Cyngor Archaeoleg Brydeinig CYMRU Council for British Archaeology WALES ** Online Information for Archaeology in Wales **

In this issue:

Institute of Field Archaeologists Annual Conference

Council for British Archaeology Member’s Weekend

A Research Framework for Welsh Archaeology – update

National Archaeology Days 19 – 20 July 2003

A Partnership to Preserve and Provide Access to our Past

Readership awarded to Dr Ray Howell

Tir Gofal – archaeology on the farm: the work of an archaeological trust

Recent Developments in the Uplands Initiative

CBA Wales-Cymru Spring Symposium

Editorial

I would like to draw your attention to two important conferences. The first, chronologically, is the Institute of Field Archaeologists annual conference, which this year is being held at Bangor on the 15–17 April 2003. This is the first time that the conference has come to Wales. Second, this year the Council for British Archaeology has decided to hold its AGM at Liverpool and incorporate it within a Member’s Weekend which will include the annual Beatrice de Cardi lecture. This will take place on the weekend of 26-28 September 2003. May I also draw your attention to our Spring Meeting, which will be at Montgomery on Saturday 29 March, and to the CBA organised National Archaeology Days which this year will be 19 ­ 20 July 2003. Further details of all these events are included in this Newsletter.

The four regional seminars concerned with the Research Framework for Wales noted in the last Newsletter were successfully held last autumn. In this issue Gwilym Hughes reports on progress, and sets out the strategy for completion of the framework.

Tir Gofal, the all Wales agri-environment scheme, which includes a significant cultural heritage and archaeology input, has been running for several years. As more and more farmers apply to join the scheme, more and more archaeological resources are dedicated to serve it. It is therefore timely that Alice Pyper reports on how this scheme is handled by one archaeological organisation.

Phil Parkes provides a progress report on A Partnership to Preserve and Provide Access to our Past ­ an assessment of the physical condition of and access to archaeological finds and excavation archives in Wales.

It is over 10 years since the start of the Uplands Initiative. A progress report has appeared in a previous edition of this Newsletter. However, as new developments are taking place, it seems appropriate to provide an update.

In the last issue of the Newsletter the former editor noted that most articles had a north Wales bias, reflecting his place of work and contacts. I have clearly relied on my contacts, and therefore there is a south Wales bias in this issue. I would therefore request that if anyone has a paper, article or short note they consider suitable for inclusion in the Newsletter from anywhere in Wales, then please send it to me at the address below.

Ken Murphy
Cambria Archaeology,
The Shire Hall,
Carmarthen Street,
Llandeilo,
Carmarthenshire SA19 6AF
email: ken@acadat.com

10 January 2003

Institute of Field Archaeologists Annual Conference

In association with the Department of History and Welsh History, University of Wales, Bangor

This is the first time that the IFA annual conference has visited Wales. As usual the conference will have a number of different and varied sessions. The main theme will be ‘Britain in Europe’, but also the conference will be celebrating the 21st year of the Institute. Sessions include:

• Ethnic participation and British archaeology in the 21st century
• European funding for archaeological projects
• Remote sensing for archaeology
• Planning archaeology: inferring archaeological potential in theory and practice
• The archaeology of inland waterways
• Uplands archaeology
• Information standards in archaeology
• Agency archaeology
• Developments in British maritime archaeology
• Recent work on the Iron Age in France
• Urban design in the historic environment
• Archaeology and young people
• IFA Registered Archaeological Organisations
• Current issues and future problems in archaeological resource management

The conference fees are £93 (£36 per day) for IFA members, £160 (£60 per day) for non-members, £40 (£15 per day) for IFA students/unwaged, and £110 (£40 per day) for non-members who are students or unwaged. Further details and a booking form are available online at www.archaeologists.net, or from:

The Institute of Field Archaeologists
University of Reading
2 Earley Gate
PO Box 239
Reading RG6 6AU

Tel 0118 931 6446

Council for British Archaeology Member’s Weekend

For 2003 it is proposed to replace the usual September AGM held in London with a weekend event for CBA members and guests, incorporating the Beatrice de Cardi lecture. The event will be held in Liverpool, in association with CBA North West, from 26-28 September. If successful, the event could be held annually at different venues around the UK in collaboration with a CBA National/Regional Group.

Further details will be circulated in the near future, or can be obtained from:
Council for British Archaeology
Bowes Morrell House
111 Walmgate
York YO1 9WA
Tel 01904 671417
Email: info@britarch.ac.uk

A Research Framework for Welsh Archaeology – update

The second stage of the process has now been completed with the holding of the four regionally based seminars during the autumn of 2002. All four of the seminars were well attended with between 50 and 70 people present at each one. Interestingly, the nature of the audience varied slightly between each of the seminars. The amateur sector and local societies were well represented at the northwest seminar at the University of Bangor and at the southeast seminar at the National Museum and Art Gallery in Cardiff whereas the contract archaeology sector was well represented at the east and northeast seminar at the County Offices in Welshpool. Professional archaeologists and the university sector were particularly well represented at the southwest seminar at Trinity College, Carmarthen. The overall diversity of the audiences was very encouraging and suggested that all sectors involved in Welsh archaeology were keen to become involved with the establishment of the agenda and strategy. Particular thanks are due to the staff from the Welsh Archaeological Trusts and from the host institutions for the success of the meetings and to Cadw for helping to fund this stage of the process.

All of the papers were pre-circulated to those who attended the seminars and drafts of the papers presented at the northwest seminar and at the east and northeast seminars have now been made available though the websites of the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust and the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust respectively.

The next stage is for the authors of the papers to produce revised drafts that will take account of the discussion sessions at the seminars and subsequent comments. These revised papers will then be hosted by a dedicated website for the Research Framework exercise. The regional chairs for each chronological period will now being asked to set up a series of meetings and prepare a set of pan-Wales papers drawing together national themes for each period. These papers will then in turn by hosted on the Research Framework website following a period of consultation.

For further details contact:
Kate Geary,
Gwynedd Archaeological Trust
Tel. 01248 352535
email kate.geary@heneb.co.uk

or
Gwilym Hughes,
Cambria Archaeology
Tel 01558 823121
email gwilym@acadat.com

Gwilym Hughes,
Chairman of the Research Framework Steering Group

National Archaeology Days 19 – 20 July 2003

This annual event, organised by the Council for British Archaeology, is offering people of all ages and levels of interest the opportunity to get involved in archaeology. National Archaeology Days 2003 will take place over the weekend of the 19th and 20th July.

Last year 161 sites participated in National Archaeology Days, including ten Welsh sites. The various events attracted over 90,000 visitors. This is an increase of 50% on the previous year¹s figure of 60,000.

We would like to get even more Welsh sites involved so please let organisations know about the event.

The range of activities/events that can be organised is endless. For example site tours, excavation tours, activities for children such as mosaic making, brass rubbing, wattle and daub making, themed Roman, Iron Age days etc.

Any organisation interested in running an event are invited to contact Jan Cox at the CBA on 01904 671417 or email jancox:britarch.ac.uk.

Jan Cox
Marketing & Events Officer
Council for British Archaeology
Bowes Morrell House
111 Walmgate
York
YO1 9WA

A Partnership to Preserve and Provide Access to our Past

A new partnership has been formed to assess the physical condition of and access to archaeological finds and excavation archives in Wales.

The National Museums & Galleries of Wales, The Council of Museums in Wales and Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW) have joined forces in a new initiative to examine the body of evidence retrieved from archaeological investigations, which is crucial to our understanding of the past.

Every year numerous archaeological investigations are undertaken across Wales. Some may be in advance of planning applications for building developments, while others may be or as a result of research designed to enhance our understanding of life in the past. The survey will examine collections spanning some 230,000 years from when our oldest known ancestors lived in Wales to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. The nature of this evidence is very varied and the collections form the primary evidence for understanding our past. It is essential, therefore, to ensure that this archive – comprising archaeological objects and specimens, and the accompanying paper, photographic and digital records – is cared for to ensure its long term preservation and is also made accessible to those who have an interest in studying and learning about Wales’ past.

The partnership has appointed Cardiff based consultants Jane Henderson and Phil Parkes to undertake a complete survey of all such groups of evidence already held in the museums across Wales and deposited with other organisations, such as RCAHMW in Aberystwyth. They will also survey the finds and archives not yet allocated to a permanent repository, but which are currently being held by contracting archaeological units, such as the four regional Welsh Archaeological Trusts, Universities across the country and local societies. It will also evaluate the use made of the evidence from archaeological sites across Wales and the accessibility of information to the people in Wales and beyond. The survey will examine the collecting policies of each of the museums, RCAHMW and other collecting bodies and assess the provision of archaeological expertise across Wales.

The resulting report on this survey is expected to be published in Spring 2003. It will provide an invaluable source of data for museums and other heritage bodies, as well as the Welsh Assembly Government, to help plan the future needs for archaeological storage and also promote the value of the archive. The report will also assist the archaeological profession by determining what material awaits transfer to museums and RCAHMW and helping to identify any space or storage issues associated with this. Another objective is to recommend standards of transfer for archaeological material entering museums, in order to assist with the long-term curation of the archive in a cost effective manner.

Phil Parkes,
School of History and Archaeology,
Cardiff University

Readership awarded to Dr Ray Howell

Dr Ray Howell, Senior Lecturer and Head of History at the School of Humanities and Science at the University of Wales College, Newport has been awarded a Readership in History and Mediaeval Archaeology by the University College.

Commenting on the award, Dr Howell said, “I am very pleased to have been given this Readership - it will enable me to expand and develop my many research interests which include the settlement and economy of Medieval Wales.”

For over a decade, Dr Howell has directed excavations at the decayed medieval urban site at Trelech, near Monmouth, in what was, in the 13th century, one of the two largest towns in Wales. Excavations there, largely conducted by UWCN undergraduate and postgraduate students, have revealed evidence of a presumed medieval hospice site, a motte and bailey castle, and large scale medieval and 17th century iron working.

Recently, Dr. Howell played an active part in the campaign to save the Newport Ship, an important late medieval vessel uncovered by workmen who were excavating the site for a new arts centre on the banks of the River Usk. The ship, which was dated to c.1465, has now been saved for posterity. During the campaign Dr Howell, who is the Council for British Archaeology’s honorary education officer for Wales, managed to enlist the support of Welsh actor and Hollywood star, Sir Anthony Hopkins, gaining some valuable publicity for the campaign.

Dr Howell is also currently working on the new five-volume Gwent County History. He is co-editing Volume I, Gwent from earliest times to the Norman conquest with Professor Miranda Aldhouse-Green of UWCN, and Volume II, Gwent from the Norman conquest to the Tudor accession, with Tony Hopkins of the Gwent County Record Office.

Dr. Howell’s research activities have attracted considerable media interest, with contributions to programmes for the BBC, HTV, S4C, Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and the BBC World Service. His most recent television appearance was in S4C’s major new series “Y Pompeii Cyntaf” which was broadcast in October and subsequently shown twice on S4C Digital.

Tir Gofal – archaeology on the farm: the work of an archaeological trust

Introduction

The Tir Gofal agri-environmental scheme for Wales aims to integrate whole farm environmental and agricultural management under a single agreement. The scheme was introduced in 1999 and is administered by the Countryside Council for Wales on behalf of the National Assembly. The aim of the scheme is to protect and enhance the historic and natural landscapes of Wales through sympathetic agricultural practice.

The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) works closely with a number of other organisations such as Cadw (Welsh Historic Monuments), the Forestry Commission, and the Environment Agency. The four Welsh Archaeological Trusts are mainly involved as consultants to investigate and advise upon the management of the archaeology on these farms. Cambria Archaeology (Dyfed Archaeological Trust) deals with applications in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, these account for about 40% of all Tir Gofal applications in Wales. In reality this means that to date, advice has been offered on over 800 farms.

For Cambria Archaeology Tir Gofal is basically a three-stage process. Firstly, farmers are invited to contact Cambria Archaeology prior to filling out their application forms. Using information from the Sites and Monuments Record and from the farmers themselves a list of archaeological sites is compiled and areas of archaeological potential are identified, which are highlighted on an annotated map. The farmers then use this information to fill out their application forms in which they are asked to state if they are prepared to undertake the restoration or enhancement of historic features such as traditional buildings or other structures.

Secondly, CCW consults Cambria Archaeology about the archaeology on all farms that they approve. This stage is funded by Cadw and involves a further search of historic maps and documentary sources. Management recommendations are provided on all the archaeological sites identified, and on all Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Registered Parks and Gardens in consultation with Cadw.

This is also the point at which about 22% of farms are proposed for the third stage of investigation - a farm visit. This final stage, financed by CCW, involves a more in-depth research of available sources including those held at the National Library of Wales; and of course a visit during which all the archaeology identified at the desktop stage is located and described. Importantly, the farmers and landowners share their own knowledge of the farm¹s landscape and its history. By going out to visit the farms further areas can be identified where the archaeology could be effectively protected or enhanced through the scheme. The information gained from the Tir Gofal farm visit is ultimately fed back into the Sites and Monuments Record and is passed on through the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW) to the national and publicly available web-based database CARN.

In Practice

From an archaeological perspective Tir Gofal provides a tremendous opportunity to visit large areas of countryside that may not have been fully surveyed before. Numerous new sites are discovered and an understanding is developed of those previously known about. But the scheme is not just site oriented, the ethos of Tir Gofal is to protect and enhance the landscape and those historical features which give a particular character to an area. So as well as specific archaeological sites and monuments, extensive landscape features such as field patterns and types of field boundaries are looked at, all of which give a locality its distinct character.

In many cases the farmers themselves supply significant amounts of information, providing details which enrich the archaeological record and offer a poignant comparison of what is seen today with what existed in the past. Through discussions with farmers, it is hoped their interest in archaeology and history will be encouraged. Many of the farmers are interested in the historical maps referred to in the desktop assessments; especially tithe surveys and estate maps which name individual fields. In response to this, copies of these maps are sent to farmers along with their farm visit reports. Often archaeology is seen as sites that are visible, definable and tangibly old, like ruined buildings, mining remains or known scheduled monuments. However, it is hoped that the importance of invisible buried remains, archaeological landscapes and recent oral histories can be put across and broaden the scope of what people see as archaeology.

Of course the main purpose of Cambria Archaeology’s involvement with Tir Gofal is to provide management advice on the archaeology which is identified. By highlighting the historical and archaeological content of the farm, possible areas of conflict can be avoided. When archaeologically sensitive areas are identified, the project officers at CCW can work with the farmers to avoid potentially damaging activities such as tree planting or can take certain areas out of cultivation. Often areas where archaeology is under threat are identified on the farm visits. However, in many cases the solution is a very simple measure. It may just be a case of moving a feed trough away from an archaeological site, to stop animals congregating on the monument.

Very often concerns for the archaeology complement the interests of CCW. For example, where it is recommended that a quarry should be cleared of rubbish to enhance its historic landscape value, a unique and valued eco-habitat may also be provided. Grazing regimes recommended to increase the visibility of an archaeological site can reduce uncontrolled regeneration of bramble and bracken. By recommending the introduction of an interpretation board to explain a prehistoric landscape or a 20th century military defensive landscape alongside a public Right Of Way, CCW’s interests to provide better access to the land can be supported.

Similarly, archaeological work can back up the interest of farmers. Many farmers have been supported who want to restore traditional buildings or related features. A list of advisors and specialists in traditional building techniques can be provided to make the practicalities of this sort of work easier for farmers. Cambria Archaeology also liase with the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW) to ensure that historic farm buildings have a detailed survey in advance of restoration programmes. The scheme is also supporting local craftspeople; practical work initiated through Tir Gofal will bring archaeology into the lives of many people that work in rural industries such as builders that specialise in traditional building techniques.

In the longer term, Tir Gofal will help to preserve an array of archaeological features and farm landscapes for future generations to appreciate. Interpretation boards or information leaflets that are created through the scheme will inform numerous walkers and other passers by about farm archaeology. The educational visits and public access that Tir Gofal encourages will make archaeology on farmland more accessible.

To conclude Tir Gofal makes archaeology an issue for farmers and conservationists who are directly involved in land management. If knowledge and appreciation of the past in the landscape can be increased, there will follow a greater desire to protect the archaeology. It is hoped a sense of history can be conveyed which includes features from all periods – from prehistory to within living memory. For this historic landscape forms an important part of the history and present day identity of living communities.

Alice Pyper,
Cambria Archaeology

Recent Developments in the Uplands Initiative

Two years ago (Newsletter 21), progress in the Uplands Initiative was reported at the end of the first ten years of Royal Commission sponsored survey in the uplands of Wales. The completion of a decade of funded surveys was the occasion for taking stock of the project, reviewing progress and methods in use, and setting out its future direction in order to ensure the project’s conclusion within an acceptable period of time. The next stage of the review is under way as the uplands strategic statement is revised in order to flesh out a programme for the next ten years of the project. A sub-group of the Uplands Steering Committee will explore the feasibility of selective excavation, palaeoecological sampling and other methods of enquiry in partnership with other organisations to augment the results of field survey and enhance our understanding of the uplands. The review, in all its parts, is an essential step in order to accommodate not only developing research priorities in archaeology but also our sponsors at the Welsh Assembly Government from which project funding originates. In the meantime, several developments along with some forthcoming events can be announced.

The second decade of survey began with a false start when the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease effectively suspended field action. Fieldwork recommenced in spring 2002 but with a change of focus. Survey resources are now directed primarily at areas of upland moor and heath. While fringe enclosures, as well as partitioned but otherwise unimproved upland are included in survey, extensive areas of high altitude improved pasture generally have the lowest priority. At the same time, successul bids for survey (selected from a group of higher priority areas identified beforehand) were each the subject of aerial mapping programmes. Prepared in advance of survey, aerial maps are now an obligatory accompaniment to field reconnaissance. The aim is not only to routinely inform field action but also for survey results to be fed back to a revised aerial map which in turn will contribute to a seamless ‘heritage layer’ for Wales created through developments in the Royal Commission’s GIS in partnership with Ordnance Survey. In connection with this a start has been made in surveying to map basic scale selected upland sites recommended in past surveys for scheduling and/or map depiction. The data management procedures required to achieve these aims are being refined by means of an in-house survey of part of Plynlimon.

The hiatus caused by FMD provided an opportunity to press ahead with a publication on uplands archaeology planned to mark the half-way point in the project, and to accelerate its production. The book, now in press, is entitled ‘The Archaeology of the Welsh Uplands’. Extensively illustrated, the book is framed by an introduction setting out the importance and value of the uplands as an archaeological resource with the background to the Uplands Initiative, and a conclusion setting out the achievements and future of the project with a comprehensive bibliography. But the core of the volume is divided into three broad sections. The first comprises a series of case studies documenting the results and analyses of several surveys. The second constitutes chronological and thematic assessments emphasising the contribution made by the Initiative to the history of land use across upland Wales. The last of these sections highlights the economic benefits derived from uplands projects obtained by putting the data to work on the ground in a variety of ways as new sources of income are sought for depressed rural areas. The book is to be launched on 24 October 2003 in Cardiff in the context of a day conference organised to mark the event at the National Museums and Galleries of Wales in Cathays Park. The morning session will be addressed by a public figure (to be announced) who will make a keynote presentation and launch the book. This will be followed by presentations on the archaeological content of the uplands. The afternoon session will have a more visionary flavour, speakers dealing with the future of the Welsh uplands, their management and the part to be played by the historic environment in realising the economic potential of rural communities.

The annual conference of the Institute of Field Archaeologists, hosted this year by IFA Wales/Cymru at Bangor, will include a session on uplands archaeology, scheduled for the morning of Wednesday 16 April. Whereas the uplands book and its launch event will emphasise the Welsh dimension, this conference session will take a wider look at contributions being made to our understanding of the uplands from work now under way in England and Scotland alongside that in Wales. The session will include presentations on Bodmin Moor (Peter Herring) and on relict landscapes at Ben Lawers (John Atkinson).

As the project progresses through its second decade, 2003 promises to be a noteable year for uplands archaeology in Wales with the Initiative developing along new paths and adopting a higher profile.

The Royal Commission staff responsible for the Uplands Initiative are Stephen Hughes (direct line 01970 621215: e-mail stephen.hughes@rcahmw.org.uk) and David Leighton (direct line 01970 621204: e-mail david.leighton@rcahmw.org.uk).

David Leighton,
RCAHMW

CBA Wales-Cymru Spring Symposium

Montgomery 29 March 2003

Our Spring Symposium will this year be held in Montgomery at the invitation of the Powysland Club, on the afternoon of Saturday, 29 March. The theme will be air photography, and the speakers will be Dave MacLoed of English Heritage who will be sharing some of his 'insiders impressions' of the Time Flyers series and Toby Driver of the RCAHMW will be giving a personal look recent developments in aerial archaeology in Europe. It is intended that CBA Wales-Cymru members will not see this as irrelevant, but rather a diversion from 'just Wales' and an update on some important developments. Finally a presentation will be given about a forthcoming aerial photography book, Montgomeryshire from the Air, sponsored by Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust, RCAHMW and the Powysland Club, with the pick of the images from ancient landscapes to modern townscapes.