Chester Archaeological Society crest
 Chester Archaeological Society 
President: His Grace the Duke of Westminster KG CB OBE TD CD DL  
Registered Charity No 1068062
 
Prof Francis HaverfieldHugh ThompsonSociety volunteers beginning excavation at Heronbidge in 2002 

History and Activities 

The Chester Archaeological Society was founded in 1849 and has a long history of research and conservation. Our interests range over archaeology, history, architectural history and conservation, with particular reference to Chester, Cheshire and North Wales. 

Together with the Chester Society of Natural Science, Literature and Art, the Society founded the Grosvenor Museum, opened in 1886, and played a key role in establishing Chester's renowned collection of Roman inscriptions and sculptures. It has sponsored many archaeological investigations and was largely responsible for ensuring the preservation and display of Chester's Roman amphitheatre. 

Present-day activities of the Society 

  • Monthly lectures from Autumn to Spring by expert speakers on a wide range of topics
  • Day- and weekend excursions in the Summer on demand
  • Fieldwork projects in collaboration with local professional organisations
  • Campaigning on local heritage issues
  • Publication of a nationally renowned specialist journal
  • Publication of a twice-yearly newsletter
  • Maintenance of its own library with a fine, wide-ranging collection of books
The events and facilities of the Society are open to the general public. 

History of the Society 

As part of its 150th anniversary celebrations in 1999, a history of the Society was commissioned from Preston-based historian Dr Alan Crosby, the author of a number of regional studies. The Chester Archaeological Society, the first one hundred and fifty years is available from George Storey, 22 The Beeches, Plas Newton Lane, Chester, CH2 1RE at a price of £8.50 to members, £10.00 to non-members, plus £1.00 packing and postage, payable by cash, cheque or postal order to 'Chester Archaeological Society'. 

In December 2009 Liz Royles, Keeper of Early History at the Grosvenor Museum, gave a lecture  on the life and career of Professor Robert Newstead, the leading figure of the Society between the Wars.  You can see the slides of her lecture here (15MB Adobe Acrobat file). (copyright CWaC: Grosvenor Museum).   
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Photos (left to right) Prof Francis Haverfield, who published the first catalogue of Roman stones from Chester in the Society's Journal; Hugh Thompson, Curator of the Grosvenor Museum, excavating Chester amphitheatre in the 1960s. The Society bought part of the amphitheatre site in the 1930s to safeguard it from development; Society volunteers starting excavation at Heronbridge in 2002. 
© 2012 Chester Archaeological Society. Last updated 14-03-2012
Information
  • Welcome
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  • History and Activities
  • Society Contacts
  • How to Join
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    Activities
  • Conservation
  • Fieldwork Group
  • Lecture Programme
  • Excursions
  • Student Prize
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    Resources
  • Journal
  • 'The Chester Antiquary'
  • Library
  • Related Websites
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