The Archaeologist 54 - Autumn 2004 Maritime Archaeology

25 Pages·2005·1.01 MB·English

C
Whatever your business...
O N T E N T S
(cid:1) Aggregates
1 Contents
(cid:1) Ports&harbours
(cid:1) Tunnels&bridges 2 Editorial
(cid:1) Cables&pipelines 3 View from the ChairDavid Jennings
(cid:1) Statutory protection
4 From the Finds Tray
(cid:1) Offshore renewables page 19
(cid:1) Heritage management 6 Archaeological pay and conditions: IFA AGM 27 September 2004
8 IFA and pay and conditions Peter Hinton
Whatever you want to do...
11 A new contract for archaeological work Peter Hinton
12 Sitting on a goldmine: issues of client/contractor relationships in Europe Kenneth Aitchison
14 British Archaeological Awards 2004 Alison Taylor
17 No re-enactors please: we’re archaeologists! Kim Biddulph
19 Local authorities and maritime archaeology Robin Daniels
20 Managing the Marine Cultural Heritage: MAG Conference 2004 Julie Satchell
22 The noblest shipp of sayle: Mary Rose 2004 Douglas McElvogue
(cid:1) Diving
(cid:1) Consultancy 25 For the record: cataloguing maritime artefacts in North East England Gary Green
(cid:1) Coastal survey
page 22 26 Celtic boats and ships Seán McGrail
(cid:1) Strategic research
(cid:1) Geophysical survey 28 Applying PPG16 at sea Gill Andrews
(cid:1) Excavation & recovery 30 Marine aggregates and the historic environment Mark Russell
(cid:1) Assessment& characterisation
31 Surrounding seas: maritime archaeology around the Isle of Man Allison Fox
Whatever you want to know... 32 England’s submerged prehistory Jesse Ransley
34 Assessing archaeology on the seabed of the Thames Hanna Steyne,Jens Neuberger,
Deanna Groom
page 30
35 Underwater survey and Portsmouth Regeneration Project Hanna Steyn
37 Hidden heritage of the Solent Julie Satchell
page 31
38 Waking the (almost) dead: assessing excavation archives from the past David Parham
39 Using the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund Mark Dunkley
(cid:1) Ships 40 Reviews
(cid:1) Aircraft
44 New Members: Members News
(cid:1) Prehistory
(cid:1) Waterfronts 45 Members News: Obituary John Samuels
(cid:1) Landscapes 46 Members News: Martin Dean
(cid:1) Littoral industries
(cid:1) Inland waterways 47 Members News: Roger Mercer
48 Members News: George Lambrick
Wessex Archaeology Coastal & Marine
tel: [phone] www.wessexarch.co.uk
Autumn 2004 Number 54 1
l
View from the Chair
D a v i d J e n n i n g s
a
The Archaeologisthas pursued a number of Back on land, IFAhas been renewing its efforts to ‘By 2010, we aim to be a Chartered Institute, in checking abuses but in today’s competitive world
important themes over the years, but this is the first achieve better pay and conditions for all recognised as the leading professional body for we need more clout than this. This autumn we
time one of our special interest groups has taken up archaeologists, and in particular to gain recognition archaeologists. We will have achieved greater reviewed and adjusted our procedures for dealing
the challenge of filling a whole issue. Maritime for those who form the backbone of our profession, recognition and respect in society, and the financial, with complaints against RAOs and, with the
i archaeology at first seemed too specialised a topic, the digging teams. Our AGM (p 6–7) was devoted social and intellectual rewards of being an increased flexibility this review gave us, we are
but it was soon evident that the scale of work in to moving the debate forward, Peter Hinton’s archaeologist will be considerably enhanced.’ actively investigating potential disciplinary matters.
progress was competing with archaeology article on pp 8–10 reports on potential This is not a pleasant thing to do, but is the only
elsewhere, and that the range of responsibilities improvements to minimum pay recommendations, This paragraph encapsulates core objectives of our way self-regulation will work. It should also inspire
(surveys, resource management, excavation, and we are delighted to report there was a Strategic Plan. It was drawn up in 2000 and confidence in IFAwith national and other curatorial
conservation, use of technology, inclusion of successful launch of a Diggers’ Forum on 16 established a programme that set our agenda until bodies, with whom we are discussing a more
r
amateurs, maintaining archives, publication and October. We are confident that, if ever we did 2010. Taking stock in 2004, we can report that on a unified approach to accreditation.
research) closely parallels what is happening on forget the interests of this group, there will be wide range of fronts we are on-track to achieve our
land (and is developing much faster). powerful reminders. aspirations: membership levels continue to rise; the Diggers’Forum
number of RAOs is growing; our advocacy role for Pay and conditions for all archaeologists but
So, thanks to IFA’s Maritime Affairs Group, and in Other important reminders – the IFAwebsite, the sector has increased; and we have developed a especially those in junior positions are another
particular to its Chair, Dave Parham, we get a updated but out of action for technical reasons better understanding of the ‘corridors of power’ cause where I want to direct attention this year. The
o glimpse into the problems and exciting potentials of throughout the summer, is back, and is being used and are better understood within them. success of this year’s AGM debate (see pp 6, 7)
archaeology under water. We see how planning to post more news, conference papers, online shows we are going in the right direction, and
guidance is being adapted for this environment, a publications and background information than ever Campaigning mode formation of a new Diggers’ Forum on 16 October,
publication backlog is being brought up to speed, before. Do look at it regularly, and send material The journey to achieve our aspirations for 2010 is thanks to Council members Chris Clarke and Jez
research frameworks and environmental you think would interest other members to arduous, but we should not be charmed into the Taylor, will keep us on the right path. Peter
assessments are being designed afresh, and the roles [email protected]. And finally, don’t forget negative view, too frequently expressed in our Hinton’s report on minimum pay recommendations
of different organisations are contributing to a to put the IFAconference (Winchester 22–24 March sector, that there is no progress. Rather we need to (pp 9-10) helps inform the debate.
whole. These organisations include amateur diving 2005) in your diaries. It’s a full and exciting openly acknowledge and understand the stage of
t
groups, national heritage organisations, MoD, the programme, and we look forward to seeing many development we occupy. Unlike long-established And to attain our objectives we
Port of London, local authorities, the aggregates of you there. professions, we are at an incipient stage. IFAis still need support from an increasing
industry, universities and contracting archaeological in campaigning mode, where fundamental goals number of members. Our new
organisations. We are also reminded of the wealth of need to be reached. Unlike the Institution of Council plus members of staff are
data the seas protect. From times when Britain was Mechanical Engineers, we are not a Brunel designed gearing up for a continuing
physically joined to the rest of Europe to the steamship, rather more like an Athenian trireme – in recruitment drive, but imagine if
i battlefields of the twentieth century there is Alison Taylor order to cut through the waters, everybody needs to every member could recruit one
information we can gain from no other source. [email protected] pull on the oars. more person to the Institute – how
very much closer we would be to
Making accreditation count achieving our targets. So no excuses
And we have to do more to demonstrate that we – recruit a new member today!
provide real benefits for our members and the
d profession. Core to this is maintenance of standards:
Notes to contributors
we already have a valuable behind-the-scenes role David Jennings
Themes and deadlines Contributions and letter/emailsare always welcome. Short EDITED by Alison Taylor, IFA,
articles (c. 1000 words) are preferred. They should be sent as an SHES, University of Reading,
Winter: The Archaeology of
Buildings email attachment, which must include captions and credits for Whitenights, PO Box 227
deadline: 15 December illustrations. The editor will edit and shorten if necessary. READING RG6 6AB
Illustrations are very important. These are best supplied as
Spring: Prehistoric Britain
E originals or on CD, as TIFFs or EPS, not JPGs, scanned at a DESIGNED and TYPESET by
deadline: 1 March 2005
minimum of 300dpi at the size they are expected to appear. Sue Cawood
Summer: Working in historic towns More detailed Notes for contributorsfor each issue are available
deadline: 1 June 2005 from the editor. PRINTED by Charlesworth
2 The Archaeologist Autumn 2004 Number 54 3
FROM THE FINDS TRAY
Aplea from Georgia (ex-USSR)
Like so many around the world, the
museum at Nokalakevi, Georgia,
home to artefacts excavated locally
and dating back to the sixth century
BC, was robbed and vandalised
during a decade of war. Museum
Cultural Landscapes in the 21st Century
staff remain on duty, but can only
New Boss at Historic Scotland The University of Newcastle will hold the The Byzantine City Walls into the city of Nokalakevi. Photograph: David Connolly
take visitors around what survives if they bring
Having been criticised in their recent Quinquennial Review for Forum UNESCO 10th International Seminar
their own torch! David Connolly visited the
their lack of openness and transparency, some people were in April 2005. The conference will cover
town this year this year and was appalled by
surprised that the successor to Graham Munro as Chief aspects of the cultural landscapes, including
what he found but heartened by how little it
Executive of Historic Scotland was announced without the post Museums and Heritage (Tangible and
would take to restore a living museum, together The Digger complains
being advertised. Being part of the Scottish Executive rather Intangible), Visual Culture, Identities and
with pride and possible tourism, to a hard-hit Arecent article in The Diggerpublished anonymous complaints
than an NDPB like English Heritage, it appears that the Nolan Communities, Tourism and Economics,
region. £1000 would buy a generator, pay for a about an unnamed archaeological organisation, one of IFA’s
rules didn’t need to apply... Architecture, Education, and Management
year’s worth of fuel, pay for the rewiring of the Registered Archaeological organisations, which it said carried
and Protection. The deadline for papers and
electrics, allow the windows and broken display our very poor archaeological work and endangered its staff by
However, word is that the new man, John Graham, is a catch. posters is tight, so if you are interested, go to
cases to be replaced, open up rooms for bad health and safety practices, and what was IFAgoing to do
Arriving from the post of Head of SEERAD, the agriculture and www.ncl.ac.uk/unescolandscapes.
community education and pay two staff wages about it? Needless to say we want to act, starting with
rural affairs department of the Scottish Executive, Graham is a
for a year. Any extra money would enable the discussions with the curatorial organisations, but this is not
big fish in the Scottish civil service. In his long career he has
tourist rest house and bombed out dig house much to go on. We are trying to encourage the complainant to
held several important positions including Head of the
(including a research lab) to be restored. A come forward with specific problems that can be substantiated
Planning Division and Head of Finance – both of which will
special website has been set up with or at least inquired into further, but unless we can make contact
come in handy in his new post.
photographs, sound clips, links, information and a formal complaint is made we feel helpless to act. We may
Iraq’s Cultural Heritage – Challenges and
and appeal news. Please visit the website where have more to report in next TA, but in the meantime could all
The HS Quinquennial Review was critical of the agency, and Opportunities
you can make your donation via members bear in mind that it is an important part of our remit
we can anticipate vigorous sweeping from the new broom. 2 December, 6.30pm, the Gallery, 77
PayPal.http://www.bajr.org/Appeal/01_main. to follow complaints, but the normal laws of evidence and
Hopefully, it won’t take him long to realise that chronic long- Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EJ
html. Bright ideas about possible grant-aid natural justice apply. Moans in a pub reported third-hand and
term underfunding is at the root of Historic Scotland’s Lamia al-Gailani Werr, an Iraqi born
would also be useful. without evidence don’t take us far! Reasonable and significant
problems, and those of the historic environment in general. archaeologist, will talk on her recent
complaints related to IFA’s Code of conduct, with names, dates
Coming from a strong financial background, Graham is reputed experiences working for the Iraqi
and description, and ideally with photographs, will be taken
to be a tough negotiator. Armed with the growing evidence- Reconstruction and Development Council
very seriously indeed, especially now RAO Committee have
base published on the Built Environment Forum Scotland in Baghdad. This will be an opportunity to
agreed more responsive procedures to cope with today’s
website (www.befs.org.uk), he has enough ammunition to understand the difficulties the Iraq State
complex volatile archaeological world.
make a strong case. One of his first challenges will be to fund Board of Antiquities have faced during the
ten extra posts within HS to provide advice on Strategic last few years, with suggestions for the way
Environmental Assessment - as well as extra resources to forward for the protection and
enable NGO stakeholders to play their part. management of Iraq’s cultural heritage.
Robin Turner Admission (including wine and mince pies)
£12.50 for members of ICOMOS-UK and of
the British School if Archaeology in Iraq,
£15 for non-members, £8 for students.
Contact: Rikke Osterlund, ICOMOS UK,
70 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6EJ
Tel [phone]
The museum at Nokalakevi(rear building) and the potential guest
house (a traditional Mingrellian House). Photograph: David Connolly
4 The Archaeologist Autumn 2004 Number 54 5
ARCHAEOLOGICAL p ay & c o n d i t i o n s
IFA AGM 27 SEPTEMBER 2004
Deborah with bouquet (and whisky), after three years as IFA Chair
to work on scheduled monuments should either be
Last year the AGM looked at the ten Phil Carpenter,
an RAO or should satisfy an accreditation scheme
key recommendations of the APPAG report
Negotiations Officer for Prospect, described how with similar criteria. Other curators would also be
on the state of British archaeology, and our
Prospect was currently discussing with SCAUM an encouraged to demand these standards be met. This
speakers examined what progress had been
industry-wide pay agreement. Constructive enforcement of standards would provide one of the
made on each. Not surprisingly, Phil meetings had been held, and its AGM had agreed crucial legs of the three-legged stool.
Carpenter’s report on archaeological pay that SCAUM should become involved in
and conditions (and the lack of progress discussions with Prospect about such an agreement, Peter Hinton,
as a way of improving pay and conditions in
on measures to do something about these)
archaeology. Phil had drawn up a draft proposal Director of IFA, spoke on IFA’s role in linking
raised considerable discussions and one
and SCAUM are now working on suggested standards and pay, a matter of concern for IFAfrom
bright idea from the floor: if a pay
amendments. its earliest days. His text is reproduced in the
bargaining structure was necessary, why starting a career in archaeology today. ‘They are the following pages.
not get Prospect (for employees) and Outlining his general aspirations, Phil emphasised foundations that any excavation is built upon, and
SCAUM (Standing Conference of Unit that there was not an immediate solution: ‘it is a they are the ones who do the hardest physical Full texts for Phil Carpenter’s, Chris Clarke’s and
tool to be used by people of good will to achieve a labour. Archaeology is a hard business, but diggers Peter Hinton’s presentations are on the IFAwebsite
Managers) for the managers, with IFA as
common objective, and we don’t see it as producing often suffer greater hardships than most due to at www.archaeologists.net.
steward, to set up an effective mechanism
other than incremental change. We can’t move at their career position and inexperience’. Poor pay is
that could work for all commercial
the pace our members would like. Agreements have the most critical issue, but uncertainties of the The AGM itself, chaired in style by our departing
archaeological organisations?
to reflect the achievable, and not the idealistic, employment market and minimal holiday Chair, Deborah Porter, was over in a record seven
options.’ He also emphasised the importance of allowance, sick pay, redundancy contributions, minutes without contention. The following Council
benchmarking, allowing comparison of jobs across company pension schemes, support for childcare was voted in:
What we realised we needed was a 3-legged stool, participating organisations. The agreement could and, most critically, training, add to the woes. David Jennings (Hon Chair), Hester Cooper-Reade
that could support us all firmly if each leg was in then move pay, terms and conditions forward in a ‘Through all this the continual physical exertion (Hon Secretary), Jack Stevenson (Hon Treasurer),
place, but would collapse if one failed. consistent and progressive, but incremental, way. takes its toll on the human body, resulting in few Kayt Brown (Hon VC Personnel &
archaeologists escaping with arthritis, bad backs or Membership/Equal Opportunities Officer), David
• we need agreed and enforceable high standards dodgy knees’. Gaimster (Hon VC Outreach), Roland Smith (Hon
Mike Dawson,
• we need to have those standards insisted upon VC Standards), Joanna Bacon, Beverley Ballin-
by curators and national bodies if organisations giving the employers’ view on behalf of SCAUM, Chris’s conclusion was that ‘Diggers should be Smith, Stephen Briggs, Catherine Cavanagh, Chris
are to continue to win contracts (‘quality-based emphasised how much the employers represented allowed to enter into an industry where there are Clarke, Patrick Clay, Mike Dawson, Veronica
barriers to entry’) on SCAUM supported the principle of industry- prospects of decent pay, a valid career path, job Fiorato, Clare King, Philip Mills, Geoff Morley,
• we need a formal process for negotiating pay wide pay bargaining, none would support an security, and suitable training’, and he urged Dave Parham, Roy Stephenson, Jez Taylor and
and conditions to make sure we have the right initiative that threatened their commercial viability. support for the IFADiggers Forum, and for more David Thackray.
happy and well qualified workforce. Employers were keen to see the benefits for career diggers to become involved with the industry
development, staff retention and improved pay and within which they work. The usual convivial party followed, at which
If any of this fails, and if undercutting and under- conditions but are cautious in the face of predatory speeches and presentations were made to members
paying continue, the whole thing collapsed. We pricing and intense competition. Practicalities of Council who had each served with distinction for
David Miles,
therefore need the backing of curators, national therefore had to be carefully worked out. the maximum six years: Deborah Porter (Chair for
bodies, managers and our Union, as well as the Negotiations were in progress, and some Chief Archaeologist for English Heritage, fully three years and previously Hon Treasurer), Evelyn
commitment of IFAitself. announcement should be possible this winter. endorsing all the efforts being made towards Baker, Bob Zeepvat and Jonathan Parkhouse. They
progress on pay and conditions, outlined some have agreed they will still help on committees
Talks at the AGM reported back on what had initiatives English Heritage were considering as a (especially Validation and RAO) where their
Chris Clarke,
happened so far and gave a snapshot of work in result of the Valletta Convention and its experience is invaluable, and we don’t really expect
progress. Impassioned contributions from the floor IFACouncil member and founder member of the requirements for maintaining standards. It would to lose sight of any of them.
demonstrated the need for real progress in the Diggers’ Forum, excited lively debate with a become possible for example to insist that any
coming year on this crucial aspect of IFA’s function. dramatic picture of the tough life offered anyone organisation applying for English Heritage funds or Alison Taylor
6 The Archaeologist Autumn 2004 Number 54 7
IFA p ay & c o n d i t i o n s
Peter Hinton
Pay and conditions have been a matter of concern interest in employment matters and career 2 Where local authorities or public sector bodies chosen: Prospect has already begun and will
for the IFAfrom its earliest days. Various working structures, introduced Principle 5 (‘the archaeologist are engaged in competitively won fieldwork, complete this work if an agreement on industry-
shall recognise the aspirations of employees, their finance and budgeting systems work in wide bargaining can be reached with SCAUM.
parties reported to Council in the 1980s and 1990s,
colleagues and helpers with regard to all matters importantly different ways (sometime Secondly, see if there is an practical alternative
resulting, amongst other things, in the demise of
relating to employment…’) and accompanying advantageously, often not) from independent to the local government scale (see the fourth
the system of making ‘subsistence’payments to
rules, and proposed a set of minimum salary organisations. They normally have grading solution)
many excavators rather than employing them.
recommendations. systems, and correlations of required skill sets
across an authority’s workforce may be the 3 We need to take account of other benefits as well
In 1996 Council adopted the report of the The recommended minima were defined for primary determinant of pay, market forces being as salary. Avery simple model would be to
Archaeological employment in Britainworking party responsibilities appropriate to the three grades of a secondary argument. The senior archaeologist assume that the minimum salaries included
(see Laura Schaaf’s article in TFA26). The report corporate membership, and expressed in terms of in such an authority may have limited say in
recommended that the IFAcontinue to take an local authority pay scales setting pay. This has been one of the arguments • at least a 6% employer contribution towards
for linking the recommendations to local pensions
government pay settlement; the other being that • no more than an average 37.5 hour week,
there is a recognised system of inflationary including lunch break
local authority scale SCP base level 1994/5 base level 2004/5
increases. Some archaeologists have read this to • annual leave of at least 20 days plus
Practitioner-level (PIFA) responsibilities 2–3 11–17 £9,906 £13,071
mean that the IFArecommends the local statutory holidays
Associate-level (AIFA) responsibilities 4–5 18–25 £11,538 £15,225 authority pay system (and that there should • a sick leave allowance regime similar to that
therefore be separate settlements for different offered by local government
Member-level (MIFA) responsibilities 6+ 26+ £14,943 £19,713
parts of the UK), but this misconception seems
to confuse minimum with optimum: employers Any shortfall would increase the minimum
are allowed to pay more than the minimum. But salary requirement: for example an employer’s
Pay and conditions have stayed high on the agenda those roles, and defining the appropriate levels of there are no good reasons not to move away superannuation contribution of 5% would mean
ever since, as is most notably seen from the joint reward for packages of those roles (aka jobs). There from the local government grades if a better a 1% increase in pay, or 20 days of annual leave
IFA/IPMS (now Prospect) session at 2000 are clearly opportunities to benchmark common system can be found includingthe eight bank holidays would mean
conference, lengthy discussion at the IFAStandards packages of NOSs against similar jobs in other an increase of 8/260 in pay – but any betterment
team meeting in April 2003, Council meetings in sectors and, with employers that take account of 3 The recommendations only cover pay, and of these terms would not mean a reduction in
June 2003 and March 2004, the AGM debates in such things when deciding on salaries, make ignore other important benefits such as pensions basic pay was permissible.
September 2003 and September 2004, and the arguments for regarding. and leave: these are major pluses to employees
response to the 2002 Petition for changeorganised by and significant costs to employers 4 The IFAwill consult on such revisions to its
the Digger, which was never sent to the IFAbut The minimum pay recommendations have had minimum pay recommendations, and if there is
which we would still value receiving. some good effects since 1996. As the JIS annual 4 The recommendations have always been much sufficient support would give plenty of notice of
survey shows, few jobs are now advertised below lower than they should be, but from inception the introduction of any version of it to allow
The IFA’s evolving strategy has kept in line with its the appropriate rate (and the IFAinvestigates when the IFAhas known the risks of having our bluff employers to plan well ahead. But we have to be
Memorandum of Association, which makes clear that it suspects that they are), and the Profiling the called as no employer wants to be the first to realistic. If we raise our recommended minima
the IFAhas a role in recommending and promoting profession research of 1998 and 2003 shows that increase pay without some other significant change
good practice including matters of employment. An overall archaeological salaries have increased ahead archaeological landscape, we put our members
alteration of the Memorandum of Associationin 2002 of inflation – but average wages have done even These four problems call for (at least) four solutions and RAOs in a difficult and very risky position.
ensured that the Institute really can lean on better against inflation in the same period. The RAOs, for example, would have a much
members and RAOs that do not comply with the 1 Use the NOSs to define a more sophisticated increased costs and risk losing work to
IFA’s expectations under Principle 5, including the On the other hand, there are recognised problems gradation of responsibilities – though this is not unregistered competitors, making their staff
salary recommendations. In parallel, the with the recommendations (several were recognised the most important priority redundant (presumably to work for unregulated
development of National Occupational Standards at the time, but wisely disregarded in the interests organisations at below the recommended
(NOS) was the first step in a process of defining the of pragmatism). 2 Undertake benchmarking of key posts with minima) – or they pull out of the RAO scheme
skills required for various roles in archaeology, equivalents in other sectors, to see that leaving the IFApowerless to influence their pay
identifying the qualifications and professional 1 With just three levels they do not reflect the arguments can be made for regradings where practices. But there are two scenarios where all –
membership grades that show an archaeologist has range of skills and responsibilities, and are a the skills of archaeologists have not been or at least many – employers could move
those skills and is competent to undertake one of rather blunt instrument recognised and the wrong pay comparators forward together.
8 The Archaeologist Winter 2002 Number 43 9
IFA p ay & c o n d i t i o n s
A NEW CONTRACT
for
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
The first opportunity is an industry-wide pay towards compliance with Article 3 of the Valletta
bargaining scheme. Prospect and the IFAhave been Convention. Non-IFAmembers signing up to the WORK
exploring such a scheme for a few years now, and statement of principles will not be bound by them
since last September have evolved with SCAUM a and there is no obvious mechanism for Peter Hinton
potential structure whereby SCAUM represents the enforcement. For this reason there is a good
employers, and Prospect represents the employees argument for requiring something stronger for
together with any other trade union with commercial work (while ensuring that addressing
archaeologist members – that wants to be part of the problems of the profession places no additional
theses arrangements. The IFAcould act as an honest obstacles in the way of voluntary sector fieldwork,
broker and facilitator in the negotiations, and would which should be encouraged), and so English An invaluable new tool is now available for
ensure that its minimum salary recommendations Heritage is taking forward internally proposals for archaeological contractors and their clients. On 30
matched the negotiated agreement, thus binding its requiring appropriate accreditation (based on the September the Institution of Civil Engineering (ICE)
members and RAOs to the deal (providing meeting principles of registration or IFAmembership) for and the IFAlaunched the Conditions of contract for
the minimum pay requirements becomes projects that it commissions or for which it advises archaeological investigation. This document forms
mandatory on RAOs, rather than a forceful on scheduled monument consent. We hope that part of the family of contracts produced by ICE’s
recommendation that appends a health warning to guidance to planning authorities will extend this publishing arm, and moves us on from the valuable
those not complying). This is an important practice into the majority of commercial work. but now dated Technical Paper by Tim Darvill and
safeguard in the case of any SCAUM or other Only if there are clear commercial disadvantages Meryl Atkins. Based on conditions of contract for
employer not recognising Prospect. Prospect has in not being registered can RAOs cope with the ground investigations it was produced by a
drafted a proposed pay bargaining structure based kinds of cost increases that the profession needs, working party of the Conditions of Contract Joint
on tested formulae used in other industries: and the IFAmust require. Steering Committee (CCJSC – made up of
discussions continue within SCAUM about it and representatives of ICE, the Civil Engineering
we look forward to progress, as this brings the Industry-wide pay bargaining and accreditation Contractors Association, the Association of
promise of a coordinated, commercially viable schemes are used in other industries and are lawful. Consulting Engineers and legal advisors) and IFA
programme of significant pay awards to bring And there may be help from the Office for representatives Mike Heaton, Dan Johnston and
archaeology in line with equivalent professions. Government Commerce, which has recently Taryn Nixon, with input from Peter Barker, Mike
published the Gershon Efficiency Review. Dawson and Peter Hinton. The ICE has generously
The second opportunity is to use benchmarks of Government has accepted the need to reform the covered all the legal, secretarial and publishing
quality to impose some barriers to entry to the way it commissions work from the voluntary and costs of a two-year programme of drafting, and in
profession. As reported by Christopher Young at community sector, and it may be that some of the return receives the revenues from sales. The ICE
the 2003 AGM, English Heritage is also Eganism of the report’s recommendations can be and IFAsee this as the starting point of an
considering ways of improving standards of work exported to the archaeological world. None of the important and valued working relationship.
directly under its control, for example by approaches set out here is perfect, and none of it is
stipulating that EH would only approve or fund easy. If there are better ideas, we want to know. But The conditions of contract represented recognise the
work carried out by a MIFA, an RAO or by bodies the status quo is clearly unsatisfactory and cannot need for an updated standard form of contract in a
or individuals who could demonstrate equivalent continue. It’s not just archaeologist that say so – sizeable market (we know that there was £67m of
levels of skills and experience. Since then English look at the recommendations on pay and conditions privately funded archaeology in England alone in
Heritage, working on behalf of DCMS with made by the All-Party Parliamentary Archaeology 2000), and consolidate archaeologists’ position as a
Historic Scotland, Cadw and the Northern Ireland Group for the politicians’ view. core part of the construction process. They indicate
Environment and Heritage Service, has been fine- to the construction sector that archaeologists play
tuning the voluntary ‘statement of principles’ Peter Hinton by the same rules as everyone else, and show that
(based on the IFACode of conduct) to move the UK Director of IFA the profession (and its Institute) is growing up,
establishing the professional status of archaeology
and archaeologists in the eyes of other construction
professionals.
There are many advantages to archaeologists in
S
A
oL using this contact. Clients and their professional
M
© teams will recognise the format and will be assured
10 The Archaeologist Autumn 2004 Number 54 11
In north-west Europe we are familiar with
the process of commercial archaeology on
behalf of private clients. Realities of
globalisation and the urgent needs of
development and renewal across Europe
mean that challenges of managing this impact
on archaeological remains now have to be
tackled across the Continent. Most of the
current member states of the EU (including
many pre-2004 members) are still coping
with the impact of development through state
heritage agencies which are poorly placed to
Roman goldmine at Rosia
5
cope with these new challenges. Montana. © Alburnus Maior
Sitting on a issues of client/contactor
GOLD MINE: relationships in Europe
Kenneth Aitchison
that it has been drafted by construction mountains, is the spectacular archaeological site on the EAAwebsite regarding archaeological
professionals, reducing the amount of Roman gold in Rumania of Alburnus Maior, a Roman gold mine with involvement and road development near Tara in
negotiation and obviating the need for The issue surfaced in a fiercely confrontational way remarkable preservation within the galleries of Ireland.
alterations to drafts. It is a tried and tested at the European Association of Archaeologists the ancient mines. The mineral resource still
format that is safe and easy to use, and is meeting held in Lyon, 8 – 11 September, when a has significant economic value, and a mining Mediation for sustainability
based on 150 years of contract writing proposal was made for EAAto support a formal consortium, led by a Canadian company, seeks Rosia Montana is a landmark issue which signifies
5
experience. It balances the risk between client statement of concern regarding the impact of mining to exploit this. that, across the twenty-five EU member states and
and archaeologist (indeed it is relatively development at the site of Rosia Montana in beyond, commercial archaeology as the means to
5
generous to archaeologists), and formalises Romania. Rosia Montana, high in the Apuseni Commercial archaeology, no conflict mediate a sustainable outcome to development’s
5
the circumstances in which damages and Most EAAmembers are academics, working mainly impact on archaeology is a reality in the present
penalties would be applicable, thus making with prehistory. Few have significant experience of and will become the norm in the near future.
them more predictable. It is flexible, and does commercial archaeology, and the concept of working
not prescribe how the archaeological work ethically for clients seems alien. But this was exactly Roman mausoleum at Ros5ia
should be done or costed, and should what we were seeing at Lyon – Romanian Montana. © Alburnus Maior
therefore be usable in all circumstances. It archaeologists responding appropriately on behalf
also demonstrates the professionalism of the of their clients, for whom they are managing the
contractor or consultant proposing the potential impact of development on archaeological
contract. Finally, it is accompanied by remains.
guidance notes that not only provide advice
on how the clauses should be interpreted, but Heated discussion came about as the relatively
also provide the client with information about mildly-worded statement proposed to the meeting
the various roles and responsibilities in was met with vigorous rebuffal from Romanian
archaeology – and their own responsibilities. archaeologists working at the site, who felt that
EAAwas looking to criticise the archaeological work
Copies can be obtained for £15 from that was being undertaken there.
Thomas Telford Publishing,
1 Heron Quay, London, E14 4JD, Earlier mistake
020 7987 6999, fax [phone] EAAhas made an embarrassing mistake relating to
www.t-telford.co.uk commercial archaeology and best practice before
Roman mine gallery, RosiaMontana. © Alburnus Maior when, early in 2004, an inaccurate story was posted
5
12 The Archaeologist Autumn 2004 Number 54 13
B r i t i s h A r c h a e o l o g i c a l
A w a r d s 2 0 0 4
The biennial BAA was Mick Aston Presentation Award). The overall covering work in England, Northern
winner was the Caithness Archaeological Trust, Ireland, Scotland and Wales: The Earl
held this year in Belfast, which acts as a bridge in bringing voluntary and of Abergavenny – Historical Record and
professional groups together and contributes to Wreck Excavation,by Edward M
and for the second time making archaeological heritage important relevant Cumming (an interactive CD-ROM),
to the modern world. The involvement of The Barland’s Farm Romano-Celtic
included an Award community with professional archaeologists to Boat, by Nigel Nayling and Seán
study the historic environment is well recognised McGrail (CBAResearch Report 138,
sponsored by IFA. as the best way forward, and the panel of judges see Reviews, this volume) and two
regarded this project as an important development papers in the International Journal
IFA members and RAOs
in Scottish archaeology and one that may be used of Nautical Archaeology relating to
as a model throughout the UK. the protected wreck site at
were well represented
Kinlochbervie, one by Philip
An Award that is of great interest for maritime Robertson, discussing the wreck
in many categories too.
archaeologists is the Keith Muckelroy Award, itself and the other by Duncan
sponsored by the IFAMaritime Affairs Group and Brown and Celia Curnow on the
There is only space to
the Keith Muckelroy Trust. It is given for the best ceramic assemblage for the site. The Strangford Lough, winner of
Awards in Belfast: BAA
published work on British maritime, nautical or overall winner was Strangford Lough: An the Keith Muckelroy Award
2004 was held in mention a few highlights
underwater archaeology that reflects the pioneering Archaeological Survey of the Maritime Cultural for Maritime Archaeology
Elmwood Hall, Belfast
ideas and scholarly standards of the late Keith Landscape, by Thomas McErlean, Rosemary
here, but there are full
Muckelroy. Shortlisted entries coincidently McConkey and Wes Forsythe, forming Northern
represented the geographical scope of the award, Ireland Archaeological Monograph No 5.
details on CBA’s website
at www.britarch.ac.uk.
Keith Muckelroy Award: Representatives of
Nigel Nayling receives his Caithness
certificate for Barlands Archaeological Trust,
Farm, co-authored with worthy winners of the
Sean McGrail IFA Award. Andy Heald
The IFAAwardgoes to the best holds the trophy.
archaeological project undertaken by a Photograph: Mike
professional team or mixed Brooks
professional/voluntary partnership
demonstrating a commitment to recognised
professional standards and ethics. This year,
there were special commendations for The
Marine Aggregate Dredging and the Historic
Environment: Guidance Noteand also the
Myer’s Wood Project, a collaboration between
the Huddersfield and District Archaeological
Society and the Department of Archaeological
Science at the University of Bradford to
investigate a medieval iron industrial site (this
project also ended up as overall winner of the
14 The Archaeologist Autumn 2004 Number 54 15
No re-enactors please,
The Current Archaeology Awardfor Developer- Albion Archaeology, along with Bedford Borough
Funded Archaeology,for the project which best Council, the Bedford Design Group and DSD
w e ’ r e a r c h a e o l o g i s t s !
demonstrates the value of developer-funded Contracting distinguished itself in the Heritage in
archaeology, naturally had an excellent crop of Britain Award, sponsored by English Heritage,
RAOs as highly commended entries. At the Harts Historic Scotland and Cadw, for the best project Kim Biddulph
Hill Quarry in Berkshire, Cotswold Archaeology securing long-term preservation of a site or
excavated an extensive Middle Bronze Age monument. The royal castle at Bedford was
settlement, in the middle of which they found deliberately wrecked to prevent its ever being used
evidence for iron working, which gave radiocarbon again after a siege in 1224. By 2001 it was reduced to
What does live interpretation mean? Bearded men
dates of around 1000 BC – somewhat earlier than ‘an ugly blemish ….. in an urban wasteland.’
in ill-fitting Saxon outfits bashing each other with
the beginning of the Iron Age. Two excellent entries Imaginative regeneration has opened up the area,
axes? Buxom wenches in velvet declaiming in faux-
from Pre-Construct Archaeologylooked at Roman linked it to the nearby museum and galleries, and
sites in London. At the Tabard Square, Southwark, created an attractive park close to the river Shakespearean? Or a worthy but dull tour guide
they found one of the most extensive Roman temple embankment. The castle mound has re-emerged as a talking in minute detail about Georgian bricks?
precincts yet found in London, and at Shadwell in recognisable historic feature within as an amenity Kim Biddulph, archaeologist and Company
the East End, they found the second largest set of area, and presents to the people of Bedford a lost
Secretary of History Talking, a company that
baths from Roman London. part of their history.
provides historical interpreters and training in
interpretative techniques, draws on experiences in
At Gayhurst, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire
Archaeologyexcavated a barrow where the original providing professional interpretation at Historic
ceremonies appear to have been accompanied by a Royal Palaces and training guides for the Royal
feast which involved the slaughter of some 600 Collection.
cows. And in Leominster, Archenfield Archaeology
(not yet an RAO but we will give some Following the session on interpretation at the 2004
encouragement) has excavated an extensive area of IFAconference, and given that I worked as a
the medieval town in advance of a new store for the costumed interpreter for four years, I began to think
Focus DIYGroup. The worthy winner was Wessex about how to improve the quality of live
Archaeology, for the Amesbury Archer, where interpretation on archaeological sites. Tracy Borman
scientific analysis has shown that the person buried of English Heritage mentioned the advantages of
was almost certainly an immigrant, who according professional costumed interpretation briefly in TA
to the chemical composition of his teeth, was 45but only as an adjunct to re-enactment. The
probably brought up in central Europe. recently published Opening Doorsreport for the
Attingham Trust noted that ‘Living History’ or re-
enactment can form the backbone of the learning
The ‘tower’ with new green oak shelter and rebuilt revetment wall
experience at heritage sites but that the most
interesting work is outside this ‘Living History’
Artist's impression of the framework.
design proposals. Artwork
by Cecily Marshall I was a costumed interpreter, not a re-enactor. I did
not re-enact events, I interpreted them. Sometimes
An interpreter in
this may have involved dancing or dressing in
Edwardian costume
public but it was always interpreted, not just
leads an education
shown, and this was alongside guided tours,
session at
presentations and education sessions. These were
Monaughty Hall in
not your average lectures but were delivered in an
Wales. © History
interpretative way, using architectural features and
Talking Ltd, 2004
furnishings to explore social history.
What I did was not acting. Acting involves This contrast was brought out in a recent experience
dramatising the past, not interpreting it. If the truth of a colleague at History Talkingwho had a meeting
is not exciting enough, actors will embellish it. with an actor working regularly at an historic site in
What interpretation does is to make connections London. The actor was explaining how she had
between people now and in the past, so facts do not written a script for a tour. My colleague mentioned
have to be embellished. And interpretation does not a job she had done in Cambridge. ‘We didn’t put on
have to be in character. Many visitors can be put off a show, we just did interpretative conversation. We
by an actor speaking Tudor-ese at them. chatted.’ The actor was surprise at the thought of
16 The Archaeologist Autumn 2004 Number 54 17
&
• ‘interpretation is an art… Any art is in some way LOCAL AUTHORITIES
teachable’ (9).
MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY
The last rule is fundamental as it implies that
anyone can learn to interpret well. So even if you
can’t afford professional interpreters at your events, Robin Daniels
whether in costume or not, get trained to do it
Tees Archaeology
yourself instead. There’s a live interpreter in all of
staff monitoring the
us! Local authorities don’t have to do maritime
Designated Historic
archaeology. They have no powers beyond Low
Wreck at Seaton
Kim Biddulph Water and no resources for the work, and as we do
Carew, near
History Talking not fulfil a planning role in the marine environment
Hartlepool © Tees
www.historytalking.co.uk. we have no input into what actually happens.
Archaeology
Nevertheless, local authority archaeologists with
Bevan, B, Barnatt, J, Dymond, M, Edmonds, M & coastlines still feel that they have a professional
Three interpreters in such close contact with visitors. Public archaeology McElearney, G, 2004. Public prehistories: engaging responsibility for their offshore areas.
Edwardian costume projects have, however, used actors to great effect, archaeology on Gardom’s Edge, Derbyshire. In Henson, D,
talk to alumni at for instance at Gardom’s Edge in Derbyshire. Actors Stone, P& Corbishley, M (eds), Education and the Historic There are three good reasons why local authority
Trinity Hall, took roles in prehistory to explore certain themes Environment. Routledge. 195-211 archaeologists are a key part of the jigsaw in
creating a system to look after the maritime heritage
Cambridge. © and emphasised the difficult nature of interpreting
History Talking Ltd, archaeology. In my view, the actors at Gardom’s Borman, T, 2002 English Heritage: bringing monuments to of the UK.
2004 Edge were actually interpreters. life. The Archaeologist45 22-3
Firstly, there is our professional responsibility and
Interpretation should capitalise on studies such as Silverman, L, 1997 Personalising the past: a review of interest. Alarge element of the offshore area
Lois Silverman’s. She identified five ways in which literature with implications for historical interpretation. comprises drowned landscapes, a continuation of
people might learn about the past Journal of interpretation research2 (1) early prehistoric landscapes on land. Without
considering these landscapes we only achieve a
• first hand experience.Interpreters get visitors
involved where a piece of theatre cannot Tilden, F, 1957 Interpreting our heritage. Chapel Hill: limited picture of life in early prehistory. The seas
• using a life story.Acostumed interpreter can University of North Carolina Press. also contain the remains of seacraft, a key part in
the social, technological and commercial
represent a specific person and use their life to
illustrate themes Waterfield, G, 2004 Opening Doors: Learning in the Historic development of the UK. It is inconceivable that The provision of the appropriate powers and
• using a trusted individual as a source. Interpreters Environment. The Attingham Trust. those with a responsibility to ensure the recording resources to local authority archaeologists will ‘Partnership’ – a
and conservation of archaeological sites should
strive to be amiable and welcoming and are create a local element for the recording and curation successful joint
ignore these elements of our past.
never sarcastic about visitors as a way of making of the marine historic environment which is missing Tees Archaeology/
an historical point at present. But it is of course a matter for national Nautical
Local authority archaeologists are of course
• understanding artefacts as symbols in people’s lives. government to specify these powers. Archaeology
custodians of SMR/HERs, the principal records of
Archaeologists are best placed to interpret Society North-East
archaeological sites in a given locality. There is huge
material culture, and can be excellent interpreters Robin Daniel project to record a
scope for these records to plug into the local
• using professional historical skills.The interpreter Chair ALGAO Maritime Committee foreshore wreck at
knowledge of divers, fishermen and maritime
always tries to lay bare the mechanics of Hartlepool © Tees
researchers in a way that national records would
interpretation, mentioning, for example, sources Archaeology
find impossible. Of course we will need resources
and their reliability.
to do this but the gains would be substantial.
But what is interpretation? Anybody setting out as
The third reason is the experience and expertise
an educational or community archaeologist should
which local authority archaeologists possess in
read Freeman Tilden’s Interpreting our heritage.
dealing with planning related issues and casework
According to Tilden historical interpretation follows
on a day by day basis. The pace of marine
certain principles. Amongst these are:
development is increasing and sensitivity to that
• interpretation is ‘An educational activity which
development is also increasing. National agencies
aims to reveal meanings and relationships
are already hard pressed to deal with this and local
through the use of original objects, by first hand
communities are becoming increasingly concerned
experience, and by illustrative media, rather than
about substantial offshore developments, such as
simply to communicate factual information’
windfarms, which can have a major impact on
• ‘any interpretation that does not somehow relate Children play with an
adjacent areas but over which there is little local
what is being displayed or described to interpreter’s Elizabethan dress
control.
something within the personality or experience at Monaughty Hall in Wales.
of the visitor will be sterile’ © History Talking Ltd, 2004
18 The Archaeologist Autumn 2004 Number 54 19