PICKING UP THE PIECES

DID you know that a Bronze Age settlement was discovered in Beeston, Nottingham? Or that the Clifton Pile Settlement was found in 1938 and experts think it could be a nationally significant archaeological site?

How about that until the 1950s 90 percent of the world’s lace machines were built in and around Nottingham?

Telling the story of this amazing local archaeology and the associated history, will be the 6th Nottinghamshire History and Archaeology Festival at the University of Nottingham Museum, Lakeside Arts on Saturday, July 20, from noon until 4pm.

This free family event brings together local history and archaeology societies from across Nottinghamshire, along with city and county museums, regional archaeological units, heritage groups and re-enactors and experimental archaeologists.

Have a go at coin striking, medieval pottery or 17th and 18th-century rope making; hear storytellers recount old tales, see medieval entertainers such as stilt walkers and jugglers; handle real artefacts and meet the official Nottingham Robin Hood.

Visitors can also take their own objects to be identified and examined by the Finds Liaison Officer for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

A series of free talks will take place from 11am until 12.15pm, featuring talks from Trent and Peak Archaeology discussing the Archaeology of the Tram, Ice Age Journeys, and the Canalside Heritage Centre.

■ Drop in to Nottingham Lakeside Arts for activities but the talks need to be booked on 0115 846 7777.