The iconic status of the Roman period in the cultural history of England is well attested. It is a primary focus of interest for popular media, forms a key focus for cultural tourism and associated employment and, uniquely for an archaeological period, it appears in the national curriculum. English Heritage is directly responsible for many of the key Roman-period visitor sites in England, and through its statutory role plays a fundamental part in protecting, managing and delivering access to the Roman period archaeological resource.
Understanding and Protecting Roman England
Despite the profile of Roman-period remains our understanding of the Roman period resource is partial and as a consequence inadequately provided for in curatorial and management terms. English Heritage has a key role in developing policies, guidance and practice that seek to both maximise understanding and ensure that the Roman-period resource is valued and can be cared for in the long term.
Roman Archaeology
On a wider canvas Britain has led the way in developing the archaeology of the Roman period and British archaeologists and University Departments continue to be seen as leading proponents of the subject. English Heritage has statutory responsibility for the protected Roman-period resource and also is charged with displaying and interpreting key monuments to the public. The incorporation of the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site in the Frontiers of the Roman Empire WHS serves to emphasise that England's Roman sites cannot be viewed in isolation and that there is potential for cooperation with partners across the (former) Roman World. English Heritage is perhaps uniquely placed to develop and/or set standards for display, investigation and interpretation of Roman-period sites and landscapes and for the dissemination of resulting information through conventional publication and by digital means. These objectives should be achieved in parallel with a recognition of the importance of the achievements and continuing contributions of colleagues in both paid and voluntary roles within the wider Heritage Sector.
Research Strategy
A Research Strategy for the Roman Period has been developed to primarily reflect the framework provided by the overall English Heritage Research themes and programmes identified in the National Heritage Protection Plan. However aspects of English Heritage's advisory, curatorial and presentational roles are also reflected in the Strategy.
Contacts
For more information on the Research Strategy for the Roman-Period Historic Environment, or to discuss the research activities contained within it, or new areas of Research which may reflect the objectives of the National Heritage Protection Plan, contact Pete Wilson, Foresight Coordinator.
