The Archaeologist 51

22 Pages·2004·0.93 MB·English

Winter 2004
Number 51
The ARCHAEOLOGIST
Institute of Field Archaeologists
SHES, University of Reading, Whiteknights, This issue:
POBox 227, Reading RG6 6AB
ARCHAEOLOGY
tel [phone]
fax [phone] AND THE
email [email protected]
COMMUNITY
website www.archaeologists.net
Ethnic minority
participation in
archaeology
p8
Excavation and
reburial: the
human remains
debate
p12
Jobs in British
archaeology
p21
C
O N T E N T S
1 Contents
2 Editorial
3 View from the Chair Deborah Porter
4 From the Finds Tray
7 Tuition fees and archaeology Kenneth Aitchison and John SC Lewis
8 Ethnic minority participation in archaeology: making it happen James Friel
10 Standards for recording human remains Jacqueline McKinley
12 Excavation and reburial: the human remains debate Alison Taylor
page 8
13 Professional registration in forensic archaeology Corinne Duhig
15 HELM: training the decision makers Catherine Cavanagh
16 Medieval pottery production in England: a new gazetteer Phil Marter and Chris Gerrard
18 Homes with history Alison Taylor
20 The wreck of the DimitrisGary Green
centre Index to The Archaeologist, issues 1–50
page 12 section
21 Jobs in British archaeology 2003James Drummond-Murray
22 The Shotton project: taking the Palaeolithic to the public Alex Lang
24 Forest of Dean archaeological survey: an outreach update Danielle Wootton
26 A commercial archaeology unit and its local community Ronan Toolis
28 Operation Leofric: a community project Joe Hillaby and Peter Barker
30 Metal detecting, research and community archaeology: exploring a new approach
Neil Macnab
page 24
32 Archaeology and roads in Ireland Peter Hinton
34 English Heritage Regional Advisors for Archaeological Science (RSAs) Peter Murphy
39 New members
40 Members news
page 30
Winter 2004 Number 51 1
l Most archaeologists sooner or later are involved in Environment Network. This is now taking the
View from the Chair
excavating burials, and some of us spend a lot of historic environment and its value for social
our working lives studying them. We all appreciate inclusion very seriously, and is looking to work
the scientific evidence every skeleton contains, but with archaeological organisations to get suitable
D e b o r a h P o r t e r
we also know these are the mortal remains of real projects better resourced and more effective. If you
people, so cannot be treated just like pottery or any are interested in working in this direction, get in
a other artefact. Our codes of archaeological ethics, touch with James Friel (p8–9).
we feel, enable us to practise appropriate respect
from both viewpoints. We have to accept however TAis intended to be topical and to keep the
that others feel differently or (as with museum profession informed about current issues but it
As archaeologists we recognise the importance of
managers) have other problems to solve. ADCMS also, over the last 21 years, has included articles of
the historic environment and the contribution that
working party on policies for human remains was permanent interest, becoming a historical resource
archaeology makes to a better understanding of our
unable to resolve these problems, but a Human in its own right. Nothing is useful if you can’t find
shared past, but our perceptions are not always
Remains Working Group convened by English it, so we have now indexed the last fifty issues and
i
those of others. Public interest has been whetted by
Heritage and the Cathedrals and Church Buildings have printed this index in a pull-out format. Don’t
programmes such as Meet the Ancestorsand Time
Division of the Church of England, using a more forget that most of the back numbers are still
Team, and as a consequence public support for
limited remit, has done a bit better, though only the available from the IFAoffice.
archaeology has never been higher. But these
current consultation period will show if this will
programmes, good as they are, present only one
satisfy enough of us. If you have viewpoint, do The final thing to remember is that our annual
face of archaeology, which is in turn only one facet
make it known to Simon Mays (p12). conference is imminent. The programme and
r
of the wider historic environment. In order to win
exciting venue in Liverpool should make this
wholesale support and understanding therefore, we
One part of this TAis therefore given to the timely something very special. Do try to get there!
must engage with the public and politicians on
discussion of our treatment of human remains, but
many fronts. Estelle Morris, in an address to
archaeologists are also concerned with the living.
Prospect, recently called on the heritage sector to
The main theme of this TAis archaeology and the
raise its profile and argue its relevance. This TA’s
community, highlighting some of the best projects
o theme is about involving the public in archaeology
our members have been involved in. We also have Alison
and the historic environment, and it is useful to
a view from outside in the form of the Black [email protected]
highlight some of the initiatives which the IFAhas Deborah at Westminster. Photograph: Andy Chopping
undertaken.
In December we published Homes with History
which was launched with some splendour at the Minister’s challenge. We welcome therefore the
House of Lords (see p18). This provides guidance publication of Heritage Counts(formerly the State of
t
for housing associations on how to use the historic the Historic Environment Report), a helpful
environment for community benefit. Although compendium of data about the condition and value
aimed at the social housing sector (putting heritage of the historic environment in England, allowing us
to work where it is needed most), it identifies a to track changes over time.
potential that is equally applicable to all types of
housing and other types of development. This The IFAis strongly committed to building on the
i
theme will be explored at our conference in successful initiatives mentioned above because we
Author and designer – Alison Taylor and Tracy Liverpool, and we hope to build on this work in recognise that archaeology and the enjoyment of the
Wellman (unaccustomed as we are to floral future. historic environment are for the public, not just for
tributes) – at the Homes with Historylaunch. ourselves.
Photograph: Andy Chopping IFAhas also been working in partnership with the
National Trust and Atkins Heritage on developing Deborah Porter
d
ways of measuring the social benefits that the Chair, IFA
Notes to contributors public derive from the historic environment. This
Themes and deadlines project has aroused much interest across the
Spring: Early medieval and Contributions and letter/emailsare always welcome. Short EDITED by Alison Taylor, IFA, heritage sector and beyond and is producing
Anglo-Saxon archaeology articles are preferred. They should be sent as an email attachment, SHES, University of Reading, interesting results. Areport on stage one of the
deadline: 15 April which must include captions and credits for illustrations. The Whitenights, PO Box 227, work will shortly be available on the IFAwebsite
Summer: IFA Conference and editor will edit and shorten if necessary. Illustrations are very READING RG6 6AB and a paper at the Liverpool conference will outline
E Annual Report important. These are best supplied as originals or on CD, as TIFFs the results to date.
deadline: 1 July DESIGNED and TYPESET by
or EPS, not JPGs, scanned at a minimum of 300dpi at the size
Sue Cawood
Autumn:Maritime archaeology they are expected to appear. More detailed Notes for contributors These are just a beginning however and we
deadline: 1 October for each issue are available from the editor. PRINTED by Charlesworth recognise that there is much to do to meet the
2 The Archaeologist Winter 2004 Number 51 3
FROM THE FINDS TRAY
Freelance subcontractors wanted at
Museum of London Specialist
Services
MoLSS has thirty archaeological
specialists working on finds,
environmental, processing and
BAGARS in Gloucestershire conservation projects, but still has
Badgers may be a protected species, but Gloucestershire’s already large population is set to dramatically increase again this March occasional gluts of work. With these
with the publication of Cotswold Archaeology’s second BAGAR, or Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Reports, an gluts in mind they are seeking to
occasional series of numbered supplements distributed free to members of the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society. expand their list of freelance sub-
The reports have been designed as companions to, can be shelved alongside, and are distributed with the annual volumes of the contractors. So, if you have considerable
Society’s Transactions. The BAGAR series reports on important projects relating to the Gloucestershire and Bristol region which experience in assessment and analysis of London: London and Middlesex Archaeological Society
cannot be fitted into the Transactions. BAGAR 1, March 2003, dealt with excavations at Stoke Road, Bishop’s Cleeve; BAGAR 2 will archaeobotany, Roman and post-Roman Annual Conference Saturday 27 March
report on excavations at the Gloucester Business Park Link Road, Hucclecote. Future volumes are planned. pottery and registered finds, prehistoric Come and hear about recent Neolithic and Roman finds from
pottery and other finds, or faunal remains, London, but most of all learn more about ways Londoners are
Unlike their nocturnal namesakes, BAGARs are designed, you are invited to send your details (name, tackling the ‘recent past’ (ie nineteenth and twentieth century
through their widespread and free distribution, to be seen specialism, contact details, indicative day evidence, including Victorian household clearance).
by as wide an audience as possible and form an integral rate, level of professional insurance, secure The conference is at the Museum of London, price £5. Details
part of Cotswold Archaeology’s outreach programme. premises, ability to use and deliver in and application forms from Jon Cotton, Early London Dept,
Additional copies are available from Cotswold Microsoft office 2000 or higher, indication Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y5HN
Archaeology ([email protected]) at cost. of non-availability in the next 12 months, [email protected].
confirmation of self-employment status,
or if employer can invoice, statement of
archaeological experience with names of
two referees, and IFAmembership) to
Roy Stephenson, Museum of London Investigating your Local Heritage
Specialist Services, 46 Eagle Wharf Road, By the time you read this you may have just missed
Reconstructions are always popular with illustrators, as well as with London, N1 7ED the chance to join a virtual e-seminar on the theme
the public. This photo-reconstruction shows an interpretation of a of ‘Investigating your Local Heritage’, which was
workshop phase of one of the buildings at Roman Silchester, drawn held 23–27 February, part of a series of occasional
by Margaret Matthews, AAI&S e-seminars for local groups, societies, thematic
Informing the Future of the Past: Guidelines for SMRs
recording projects and others involved in recording
Association of Archaeological Illustrators and Surveyors (AAI&S) ed Kate Fernie and Paul Gilman the historic environment to share and learn from
AAI&S, which was established in 1978 to act as a forum for the exchange of ideas and promotion of good working practices These guidelines, first produced in 2000, provide an overview each others experiences. The proceedings of the
amongst professional archaeological illustrators and surveyors, is an active association which holds annual conferences, and of the standards, services and systems in place in SMRs, discussion are available to view on the HELPS file
publishes regular newsletters and technical papers (see www.aais.org.uk for details). Full membership of the Association is highlighting best working practices. They are now available at archive at the JISCmail website. At the time of going
granted following rigorous assessment by a panel including an external examiner, and is a recognised guarantee of a reduced price from: English Heritage Postal Sales, c/o to press the programme included ‘How to be your own
professional ability. AAI&S is now ready for further development and has decided that closer, more formal links with IFA Central Books, 99 Wallis Road, London, E9 5LN, 0208 9864854 Landscape Detective’(Al Oswald, Archaeological
might be the answer. AMemorandum of Understanding has been drawn up, stating our common interests and our Price: £10 + £1.60 postage and packing (cheques payable to Survey, English Heritage), ‘Getting involved with your
intentions to work cooperatively on projects, events and Central Books). local heritage: recent initiatives(Mike Heyworth,
CPD, and the sharing of membership services and Deputy Director, CBA, Working with local groups in
preferential rates. WorcestershireVictoria Bryant, (Historic Environment
Record Manager, Worcestershire County Council
AAI&S is now promoting a new IFAIllustration and Historic Environment and Archaeology Service), Talk
Survey Special Interest Group. Membership is open to all to the world! – sharing heritage record, (Edmund Lee,
members of both AAI&S and IFA. If anyone wishes to Data Standards, English Heritage).
join, please let me know.
Joanna Bacon (Chair, AAI&S) For further details (and to see if discussions are
[email protected] continuing) email conference organiser Kate Fernie
[email protected].
AAI&S members gathered for the annual conference in
London, September 2003
4 The Archaeologist Winter 2004 Number 51 5
&
TUITION FEES
FROM THE FINDS TRAY
ARCHAEOLOGY
British Archaeological Awards
Entries and nominations are invited now for fifteen awards. Several relate Kenneth Aitchison & John S C Lewis
to the daily work of IFAmembers, so start thinking of projects you can
enter. The most relevant are:
1. The Sponsorship Award – for the best sponsorship of archaeology. The problems caused by tuition fees have been
2. The Heritage in Britain Award, for the best long-term preservation of a discussed before in TA, and the potential impact on
site, monument or building. the archaeological profession of the new bill could
3. The IFAAward, for the best professional or professional/voluntary be far reaching. Of course, failure to tackle the
archaeological project that demonstrates a commitment to professional funding shortfall affecting universities will also
standards and ethics in archaeology. cause problems within the archaeology, but here we
4. The Current Archaeology ‘Developer-funded Archaeology’ Award for are merely exploring the effects of this particular
the project which best demonstrates the value of developer-funded solution.
John Lord, knapper
archaeology.
1. It may be that this change leads to an increase in
5. The Keith Muckelroy Memorial Award for published work on British
archaeology students, broadening the academic
maritime archaeology which best reflects the pioneering ideas and King’s Lynn; Lithics weekend: Knapping
research base and providing more potential
scholarly aspirations of the late Keith Muckelroy. techniques, manufacture and replication
entrants to the profession.
6. The ‘Presentation Award’ – for the best presentation of an archaeological reconsidered 17–18 April
project or theme to the public. The Lithics Study Society is holding a 2. Alternatively, given the limited earning power of
conference on lithic technology and archaeologists, the increased debt may
Entries and nominations must relate to activities, events and achievements replication studies, principally featuring discourage many. The average archaeological
over the 2-year period between 1 June 2002 and 31 May 2004. The entry demonstrations by well-known flint salary in 2002–03 was £19,161, considerably
form is downloadable from http://www.britarch.ac.uk/awards, and the knapper John Lord and discussions on the below the national average of £24,498, far below
closing date is 31 May 2004. lithic technologies of successive prehistoric the professional average of £32,577 and even
periods led by specialists in those periods. below the mean figure for all graduates in their
There will also be visits to two prehistoric first year of employment (£20,300). It may be that
barrow groups where knapping occurred. many will view such a financial burden as an
unacceptable risk.
Aberdeen: Archaeological Research in Progress 2004: North East The meeting will be held in Knights Hill
3. The resulting fall in numbers of archaeology
Scotland Saturday 29 May Hotel, King’s Lynn, and costs £25. Details
students could force many university
Reports on projects currently taking place in the north east of and booking form from Clive Bond,
archaeology departments to contract or close.
Scotland will include excavations of recumbent stone circles 2 Pine Road, South Wootton, King’s Lynn, Photograph: Peter Hinton
(Richard Bradley, University of Reading), ‘privies and other Norfolk PE30 3JP 4. Typical starting salaries in the profession are
filthiness… the Environment of Medieval Aberdeen (Christopher [email protected] presently below the repayment threshold of
Croly, Aberdeen City Council) and some ‘tales of the F £15,000. The repayment threshold could thus
ollowing the second reading of the Higher form a barrier to career progression. From an
unexpected’ (Shannon Fraser, National Trust for
Education Billon 27 January 2004, proposed employers’ viewpoint, the £15,000 threshold
Scotland). The conference, organised by the Council for
changes to the way undergraduate study is could have a distorting effect on payscales and
Scottish Archaeology jointly with the Society of
funded in England may have a great impact on company structure.
Antiquaries of Scotland, will include a mixture of sites
archaeology. This short note seeks to start a debate
and types of research as well as display stalls by local There could therefore be potential labour shortages
within the profession as to the possible
and national groups. from 2010 onwards, initially at entry level and then
consequences of the bill. If it passes into law,
middle-management level. There may be scope for
universities will have the power to charge students
Contact: Council for Scottish Archaeology, c/o compensation by market forces – fewer
tuition fees of up to £3000 per academic year from
National Museums of Scotland, Chambers Street, archaeologists may force the market to dictate that
2006, repayable following graduation and after the
Edinburgh EH1 1JF, tel [phone] labour charges increase.
graduate is earning over £15,000 per annum. A
[email protected], www.britarch.ac.uk/csa/
student completing a three-year undergraduate It is clear that the proposed Higher Education Bill
degree, living away from home but outside London, could have implications for the future of the
who has been charged the full fee and taken the full profession and it is important that a debate about
student loan, will owe £21,885. these potential repercussions takes place.
6 The Archaeologist Winter 2004 Number 51 7
Ethnic minority The Black Environment Network (BEN) has been Archaeologists, more than other parts of the
working successfully for over sixteen years on historic environment sector, are aware on a day to
issues of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) day basis that Britain’s history has always been
participation in
environmental participation, cooperating with multicultural, and the knowledge and skills which
communities and mainstream organisations to have led to the development of Britain’s historical
archaeology: develop projects that meet the needs of local landscape have often been influenced from abroad.
communities while accessing the physical and
intellectual resources within the environmental African soldiers and food
making it happen
sector. It is now developing its Historic The archaeology sector has key strengths that it can
Environment Programme (HEP) to address the work to in addressing these issues. Its depiction of
issues of access and contribution of BME history brings ‘people’ into its fold, and appears
communities to the heritage. (from an outsider’s point of view, anyway!) far
more ‘classless’ than many parts of the sector. Its
James Friel The historical and cultural environment of a ability to depict the lives of farmers, servants and
The students question
community has always played a key role in soldiers as well as the Lord and Lady of the Manor,
Sir Richard Fitzherbert,
engagement – how different communities bring history to a level where everyone can engage
owner of Tissington Hall
participated in the environment through festivals, and see themselves in a wider perspective.
Photograph: Tof Islam,
folklore and religious and cultural celebrations. Findings on Hadrian’s Wall show the presence of
Black Environment
Working in this way has enabled communities to people from North Africa. This is not news to most
Network
participate in environmental projects that meet archaeologists – but it is not apparent in how
their social and cultural needs and build a working British history is often presented, where its impact
Bangladeshi Multipurpose Centre students studying archives
relationship with mainstream environmental on a classroom of children whose family history
at Tissington Hall. Photograph: Tof Islam, Black Environment
organisations that is long lasting and effective. and culture have links with Africa cannot be
Network
underestimated. Again, our knowledge and interest
Supporting the mainstream in the eating and history of food from around the
This brings us to the other side of the equation. world opens up new avenues to work with groups. they can ascertain future staffing and resource
There is a common acceptance that BME They can be encouraged, through food, to highlight needs to inform applications for funding to take on
communities need support to enter into new areas their cultural contribution and presence, and enable defined programmes of new work.
of activity. However it is insufficiently recognised the wider community to understand this in its
that the mainstream organisations trying to reach understanding of a shared history. As an organisation, BEN looks forward with great
out to BME communities for the first time need anticipation to working with archaeologists in the
similar encouragement and support. Although Maritime archaeology is another fruitful field. HEPprogramme who can help open up a wholly
goodwill is present, lack of knowledge and Through this we see the recording of trade and untapped area of knowledge and skills to BME
experience is a real barrier to engagement. trading links which brought goods from all over communities. Together we can together put forward
the world into Britain, and ports which were the a history which reflects the contribution of
Multicultural interpretation first homes of many of the BME communities – as everyone and provides equal opportunities to
To improve this situation HEPis planning to work well as being the point of introduction of many access that history.
with the mainstream Historic Environment sector plants to Britain.
and BME communities to develop ‘flagship
This is an invitation for all IFAmembers to
projects’ which recognise the contribution made by Establishing methodologies
work with us. For more details about the HEP
all communities to Britain’s history. Everyone’s The level of engagement at which HEPwill be
project please get in touch with me at the
sense of identity and belonging is rooted in the working will allow participating partners to enter a
address below.
historic environment, and HEPwill play a crucial new field of work in a supported environment and
role in social inclusion by promoting multicultural without substantial disruption to existing work
interpretation of the historic environment. Access to programmes. HEP’s position as a pathfinder project James Friel
everything indigenous to Britain islands is equally will provide organisations with a springboard from Black Environment Network
relevant to settled BME communities. Their which they can develop the capacity to generate Suite 23, 57 Frederick Street
members are British citizens, and it is important to their own projects. HEPalso aims to create the Hockley, Birmingham B1 3HS
recognise that they belong here although they have space for heritage organisations and community Tel: [phone]
a special relationship to their ancestral country. groups to explore and establish methodologies, so [email protected]
8 The Archaeologist Winter 2004 Number 51 9
Archaeology is essentially about people; STANDARDS essential for calculating prevalence of pathological preferably in advance. Commercial availability of
diverse by its very nature, and with an lesions and conditions, and in the case of many of these techniques is also, as yet, limited.
disarticulated co-mingled remains and cremated
almost boundless scope for investigation FOR
bone, for understanding the nature of the deposits Why publish a specialist document jointly with
and research, there is almost no pie in
and interpretation of mortuary rituals. The IFA? The document is primarily aimed at those
which we do not have a finger. That said,
RECORDING additional – mostly taphonomic – information working within the commercial sector, where the
how close can we get to our subject of required for the interpretation of cremated and client is YOU , the archaeologists, undertaking the
study? … how about the subjects disarticulated unburnt bone assemblages is overall project. It is important that you, the client,
HUMAN
themselves? Given the importance of included in Sections 4–5. Sections 6–8 cover data fully understands the aims of recording and
used to determine age and sex. Such data not only analysis, how those aims may be achieved and what
human remains in archaeological studies it
REMAINS answer an obvious demographic purpose but are should be expected as minimum standards.
is timely for IFA and the British Association
linked to analysis of metric, non-metric and Understanding specialist needs should also improve
for Biological Anthropology and
pathological data. Metric data and records of non- standards of recovery, which effects specialist
Osteoarchaeology (BABAO) to come
metric traits (Sections 9 and 10) are multi-functional, analysis. The aim of the document is to provide
together to publish professional guidelines. Jacqueline I McKinley assisting in sexing and necessary for the calculation basic pointers to what different types of information
of various indices to further our understanding of might reveal, and so assist in a research design.
biodistance within and between populations. An
Current Practice and Future Potential(organised by accurate record of pathological lesions (Sections By having this document endorsed by IFAwe aim
Margaret Cox and Simon Mays). The aims of the 11–12) is necessary to ensure consistency and to promote better standards across the board.
association include the dissemination of comparability between assemblages, linked back
information within the overall discipline and, through the skeletal inventories, age and sex data, Jacqueline I McKinley
thereby, promotion of best practice. to enable assessment of the health, status and (BABAO Treasurer)
interaction between population groups. 12 Victoria Road
The issue of standards for skeletal remains in Warminster
Britain has been of concern to the BABAO Thanks to rapidly changing fields of research this BA12 8HE
membership since its inception; the difficulties document will have a limited lifespan. Sampling
currently encountered in making comparisons being procedures for bone chemistry (Section 13) is a
Romano-British urned
highlighted by Roberts and Cox (2003) in their particularly rapidly developing field, and one
cremation burial with no
attempt to study health and disease in Britain from within which contradictory claims and advice serve
soil infiltration (ceramic lid)
prehistory to the present day. Standardised to confuse the lesser mortal … if in doubt, ask …
Photograph: Jacqueline I
recording will enable greater comparability between
McKinley, Wessex
bone assemblages, so these can then be set in
Archaeology
context. This is important if we are to identify
geographic and temporal homogeneity or change,
Iron Age scapula with The world of the archaeologist has changed with reference to demography, health and status, or
sharp-weapon trauma (5 dramatically in the last two decades, and so has the mortuary practice. Adequate recording is even more
blows) Photograph: Elaine world of the human bone specialist. Twenty-five essential for small assemblages, for they may only
Wakefield, Wessex years ago, most UK practitioners styled themselves make sense in the wider context.
Archaeology ‘palaeopathologists’ and originated from the
medical professions; physical anthropologists were The need for a guidance document was outlined at
rare; there was only one – and that biannual – the 2001 annual BABAO conference, and in a Roberts, C and Cox, M 2003 Health and Disease in
relevant MSc course and few undergraduates had a weekend session organised by Megan Brickley (then Britain from Prehistory to the Present Day Sutton
single session on human remains. Now – in the BABAO chair and also principal editor of the Publishing: Gloucester
ever-expanding pie-shop of archaeology – there are Guidelines) the nine team members co-opted to
palaeopathologists, physical anthropologists, work on the document gave presentations on their Guidelines to the Standards for Recording Human
osteoarchaeologists and biological anthropologists; specific section(s), followed by discussion. Remains 2004 Megan Brickley and Jacqueline I
at least half a dozen universities offer MSc courses Surprisingly there was, despite a few entertaining McKinley, BABAO and IFA, is published jointly on
in biological or forensic anthropology; specialist spats, consensus between team members. BABAO and IFAwebsites. It will also be available
research abounds; and cremated bone is no longer on request either as hard copy or on CD to
dumped or shelved without analysis (is it?) as being The resulting document comprises fourteen sections members of either organisation.
of no use. covering all aspects of basic recording relevant to
different types of skeletal assemblage – articulated
This increase in practitioners finally made feasible a inhumed bone, cremated bone, and disarticulated
national association for those working within this and co-mingled unburnt bone. Most of the areas of Bronze Age cremated bone from a single grave
broad field. BABAO was founded in 1998, following investigation are interdependent in terms of laid-out by component spits for identification
a consensus reached at the Bournemouth University producing a comprehensive report. Astandard (parts of twelve individuals) Photograph:
conference Human Osteology: ABritish Perspective – record must include an inventory (Sections 2–5), Jacqueline I McKinley, Wessex Archaeology
10 The Archaeologist Winter 2004 Number 51 11
E x c a v a t i o n a n d re b u r i a l : 1857, applies. Under this, no building work may P R O F E S S I O N A L
take place on a disused burial ground, except for
the purpose of enlarging a church. This provision
t h e h u m a n re m a i n s d e b a t e was relaxed subject to certain safeguards in R E G I S T R A T I O N
relation to disused burial grounds (excepting
consecrated land), in the Disused Burial Grounds
(Amendment) Act 1981. Disused in this context I N F O R E N S I C
means a burial ground that has at any timebeen
Alison Taylor
set apart for the purpose of interment and is no
longer used for interments, though the Home A R C H A E O L O G Y
Office does not generally apply the 1981 Act to
Archaeologists have to deal with human remains
material more than about 500 years old.
on a regular basis, but the laws affecting this
treatment are not drafted with archaeology in Points of particular relevance to IFAmembers are Corinne Duhig
mind. Arecent DCMS working party has been
(cid:127) Archaeological projects should be carried out
looking at issues surrounding storage of human
by suitably qualified organisations and should Forensic archaeology is a highly developed area of
remains in museums, mostly driven by the be conducted according to briefs drawn up by archaeological activity. The forensic archaeologist
the Diocesan Archaeological Advisor or the works within an investigation team to contribute to
repatriation debate. This group came down in
County Archaeologist. The church or secular the search for human remains and associated
favour of repatriating remains where there was
developer should be made aware at the outset materials, their recovery and the interpretation of
a request from those with ancestral or cultural of the likely need to plan for post-excavation their taphonomic history. Together with sound field
work on the human remains and other skills, it is necessary to have a broad knowledge of
claims, but was divided on other issues. We
recovered materials and to bear the cost this police structure and procedures and the judicial
should be thankful for this for, with
entails system, to integrate well with other scene of crime
anthropological remains driving the discussion, personnel, to be able to present evidence to the
(cid:127) Some traditional mitigation strategies are not courts and to maintain the highest level of
some of the measures proposed would have been
acceptable to the Home Office. For example, the professional integrity.
unworkable by nearly all archaeological
Home Office would not normally consider any
organisations. application which involves piling a burial site. REGISTRATION OF FORENSIC PRACTITIONERS Work on the site of
Shallow raft foundations may obviate the need recent atrocities
to disturb burials and the Home Office would The Council for the Registration of Forensic involves similar
Alongside the DCMS Working Party, the Cathedrals Excavating human remains, usually before they are destroyed consider carefully applications involving Practitioners (CRFP) was established in response to techniques to those
and Church Buildings Division of the Church of by development, is a common part of many archaeologists’ leaving burials in-situ beneath raft foundations some high-profile miscarriages of justice and required for
England and English Heritage set up their own lives. Correctly used, such remains are also an important and awareness that forensic specialists and expert archaeological
Human Remains Working Group, with panels popular educational tool. Photograph: Alison Taylor (cid:127) In excavations where it is anticipated that witnesses have variable levels of professionalism remains, but you
covering Ethics, Legal and Scientific issues, to agree human remains will be uncovered, a human and reliability. While the larger disciplines, such as need to be qualified
guidelines that would cover excavation and osteologist should be identified from the scenes of crime investigation and the laboratory to cope with added
treatment of burials, and also the question of when outset as a member of the project team. If sciences, have structured training and monitoring complications.
there should be reburial. The results were compiled effect on resurrected life. It also sets out scientific excavations produce significant quantities of systems, other specialisms can contain people Photograph:
into one document which will be out for ethics, in particular the reasons why indiscriminate human remains (more than about 30 burials), without appropriate qualifications or experience. Corinne Duhig
consultation in spring/early summer this year. reburial of museum collections is unethical. the project osteologist will wish to be
The remit was for burials in Christian burial Standards for treatment of remains during various regularly present on site in order to help
grounds since the seventh century but more than stages of fieldwork and post-excavation work, and ensure optimal field procedures
100 years old, though it was hoped that, if rational circumstances when display in museums and other
principles were agreed, these might guide DCMS sites is acceptable, are set out. The report includes (cid:127) Excavation of remains more than a hundred
thinking and inform wider reforms to the law. IFA discussions of scientific, theological and public years old should be undertaken or monitored
was part of this Group, so the interests of opinion, with recommendations concerning long by archaeologists
archaeologists in the front line when burials are term storage vs reburial, and also for artefacts
dealt with could be properly represented. buried with the dead. Proposals are made for The Draft Report will shortly be out for
conversion of disused crypts or redundant churches consultation, and it is important that IFA
As it stands at present, the report includes a useful to provide acceptable long-term storage facilities. members take the opportunity to comment,
summary of Christian theology, which is that Also useful is the summary of burial and the law in especially where there are practical
human remains should be treated with respect and England as it stands at present. For example, in considerations that affect their work. Copies can
reverence, but it is the soul not physical remains many circumstances the Disused Burial Grounds be downloaded from the English Heritage
that matter and that the fate of the body has no Act 1884, rather than the more relaxed Burial Act website.
12 The Archaeologist Winter 2004 Number 51 13
CRFP’s function, therefore, is to organise assessments without forensic training or experience, are likely to HELM:
and manage a register of competent forensic be advised to take additional training.
practitioners. The courts, senior police organisations
Training the
and the forensic community have welcomed it as For CRFPpurposes, forensic archaeology and
leading to an improvement in professional standards anthropology are treated as different disciplines, the
decision makers
and reassurance. More than 1500 people are now on former under Incident Investigation and the latter
the register. It is not intended that registration will under Medicine & Healthcare, so those with dual
become obligatory, although the assurance of current expertise make separate applications. There is a
Catherine Cavanagh
competence will increasingly recommend use of reduction in fee for two or more applications
registered personnel. submitted at the same time. Units or organisations
Historic Environment Local Management
cannot be accredited, only individuals, and units
(HELM) is a new training programme being
Forensic archaeology can now be assessed for CRFP which advertise competence in ‘forensic
set up by English Heritage to raise the profile
registration and applications are invited, including archaeology’ will need to ensure that only registered
of the historic environment among local
from persons working frequently or continuously staff take responsibility in forensic cases.
planning authorities and government agencies.
abroad, for example in investigations of mass
We aim to encourage non-heritage
graves or mass disasters. HOW TO APPLY
professionals to assign more significance to Local authority staff touring archaeological excavations. Photograph: Catherine Cavanagh
historic environment issues in the decision-
HOW IS ASSESSMENT CARRIED OUT? Application packs can be obtained from the CRFP
making process. The target audience includes
Registration Officers, Russell Howes and Stephen
elected members, planning officers, highways Heritage Champions. Heritage Champions will
There are three Sector Assessment Panels, covering Keene, at CRFP, Tavistock House, Tavistock Square,
engineers and estate managers. ensure that the historic environment is a
Science, Medicine & Healthcare and Incident London WC1H 9HX, [email protected],
fundamental consideration in local authority policy
Investigation, under which are panels for specific [email protected]; tel [phone];
This training will cover buried archaeological sites, development and service delivery.
areas, for example scenes of crime officers, fax: [phone]. For general enquiries email
monuments, buildings and landscapes. Seminars
fingerprint examiners and forensic odontologists. [email protected] or phone [phone].
and courses will be supported by guidance papers Best practice
Application forms with fee and supporting
available on a website launched in March 2004. Homes with History(IFA, EH & Housing
documentation are sent to CRFPand passed to the The Lead Assessor for archaeology is,
Modules will include topics such as managing the Corporation 2003, see p18–19) provides examples
lead assessor in your speciality. He/she allocates unsurprisingly, Prof John Hunter and the speciality
impact of transport strategies, golf courses, farming, illustrating the relevance of archaeology and
applications to a trained assessor, who examines the assessors are Paul Cheetham (Bournemouth
regeneration and retail development. buildings conservation to regeneration. We wish to
application form, references and casework log and University), Cecily Cropper (ICMPSarajevo) and
build on this by providing a database of case
asks for a few cases to be written up in detail. Rob Janaway (University of Bradford). For any
Real threats studies illustrating best practice, and we will be
further advice or information contact Professor
The benefits of heritage-led regeneration extolled in approaching all local government archaeologists
Successful applicants are added to the register. Each Hunter in the Department of Archaeology and
Heritage Counts (EH 2003) are not always recognised and conservation officers via ALGAO and IHBC for
year they must submit a casework log (with retention Antiquity, Arts Building, University of Birmingham,
and exploited. The report states that ‘the erosion of examples. Submissions from archaeological
fee) and every four years these will be scrutinised for Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, Tel [phone].
historic character and distinctiveness through poor contractors and consultants would also be
re-validation. Rejected applicants will receive
planning decisions and unthinking development is welcomed.
feedback. Criteria for validation are intended to Corinne Duhig
a real threat to our quality of life.’ It is important to
facilitate inclusion rather than exclusion but persons Anglia Polytechnic University and Wolfson College
develop ‘a land-use planning system that can Our partners
with forensic qualifications but minimal Cambridge
respond intelligently to the management of change.’ ODPM has provided initial funding and is
archaeological background, or field archaeologists Gone to Earth consultancy
committed to the role of heritage in building
Those approached duringthe study resulting in sustainable communities, as stated by Yvette
Heritage under Pressure (Baker & Chitty 2002) Cooper, MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary at the
When mass graves need to be identified, ‘identified a need to consider training for generalist recent HLF Heritage and Regeneration conference.
excavations involve cleaning and recording planners, especially those involved in development The IHBC, ALGAO, IFA, CABE, CBA, LGA, RTPI,
clothing and other modern artefacts. control work, to enhance awareness of historic etc will also be involved. Training will take place
Photograph: Corinne Duhig environment and design issues.’ The report alongside existing EH training initiatives, such as
highlights the need for adequate resources, including the professional skills courses.
appropriately qualified conservation advisors
supported by specialised information systems. Training is due to commence in September 2005.
Please contact me for further information and
Heritage champions enquiries relating to the case studies database.
The project is also responding to proposed reform
of the English planning system, in particular the Catherine Cavanagh
forthcoming PPS 15. Capacity building within local Project manager
authorities is a key objective of English Heritage’s Historic environment training for local authorities
modernisation agenda, and we hope that local English Heritage
authorities will put forward elected members as [email protected]
14 The Archaeologist Winter 2004 Number 51 15
Medieval pottery copy of the thin-sections database allowed classification remains Musty (1974) and that, with
descriptions from pottery fragments found at some notable exceptions (Le Patourel 1968;
production sites to be linked in. About half Moorhouse 1983), documentary evidence for the
production in England:
the county museums targeted responded to medieval pottery industry remains untapped.
a request for accession numbers. These
sources, nearly 1500 in all, were cross- Functions and additions
a new gazetteer
checked against the National Medieval The database is by no means complete and
Ceramics bibliography to verify a master individual entries are of variable quality. The
Phil Marter and Chris Gerrard database of some 4500 entries which process of refining these is ongoing. The main
was circulated to regional secretaries of strength of the database is that it can provide
the Medieval Pottery Research Group a broad picture of pottery production in any
A selection of medieval
for further checking. given area. Alist of linked bibliographical
pottery illustrated by
references is also provided. The hope is that
William Chaffers in 1850. Providing the access organisations will be led to comparative material
The second half of the
The key to success has been a series of linked tables which they can relate to their own results.
nineteenthh century saw a
within a Microsoft Access database, allowing easy
rapid development of
interrogation in various ways. These records include Resources such as this will enhance the growing
interest in medieval pottery.
archaeological investigations, kilns, components (eg links between local, regional and national research
The database lists no
waster dumps), pottery fabrics, forms (standardised agenda as well as bridging between organisations
medieval pottery production
using the Classification of Medieval Pottery Forms; such as the Medieval Pottery Research Group,
centres prior to 1850, but
MPRG 1998) and sources. In all, we have university staff and commercial archaeology units.
by the end of the century
recorded 738 kilns, 97 waster pits, 80 buildings It should stimulate research and prompt final
fifteen had been located
interpreted as potters’ workshops or living publication of some key sites. Of course, it should
across the country, the first
accommodation, and a wide range of associated go without saying that the database is not a
at Scarborough in 1854.
features such as clay pits, puddling floors, fuel substitute for experience in handling
Image: Gerrard, 2003,
dumps, fences, drains and boundary ditches. medieval pottery and the recognition of
Medieval archaeology:
fabrics and forms, and where more
understanding traditions
The bibliography confirms that most recent work detailed information is required the
and contemporary
has been undertaken by a small pool of active advice of a pottery specialist should be
approaches
researchers, with a notable lack of academic sought.
research in universities, especially at MPhil and
In of excavated production sites and the need to PhD levels. Teaching with medieval pottery Where to find it
M e improve identification and common collections also seems minimal. Few recent theses The database is now equipped with an ‘easy-
d nomenclatures for medieval pottery. A new were identified, the weight of publication strongly to-use’ front end complete with a selection of
i national database could address these concerns, favouring short descriptive articles rather than regularly used data queries and a help file, and is
broader scale analysis of results. It is a sign of the available on CD. The CDs are free of charge to all
e v a be a basis for further technical studies of kilns,
times that the basis of modern research into kiln who originally supplied information to the project,
l and make further research more cost-effective,
C especially for archaeologists working across
e r a large areas of the country. Medieval pottery kiln
m excavated at Potterspury,
Gathering the data Northamptonshire. The
i c
The project was established at King Alfred’s database lists archaeological
S t u d
College, Winchester, designed and managed by work which has revealed
i
Chris Gerrard, undertaken by Phil Marter and evidence for pottery
e s
funded by English Heritage. The procedure was production, including
i n simple. Information held on medieval pottery information on what was
E n production sites (defined here as c. 850–1600 AD) in found, where it was found,
g England was obtained from the NMR Long-listings and when the work took
and Excavation Index and from county SMRs (70% place. Organisations and
l a n
of whom responded), plus the Medieval Ceramics individuals undertaking
d English Heritage
Survey and the National Reference Collection of archaeological work are
recommended ‘an initiative to establish a
Medieval Ceramics at the British Museum. Major listed along with the
national list of production centres, recording the
published national and regional data sets and location of resulting
whereabouts of the finds, references to journals, Victoria County Histories and published archives and associated
publication, or the current state of work’, a documentary sources (Lay Subsidy ‘potting-related’ publications. Photograph:
response to the disappointing rate of publication names, for example) were used. An advance digital authors
16 The Archaeologist Winter 2004 Number 51 17