Recent archaeological research has shed startling new light on the deep-time and complex story of death, burial and commemoration from early prehistory to recent times, but what do we learn about humanity’s engagement with mortality by exploring graves, tombs and cemeteries? Join Professor Howard Williams as he discusses the role of Archaeology in exploring issues relating to death, burial and memory. Lizzy Hathaway-White, Voices Community Producer will then join Howard to discuss her project ‘Memento Mori: 2000 years of Death and Memorialisation in the City of Gloucester’ to talk about unique burials, finds, and practices found in the city
Howard, Professor of Archaeology at the University of Chester, and creator of Archaeodeath (
archaeodeath | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree), specialises in the Archaeology of death, burial and commemoration in Medieval Britain. His research spans later prehistory through to modern times, as well as the history and media of the archaeological discipline.
Lizzy Hathaway-White is a Community Producer for Voices Gloucester and former Funeral Director, leading on ‘Memento Mori: 2000 years of Death and Memorialisation in the City of Gloucester’. The project looks at the rich burial traditions, from Iron Age to Modern Day, demonstrated in the city with a feature length documentary due for release in summer 2025.
Doors Open: 10:45
Show Starts 11.00
Show running time: 2 hours
Location: Gloucester Cathedral
This event forms part of our 'Grave Matters' Day, for the Festival of Archaeology.
You can book our FREE afternoon Voices Gloucester event, Grave Matters: Conversation and the Community at this link:
Grave Matters: Conversation In the Community | ARTSVP Extend your visit with our silent film:
Season of Silent Film: Fantasia (1941) | ARTSVP Gloucester Festival of Archaeology, is Gloucester's contribution to the national Festival of Archaeology. The Festival is organised by Gloucester Civic Trust and Gloucester Cathedral in partnership with several organisations and Heritage venues in Gloucester. For more information about Archaeological events in July please see our website:
www.gloucesterarchaeologyfestival.co.ukFor more information about Archaeological events across the city, region and nation please see:
Festival event listing Council for British Archaeology (archaeologyuk.org)For more information about the Festival of Archaeology please see:
Festival of Archaeology Council for British Archaeology (archaeologyuk.org)The Monks Kitchen is open until 4pm - you may want to enjoy a sit down meal before the show.
The Monk's Kitchen | Gloucester CathedralYou are welcome to bring your own cold refreshments.
Parking:
We are sorry that due to limited space, parking in the Cathedral Close is restricted to pass holders only.
There are eight disabled parking spaces which are for use by Blue Badge holders on a first come first served basis.
However, there are several public car parks within easy walking distance of the Cathedral.