Mel Roxby-Mackey
@archaeoborders.bsky.social
Archaeologist of borders, Anglo-Cymric borderland and its folklore, digital humanist, University of Birmingham. Archaeologist in Residence, Offa's Dyke Association. All ops my own. archaeoborders.wordpress.com
Voting is open in the annual awards from @currentarchaeology.bsky.social including the chance to vote for @cotswoldarch.bsky.social 'Straight to the point: investigating Roman swords and extensive settlements in the Cotswolds' in the Rescue Project of the year category and. . .
January 23, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Voting is open in the annual awards from @currentarchaeology.bsky.social including the chance to vote for @cotswoldarch.bsky.social 'Straight to the point: investigating Roman swords and extensive settlements in the Cotswolds' in the Rescue Project of the year category and. . .
Reposted by Mel Roxby-Mackey
Exciting News: The first two books in Oxbow’s Reflections series are now available!
Find out more about this brand new series, which showcases the work of leading scholars in the archaeology and history of Britain and Europe ➡️ bit.ly/4jXfiTR
Find out more about this brand new series, which showcases the work of leading scholars in the archaeology and history of Britain and Europe ➡️ bit.ly/4jXfiTR
January 23, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Exciting News: The first two books in Oxbow’s Reflections series are now available!
Find out more about this brand new series, which showcases the work of leading scholars in the archaeology and history of Britain and Europe ➡️ bit.ly/4jXfiTR
Find out more about this brand new series, which showcases the work of leading scholars in the archaeology and history of Britain and Europe ➡️ bit.ly/4jXfiTR
Thank you to @inkcapjournal.bsky.social for the link to this piece of news from the BBC on the Eelscapes project in the Severn Vale between Tewkesbury and Gloucester. Good news for our rivers for a change 🥳
How River Severn floodplain could be restored to wildlife haven
Endangered eels could thrive again across the wetland between Tewkesbury and Gloucester.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 4:24 PM
Thank you to @inkcapjournal.bsky.social for the link to this piece of news from the BBC on the Eelscapes project in the Severn Vale between Tewkesbury and Gloucester. Good news for our rivers for a change 🥳
Town of culture nominations from The Guardian and Y Fenni is in there 👍
‘The Village of the Damned was shot here – then George Harrison moved in’: our UK town of culture nominations
With the search for the country’s first town of culture under way, Guardian writers pick their favourite spots for art, architecture, food, festivals, music and celeb spotting
www.theguardian.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:08 PM
Town of culture nominations from The Guardian and Y Fenni is in there 👍
I know I go on about our rivers quite a bit, so for a bit of balance here's 'Canal Heritage and Architecture' from the Canal and River Trust which includes, of course, our very own world-famous Pontcysyllte aqueduct, but also the lesser known Longdon-on-Tern aqueduct, the oldest cast iron example
Canal heritage & architecture
Find out what canal heritage and architecture you might see on our waterways.
canalrivertrust.org.uk
January 22, 2026 at 5:11 PM
I know I go on about our rivers quite a bit, so for a bit of balance here's 'Canal Heritage and Architecture' from the Canal and River Trust which includes, of course, our very own world-famous Pontcysyllte aqueduct, but also the lesser known Longdon-on-Tern aqueduct, the oldest cast iron example
Reflections from the Association of Independent Museums on the good news for additional funding for the heritage sector, specifically in the regions. Looking forward to seeing what happens in the Anglo-Cymric border 👇
Government announces £1.5 billion investment in cultural organisations - AIM - Association of Independent Museums
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announces that £1.5 billion will be invested to prevent closures and address urgent capital needs over a five-year period.
aim-museums.co.uk
January 22, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Reflections from the Association of Independent Museums on the good news for additional funding for the heritage sector, specifically in the regions. Looking forward to seeing what happens in the Anglo-Cymric border 👇
Reposted by Mel Roxby-Mackey
Shropshire folklore includes bees - “Coorus Craiturs”!
Read Amy’s blog post and find out more.
#Folklore #History #Beelore #Folkbrliefs #Beeliefs
Read Amy’s blog post and find out more.
#Folklore #History #Beelore #Folkbrliefs #Beeliefs
Bees were once described as 'Coorus craiturs’ and have played their role in the history and folklore of Shropshire. You can read more about this lore by following the link below. 🐝 🐝 🐝
nearlyknowledgeablehistory.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-...
#Folklore #History #Bees #Beelore #Folkbeliefs
nearlyknowledgeablehistory.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-...
#Folklore #History #Bees #Beelore #Folkbeliefs
January 21, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Shropshire folklore includes bees - “Coorus Craiturs”!
Read Amy’s blog post and find out more.
#Folklore #History #Beelore #Folkbrliefs #Beeliefs
Read Amy’s blog post and find out more.
#Folklore #History #Beelore #Folkbrliefs #Beeliefs
Thank you to @mappingthemarch.bsky.social for news of the latest series of Ludlow Lectures
Home | news
ludlowlectures.wixsite.com
January 19, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Thank you to @mappingthemarch.bsky.social for news of the latest series of Ludlow Lectures
Reposted by Mel Roxby-Mackey
And of course we sing the Gloucestershire Wassail 🍏🍞🔥🍻🍎
@thelongestjohns.bsky.social
#wassail
#wassailing
youtu.be/SiBsoMh03SA?...
@thelongestjohns.bsky.social
#wassail
#wassailing
youtu.be/SiBsoMh03SA?...
Gloucestershire Wassail | The Longest Johns
YouTube video by The Longest Johns
youtu.be
January 17, 2026 at 4:42 PM
And of course we sing the Gloucestershire Wassail 🍏🍞🔥🍻🍎
@thelongestjohns.bsky.social
#wassail
#wassailing
youtu.be/SiBsoMh03SA?...
@thelongestjohns.bsky.social
#wassail
#wassailing
youtu.be/SiBsoMh03SA?...
Funnily enough, archaeologists who study past landscapes are also pretty keen on looking after them in the present too. Great news about the latest round of conservation traineeships with the lovely people @worcswt.bsky.social
We’re excited to be recruiting for our next group of conservation trainees! 🙌 🌿 ✨
Our trainee placements are a great way to get hands-on experience and build the skills needed for a career in UK wildlife conservation.
Find out more and apply via www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/jobs/conserv...
Our trainee placements are a great way to get hands-on experience and build the skills needed for a career in UK wildlife conservation.
Find out more and apply via www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/jobs/conserv...
January 17, 2026 at 5:31 PM
Funnily enough, archaeologists who study past landscapes are also pretty keen on looking after them in the present too. Great news about the latest round of conservation traineeships with the lovely people @worcswt.bsky.social
Reposted by Mel Roxby-Mackey
All over the South West of England, especially the Severn Vale, it's the time of year for the tradition of Wassailing (Old English, 'Waes Hael' meaning be well/in good spirits). We bless the apple orchards, drink spiced cider, sing, light fires and have a merry old time🔥 🍏 🍞
#wassail
#wassailling
#wassail
#wassailling
January 17, 2026 at 4:40 PM
All over the South West of England, especially the Severn Vale, it's the time of year for the tradition of Wassailing (Old English, 'Waes Hael' meaning be well/in good spirits). We bless the apple orchards, drink spiced cider, sing, light fires and have a merry old time🔥 🍏 🍞
#wassail
#wassailling
#wassail
#wassailling
Reposted by Mel Roxby-Mackey
I’m a huge fan of @g0blinegg.bsky.social If you haven’t discovered Amy’s work on Shropshire folklore 👇
In the 19th Century, Coalbrookdale was often described as ‘Hell On Earth’ due to the impact of Industrialisation. Perhaps such conditions contributed to the tragedy below. All I know is that William Maybury deserves to be remembered.
nearlyknowledgeablehistory.blogspot.com/2022/03/a-co...
nearlyknowledgeablehistory.blogspot.com/2022/03/a-co...
‘A Coalbrookdale Suicide’- Some Thoughts
Whilst researching another project, I stumbled upon the following story, and since then- I’ve found it hard to get out of my head. The head...
nearlyknowledgeablehistory.blogspot.com
January 17, 2026 at 9:05 AM
I’m a huge fan of @g0blinegg.bsky.social If you haven’t discovered Amy’s work on Shropshire folklore 👇
Thank you to @mappingthemarch.bsky.social for the notification of the half-day online seminar by the Mortimer Society 'Marcher Miscellany' on the afternoon of Saturday 31st January
Event 31-01-26 - Mortimer History Society
Marcher Miscellany
An online half-day conference
Date
Online Conference - Saturday 31st January 2026, 2.00pm to 4.45pm (join from 1.45pm)
Venue
Online Only
Programme, Synopses and
mortimerhistorysociety.org.uk
January 16, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Thank you to @mappingthemarch.bsky.social for the notification of the half-day online seminar by the Mortimer Society 'Marcher Miscellany' on the afternoon of Saturday 31st January
Plans for North East Wales national park backed by NRW, but meet with a mixed reaction
NRW backs controversial plans for new Welsh national park in face of objections
Despite opposition from local authorities, the plans are continuing to move forward
www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk
January 16, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Plans for North East Wales national park backed by NRW, but meet with a mixed reaction
More news from the heritage sector. The Art Fund's Going Places exhibition programme which is dedicated to helping museums and galleries work together to share their collections with communities encompasses Long Distance Connections, a project that Museums #Worcestershire are taking part in 👇
Collections to tour in epic UK-wide collaborative project - Art Fund
Art Fund is launching Going Places, a landmark £5.36 million exhibition programme that will see 20 museums and galleries sharing their collections.
www.artfund.org
January 15, 2026 at 3:54 PM
More news from the heritage sector. The Art Fund's Going Places exhibition programme which is dedicated to helping museums and galleries work together to share their collections with communities encompasses Long Distance Connections, a project that Museums #Worcestershire are taking part in 👇
Dear lovely people @nationaltrust.org.uk Now that the plans for Ironbridge are in the public domain we're getting feedback from some of the locals about whether the events programme will be going ahead. In particular, the brass band festival. Big anniversaries (125th) are planned. Is there any news?
January 15, 2026 at 2:44 PM
Dear lovely people @nationaltrust.org.uk Now that the plans for Ironbridge are in the public domain we're getting feedback from some of the locals about whether the events programme will be going ahead. In particular, the brass band festival. Big anniversaries (125th) are planned. Is there any news?
An update from @museumsandheritage.com includes the announcement that the @nationaltrust.org.uk will be taking over the Ironbridge Gorge museums from March museumsandheritage.com/advisor/post...
National Trust to take over Ironbridge Gorge museums following £9m grant
Government announces transfer of 10 museums and 35 listed buildings within UNESCO World Heritage Site to National Trust management.
museumsandheritage.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:14 PM
An update from @museumsandheritage.com includes the announcement that the @nationaltrust.org.uk will be taking over the Ironbridge Gorge museums from March museumsandheritage.com/advisor/post...
Good news from @uochesterpress.bsky.social about this year’s Festival of Ideas at Chester which includes ‘Finding the Battle of Brunanburh: Was This Definitive Battle of 973 Located at Bromborough in the Wirral?’
January 14, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Good news from @uochesterpress.bsky.social about this year’s Festival of Ideas at Chester which includes ‘Finding the Battle of Brunanburh: Was This Definitive Battle of 973 Located at Bromborough in the Wirral?’
Thank you for sharing the news of the discovery of this nationallly significant medieval manuscript at Shrewsbury School @jimallthetime.bsky.social
An extraordinary medieval manuscript has been discovery at Shrewsbury School giving fresh insight into the development of medieval Christian writing
www.myshrewsbury.co.uk/blog/medieva...
www.myshrewsbury.co.uk/blog/medieva...
Medieval Manuscript Discovery at Shrewsbury School
The only complete copy of Richard Rolle’s Emendatio vitae found in Shrewsbury School’s Taylor Library, revealing new insight into medieval English literature.
www.myshrewsbury.co.uk
January 14, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Thank you for sharing the news of the discovery of this nationallly significant medieval manuscript at Shrewsbury School @jimallthetime.bsky.social
Reposted by Mel Roxby-Mackey
Some of you may be interested in BALH’s series of online talks in partnership with the Historic Towns Trust.
Prof Helen Fulton will be talking about medieval Brecon on Tuesday 31 March at 7.00pm.
Click here for further details and registration: www.balh.org.uk/events
Prof Helen Fulton will be talking about medieval Brecon on Tuesday 31 March at 7.00pm.
Click here for further details and registration: www.balh.org.uk/events
Forthcoming Local History Events | British Association For Local History
www.balh.org.uk
January 14, 2026 at 9:58 AM
Some of you may be interested in BALH’s series of online talks in partnership with the Historic Towns Trust.
Prof Helen Fulton will be talking about medieval Brecon on Tuesday 31 March at 7.00pm.
Click here for further details and registration: www.balh.org.uk/events
Prof Helen Fulton will be talking about medieval Brecon on Tuesday 31 March at 7.00pm.
Click here for further details and registration: www.balh.org.uk/events
My response to this article on the events at Trinity Hall, Cambridge have been bubbling around in my head for a few days. I think @profdanhicks.bsky.social nailed it. There are colleges at Cambridge where state school students are welcomed and flourish. But to pretend that elsewhere there isn't. . .
a slap in the face for state school students
a slap in the face for all who believe in Oxbridge admissions according to merit rather than class privilege
and a reminder of how easily hard-won progress can be undone by a few activists on a college governing body
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
a slap in the face for all who believe in Oxbridge admissions according to merit rather than class privilege
and a reminder of how easily hard-won progress can be undone by a few activists on a college governing body
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Cambridge college to target elite private schools for student recruitment
Exclusive: Trinity Hall’s new policy described as a ‘slap in the face’ for state-educated students
www.theguardian.com
January 13, 2026 at 4:12 PM
My response to this article on the events at Trinity Hall, Cambridge have been bubbling around in my head for a few days. I think @profdanhicks.bsky.social nailed it. There are colleges at Cambridge where state school students are welcomed and flourish. But to pretend that elsewhere there isn't. . .
This is such a brilliant find. Port talbot on the map for all the best reasons www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Margam park Roman villa find could be 'Port Talbot's Pompeii'
The largest Roman villa ever found in Wales lies less than a metre under Margam Country Park.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 12, 2026 at 9:52 PM
This is such a brilliant find. Port talbot on the map for all the best reasons www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Not the Anglo-Cymric border, but its medieval related and there are cats 👍
We've been pushing the boundaries of NotebookLM today and have researched some medieval history for you.
We are very proud to now present the full Bayeux Tapestry, with Cats ! 😺🏹👑
View the full tapestry at tripgeo.com/Stories/Meow...
#NotebookLM #BayeuxTapestry #Cats #Caturday #History #AIArt
We are very proud to now present the full Bayeux Tapestry, with Cats ! 😺🏹👑
View the full tapestry at tripgeo.com/Stories/Meow...
#NotebookLM #BayeuxTapestry #Cats #Caturday #History #AIArt
January 10, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Not the Anglo-Cymric border, but its medieval related and there are cats 👍
More fabulous pictures highlighting the continuity of settlement at Beeston Castle. Thank you for sharing @lemurpatrol.bsky.social
A nice cold walk up Beeston Castle in the wintery sun. Bronze age settlements, a medieval castle and a Civil War siege where they ate their cats.
January 10, 2026 at 6:36 PM
More fabulous pictures highlighting the continuity of settlement at Beeston Castle. Thank you for sharing @lemurpatrol.bsky.social