It is no exaggeration to say that English Heritage's Archaeological Survey and Investigation team tackles archaeological sites, monuments and landscapes from prehistory to present day. Most of our work requires the recognition of patterns in sites and landscapes, and also of anomalies which do not fit those patterns.
To understand any individual building, site or monument in its wider context, we investigate its:
- natural geographical setting
- social and cultural setting
- place in time, or chronological context
Archaeological field surveyors are generally 'expert generalists' rather than specialists in one particular period of history or type of monument. This common theme of our work is extremely important, always telling us much about the:
- reasons for change and continuity in a landscape over long spans of time
- factors leading to the existence of a specific building, site or monument in a specific place
- factors contributing to the appearance and condition of that feature today
All this information can help us to understand the value and significance of a landscape and/or its component parts. This understanding allows English Heritage and its many partners to make informed decisions about conservation.
Our tactical projects, including archaeological field surveys and investigations which address specific research and conservation questions related to individual buildings, sites and monuments, are intended to set standards for others who encounter comparable sites or issues. We also help to raise standards by supporting our partners by providing advice and quality assurance with regard to professional work by others.
