Project Consultant : Christine Shaw
The following early paper in British Archaeology November / December 1988 pp24-26 is important not just for the background to the storage of cereal grains in pits but because also it contains a picture of the Editorial Board of the day [including Peter Reynolds] and, furthermore, refers to the work of H.C.Bowen who is perhaps rather unsung.
H.C. Bowen was one of the earliest experimenters in the field of archaeology. Later, his contribution to the existence of the Butser Project was substantial. Not only did he promote the principle, he later became the first secretary of the Project Trust, having acted as secretary to the various bodies that strove to set it up, secure funding and appoint a Director. Many of the papers relating to these activities of his are held at the Hampshire Record Office, which can be accessed from the link at the foot of the previous page ... it should be noted that those documents are not on line and because of the volume of papers many may not yet be indexed.
Another intriguing historical point, hinted at from the information given about the 1989 Course being offered at BAF, is what was provided for within the context of residence at Butser, before the all-pervasive hand of regulation made such rudimentary resources as existed "illegal" and ultimately rendered residential courses uneconomic. The idea that "students" might actually cook without training in hygiene would now be anathema, especially recollecting how "mucky" "students" choose to be .... "Who's for the washing up ?" was a constant battle!
Created 31July 2008 - Updated 01 August 2008