11past horizons The Tower Hamlets Trayned Bandes was formed as a re- enactment unit by enthusiasts within the Sealed Knot. The regiment has gone from strength to strength and is regarded as one of the best units in the country. Members are dedicated to the goal of achieving authenticity, in both appearance and drill, while still offering the maximum enjoyment from the experience. Visit the website at: http:// www. traynedbandes. org. uk ? The Levellers represented the aspirations of working people who suffered under the persecution of kings, landowners and the priestly class, and spoke for those who experienced the hardships of poverty and deprivation. They campaigned, first with Cromwell and then against him, for a political and constitutional settlement of the civil war which would embody principles of political freedom, anticipating by a century and a half the ideas of the American and French revolutions. Their ideals and beliefs are still with us today, and the principle of freedom of debate and social justice can be directly traced to this 17th century group. the new model army The New Model Army created by Parliament in 1645 was a military force based on ability rather than on position within society. Cromwell preferred that the men were strong believers and, like himself, many became Puritans. It was not unusual for the men to sing psalms just before going into battle. Find out more The Putney Debates now has a proper monument at St. Mary's Church where there is also a small permanent exhibition inside the nave. More information can be found at: http:// www. putneydebates. com ? Singing hymns Connecting the past to the present was a hugely enjoyable experience for the re- enactors and public alike. Throughout the weekend the churchyard was filled with a large appreciative audience, most of whom stayed for several hours to watch the story unfold, with many returning the following day. It was an important experience for all those that engaged in the occasion, where the reliving and re- telling of the event on the anniversary of the Putney Debates at its original location brought new understanding. Living history displays such as this are extremely valuable, and although this display may have lacked the blood and thunder of loud musketry duels and clashing pikes, it offered an intimacy of contact with the public and the time needed to explain the complex issues of the period. With real people interpreting real lives, the rewards and benefits to those who attended will remain long after the tents have been pulled down and the re- enactors return to their 21st century lives. ? Get Involved

past horizons 12 by Maggie Struckmeier & David Connolly This site forms a huge necropolis area which was purchased a few years damage through bulldozing, dumping of rubble on top of the burial areas Jerash, or Gerasa as it was once known, is an ancient Decapolis City situated on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire in northwest Jordan. It has been studied extensively over the past hundred years but almost exclusively within the old city walls. The team returned there in September 2008 to continue a hinterland survey which started three years ago, instigated by Professor David Kennedy of the University of Western Australia. The main goal of the project is to reveal more about how the hinterland of Jerash was utilised to sustain a growing population made wealthy on the profits of trade from the Silk Road and southern Arabia. However, the modern city is now expanding into these areas and so this survey may be the last chance to locate undiscovered sites, some of which will soon disappear forever, destroyed by the developer's bulldozer. continued ? ? Survey: Beyond the City Walls of Jerash