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

Article - Prehistoric and Roman remains are discovered (South Yorkshire)

GRAVES from a Roman cemetery and buried prehistoric artefacts are among the discoveries identified in the latest searches by theSouth Yorkshire Archaeological Service.

Experts from the service carry out examinations of proposed development sites around the county to ensure secrets from the past are not misses.

One of their latest discoveries involved checking aerial photographs of land earmarked for a new school and gospel hall on Todwick Road, North Anston.

In their report, archaeologists said: “A study demonstrates the application area sits within a landscape of later prehistoric and Roman features visible as crop marks.

“There is, therfore, potential for archaeological remains relating to these periods to exist on site.”

The report recommends a search of the site for remains.

Meanwhile, excavations at Waterdale, Doncaster town centre, have found evidence of a Roman cemetery.

Archaeologists reported: “Between 20 and 30 individual burials were identified, along with a number of complete cremation urns, pottery, glass vessels and oil lamps. Bulk samples indicate evidence for feasting and votive offerings and some burnt material is suggested to be the site of a funeral pyre.”

Other findings include evidence of a possible iron age settlement and fields on a site at Goldthorpe Industrial Estate.

A trackway and Romano-British field boundaries, dating back about 2,000 years, were found buried beneath land at Outwood Academy, Doncaster.

In Sheffield, archaeologists have asked for a record to be made of the history of the former Abbey Glen laundry, Coniston Road, Abbeydale, in case it is demolished for redevelopment, because of the building’s ‘importance as a local historic structure’.

Archaeologists will also record the condition of a historic waterwheel site at Kelham Island Goit, before a new wheel is built there to generate electricity. There are currently features from the 17th-19th centuries at the site.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/local/prehistoric-and-roman-remains-are-discovered-1-4339119

Policy - proposed policy for Sheffield City Council Archaeological Fieldwork on its Land

"As a landowner, the City Council recognises it has a responsibility to conserve and protect archaeological remains on its land. All archaeological evidence is unique and irreplaceable and constitutes a cultural asset that needs to be protected for the benefit of future generations.  Archaeological evidence also provides an opportunity for enhancing our understanding of past societies through investigation. Such investigations can also act as an important focus for community engagement. The City Council, therefore, welcomes carefully thought-out research proposals for investigation of remains on its land.

The Council will take advice from the South Yorkshire Archaeology Service, its archaeological advisers, on the suitability of any proposals for archaeological fieldwork on its land. Research proposals that include non-intrusive techniques, such as building recording, earthwork survey, geophysical survey and field-walking, will always be welcomed. Research proposals that include excavation will need to take into account all the implications of removing archaeological evidence from its burial environment.

For non-threatened archaeological remains, excavation may be considered appropriate if it can be demonstrated that the recovered evidence will be analysed and reported on to the South Yorkshire Archaeology Service and the resulting archive deposited with Sheffield City Museum (or another appropriate publicly accessible archive), for long term curation, within a reasonable timescale (to be agreed with both the South Yorkshire Archaeology Service and the museum). No excavation will be allowed if this approach cannot be followed; in such instances the archaeological evidence will be considered less at risk of loss or damage if it is left buried. 

Metal detecting involves excavation to recover finds, removing them from the context in which they were deposited and risking loss of archaeological evidence, as well as producing items that may need conservation and long-term curation. This activity will, therefore, be considered as excavation for the purposes of this policy.”

. If you can get any comments back to Dinah by Friday January 27th, either individually, or representing a society, they will be very welcome.
Please email comments back to dinah.saich@sheffield.gov.uk

Event - Visitors flock to step back in time (Doncaster)

More than 1,000 people whose imagination was sparked by the discovery of a rare Roman glass jug visited Doncaster’s latest town centre archaeological dig.

Seven archaeologists from ArcHeritage were on hand to conduct tours and to talk about the artefacts unearthed on the site of the new civil and cultural quarter.

Visitor Louella Chesterman of Bennetthorpe, said: “I found the event and tour extremely interesting and was impressed to hear that this site is now the largest Roman burial site in South Yorkshire. Listening to the archaeologists about how a dig takes place was fascinating.”

Ms Chesterman plans to visit Doncaster Museum in Chequer Road where the finds will go on display.

Jessica Worth, age 11, from Balby, said: “It was really interesting. The best bit for me was seeing the Roman glass bottle which was found here. I’m amazed it has survived all these years. I’ll definitely go and see it at the museum when it goes on display”.

As well as the rare Roman glass jug dating back to about AD150, several cremation urns and five oil lamps, which accompanied the burials, were discovered during the dig.

Four of the oil lamps discovered in a large cremation pit are in near perfect condition and carry the makers’ names ‘Fortis’ and ‘Strobili’, which indicates they were probably created in Modena in Northern Italy.

David Aspden, who is leading the ArcHeritage excavation, said the team has been delighted to find artefacts in such good condition: “When you are excavating a Roman cemetery you expect to uncover some significant finds, but to find two intact cremation urns, which can now be preserved and displayed, has been tremendous.”

Andy Lines of South Yorkshire Archaeology Service added: “This site is special and is going to make an important contribution to our understanding of Roman life and death in Doncaster 1,850 years ago.”

First World War practice trenches were also found on what was the Waterdale Central Car Park.

ArcHeritage worked with archaeological consultants Scott Wilson under the supervision of Doncaster Council’s development partner Muse Developments and advisors, South Yorkshire Archaeology Service.

To continue the celebration of Doncaster’s Roman history, Roman soldiers will be setting up camp in the grounds of the Minster on Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4. The soldiers will march through town and displays will be available. This Roman camp is part of the St Leger Festival Week which runs between 2-11 September.

Work on the next stage of Doncaster’s £300m CCQ scheme is due to start shortly. 

from: http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/community/nostalgia/visitors_flock_to_step_back_in_time_1_3631329

Festival of British Archaeology - Doncaster CCQ

On Saturday 23rd July the excavations for the new Doncaster Cultural Quarter were opened to the public as part of the Festival of British Archaeology.  This site represents a huge part of Doncaster history dating between the Roman Danum to the World War I practice trenches.

Section of trench looking North East

The greatest area of importance on the site is the Romano-British cremation site in the south eastern area of the site.  This site is slightly south of the Roman town and main road to Lincoln (Lindum Colonia) it is also quite close to the possible Roman road from Templeborough in Sheffield. The archaeologists think there are around 15-20 cremations on site.  These cremations are believed to date between 140-170 AD and the urns are believed to be St. Albans ware. They only have until the end of August to fully excavate these finds which seems measly to say how important these finds are!

 

Items brought by Doncaster Musuem

Doncaster Museum brought several items to show the public representations of finds from the site.  These included Roman and World War I items such as funerary goods and medals. The recently found Roman glass jug was not on display.

Archaeologists from SYAS gave guided talks throughout the day which were very informative and useful for deciphering this site.  The ground is mainly sandy pebbles which help to differentiate between the natural and man made features 

The World War I trench remains are believed to date from the latter stages of the war when Doncaster was home to many troops preparing to leave for the front.  Remains of wooden planking could be seen during the excavation.

The site has seen several other uses including a horse-fair known as Glasgow Paddocks, bus station and college buildings.

The Romano-British cremations being excavated (looking South east)

Hopefully there will be another open day before the site is built on and the potential for finds is lost for another generation.

NEWS - South Yorkshire Archaeology Service Cuts (15% not 50% cut)

We are pleased to report success in the campaign to defend South Yorkshire Archaeology Service against a proposed 50% cut in funding.

The Chair of CBA Yorkshire has received emails from Cllr Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council, and Peter Davies, Mayor of Doncaster, confirming that at the South Yorkshire Joint Leaders' Committee meeting yesterday, the 15% cuts to the South Yorkshire Archaeology service agreed in January 2011 would be honoured. Sheffield City Council will now reinstate £21,000 of the £30,000 (50%) cut it had made in the funding to the service.

It is still sad that keeping to a cut of 15% to a service is seen as a victory.

From: http://www.cba-yorkshire.org.uk/news/Our-announcements/southyorkshirearchaeologyservicecuts

Event - Roman jug unearthed at site of new theatre (Doncaster)

They came, they saw, they conquered - and they left behind some fascinating artefacts.

Archaeologists working on the site of Doncaster’s new civic and cultural quarter have unearthed a rare Roman glass jug dating back to around AD150.

The area is believed to have been the site of a Roman cemetery where cremations took place.

And on Saturday visitors will be able to tour the excavation site in the company of archaeologists to learn about the jug and other finds, as well as about the town’s important Roman history.

Andy Lines of South Yorkshire Archaeology Service added: “The cremation ceremony appears to have been in use from about AD 140-180. Careful planning by the council is allowing us to really enrich our knowledge of this period of Doncaster’s past.”

The unearthed vessel, which is 15cm tall and was found close to the site of the new performance venue, would have been filled with rich goods like oils and placed next to a high status burial with the neck of the jug deliberately broken off to be placed in the grave.

A similar vessel was found in the 1960s when the Arndale Centre - later the Frenchgate Shopping Centre - was being built. Now restored, the piece is on display in Doncaster Museum.

Doncaster’s Roman history dates back nearly 2,000 years and the town was then known as Danum. A Roman fort was established close to the Market Place near the minster in around AD71.

Saturday’s event, which coincides with the Festival of British Archaeology, runs from noon to 4pm on the site of the former Waterdale car park.

As well as chatting to the archaeologists involved, visitors will be able to see displays of other artefacts found in Doncaster and staff from the tourist information centre and museum will be on hand. Stout footwear is recommended.

From: http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/community/roman_jug_unearthed_at_site_of_new_theatre_1_3603555