Through his work as an archaeologist for the Northumberland Park Authority, Paul Frodsham is better placed than most to appreciate the stunning landscape of Northumberland and the many prehistoric and historic sites that can be found there. This book, which is written for the general reader, successfully combines an overview of the archaeology of Northumberland National Park, from the Mesolithic to the present day, with a series of fourteen case studies or projects written by those carrying out research in the region. The papers are based on those given at a conference held in 2000, and reflect new research and ideas on a broad range of subjects, including `Peat, pollen and people' (Rob Young) , the Iron Age hillfort of West Hill (Peter Topping) . Hadrian's Wall (Tony Wilmott; Tim Gates) , Harbottle Castle (James Crow) , and the industrial landscape (Iain Hedley) .
The Till-Tweed river catchment areas in Northumberland contain outstanding archaeological and palaeoenvironmental remains which have been in general only poorly understood. This study has assembled detailed data that will provide a platform for future landscape-based research and site-based investigation. Written from a landscape, or geoarchaeological perspective, this study develops a methodology and management tool that will allow planners, curators and developers working in the region to to easily access information across sectors, and provide a transparent and easily comprehended record of sensitive archaeological and palaeoenvironmental sites.
The Archaeological Investigations Project (AIP), funded by English Heritage, systematically collected information about the nature and outcomes of more than 86,000 archaeological projects undertaken between 1990 and 2010. This volume looks at the long-term trends in archaeological investigation and reporting, places this work within wider social, political, and professional contexts, and reviews its achievements. Information was collected through visits to public and private organizations undertaking archaeological work. Planning Policy Guidance Note 16: Archaeology and Planning (known as PPG16), published in 1990, saw the formal integration of archaeological considerations with the UK town and country planning system that, and set out processes for informed decision-making and the implementation of post-determination mitigation strategies, defined a formative era in archaeological practice and established principles that underpin today’s planning policy framework. The scale of activity represented – more 1000 excavations per year for most of the PPG16 Era – is more than double the level of work undertaken at peak periods during the previous three decades. This comprehensive review of the project presents a wealth of data. A series of case studies examines the illustrate different types of development project, revealing many ways in which projects develop, how archaeology is integrated with planning and execution, and the range of outputs documenting the process, and identified a series of ten important lessons that can be learned from these investigations. Looking into the post-PPG16 Era, the volume considers anticipated developments in the changing worlds of planning, property development, and archaeological practice and proposes the monitoring of archaeological investigations in England using a two-pronged approach that involves self-reporting and periodic strategic overviews.
The Hadrian’s Wall Community Archaeology Project (WallCAP) was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to promote the value of heritage – specifically of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site – to local communities and provide opportunities for volunteers to engage with the archaeology and conservation of the Wall to better ensure the future of the monument. This short book provides a summary of the project, communicating the range of activities undertaken during the project and key results. The structure and aims of the project are communicated, and an overview of the many different people and communities that participated are explored. Archaeological fieldwork resulted in a number of new discoveries and insights into Hadrian’s Wall. Revolutionary new work to explore the stones of Hadrian’s Wall, its source geology and how stones were reused from the monument is also discussed. Each chapter is supported by full color illustrations and contributions from project volunteers also bring the project into a vibrant focus.
"Excavations and surveys adjacent to Hirsel House, Coldstream, have revealed a remarkably detailed history of a proprietory church and its cemetery for a period when the parochial structure in Scotland was in course of development, and when very little is known about the fate of estate churches after they were donated to support the newly founded monasteries of the 12th century. The church is set in a landscape with evidence for settlement from the Neolithic to the establishment of Hirsel House, the seat of the Earl of Home. Here, in an estate the boundaries of which has changed very little since the Middle Ages, a small unicellular drystone structure developed into a well-built Romanesque church with a rare example of its bell founding structure intact. The subsequent history when the church was burnt, robbed of stone and used for domestic purposes, then finally destroyed and covered over in the late Middle Ages is graphically illustrated by the wealth of artefacts from the site. There are traces of other medieval buildings to the north of the site and the cemetery-one of the largest rural cemeteries in Scotland- provides an interesting range of burial modes, as well as, together with the environmental evidence from the site, an insight into the community which the church and cemetery served."
A subjective journey down the Rivers Breamish and Till in Northumberland, from the source of the Breamish in the Cheviot Hills to the junction of the Till and the River Tweed at Tillmouth. The book looks at archaeology, history, flora and fauna, geology and things that just appealed to the author on an 'as and when' basis. The aim of the book is to provide background information in relation to the area of study mentioned in the Constitution of the Till Valley Archaeological Society, information that will also be of interest to the general reader who likes the countryside of north Northumberland.
Celebrating the 1900th anniversary of Hadrian’s visit to Britain and the building of the Wall, this book presents studies from from the point of view of those living, visiting, researching and working along it. The book offers a realistic discussion of current issues and solutions in the exploration, management and protection of Hadrian’s Wall.
