About the Wareham and District Archaeology & Local History Society
The Wareham and District Archaeology & Local History Society was established in 1985 with the aim of bringing together individuals with a shared interest in archaeology, local history, and heritage. Our society is made up of a diverse group of like-minded people from various backgrounds and walks of life.
As part of the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the Society we have provided some information on the Bestwall Quarry project which ran from 1992 to 2005.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
3 Dec 2025
Bestwall Quarry excavations, Wareham
Lilian Ladle
Between 1992 and 2005, excavation at this 55 hectare gravel extraction quarry uncovered 10,000 years of human activity. Mesolithic hunter gatherers and Neolithic farmers fashioned the underlying flint into tools. Bronze Age farmers set out the first fields and made their own pottery and Iron Age folk followed similar lifestyles. In the Roman period, a vibrant pottery industry developed – their pots were sold all over Britain and on the continent. A hoard of silver coins attest to its economic vitality. In the Saxon period, extensive iron-working and charcoal burning left their mark. Finally, during the 17th century, evidence was uncovered for the location of a small battle which took place during the English Civil War.
Our Christmas night. Celebrate Christmas with a mince pie and drink, there will also be a raffle.
For more information and full list of dates go to the Meetings page
UPCOMING EVENTS
(Our own WALS events and others likely to be of interest to members)
10 June 2026 – Visit to the Newt Roman Villa in Somerset. Joint visit with EDAS.
For more information go to the Events page
