NAU Archaeology was the main representative of NPS Group Property Consultants in the Norfolk County Council marquee at the 2008 Royal Norfolk Show. The NPS stand occupied a prime position at one entrance to the marquee and concentrated on the theme of buildings. The NAU Archaeology display included a selection of building-related items such as fragments of wattle and daub, dressed flint, padlocks, keys and door fittings, painted window glass and a Thomas Crapper drain cover. There was also a display showing images of recently excavated sites.
Outside the marquee, NAU staff helped children ‘excavate’ archaeological artefacts from sand trays. Finds included pottery of different dates, various animal bones, building material and clay tobacco pipes, all of which could be recorded and drawn on summary recording forms. Images of skeletons, a tile floor and a Roman pottery kiln were revealed hidden beneath the sand in the bottom of the sand trays.
Children also had the opportunity to dress up as an archaeologist in hard hat and hi-visibilty jacket and ‘I am an Archaeologist’ stickers were given to all participants.
An estimated 2,000 people visited the NPS stand during the two-day show.
Staff from Architectural Services and Historic Buildings and Conservation were also present to talk to members of the public about their work within NPS.