Community
"Wessex Archaeology’s role is to investigate the past and make it relevant, interesting and important to all stakeholders – to provide access to the past for the public” Sue Davies, OBE, Chief Executive
Britain is very rich in archaeology so new developments can pose a threat to our buried heritage. But they can also be an opportunity to find out more about our past. Since the 1990s local authority planning departments have required developers to pay for archaeologists to assess their site, to record what is there, to advise them as to how buried features might be protected, and if this is not possible, to excavate and record them.
Sometimes the job must be done very quickly but when the site is safe and accessible and the client gives permission, Wessex Archaeology arranges open days, information panels and leaflets so that local residents can see work in progress and find out what has been discovered from the investigation.
For every project a report is written for the client who commissioned the work and the county archaeologist. Copies of these reports are lodged with the relevant county Sites and Monuments Records and so they are accessible to the public.
When the discoveries warrant it, the information is published. Often it appears as an article in a professional journal and in magazines like British Archaeology and Current Archaeology. Information also appears in the press and media, and of course, on the pages of this web site.
Our archaeologists are pleased to be asked to give talks about the sites they have excavated. They give lectures to local societies, students and other professionals.
To book a lecture for your local society, please contact:
Margaret Bunyard, Education Manager, Wessex Archaeology, Portway House, Old Sarum Park, Salisbury, SP4 6EB.
Telephone: 01722 343414 or email m.bunyard@wessexarch.co.uk
Pan Summer Excavation 2007
In the summer of 2007, The Pan Neighbourhood Committee asked Wessex Archaeology to organise a small archaeological dig at Pan, Newport, Isle of Wight. The aim was both to give children from Pan something exciting to do and to encourage their interest in local history.
Local residents suggested the site. They could remember finding things on this 19th/20th century rubbish dump when they were children.
Volunteers digging the site at Pan, Isle of Wight
Every day about ten children came along for a morning or afternoon and everyday there was a blog about their activities on the Wessex Archaeology website.
They found lots of pieces of coloured glass, animal bones, pottery, and even a polished bone toothbrush labelled ‘The Economist'.
A polished bone toothbrush labelled ‘The Economist'
Over 15 Victorian and Edwardian bottles were found, which once held ink, blacking, lemonade, perfume, or ginger beer. One bottle in particular had contained medicine - with an expiry date of 1906!
Over 15 Victorian and Edwardian bottles were found
The children washed and recorded the finds which they had recovered and once the dig was finished the results of their hard work went on display at the Isobel Centre, Pan.
Children excavating their trench
The exhibition at the Isobel Centre, Pan.