Helen J
@helgaj.bsky.social
Community arts, heritage and archaeology. In Cumbria.
Reposted by Helen J
This reminds me of my favourite little factoid about hedgehogs. They used to be called 'urchins' in English, so a sea urchin was a sea hedgehog. In Welsh, a hedgehog is a draenog, and a sea urchin is draenog môr... a sea hedgehog.
December 3, 2025 at 12:04 PM
This reminds me of my favourite little factoid about hedgehogs. They used to be called 'urchins' in English, so a sea urchin was a sea hedgehog. In Welsh, a hedgehog is a draenog, and a sea urchin is draenog môr... a sea hedgehog.
Reposted by Helen J
The Girl Guide survey from this year is devastating. And funnily enough girls aren’t reporting fear of trans kids. Its as if girl’s views on the things that really badly impact their lives are of no importance www.girlguiding.org.uk/about-us/pre...
Girls stand together in solidarity as two thirds change their everyday behaviour to avoid sexual harassment
New research from Girlguiding reveals how the persistent threat of sexism, misogyny and harassment is impacting girls’ everyday lives and affecting their confidence, mental health and wellbeing.
www.girlguiding.org.uk
December 3, 2025 at 6:55 PM
The Girl Guide survey from this year is devastating. And funnily enough girls aren’t reporting fear of trans kids. Its as if girl’s views on the things that really badly impact their lives are of no importance www.girlguiding.org.uk/about-us/pre...
Reposted by Helen J
Last month a small group was granted permission by the Port of London Authority to undertake a walkover survey of the #TowerBeach: the team was interested to examine the remains of structures recorded during the 1990s-2010s & to collect any significant artefacts found on the foreshore surface.
🏰🏺🧵
🏰🏺🧵
November 28, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Last month a small group was granted permission by the Port of London Authority to undertake a walkover survey of the #TowerBeach: the team was interested to examine the remains of structures recorded during the 1990s-2010s & to collect any significant artefacts found on the foreshore surface.
🏰🏺🧵
🏰🏺🧵
Reposted by Helen J
Beautiful piece about a group of young people who ignored the cynics, critics and gatekeepers and just cracked on restoring nature, bringing as many people as they could along for the ride.
"Action, access and agency".
You want a rural revival? This is it.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
"Action, access and agency".
You want a rural revival? This is it.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘It fully changed my life!’ How young rewilders transformed a farm – and began a movement
At Maple Farm, nature is returning in droves: nightingales, grass snakes, slowworms, bats and insects. All due to the vision of a group determined to accelerate its recovery
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Beautiful piece about a group of young people who ignored the cynics, critics and gatekeepers and just cracked on restoring nature, bringing as many people as they could along for the ride.
"Action, access and agency".
You want a rural revival? This is it.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
"Action, access and agency".
You want a rural revival? This is it.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Helen J
We're so pleased that our friends @balhnews.bsky.social have chosen to highlight the work of our friend and colleague Sarah Rose and VCH Cumbria - do take a look!
In one of our latest blogs, Dr Sarah Rose of the Victoria County History reflects on the publication of the first VCH volume to cover Cumbria - it's also the 250th in the "Big Red Book" series!
Learn more: www.balh.org.uk/blog-bringin...
#WeAreLocalHistory
@vch-home.bsky.social
Learn more: www.balh.org.uk/blog-bringin...
#WeAreLocalHistory
@vch-home.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 12:23 PM
We're so pleased that our friends @balhnews.bsky.social have chosen to highlight the work of our friend and colleague Sarah Rose and VCH Cumbria - do take a look!
On Tuesday, I'm going to be talking at the Cockermouth Civic Trust about the climate crisis and heritage. I'll be sharing ways communities are helping to protect and record vulnerable sites and how archaeology can help us to understand and learn from the past - At the United Reform Church at 7:30pm
November 23, 2025 at 7:59 PM
On Tuesday, I'm going to be talking at the Cockermouth Civic Trust about the climate crisis and heritage. I'll be sharing ways communities are helping to protect and record vulnerable sites and how archaeology can help us to understand and learn from the past - At the United Reform Church at 7:30pm
Reposted by Helen J
📰 In a "once-in-a-generation" find, archaeologists have discovered a new section of Hadrian's Wall at Drumburgh, ~10 miles (16km) from Carlisle
#ArchaeologyNews via the BBC
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#ArchaeologyNews via the BBC
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Hadrian's Wall section discovered in Drumburgh dig
Volunteers uncover a section of Hadrian's Wall at Drumburgh, near Carlisle.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 2:25 PM
📰 In a "once-in-a-generation" find, archaeologists have discovered a new section of Hadrian's Wall at Drumburgh, ~10 miles (16km) from Carlisle
#ArchaeologyNews via the BBC
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#ArchaeologyNews via the BBC
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Helen J
Lots of comments about the artefact on our front cover this issue - it's an eel spear!
The spear is currently on display in the Mudlarking exhibition at London Museum Docklands until 1 March 2026.
Photo © London Museum
The spear is currently on display in the Mudlarking exhibition at London Museum Docklands until 1 March 2026.
Photo © London Museum
October 26, 2025 at 5:07 PM
Lots of comments about the artefact on our front cover this issue - it's an eel spear!
The spear is currently on display in the Mudlarking exhibition at London Museum Docklands until 1 March 2026.
Photo © London Museum
The spear is currently on display in the Mudlarking exhibition at London Museum Docklands until 1 March 2026.
Photo © London Museum
Reposted by Helen J
I've had a fantastic couple of weeks volunteering with Grampus Heritage at Drumbrugh on the Solway. We only went and found the best preserved section of Hadrian's Wall west of Carlisle! Far more than we were expecting. #archaeology #hadrianswall 🏺
October 25, 2025 at 1:22 PM
I've had a fantastic couple of weeks volunteering with Grampus Heritage at Drumbrugh on the Solway. We only went and found the best preserved section of Hadrian's Wall west of Carlisle! Far more than we were expecting. #archaeology #hadrianswall 🏺
Reposted by Helen J
A section of #HadriansWall was excavated over the last 3 weeks to find the line of the wall and the site of Milecastle 76 at the western end of the wall. This remarkable section was exposed including a cut showing the early turf wall which was rebuilt in stone during the later 2nd century.
October 26, 2025 at 8:23 AM
A section of #HadriansWall was excavated over the last 3 weeks to find the line of the wall and the site of Milecastle 76 at the western end of the wall. This remarkable section was exposed including a cut showing the early turf wall which was rebuilt in stone during the later 2nd century.
I've had a fantastic couple of weeks volunteering with Grampus Heritage at Drumbrugh on the Solway. We only went and found the best preserved section of Hadrian's Wall west of Carlisle! Far more than we were expecting. #archaeology #hadrianswall 🏺
October 25, 2025 at 1:22 PM
I've had a fantastic couple of weeks volunteering with Grampus Heritage at Drumbrugh on the Solway. We only went and found the best preserved section of Hadrian's Wall west of Carlisle! Far more than we were expecting. #archaeology #hadrianswall 🏺
Reposted by Helen J
A wooden Roman sword, dating 1st century AD. Found in Carlisle.
The sword, crafted entirely from wood, was a practice weapon used by Roman soldiers during training drills - or a kid's toy. ⚔️
Currently on display at the Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier, on loan from Tullie House Museum Carlisle
📷me
🏺
The sword, crafted entirely from wood, was a practice weapon used by Roman soldiers during training drills - or a kid's toy. ⚔️
Currently on display at the Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier, on loan from Tullie House Museum Carlisle
📷me
🏺
October 21, 2025 at 12:22 PM
A wooden Roman sword, dating 1st century AD. Found in Carlisle.
The sword, crafted entirely from wood, was a practice weapon used by Roman soldiers during training drills - or a kid's toy. ⚔️
Currently on display at the Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier, on loan from Tullie House Museum Carlisle
📷me
🏺
The sword, crafted entirely from wood, was a practice weapon used by Roman soldiers during training drills - or a kid's toy. ⚔️
Currently on display at the Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier, on loan from Tullie House Museum Carlisle
📷me
🏺
Reposted by Helen J
Our Autumn 2025 issue is out now!
In this issue:
Features:
🏺 Archaeological overview: The Liberty site strikes again! @molarchaeology.bsky.social
🏺 Findspot: A Roman cremation from the Old Kent Road: New light on an old find - Stephen Greep
#archaeology #london
In this issue:
Features:
🏺 Archaeological overview: The Liberty site strikes again! @molarchaeology.bsky.social
🏺 Findspot: A Roman cremation from the Old Kent Road: New light on an old find - Stephen Greep
#archaeology #london
October 21, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Our Autumn 2025 issue is out now!
In this issue:
Features:
🏺 Archaeological overview: The Liberty site strikes again! @molarchaeology.bsky.social
🏺 Findspot: A Roman cremation from the Old Kent Road: New light on an old find - Stephen Greep
#archaeology #london
In this issue:
Features:
🏺 Archaeological overview: The Liberty site strikes again! @molarchaeology.bsky.social
🏺 Findspot: A Roman cremation from the Old Kent Road: New light on an old find - Stephen Greep
#archaeology #london
Reposted by Helen J
#EpigraphyTuesday - A stunning piece discovered in 2014 in the Galloway Hoard. A Roman rock-crystal column-head, repurposed and mounted in gold, ca. 8-9th Century, to serve as a small container for liquids. #Archaeology #Art 🏺 (1/2)
Image: National Museum of Scotland (X.2018.12.71.18.1).
Image: National Museum of Scotland (X.2018.12.71.18.1).
October 21, 2025 at 1:26 PM
#EpigraphyTuesday - A stunning piece discovered in 2014 in the Galloway Hoard. A Roman rock-crystal column-head, repurposed and mounted in gold, ca. 8-9th Century, to serve as a small container for liquids. #Archaeology #Art 🏺 (1/2)
Image: National Museum of Scotland (X.2018.12.71.18.1).
Image: National Museum of Scotland (X.2018.12.71.18.1).
Empires in action.... A Roman brick, quite possibly from the Thames foreshore, ends up in Washington state.
The article says the Hawaiian coral was imported for mortar, but coral was also used as ships ballast and you can find it on the Thames foreshore in London, where it was dumped from ships.
The article says the Hawaiian coral was imported for mortar, but coral was also used as ships ballast and you can find it on the Thames foreshore in London, where it was dumped from ships.
One of my favorite artifacts ever - a Roman brick with a cat pawprint used as ships ballast in an HBC ship from London to Vancouver WA in the 1820s, then used to build a factor's house with Hawaiian coral.
Artifact Spotlight: Kitty Brick (U.S. National Park Service)
www.nps.gov
October 17, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Empires in action.... A Roman brick, quite possibly from the Thames foreshore, ends up in Washington state.
The article says the Hawaiian coral was imported for mortar, but coral was also used as ships ballast and you can find it on the Thames foreshore in London, where it was dumped from ships.
The article says the Hawaiian coral was imported for mortar, but coral was also used as ships ballast and you can find it on the Thames foreshore in London, where it was dumped from ships.
Reposted by Helen J
#Cumbria Printmakers Out of Ink exhibition opens at the Kirkgate Centre, Cockermouth tomorrow with an evening PV.
#handmadeprints #peintmaking #LakeDistrict (and Uffington 😏!)
#handmadeprints #peintmaking #LakeDistrict (and Uffington 😏!)
October 15, 2025 at 10:10 PM
#Cumbria Printmakers Out of Ink exhibition opens at the Kirkgate Centre, Cockermouth tomorrow with an evening PV.
#handmadeprints #peintmaking #LakeDistrict (and Uffington 😏!)
#handmadeprints #peintmaking #LakeDistrict (and Uffington 😏!)
Reposted by Helen J
Are you stuck inside due to Storm Amy? Why not buy a last-minute ticket to attend our online conference this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon?
Last chance to book! The 2025 Pictish Arts Society Conference takes place on Zoom tomorrow and Sunday. We have 8 expert speakers on Pictish sculpture, metalwork and metalworking, plus an update on the latest exciting discoveries from @northernpicts.bsky.social. Full agenda and booking link below.
Conf | The PAS
www.thepictishartssociety.org.uk
October 4, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Are you stuck inside due to Storm Amy? Why not buy a last-minute ticket to attend our online conference this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon?
Reposted by Helen J
Many lichen species are sensitive to nitrogen pollution, making them natural indicators of air quality.
📱LicheN is a new app enabling people to help monitor air quality using lichens. Data gathered will improve understanding of N pollution and its impacts on ecosystems.
buff.ly/AmWAOQB
🧪 1/
📱LicheN is a new app enabling people to help monitor air quality using lichens. Data gathered will improve understanding of N pollution and its impacts on ecosystems.
buff.ly/AmWAOQB
🧪 1/
October 4, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Many lichen species are sensitive to nitrogen pollution, making them natural indicators of air quality.
📱LicheN is a new app enabling people to help monitor air quality using lichens. Data gathered will improve understanding of N pollution and its impacts on ecosystems.
buff.ly/AmWAOQB
🧪 1/
📱LicheN is a new app enabling people to help monitor air quality using lichens. Data gathered will improve understanding of N pollution and its impacts on ecosystems.
buff.ly/AmWAOQB
🧪 1/
Reposted by Helen J
Saving the boat sheds on Lindisfarne.
September 26, 2025 at 5:58 AM
Saving the boat sheds on Lindisfarne.
Reposted by Helen J
We are seeking a new Editor for the Archaeological Journal to succeed @nannonstevens.bsky.social.
#archaeology #editor #journal
@royalarchinst.bsky.social
Please share to your networks! ✍️
#archaeology #editor #journal
@royalarchinst.bsky.social
Please share to your networks! ✍️
September 19, 2025 at 11:25 AM
We are seeking a new Editor for the Archaeological Journal to succeed @nannonstevens.bsky.social.
#archaeology #editor #journal
@royalarchinst.bsky.social
Please share to your networks! ✍️
#archaeology #editor #journal
@royalarchinst.bsky.social
Please share to your networks! ✍️
Reposted by Helen J
This pleased me ✅
September 17, 2025 at 10:51 AM
This pleased me ✅
Happy birthday to the Trip Hazard Twins, they were 1 yesterday! And it was their 4 month moving anniversary. In that time, Dipper has come out from under the bed and learnt that belly rubs are the best thing ever. Raven has discovered moths and catnip mice. And they are now both huge. #proofofcat
September 11, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Happy birthday to the Trip Hazard Twins, they were 1 yesterday! And it was their 4 month moving anniversary. In that time, Dipper has come out from under the bed and learnt that belly rubs are the best thing ever. Raven has discovered moths and catnip mice. And they are now both huge. #proofofcat
Reposted by Helen J
The Florence Mine once produced haematite for the steel industry as the red puddles proclaim. Egremont Castlecis also worth a visit.
September 7, 2025 at 3:42 PM
The Florence Mine once produced haematite for the steel industry as the red puddles proclaim. Egremont Castlecis also worth a visit.
Reposted by Helen J
If you can get to the exhibition ‘Wrestle’ at the Florence Arts Centre near Egremont, Cumbria, it’s definitely worth visiting. Jan Moss & @chrisroutledge.bsky.social have paintings & photos (& I have a small embroidery). And a fascinating place too.
September 7, 2025 at 3:40 PM
If you can get to the exhibition ‘Wrestle’ at the Florence Arts Centre near Egremont, Cumbria, it’s definitely worth visiting. Jan Moss & @chrisroutledge.bsky.social have paintings & photos (& I have a small embroidery). And a fascinating place too.
Reposted by Helen J
“The tide has again receded over the sand-flats. The remaining framework of a wooden ship is half-sunken in the sand. On one of the ribs a cormorant stands with wings lifted”
Writer: EL Grant Watson
Artist: CF Tunnicliffe
Writer: EL Grant Watson
Artist: CF Tunnicliffe
August 31, 2025 at 7:18 AM
“The tide has again receded over the sand-flats. The remaining framework of a wooden ship is half-sunken in the sand. On one of the ribs a cormorant stands with wings lifted”
Writer: EL Grant Watson
Artist: CF Tunnicliffe
Writer: EL Grant Watson
Artist: CF Tunnicliffe