The Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle upon Tyne as it exists today is the result of a very major (£26 Million) redevelopment in 2009 that merged collections of the Natural History Society of Northumbria (the Hancock Museum) with the outstanding collections of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle (including the Universities of Newcastle and Durham) and the Shefton collection of Greek Art and Architecture.
The Roman Galleries in the museum contain a collection of international significance with a core of altars, building inscriptions, sculptures and tombstones from along the length of Hadrian’s Wall and its forts and hinterland highlighting the construction and operation of the wall, and giving insights into the lives (and deaths) of many of the individuals who lived on it. One inscription stone proves the wall was built on Hadrian’s orders while a group of altars are transformed by videos projected onto the stone surface.
We are lucky that Andrew Parkin, keeper of Archaeology at the Museum has agreed to give us a personal tour of the Roman Gallery where he has been instrumental in encouraging the developing the displays. To quote one of his comments: “We’re used to the look of sandstone altars and reliefs in museums, but we forget that they were originally painted in bright colours. The paint has been lost over the centuries, but researchers have found trace amounts of pigments using ultraviolet light and X-rays. These new projected animations really make the altars stand out.”
Entry to the Museum is free but donations are welcomed.
The visit is being led by Irene McCandlish.
Minibus transport is available. The bus will leave Aldborough, outside the Village Hall, at 8.45am and return by 5pm. The cost of transport is £16.50 per person.
The Great North Museum, Newcastle Tour
Saturday, October 5 2024 starting at 11am
Please meet at the Museum by 10.45am if you are using your own transport
