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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann

@mancent.bsky.social
1.5K followers 2.2K following 745 posts

Archaeologist and historian. Author. Course Director and lecturer of Independent Adult Education Provider MANCENT. Director Roman Gask Project. Loves all things Roman and Silkroad, and lots and lots of ancient glass.

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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
So that's what it was, I thought the phone was blowing up. So now we have a debate on the street if that cancels the food festival on the weekend, on whether our significant others now need to smoke indoors and whether lenses, reading glasses and convex (wine) glasses and tumblers are included
Issued by UK government. There is a high risk of wildfires nationally. Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable BBQs, fire pits,garden incinerators or fireworks. even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives,homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk. 

Follow official updates and report signs of fire immediately by calling 999. Search gov.uk/alerts for more information.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Awwww, meet Christian...you scared him!
A small brown rat (cute) on his hind legs being curious
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Erg veel bedankt!
Medieval image of the battle of the Golden spurs 1302
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
And in case your computer believes, stick this to it. It's a real one.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Hello Europe. Look at that: beautiful, water laden clouds. WWE just sampled them, but now we send them to you...the temperature has dropped 13 degrees since yesterday. #heatwave
A sky above suburban house full of beautiful water laden clouds heading east from Manchester
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Ornithological fact....if you are far enough north to enjoy the gloaming, you are far enough north to enjoy a dawn chorus of sea gulls at 2.30 am! Argh...
Gloaming (residual light in the sky between sunset and sunrise) over Carlisle - now bloody birds would you please shut up, while it is still cool enough to sleep, and before the cathedral bells go ballistic AGAIN
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
I never thought I would say this, but I think yellow and green may be my new favourite colours.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Off the west coast off Mull. One of the best walks in the last 10 years.
Off the coast of Mull a rocky island on a sunny September day
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
And two things we could have lived without on our survey. #glenesk #archaeology .
Image of heavy rain in the valley luckily  as seen through a picture windowA two foot long adder in the high grass. Looking somewhat bemused after somebody nearly standing on it. It is unclear who was more shocked.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Last day on the survey in #Glenesk and we thought we should show you 10% of our study area...glorious isn't it?
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
One of the old houses in the middle of the haematite area in #Glenesk and which for various reasons has to be pre-1715. It is also within sight of Invermark(the tall trees), which administered the mining in the 16/17th c. #mining.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
People have been asking what we are looking for. We are looking for some evidence of mining whichat explain the interest of the Romans, and the exceptional size of the Cathertuns, the barrows in Glenesk and of course Edzell Castle 1/2 .
A large lump of haematite (large dark red iron ore) found in the survey area today.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
Finally back with the #RomanGaskProject doing fieldwork in #Scotland. The view from our HQ in #Glenesk
On a driech day a view over a sheep pasture towards the hill of Rowan in Glenesk, Angus.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
I am so glad. That's wonderful news! Time to send you lots of detailed amazing pictures. :-)
A reddish pink carnation in bloom from the Flora Delanica. Made in the late 1700s by Mary Delaney from 100s of coloured semi transparent paper shapes to achieve just the right hue.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
In the early 1220s a young Persian man arrived in Konya in Turkey, having fled from the Mongols wishing to extinguish a very old civilisation. He became an inspiring writer and poet, 800 years later people still read him: Rumi “Peace is not a destination; it is the path you walk with love.”
A Persian gilded dinner plate with five figures in a garden surrounded by Les from Rumors poetry.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Go to the Ashmolean for the Roman pewter hoard and find a hippopotamus for @alisonfisk.bsky.social
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Very rusty #Chevy 1950s jalope, seen today in one of Manchester(UK's) richest neighbourhoods. Apparently, somebody (late50s) imported this at horrendous cost from the US because "they always wanted one". #bohochic #livingthedream Of all the things on my bingo card -that wasn't #myothercarisaporsche
Very rusty Chevy 1050s jalope, seen today in one of Manchester(UK's) richest neighbourhoods
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
For those who are still working out why your Arab friends are still laughing at this joke. A) check out the size of the average oil tanker and the average truck. B) look Up Rub Al Khali.
Map of lorry based portage to bypass strait of Hormuz Sand dunes in the Rub al-Khali. Map of the Rub al-Khali
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Visiting the grave of Bishop Wishart of Glasgow today. Ally of Robert the Bruce he is one of those examples where the power of the #papacy in the 12/13th c severely interfered in the running of medieval kingdoms. And no that is not how we tell the story usually in Scotland, but.. #skystorians.
Mutilated grave of Bishop Wishart in the Lower church of Glasgow Cathedral.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
I had a great time today teaching the students at the European Gateway of #NotreDame University about Roman Scotland. Many thanks to Dr Tony Keen for the invitation.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Immer diese #Falschparker. :-)
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
Fun day exploring the Staffordshire Moorlands, including the church of St.Oswalds #church in #Ashbourne. Somebody tried very hard to copy Lichfield Cathedral at quarter scale. The grave effigies of the Cockayne family, which span 250 years are something very special
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Timeline cleanser. I was very blessed today to meet #Hodge, the furry dean of #SouthwarkCathedral. This Cat celebrity has everything (T-shirts, mugs, coasters, postcards), but what he really wants is attention, scritches behind the ear, and belly rubs - and he is such a good listener. Thanks, mog.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
This is the first (and hopefully the last time) I have met with a pink enamelled range during a tour at #QuarryBank #Styal. The guide did an amazing job on a rainy day, but....pink! Really folks, pink!!!
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Japanese #Garden in Tatton Park, Cheshire, UK. Yes it was built by a European about 100 years ago. But the more time you spend with it, the more you appreciate how many principles of the Chinese and Japanese garden traditions he got right..
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
in the voice of D.Attenborough: It is the turning point in the year for the Common British Supermarket, while he completes the winter moult. Below you can see the winter plumage in red, green and reindeer, while above there are already the hints of spring with chicks, eggs and rabbits. #NewYear
A British supermarket shelf. At the bottom Christmas chocolates incl. Cadbury's Christmas puds on the top Chocolate Easter Eggs and
 Lindt rabbits.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
And the same to you...
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 21/12/2025
Kultur-Schock für Deutsche in England. Das ist Stockport, einer der großen Bahnhöfe Englands um 4Uhr am vierten Advent. Fast menschenleer. #Weihnachten #Reisen #ZeitenundWunder #daskoennteinKoelnnichtpassieren
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
It is Christmas break, I am out of the office, I am hiding in the loft and somebody else can clean the house....
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
This week's visit was to the Egerton Mansion at #Tatton Park which currently beautifully decorated for Christmas. (If you have the chance visit). But what I would like is their amazing kitchen with this fantastic range island with six ovens and 8 hobs. #dreamsofahobbybaker.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
Have you seen Carlisle Cathedral? I would dearly love to know which Roman buildings underneath are causing this:
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
Day trip to #Eyam in #Derbyshire. So much amazing history from mining to water catchment, to beautiful architecture, and of course the plague story. In the middle of it all a beautiful and pretty complete #Anglo-Saxon cross with figurative decoration and lots of Angels. #archaeology #history
Detail of the cross head of the Anglo-Saxon high cross at Eyam with angels and the Annunciation?
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
A true horror show, fully in the spirit of the day.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
To all little monsters hunting for sweets and candy tonight. Have fun! Happy #Halloween And for those celebrating that people have been nailing manifestos (90+ theses) to church doors for a very long time: Einen besinnlichen #Reformationstag.
A Playmobil figure of Martin Luther holding a quill and a book.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Sorry to hear things are tough. May I offer you the last dahlia from my garden. She was worth waiting for. Perhaps it will make you smile.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
Lindow Common, Chesh. findspot of Lindow Man. 2 years into the #reconstruction/reclamation of the Lowland bog, there is lots of wildlife and plenty of colonizer plants (birch, willow etc)around the edges, but after the last summer it desperately needs more rain. #prehistory #archaeology #environment
View over Lindow Common - findspot of Lindow Man and site of one of a reinstatement attempt of the old Lowland bog, two years into the programme.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Went today to an event at #TattonPark in Cheshire celebrating their amazing collection of heritage apple trees. In the process, discovered that one of their summerhouses is panelled with reused carved panels with #Tudor designs #archaeology #history
Decorated panels in a summer house door at Tatton Park CheshireDecorated scallop pattern and geometric decorations reused on summerhouse panelling in Tatton CheshireFlower panels reused next to door in a summerhouse in Tatton Park Cheshire
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
This has been independently verified for the UK as well: High Peak Bookstore Cafe: A Place for Everyone share.google/TCQLZNDnYaKp... 😇🍰☕🫖
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Kids!!! This may backfire: My father's answer: your Mum says "You" now off to bed. Me (aged 7): Shan't Mum: qed Followed by display of state sanctioned violence which saw me in bed in under 3 minutes. ,
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
In my 40 years of being an archaeologist I had the privilege of digging many amazing sites, but today I quietly added one thing to my bucket list: to spend one day excavating the black layer of the Pelopion or one of the wells in Olympia. For a chance of seeing a bit of a sphyrelaton statue. #dreams
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
Happy to report: talk to Tatton and Dunham Massey. They have the solution to your problem. Lots of cool dudes and gals as soon as the sun comes out. Some cool dogs as well.😉😉
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
With only three month until he lands in the Netherlands, think careful what you say next.
Russian Icon of St.Nikolaus holding a model of Mozhaysk church and a large sword
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
#StandingStoneSunday. After all those great stone circles in the UK, let me introduce you to something special. This is the Merlin Circle in Alderley Edge in Cheshire, near the Bronze Age mine of the Engine Vein. Built in the 18th c by the Stanleys because the Edge had Merlin but no Stone Circle!
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
Theoretically it is still summer, but not only have I spent every day last week raking leaves off my lawn, but I am definitely back writing the lectures for the autumn courses and putting the programme up at mancent.org.uk. I hope at least some of you will like it.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Or type -noAI before you start searching. Trust me, you don't need AI to find the menu of the pizza place or the pdf of that article you need. Saves a lot more than killing the photos from the last holiday.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
Downdetector seems to suggest BT may be having one of its off days. I guess, I won't be answering my emails then tonight. #apologies
Down detector map of BT outage reports since about lunchtime....I 
.
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
...and? That is pretty par for the course....there are children's games on who can make the longest words in German....they weren't even trying. 😊
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
There are so many great ideas: This is #Aachen 's #bookshop for those out-of-hours emergencies. Works just like other vending machines, but better. And contains both fiction and non fiction #reading #smalllibraries
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Marking with cats IS better. FACT. Meet Hera
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Dr. Birgitta Hoffmann @mancent.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
Preparing an online dayschool on the world of the 'Celtic Saints' of the 5-8th century both in the British Isles and on the European continent. So, here is my opener: the islands surrounding the sound of Iona. The place is full of spots suited for hermit living, but also fish traps. #medievalsky
View from a hill over the sound of Iona on an overcast day. The island of Iona in the background with lots of smaller islands and bays in the foreground
Photo my own.
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