Maritime Archaeology
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ACHWS 2007 Annual Report
Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey (RCZAS) is online now. Read the 'Introduction' and download the completed reports!
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The Role of the English Heritage Maritime Archaeology Team
English Heritage aims to discover, enhance and make more widely available knowledge about our maritime culture, whether it be in the form of shipwrecks, harbours, coastal defences, fish-traps, iconography or settlements. In order to relate to our maritime cultural heritage and understand how it has shaped our society today we need to understand the significance, meaning and function of the traces of maritime activity left to us in the archaeological recored. We need to do this in a way which integrates seamlessly with what we know of our past derived from terrestrial investigations and initiatives. If we are able to understand and explore this unique record we will be better informed about our past and how to protect our heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.
The National Heritage Act
The National Heritage Act (2002) enabled English Heritage to assume responsibilities for maritime achaeology in English coastal waters, modifying the agency's functions to include securing the preservation of ancient monuments in, on, or under the seabed, and promoting the public's enjoyment of, and advancing their knowledge of ancient monuments, in, on, or under seabed. Initial duties will include those formerly undertaken by the Government's Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), in respect to the administration of The Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.
If you would like further information please download our brochure (361kb) or contact us at maritime@english-heritage.org.uk
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