We are pleased to announce our 2024 conference on 'Transforming Church Archaeology: New Directions and Approaches' will be held between 14th-15th September at the Folk of Gloucester. A Call for Papers has been announced, please send abstracts for 15 minute papers to churcharchconference@gmail.com . Further details appear below.

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Conference Abstract:

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The theme of this year’s conference is Transforming Church Archaeology. For centuries, churches and other religious buildings have been at the heart of their respective communities. However, declining congregations and other societal changes means institutions such as the Anglican Church are undergoing a period of transformation that directly impacts the buildings they curate. Whilst some churches face closure and an uncertain future, others are adapted to meet the needs of the wider community or for alternative purposes. Within this context, archaeology has an essential role to play, on the one hand guiding adaptations to historic buildings and on the other providing new avenues for presenting and interpreting church heritage to a variety of audiences. Through an exploration of the multifaceted nature of church archaeology in the 21st century, this conference aims to demonstrate how it continues to play a role in a changing religious landscape.

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The Society for Church Archaeology would be delighted to consider 15 minute papers on the theme of Transforming Church Archaeology: New Directions and Approaches for presenting in-person at the society’s annual conference 14th-15th September 2023 (in exceptional circumstances, virtual papers will also be considered; please state these clearly in your proposal). Topics covered might include but are not limited to:

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• The role of archaeology in the transformation or adaptation of ecclesiastical sites

• The use of archaeology and heritage in widening audiences in churches or other religious buildings

• Case studies in the preservation or protection of ecclesiastical heritage through archaeological methods

• Community archaeology and its role in raising awareness of ecclesiastical heritage

 

Please email abstracts, expressions of interest or general enquiries to churcharchconference@gmail.com . The conference will be held at the Folk of Gloucester, a 16th-century merchant’s house that is now part of a project bringing the community together through shared heritage.

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