Counting Culture – The Discovery and Conservation of a Monumental Roman Tombstone. A Talk by Heather Davis

Heather is Head of Conservation for Lancashire County Council and she held her audience for 45 fascinating minutes.

Prior to the development of a new block of apartments in Lancaster, the consulting archaeologist discovered a large and very unusual Roman tombstone or perhaps more properly, a memorial stone.  Unfortunately, it was lying face down and in turning it over, the top part of the stone broke off but underneath, carved in relief and in incredible detail was a Roman soldier, mounted on his horse.  In one hand was his sword and in the other, the head of his recently slain enemy whose decapitated body lay kneeling at his feet.

Heather then went on to explain in some detail how they had reunited the two parts, cleaned it and prepared it for display, only to be told that it was to be exhibited on the top floor.  Clearly it would not be possible to move it inside the building due to its size and weight and so an upstairs window was removed, the stone carefully crated and then lifted by crane through the opening with millimetres to spare on either side.  It is now on display in Lancaster City Museum.

We then had an introduction to the Silverdale Hoard and its subsequent conservation.  We learnt that public tours of the conservation studios in Preston are available for groups of about a dozen.  Keep an eye on your incoming emails, this will soon be on our list of forthcoming events!