Sociology/Anthropology course taught by Dr. Denise Bullock and Dr. Aaron Comstock.

July 22, 2023 to August 4, 2023

Arriving in Inverness, Scotland

Clava Cairns 

The first sight the students visited was the 4,000 year old cemetery, Clava Cairns.

Culloden Battlefield and Museum

Students next visited the Culloden Battlefield and museum. The battlefield hosted the final battle of the Jacobite Uprising in 1746, where highland warriors fought in support of the Jacobite rebellion. The Jacobite Uprising was a political conflict, in which Prince Charles Edward Stuart battled the Duke of Cumberland and his forces to try and regain the throne.

Loch Ness Cruise 

Loch Ness is the largest Ness in Scotland based on volume. Students enjoyed an educational cruise on the Ness.

Corrimony Chambered Cairn and Cairn Laith Broch

Students visited two more Cairns, the Corrimony Chambered Cairn and Cairn Laith Broch.

Skara Brae

After taking a ferry to the Orkney Islands, located off the northeast coast of Scotland, students visited the ancient village of Skara Brae. It is largely regarded as the best preserved Neolithic village in Europe, and is around 5,000 years old. Students were also able to explore a museum of Skara Brae’s history and a replica Neolithic house.

Ring of Brogdar

A stone circle henge consisting of 36 remaining standing stones.

Ness of Brogdar

Students were able to visit a live excavation and hear a talk from archaeologists at the Ness of Brogdar.

Standing Stones of Stenness

Another circle of standing stones on the Orkney Islands.

Train from Scotland to England

Students spent a day traveling via train out of Scotland and into England, arriving finally at Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Roman Army Museum

Students explored the Roman Army Museum to learn more about the Roman Army in England.

Vindolanda

At Vindolanda, students toured a large excavated Roman fort and the accompanying museum. Students also were able to see a live excavation and interact with archaeologists at Vindolanda.

Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads

Students visited Hadrian's Wall, which was built by Roman Emperor Hadrian to provide protection from the north, and as a demonstration of Roman power. Construction began in 122CE and finished six years later, with the wall spanning 73 miles. Housesteads is a nearby Roman fort, which students had the opportunity to explore while visiting Hadrian’s Wall.

York Minster

Students visited York Minster, an immaculately preserved gothic cathedral. York Minster is also the largest gothic building in Britain.

River Cruise

Students enjoyed a cruise over the River Ouse in York, during which they learned more about the city.

The Shambles 

Students also had the opportunity to go shopping in the historic Shambles shopping district. The Shambles dates back to the 14th century, with timber framed buildings and cobblestone, located in the old area of York.

Jorvik Viking Center

Students toured the Jorvik Viking Center, in which they learned about the Viking invasion and occupation of the city of York. This included a museum, gift shop, and an immersive ride which simulated life in York, or Jorvik as it was known at the time, during the Viking occupation.

Roman Baths

Students toured the Roman Baths, which were built in 50CE, and the accompanying museum. While unable to touch the water in the baths themselves, students had the opportunity to taste the spring water which would eventually flow into the baths, as well as view holographic replicas of life in the Baths.

Bath Abbey

Students explored the historic Bath Abbey.

Stonehenge

Students visited Stonehenge, one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in England, and the Stonehenge Visitor Center.

Woodhenge

Students were able to visit Woodhenge, which is a henge constructed of wooden poles instead of stones. Today, the locations of the former wooden poles are marked by concrete posts.

Silbury Hill

Students also had a chance to visit Silbury Hill on the way to the Avebury site.

Avebury

Students had an opportunity to explore Avebury, another henge. However, at Avebury, students could walk up to the stones and touch them, which was not possible at the other henges.

British Museum

Students explored the British Museum as a class after travelling to London.

Free day in London

For the final day of the trip, students were allowed to explore London on their own, with the opportunity to use the tube to visit sites such as the London Eye, Big Ben, the British Museum and other surrounding museums, Hyde Park, the Thames, and more.

Photo Credits

Attributions listed alphabetically: