Menu

Search the PDAS site

Plymouth Archaeology Society

Menu

Search the PAS site

Plymouth Archaeology Society (PAS) consists mainly of amateur members with an enthusiastic interest in a wide range of archaeological disciplines. We wish to share our enthusiasm for archaeology in general and provide better knowledge and support for the abundant local sites in our area.

Visitors are invited to attend any of our regular meetings (coach trips require pre-booking) and we hope you will be tempted to become a full member. PAS is open to all to apply for membership (membership information).

P.A.S. organise monthly winter lectures by invited guest speakers (winter programme). The summer programme consists of visits to local sites of interest. These are usually guided by experts with local knowledge of the site concerned (summer programme). The summer programme is augmented by coach trips to sites a little further afield. These are usually day trips but can occasionally involve a weekend away.

We also organise workshops to benefit those with a practical interest in archaeology. In the past these have included - surveying for archaeologists, geophysics and pollen analysis (archaeology workshops).

Any damage or threats to archaeological sites should be reported urgently to either The City Archaeologist based in the Planning Dept (01752 305433) or the City Museum (01752 304774). Archaeological finds should be reported to the City Museum.

Next Winter Lecture 2024

A Summary of the Symposium

11th & 12th Sept 2021

Click to Open

7 October 2024

The excavation of Penpoll tidemill (Restronguet)

Nick Johnson MBE

Penpoll Bone Mill

The excavation of Penpoll tidemill (Restronguet) - a glimpse into the industrial revolution in Cornwall and its environmental impact today. The excavation of this small tidal bone mill in 2019, by local volunteers, supported by Cornwall Heritage Trust and Cornwall Archaeological Society has allowed us to glimpse: the extraordinary world of mining, and smelting; the export and import of huge quantities of copper, coal and timber through new mineral ports; the massive sedimentation and pollution of rivers; and clear evidence for accelerating sea-level rise.

Speaker: "Nicholas Johnson MBE. Head of the archaeological service in Cornwall from 1975 to 2010.  As well as directing and taking part in the surveys of the archaeological landscapes on Bodmin Moor and West Penwith, he helped in the development of new methods of defining, characterising, and explaining the history and the significance of our historic landscapes. Perhaps most notably, he led the team that achieved World Heritage Site status for Cornish Mining in 2006. He now enjoys the history of his home patch in Devoran".

Our lectures are held at 7:00 pm in the Devonport Lecture Theatre of the Portland Square Building, University of Plymouth on the first Monday of each month.. PAS members, University staff & students, with valid ID, and all school students are admitted free. All others are welcome but asked to contribute £4 towards our expenses.