeting was held on 23rd January 2013 at the Flora Twort Gallery.

Now meeting four times a year on the third Thursday of October, November,  February and March, guest speakers give talks on various aspects of archaeology particularly those pertaining to our locality.

The Archaeology Group also holds occasional field trips in the summer months.

Petersfield Archaeology Group News

The Petersfield Big Dig

Liss Archaeology in conjunction with the Petersfield Area Historical Society is to undertake a series of archaeological explorations in Petersfield this summer.  The Big Dig will run from 14th to 31st July to coincide with the Festival of Archaeology fortnight.  Targeted areas for surveying and potential test pitting include the Avenue playing fields and The Spain as well as a number of private gardens in the old part of the town.

Many people will remember the People of the Heath project (2014-2018) which added greatly to knowledge of this area in prehistoric times.  The aim of the Petersfield Big Dig is to investigate sites hinting at occupation prior to the 12th century foundation of the town and to enhance understanding of how Petersfield has developed since Norman times.

There will be the opportunity to talk to the archaeologists about the results of their investigations, children’s activities and, in due course, public lectures and a display of finds.

Where Petersfield Archaeology Group Meets

The Avenue Pavilion
Petersfield
GU31 4JQ

How To Join

Contact us for an application form. Membership costs £15 per person or £20 per couple. This includes eight meetings per year with a speaker and five optional meetings of the Society’s Archaeological Group. You will also receive a copy of the Society’s twice-yearly bulletin.

Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery

Petersfield Museum

Visit Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery to see some of the archival work PAHS has undertaken.

Petersfield Musical Festival

"Petersfield

Petersfield Musical Festival has entertained the town with choral music for over 100 years.

Petersfield Physic Garden

fritillaryThe Physic Garden is open daily except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s day. Check the website for times. Entrance is free.

People of Petersfield Heath

People of the Heath Visit People of the Heath for more on the excavation of the Petersfield Heath barrows.