#Seeking Sophie: 'Nancy's Nook' Investigations!

Stratigraphy: Nancy's Nook Site

For those following the Seeking Sophie story who couldn't make it to Sunday's Heritage Open Days event (‘Antiquarian Academy’ ‘Austen Age’ Time ‘Tec Taster Tournament! - see this post for more information), here's one piece of evidence for the Case File presented at the event: the archaeological 'section' drawing of the evidence revealed through S.M.'s excavation of the hoard site on Miss. S's country estate (as mentioned in this letter).

The challenge was first to put the archaeological layers & features in chronological order (starting with 1 at the top - the most recent archaeological 'event'); a glossary was provided to explain the terms used.

Then examining the artefacts 'recovered' from this site (their position on the section marked by a white diamond shape), to provide a basic chronology for the layers & features (taking into account the 'Laws of Stratigraphy' & the notion of 'Terminus Post Quem' - or 'T.P.Q.'); again information & a glossary were provided to explain the terms used. 

The final challenge was to consider whether any of this evidence (including that revealed from examination of the hoard - also on display) might tell us anything about when the hoard was buried. This clue may be of use when considered in conjunction with evidence to be revealed this week! Mrs Leach was on hand to get participants started in their investigations, and provide help, as required.

Photos of the displays & activities can be viewed in the Flickr album.

The remaining evidence for the case will be revealed, & the antiquarian adventure conclude, this week.

#Seeking Sophie Letter 10: Brief Instructions - Time 'Tecs on the Case

The following letter (a copy of that I sent to the stalwart S.M.) outlines the brief for the Seeking Sophie Time 'Tecs, which will be explained in more detail at the Academy meeting on Sunday.

I shall place at least some of this information - & related evidence not already shared - here next week, along with Nancy's account of the journey through & beyond Derby to Miss. S.'s place of confinement, & other material necessary to conclude investigations.

It is possible that S.M. or Mr. H. might in the meantime provide me with further evidence from their visit to Miss. S.'s family seat, which I shall forward as soon as received.

Letter 10: Brief Instructions -  Time 'Tecs on the Case

#Seeking Sophie Letter 8: Mrs. Mary's Journey Through Derbyshire - 2nd Instalment

As part of the Seeking Sophie story, maid Mary gives an account of her journey across Regency Derbyshire (with her mistress Sophie, the young lady's servant Nancy & footman George - and the somewhat suspicious Cook & Coachman).

The principal investigator in this history mystery (who, in hoping to keep a low profile, is known simply by the initials 'S.M.') is sending Mary's account in three parts, of which this is the second. It happens to be the longest - but may contain useful clues! (Skip to the translations on pages 4-7 if short on time.)

Using the map provided in the previous post, time 'tecs can track the route the carriage took, along the coaching roads of the day (& the pubs they visited on the way that are still open today!).

This 12-year-old courageous companion to Miss. S. in her time of need speaks (& writes) in broad Derbyshire dialect - which may be quite difficult to decipher. But fear not: the attorney (Mr. H.) who assists the team of time 'tecs has provided a translation at the end of each installment.

The final installment of Mary's account will be provided tomorrow; followed by the Time 'Tec brief on Friday. 

 Letter #8:  'Mrs. Mary's' Journey Through Derbyshire - 2nd Installment

As with the previous letters, these documents are brought together with the other evidence on the Seeking Sophie Case File page.

Heritage Open Day 2018 Update #2

To clarify: it is no longer possible to book a place on the micro-workshops (finding myself without an assistant I must unfortunately withdraw this side of the event).

BUT the small 'Austen Age Antiquarian Detection' exhibition is still going ahead - so drop in between 6.30 - 8 pm to see how we're using archaeology to solve this and other history mysteries, and if you like have a go at archaeological methods of investigation & interpretation.

AND you can still take part in the Tournament (with the chance to win a regency-style miniature or silhouette portrait) if you register by email / post / text (or use Facebook comments / messages) before Sunday, or at the event (places are by necessity limited in number, with registration on a first-come-first-serve basis)

So I'll hopefully see some readers there!

(Please park on Broadway if driving to the event)

#Seeking Sophie Letter 6: The Game's Afoot!

Letter #6: The Game's Afoot!

This letter is the final communique regarding the discoveries of S. M. (friend of Miss. Sophie - & the driving force behind the investigation); the next batch of letters contain the testimony of servant Mary relating the journey she took with Miss. S., her waiting maid Nancy, & footman George.

Seeking Sophie's Secret Letters: #1 The Story Begins...

As mentioned in a previous post (& explained further on Dr J's blog, here), I'm putting many of the resources for the Antiquarian Academy's next event online, so that those who can't make it to the free workshop (& so take part in the 'Tournament', and be entered for the winning prize) can join in. (To reserve a place in the Heritage Open Days  'Austen Age' Time 'Tec Taster Tournament, tickets can be obtained here.)

The story of this history mystery challenge - and the tasks required of Mrs Leach's assistant antiquarian detectives - is presented in a series of letters, which I shall present most days running up to the event on 16 Sept.; the 'case files' will be collected together, on a webpage, here. So without further ado, here is the first: The Story Begins...

I am endeavouring to upload a PDF of the letter, for easier reading; if you would like a PDF copy in the meantime, message or email Mrs. Leach.

The story continues tomorrow!

Seeking Sophie: forthcoming free ‘Antiquarian Academy’ event for Heritage Open Days 2018

I’m pleased to announce the details of the next event at the ‘Antiquarian Academy’, on Sunday 16th September as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days Festival (so free entry!). Although this event continues the ‘Age of Austen’ series, the format and content will be a little different – as might be realized by the title: the ‘Time ‘Tec Taster Tournament’! As this is a bit of a mouth full (and as I may develop similar events in the future), this event also goes by the shorter title of ‘Seeking Sophie’. My 21st - century counterpart, Dr. Jarrett, talks about how and why she has developed this event (including a brief outline of the academic research that informs the approaches adopted) on her blog, here; so I shall here explain what participants should expect” 

Readers might notice that this is a ‘taster’ event; it provides opportunities to experience aspects of the digital & multi-media educational tours that I am in the process of developing (or rather Dr, J. is on my behalf, as the technology is somewhat advanced for my time), which engage with the historic environment in absorbing and entertaining ways, while also providing opportunities to learn about and put into practice some of the methods used in archaeology. 

Seeking Sophie blends fact and fiction (including some of Jane Austen’s characters, and local material and places) in a ‘history mystery’ set in the Regency era, which contestants (there will be a small prize for the winner) – aided by Mrs. Leach and a brave band of associates – can solve by pitting their wits against a gang of vile villains. This challenge is not for the faint-hearted – involving tales of heinous crimes including abduction & forced marriage; false imprisonment – potentially resulting in capital punishment; highway robbery & murder; and other dastardly deeds! But intended to amuse as well as educate, it won’t be too grisly! The incidents, characters, and some of the places portrayed are invented, but informed by real case studies, and through extensive archaeological historical research into crime & punishment; love & marriage; death & burial; travel & tourism; and other topics – which Mrs. Leach examines through various ‘Academy’ events. 

The mission involves completion of several tasks. These include ‘decoding’ documents (in Derbyshire dialect for the braver contestants!) to reveals clues; listening to or reading witness testimony; and following a kidnapping carriage by musing over old maps; to determine the whereabouts of an heiress in dangerous company; and using archaeological techniques of detection to discover the secrets of a stolen hoard and buried body – and so set free fettered friends, and put an end to the rogues’ evil doings. But this is no typical heroine-rescue fantasy, for the theme of this year’s HOD festival is ‘Extraordinary Women’ – and fearless females play leading roles in this story! 

Evidence – in the form of letters and notes between allies – will be shared online in the days leading up to the event, providing background information, and outlining the brief, and providing a challenge that may be completed before the workshop. Anyone may try their hand at online tasks, but in-it-to-win-it contestants (whose entries will be scrutinised by Mrs. L., to be considered for the prize) need to attend a single short (c. 15-minute) workshop at the HOD ‘Antiquarian Academy’ event. In order to enable more contestants take part, the ‘micro-lesson’ will be repeated several times during the event (at 6.30 pm, 6.50 pm, 7.10 pm & 7.30 pm). 

Mrs. Leach will get contestants started on their quest (under her supervision & instruction) at a mini-workshop, using against-the-clock challenges to develop the basic archaeological skills needed to solve the case – including identifying ‘forensic’ evidence through artefact analysis, and interpreting ‘crime scene’ records. Completing the challenges reveals a code that permits access to the online case file and brief (contestants without internet access should contact Mrs. Leach after obtaining a ticket & at least 7 days before the event, to arrange access to hard copies of material, a small number only of which may be made available on request). Contestants may enter as individuals, or in a team (on a single ticket). If entering as a team, only one member attends the workshop; but the rest of the team are of course welcome to come along to see the displays (some of which may help them in their challenge). 

After the session, contestants will continue the challenge in their own time, elsewhere, which may include gathering evidence in and around the town, and perhaps the county (though it may be possible to complete challenges using local knowledge & other information and resources, such as search engines, and Google Maps; but contestants will perhaps get more out of the challenges if venturing out ‘into the field’, encountering late Georgian routes and sites that are still with us today – including pubs!). 

Contestants have a fortnight to submit their entries by email (submission of entries by post may be arranged prior to the HOD event). If there are several successfully completed entries, the winner wil be drawn. The prize for an individual winner will be a Regency-style miniature portrait; if a team wins, they will receive a group Regency-style silhouette portrait; in either case, this will require the individual or group to send in photo (instructions will be provided), or to come to the ‘Academy’ (by appointment) to have a photo taken. Individuals and groups taking part might instead (or as well) like to share photos taken during participation on the ‘Academy’ Facebook Page, Twitter, and / or this Blog, which might be used if winners. 

Places are limited, so pre-booking is strongly advised: participation cannot otherwise be guaranteed (mailing-list members are given priority access to tickets: to join the list, see this page). If all the places are not filled prior to the event, it may be possible to take part on a first-come-first-serve basis; please do not arrive at the venue more than a few minutes before the event begins, or if intending to participate, after the start of the final session. Please note that there is only sufficient standing space at the venue for a small number of visitors, so visitors (including would-be contestants & teams) might have to wait outside for some time until the display space is clear, should the venue be full on arrival. (Benches will be provided; but it may not be possible to provide cover – so bring an umbrella in case of rain or hot sun; also note there are no public toilets or refreshments at this venue.) 

The event is listed on the HOD website; and tickets will be available via the Eventbrite ticket page, here, or by contacting Mrs. Leach (using the details given on the HOD event page, here). Please note, receipt of (not application for) a ticket confirms participation in the 'tournament'; tickets not required for visitors not taking part as contestants. 

The letters through which the story unfolds – and which contain clues to solve the mystery – will be posted here over the next few weeks, and postings notified via the mailing list, Facebook, or Twitter: readers can subscribe to this website or the mailing list, or follow on Twitter or Facebook so as not to miss out. 

Mailing list members (to join the list, see this page) have priority access to tickets here (password access) until 31 August, at which time they will be made generally available (no password required).

After the Exhibition

Well, now that the Heritage Open Days exhibition, the Material Worlds of Jane Austen, had passed relatively smoothly into history, I may allow myself to breathe a sigh of relief! I was gratified with such a turn out - and to meet so many interesting people, with whom it was a pleasure to speak. I very much enjoyed both preparations for the event, and the occasion. 

The artist currently in residence at the Academy was unable to capture an image of the event (numbers precluding such an endeavour), though he intends to produce an illustrative record of the displays that might be accessed in that magical realm I believe to be known as the 'world wide web'. 

If any visitors did themselves make a visual record of the event, I would most appreciate copies! 

Much encouraged by responses received, I shall continue with my plans to hold Halloween and Christmas events, at which I very much hope to meet again visitors to the exhibition. I will provide further information and updates through the usual channels: this ephemeral medium (through the blog and dedicated pages); Twitter; and Facebook; as well as posters and leaflets, as soon as I am able to confirm plans.

Many thanks to those who supported and attended the exhibition.

Material Worlds of Jane Austen Exhibition: 10 Sept., 6.30-8.30 pm, Derby

Just a quick post to announce another upcoming exhibition by Mrs. Leach that explores material culture of the late 18th and early 19th centuries as part of her Jane Austen bicentenary celebrations: The Material Worlds of Jane Austen.

This free-entry 'pop-up' exhibition will take place as part of this year's Heritage Open Day events, on Saturday 10th September, 6.30-8.30 pm.

In addition to the material presented in the previous Archaeology of the 'Austen Age' exhibition (held as part of the 2017 CBA Festival of Archaeology) - which included a wide range of household objects, illustrations, and written sources of the period (in particular considering Derby and Derbyshire in the late Georgian era), the Material Worlds exhibition will display information on Jane Austen's homes, family domestic artefacts, and her burial.

As before, visitors will be able to handle artefacts dating to the late 1700s - early 1800s, and there will be activities that provide opportunities for archaeological analysis.

The exhibition will feature some of the materials, and examine various topics, that Mrs. Leach intends to incorporate within talks, tours, and workshops focusing on everyday life in and around Derby during this period, to be held over the following year (October 2017 - July 2018). 

The topics that will be considered in events that are currently under development are: for Halloween, Death and Burial; on the run-up to Christmas, Yuletide Customs; Love and Marriage, for Valentine's Day; for Mother's Day, Motherhood and Family Life; at Whitsun, a Summer Picnic, on Tourism and Antiquarianism; and in July, for the 2018 Festival of Archaeology (TBC), an Archaeological Detective Adventure. 

Participation in the above events will be by pre-booked ticket only (on a first-come-first-serve basis). Depending on venues (TBC), maximum numbers will be 8 - 15 persons, and minimum numbers 3-8 participants.  To be sure of a place, and to ensure that these events will go ahead, please contact Mrs. Leach ASAP to express interest; to book at ticket (it is anticipated that tickets will cost between £5-25 each, again depending on venue, and on whether the event includes a meal, refreshments, and / or souvenir booklets etc.); or for more information.

Mrs. Leach looks forward to seeing readers at these events.

Academy Opening: Archaeology of the 'Austen Age' Exhibition - CBA Festival of Archaeology Free Event

Well, it has been a while since my last communication!

I have been extremely busy preparing for the Academy opening next month (I hope to post illustrations regarding this event soon). Although preparations continue a pace, I feel a great need for a brief respite from my labours, to revive my body and gather my thoughts – and I might as well chat as sit in silence!   

I shall put an advertisement in the local press (which, in my time, is the Derby Mercury), alerting prospective patrons to the commencement of Academy services. What do you think – shall this suffice?

The Academy will open with a small public exhibition, held between the hours of two and four o’clock, in the afternoon of Saturday 15 July (I shall elucidate a little further below; in the meantime, here is a copy of the handbill that publicises the event, for your appraisal). 

Unfortunately, I shall have to request that patrons leave their carriages a short walk’s distance from the Academy, as resident’s vehicles congest the narrow roads. Restrictions are already in place (due to the propensity of students at a nearby higher educational establishment to avoid paying the parking fee imposed by their institution), and carriages not displaying permits might feel the force of the local constable. I shall provide a plan of the location of nearby road-side standing for vehicles (no charge at the weekends) anon.

I must also note that there are no public sanitary facilities; and that hand-vehicles, such as perambulator, may find it difficult to circumnavigate the confined rooms of my abode, or be daunted by the shallow step into the property. But I shall endeavour to aid those with mobility difficulties, for whom (by prior arrangement) I may be able to locate standing for one small carriage closer to my establishment.

The exhibition not only launches the Academy, but takes place as part of the annual Council for British Archaeology Festival of Archaeology (as described in the pages of their virtual book – known as a ‘website’, I believe; I can only imagine that some kind of alchemy – or witchcraft – has brought about this baffling medium).

I shall now say a little more on the exhibition. This July we mark a notable anniversary of the passing of that talented authoress, Jane Austen, and over the following year, I shall commemorate her life with talks, walks, and workshops that explore the material culture and other attributes of her time. The exhibition introduces some of the material I will discuss during these events, using extracts from her novels and letters, and from early biographies, to consider a number of topics to illuminate everyday experiences in the late 1700s and early 1800s, from a Derbyshire perspective. For your perusal, I have prepared manuscripts containing further information:

But  I  must  now  return  to  my  labours,  and  ask  that  you  might  call  another time to see how the Academy progresses.

                                             Yours, &c., &c., Mrs. Leach