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.
A special event to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Wareham Archaeology and Local History Society will take place on Saturday 10 October 2026 at Furzebrook Village Hall (2pm – 4:30pm). Lilian Ladle, founder of the society will provide some highlights of the last 40 years. Julian Richards a professional archaeologist with over 30 years experience, and a familiar face on TV over the years, will give a talk ‘A Career in Ruins’. See Events page for more details.
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
20 May 2026. Through the mists: Exploring the hidden prehistoric archaeology of the Isle of Portland.
Andrea Frankham-Hughes
The Isle of Portland has a rich archaeological history, but is little understood in comparison to the rest of Dorset. Archaeologist and Post Graduate researcher Andrea Frankham-Hughes explores the hidden evidence of Portland’s prehistory, with a focus on the Iron Age and her work on the enigmatic site found by Susann Palmer and AC Archaeology at Weston in 2006.
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)
21 May 2026 – Tour of Dig the Street Excavation by Context One.
31 May 2026 – The Prehistory of Portland, a walk with Andrea Frankham-Hughes
10 June 2026 – Visit to the Newt Roman Villa in Somerset. Joint visit with EDAS.
26 June 2026 – Tour of The Big Dig Excavation at Winterborne Kingston
02 September 2026 – a walk around Victorian Wareham with Lilian Ladle.
For more information go to the Events page
