In September, we visited the purpose built Northamptonshire Archaeological Resource Centre located on the Chester House Estate, near Wellingborough. The ARC preserves and manages archives and artefacts from the whole of Northamptonshire, currently held in 25,000 boxes. The staff are in the process of reviewing and cataloging the finds.

We were shown examples of artefacts from the Roman and Saxon periods, including what appears to have been a sword in a Saxon lady’s grave and a Samian ware bowl with cracks that had been repaired in ancient times using lead. The highlight, however, was a collection of tiny glass beads, leading us to wonder at the craftsmanship of people in the past.
The tour was followed by a visit to the on-site museum, which gave context to what we had seen.