Iron Working at Aldborough – Elizabeth la Duc, University of Cambridge

The Aldborough Roman Town Project began in 2009, with the aim of learning more about the remains of Isurium Brigantum and what it could reveal about Roman Britain. A great deal has been discovered about this Roman town, which was an important centre of administration for much of northern Britain. More recently a series of excavations have taken place that have added to our understanding of the town and changed our perception. Evidence of metal working on an industrial scale helps us to see Isurium Brigantum in a new light. 

The 2019-2023 excavations uncovered the remains of a blacksmithing workshop, including over 200kg of metallurgical production debris. Elizabeth la Duc will discuss what happened to these materials after they were excavated – the in-depth examination and microstructure and chemical analysis – and what this can tell us about metalworking at Aldborough. She will also discuss an intriguing aspect of the blacksmithing workshop at Aldborough:the exclusive use of coal, rather than wood-derived charcoal. Finally she will discuss the role of blacksmiths in Roman Britain and their significant contribution to the economy.

Elizabeth is an archaeologist and art conservator, specialising in the scientific analysis and conservation treatment of inorganic materials, particularly metals, ceramics and glass. She is particularly interested in using scientific research to look at questions of craft production and human interactions.

She has an M.Sc. in archaeological science from University College, London, an M.A. in art conservation from Buffalo State College and a B.A. in archaeological studies from Yale University. She recently received her Ph.D. in Archaeology from the University of Cambridge and currently works at the Victoria and Albert Museum as a Conservation Scientist. She has undertaken archaeological field work in the United Kingdom, Turkey, Italy and the United States.

We very much look forward to welcoming Elizabeth to Aldborough.

Talks are free to Friends of Roman Aldborough members.

Visitors £7.50