The story will start with Amesbury’s prehistoric beginnings, looking at Stonehenge and the Amesbury Archer, as well as prehistoric sites at Boscombe Down, Durrington Walls and Vespasian Camp. It will then work chronologically through the first 1000 years AD with the birth of the town and its Saxon origins, then from 979 – 16th century, including the emergence of the Abbey and subsequent Priory. The 16th – 19th century will focus in particular on the Seymour and Queensbury family estates and the project will finish with the 1930’s and the establishment of the military, including the story of the RAF at Boscombe Down and Amesbury at War, right through to the growth of modern Amesbury and how it stands today.
Andrew Williams, of Amesbury Printing Co. Ltd, who helped secure the HLF funding said; “The project will consist of filmed interviews with experts and local historians alongside archive images, showing how buildings and sites used to look, merging with photographs taken by volunteers showing how those sites and buildings look today.
The project is to be co-ordinated by Norman Parker, Chairman of the Amesbury History Society, a well-known figure in Amesbury, who regularly writes historical articles. Norman is thrilled at this great opportunity and work has now begun for the recorded interviews plus the visual contributions to record the past; he said; “If this is not done we will lose much of what we know today, as history began one minute ago and if not recorded, could be lost for all time.”
Norman will be drawing on the expert help of Enthuse It Limited, who have a great deal of experience in putting together historical DVDs for towns, across the country.
The completed project will be celebrated through a public exhibition and showing of the DVD and copies will also be donated to local schools and interested groups, as well as the Wiltshire Record Office, to add to the historic record of the town.
Nerys Watts, Head of South West for the Heritage Lottery Fund said:“Amesbury's location, adjacent to the World Heritage Sites of Stonehenge and Avebury gives it a unique place in the long history of Britain. This exciting projectwill provide the opportunity for the complete story of the town to be researched, recorded and made available for future generations to understand and enjoy”
Anyone wishing to contribute to the project can contact Norman Parker on 01980 622087 or via email:parkernc@live.co.uk
The project is now near completion and we would like to thank all those people that have supported the project, especially those that came forward with images and information. We would particularly like to thank Wessex Archaeology, David Jacques, The Open University, and Steve Hobbs of the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre.
For further information please contact the Amesbury Society
The Amesbury Society was formed in 1975 by a group of local people inspired by an exhibition
about Amesbury's history, displayed in the towns' library. The Society, which is registered
with the Civic Trust, holds a programme of public meetings and lectures during winter months;
during the summer, field trips and outings to sites of historical and environmental interest.
It was a major contributor to the Amesbury Millennium celebrations in 1979. The Society has
published an account of the towns' history: "AMESBURY history and description of a South Wiltshire
town", now in its second edition (sold out), and an illustrated guide to the town, with suggested walks: "In
and Around Amesbury", now in its third edition.
Members are kept in touch with Society activities
via a periodical newsletter, which also features items of local interest.
The aims of the Amesbury Society are:
| Individuals | £3-50 |
| Senior Citizens and persons under 18 | £2-00 |
If you wish to join, please send your Name, Address including your postcode and telephone number together with the appropriate subscription to the Treasurer:
Mrs Linda Smith, 5 Harvard Way Amesbury SP4 7XE
August 2011 - Newsletter No 91