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
15 Apr 2026
Church path, Iwerne Minster, Dorset: A Anglo-Saxon Cemetery
​Richard McConnell
In the summer of 2025, Context One excavated of part of an Anglo-Saxon cemetery probably relating to a lost minster. Over 40 burials were uncovered, revealing a carefully laid out graveyard with rows of men, women, and children, as well as areas seemingly reserved for adult males and another specifically for the young. Dating from the late 7th to the 10th century, this site offers a rare glimpse into early medieval life, death, and belief in Wessex.
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
