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.
10 October – 40th Anniversary event
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 (1:45pm – 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
21 October 2025
Viking Dorset
Dr Wayne Bartlett
The very first recorded Viking raid in England took place in Dorset. From then on the county was frequently involved in Viking-age activity in one way or another. This involvement ranged from raiding and warfare to the establishment of some important monastic institutions with some surprisingly Christian Viking patrons. This talk examines some of these events and how traces of Viking Age Dorset can be found in some unlikely places even today.
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 October – 40th Anniversary event
For more information go to the Events page
