Ebook - South Yorkshire’s archaeological past unveiled in new e-book

FROM Roman remains to industrial heritage...


Many artefacts providing clues about South Yorkshire’s past have been unearthed.

Now Sheffield-based archaeologist Kenneth Aitchison is telling the story of how they were discovered as part of a hi-tech new publication - available exclusively as an e-book.

The 42-year-old’s volume, Breaking New Ground: how archaeology works - explores how archaeology grew as a profession after new planning rules were introduced in 1990.

Dr Aitchison, of Walkley, said: “This led to archaeological work taking place before the construction of major developments such as the completion of the Sheffield inner ring road where many significant industrial sites were excavated.

“It also led to the discovery of a Roman cremation cemetery beneath the former Doncaster College at Waterdale.”

Dr Aitchison describes his book as a ‘valuable guide’ to anyone interested in how archaeology has developed from being a hobby for enthusiastic amateurs into a profession employing more than 6,000 people around the UK.

The book also tells how archaeologists have been badly affected by the economic downturn of recent years, with ARCUS, once Sheffield’s largest archaeological company, closing in 2009.

The book has been published for Kindle at £2.87, meaning that ‘the price won’t put people off’, said Dr Aitchison, managing director of Landward Research Ltd, a social enterprise which undertakes research and develops training for historic environment professionals.

Anna Badcock, of ArcHeritage, an archaeological practice based on Campo Lane, praised the book saying: “It’s good to see a book that thoroughly looks at how professional archaeology is organised.”

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/south-yorkshire-s-archaeological-past-unveiled-in-new-e-book-1-4554910

News - Action threat over fears of lost heritage as buildings bulldozed

DEVELOPERS are being threatened with enforcement action by council archaeologists over failures to meet planning obligations which are designed to protect and record important historical sites and artefacts.


Several sites have been identified where cash-strapped builders have left archaeological digs and projects incomplete, leading to worries that irreplaceable evidence is being lost as the bulldozers move in.

Archaeologists employed by South Yorkshire’s four councils said the problem was now so widespread that they had been forced to call in colleagues from their enforcement departments to remind firms of their responsibilities.

Conditions are attached to most major planning consents which oblige the developers to engage the services of private archaeology firms to survey and catalogue any finds on building sites before work begins.

This is overseen by a planning authority’s own archaeological service, with staff keeping a record of which firm is carrying out work on which site, and signing off when the obligations have been fulfilled.

Particular problems with the process have surfaced in South Yorkshire after some private companies, including Sheffield University-based Arcus, disbanded – leaving some sites unsurveyed and archaeological work half-finished.

Dinah Saich, the principal archaeologist at South Yorkshire Archaeology Service (SYAS), which covers Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley, said archaeology was often not the “first thing” on firms’ minds.

She added: “In any planning case there are a number of conditions attached and the reason councils have enforcement officers is that things can go wrong at any stage of the process.

“We are now having to work with the enforcement teams at councils in certain problem areas, particularly in cases and on sites where the developer can’t easily be tracked down.”

According to a recent report written by South Yorkshire Archaeology Service staff, one site is currently of major concern, because the company developing is not responding to attempts to negotiate.

The report says: “Enforcement officers have been assisting SYAS with a number of cases where planning conditions are outstanding, but unfortunately the developers of one scheme cannot be reached and it is unlikely that this project will now be completed.

“We continue to liaise with Sheffield University over these and other projects that require completion,

“The Department of Archaeology is investigating whether research funding can be obtained to see some of these excavations and building recording projects through to completion.”

According to the report, the scheme where developers cannot be contacted is particularly important because is covers the site of the city’s former Sylvester Wheel.

The wheel, which was in Sylvester Street, close to the city centre, was used for grinding edge tools, and represents an important part of the city’s industrial and toolmaking heritage.

Ms Saich said: “The problem is that developers had signed up with providers like Arcus and we are now having to try and persuade them that they need to sign up with someone else to meet their obligations.

“Often companies think that because they haven’t heard anything about the archaeology, in some cases for a few years, that they just don’t need to finish the project, and don’t need to spend money on it.

“But every site that has not been properly surveyed is an issue for us and work must be seen through.”

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/action-threat-over-fears-of-lost-heritage-as-buildings-bulldozed-1-4385698

News - Sponsored by Archaeologists show hi-tech vision of city’s historic past (Sheffield Castle)

WITH its looming front wall and mist clouded moat, it has the aura of a fortress from Lord Of The Rings.

But this is how Sheffield Castle would have looked according to a new study by city archaeologists.

Experts from construction firm Arcus and students from the Sheffield University produced the stunning image as part of an investigation into the make-up and significance of the 13th century building.

They drew on previous excavations and studies of contemporary castles during their research.

Now castle campaigner Ron Clayton is to present the picture to Lord Mayor Sylvia Dunkley in a bid to keep the historic building in the public mind.

“Without the castle there would be no Sheffield, it’s that simple,” says historian Ron of Hillsborough. “The early markets survived because of this stronghold and that’s why it’s important images like this are shown to people.”

Now he will continue putting pressure on the authorities to excavate the remains currently buried beneath, appropriately enough, Castle Market.

“I’ve said it for a long time and I’ll continue saying it,” he says. “We have this treasure under our feet and we should be making the most of it and using it to regenerate the city.”

The castle was built in 1270 but, after being used as a Royal stronghold during the English Civil War, was knocked down by victorious Parliamentarians in the late 1640s.

No plans or drawings from the period remain.

A presentation will be made in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour in the Town Hall on July 27.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/archaeologists_show_hi_tech_vision_of_city_s_historic_past_1_3591468