Interested in Archaeology?

Fascinated by History?

Aged 8-18?

The Thames Discovery Programme is looking for budding young archaeologists to join our TaDPoles foreshore archaeology group. Working at your own site on the Thames foreshore you will have a chance to learn and practice archaeological techniques.

We have a whole host of exciting events planned for young people during 2018:

20th January: A chance to explore the archaeology of the Thames and to start the TaDPole journey. This indoor session will consist of examining the different finds that we can come across but also the different periods they belong to, and what this can tell us. We will also look at how London has changed around the river and what the archaeology can tell us about these changes.
Further information: Meet at 12.30pm – 2.30pm at Mortimer Wheeler House (venue to be confirmed)

14th February: In preparation for fieldwork, this session is all about different ways to record. The TaDPoles will learn how to record on paper and by photograph features on the foreshore. These skills will be ones that the Tadpoles will use as they go out onto the foreshore.
Further information: Meet at 12.30pm – 2.30pm at Mortimer Wheeler House

24th March: Getting out onto the foreshore the TaDPoles will visit the historic foreshore at Greenwich to see first-hand the dramatic erosion of the foreshore and how it affects the historic features found there. We will be joined by members of the Greenwich FROG to share their knowledge of the foreshore. (Parents welcome)
Further information: Meet at Queen’s Stairs, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich at 11.00am

3rd-4th April: Our first time on our own site at Custom House will be split into two days. The first day will include a site tour and walkover talking about the key features of the site, and beginning to think about what the group want to find out more about over the coming months. Day Two will be the first official day of fieldwork with the TaDPoles beginning recording work on site with a trained archaeologist and will enable them to start ticking off their key skills.
Further information: Meet at Custom House Stairs, Water Lane EC3R (3rd at 10:30am and 4th at 11.00am)

21st April: Another site visit this time to historic Rotherhithe where the TaDPoles will explore the area’s maritime history. This will also be another chance to hear from FROGs about what they do and see fieldwork in action. (Parents welcome)
Further information: Meet at Rotherhithe Overground Station at 11:30am

31st May-2nd June: Our next fieldwork period back at Custom House, continuing our work on the foreshore there. It will be a chance to continue to develop the key skills that have been taught. There will also be a visit to the FROG on the site at Cannon Street on one day.
Further information: Meet at Custom House Stairs, Water Lane EC3R 31st at 9.30am, 1st at 10.00am and 2nd at 10:30am.

16th June: The TaDPoles will head West to explore one of the sites being monitored by our FROGs. This will allow them to see one of the other key tasks undertaken by the TDP and get to explore a different part of the river. (Parents welcome)
Site location and meeting point to be confirmed

Want to Know More?

Thanks to funding from Tideway all events and training for TaDPoles are FREE. If you would like to book your place, please contact Josh Frost or email Josh