East Heslerton

Earlier this summer we undertook a small research excavation in East Heslerton in order to date the palisaded enclosure revealed by geophysical survey, and the grubenhaus within it. This work forms part of a larger project funded jointly by English Heritage and the Landfill Communities Fund. Within the next month we will be erecting two information boards on the site. You can read the report on the geophysical survey and excavation by clicking here.

Coming Soon!

Great Excavations: Shaping the Archaeological Profession, edited by John Schofield

As archaeologists, our engagement with our subject is shaped by the excavations we have worked on, and the other archaeologists we have encountered along the way. But the world of archaeology has changed dramatically over the past twenty-five years, not least in becoming a profession. Some argue that the fun has gone out of archaeology, and that the 'great excavations' of the past no longer exist for us to participate in and for future generations of budding archaeologists to look forward to. This collection of essays, deriving from a session at the Institute for Archaeologists annual conference in 2007, touches on that debate. Yet its main focus is on documenting great excavations of the past, assessing what made them great and why they persist in the memory and folklore of archaeologists today. It is, as one of the authors states, an archaeography. It is also a social history of our profession and one that should stir memories and dispel (or corroborate) some urban myths that younger archaeologists may be aware of. An impressive list of authors and projects make this a significant contribution to the history and development of British archaeology over the course of the twentieth century. Fifteen chapters describe specific projects, from Danebury to the Brieddin, from Howe to West Heslerton; six further chapters provide a thematic overview, covering early excavations, the IfA, English Heritage and the commercial sector. Lavishly illustrated, this is a book that will provoke memories and stir debate. 368p, 146 b/w and col illus (Oxbow Books 2010)

Digital Information Technology in Field Archaeology

The full report for this project, funded by English Heritage, is now available to read at Internet Archaeology.

Lastingham Project

The Landscape Research Centre, in collaboration with: Leica Geosystems, The Institute of Medieval Studies, University of Leeds and The University of Siena, Laboratory of Landscape Archaeology & Remote Sensing are engaged in research into the development of St. Mary’s Church, Lastingham, North Yorkshire. Click here to see the point cloud data.

Boltby Scar Excavation

 In September 2009, we undertook a small excavation at Boltby Scar, North Yorkshire, on behalf of the North York Moors National Park Authority. Now that this season’s work has  been completed you can read or download the interim report by clicking here.

During our time on site we produced a Boltby Blog. Further information about the archaeology of the North York Moors National Park and the ‘Lime and Ice’ Project, of which the excavation is a part, can be found here.

We hope to return to the National Park in May 2011, so if you’re interested in lending a hand for a day or two (no experience is necessary as full training will be given), then watch this space! Thanks a million to everyone who came to help last summer - we couldn’t have done it without you.