Useful Links
This page contains a list of useful links relevant to the archaeology of Greater London, divided into the following categories, further links may be found at Getting Involved:
General Archaeological Information
More! - Find out more about British archaeology through these websites.
Archaeological Consultants
Archaeological consultants can guide planning applicants and other development professionals through archaeological requirements in the planning and construction process.
Archaeological Contractors
Archaeological contractors provide a wide range of archaeological services, particularly to mitigate the impact of development on the archaeological resource.
Archaeological Journals and Publications
Read all about it! - It is a fundamental objective of archaeological investigation to publish the results for others. Newsletters, popular magazines, county journals and monographs provide a variety of information on archaeological investigations in London.
Archaeological Organisations
These national organisations provide professional and period overviews of archaeology in this country, including the CBA and IFA.
Archaeological Societies
Get Involved! - Local and county archaeology and history societies offer a range of talks, visits, fieldwork opportunities, and publications that enable local people to learn about and participate in the archaeology of their area.
Education and Courses
Learn more! - `A-level’ and degree standard courses in archaeology are provided by a number of universites and extra-mural studies centres. These provide detailed tuition, practical fieldwork, and qualifications in archaeology.
Historic Buildings
Visit! - London’s wonderful historic buildings provide many opportunities for experiencing the past, and tracing the development of architectural styles.
Museums, Libraries and Archives
Discover! - London has rich resources, in its archaeological archive research centre, regional and local museums and archives, and local studies centres.
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General Archaeological Information
Hunting for the first humans in Britain - "When did humans first come to Britain? And how did they survive? Nick Ashton on our first half million years"
The BBC History > Ancient History pages describe the main archaeological periods; and BBC Archaeology Pages - Inside Archaeology tell you more about the discipline.
The British Museum British Archaeology explore online.
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Archaeological Consultants
To find an archaeological consultant please contact your archaeological advisor or consult the Institute of Field Archaeologists
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Archaeological Contractors
To find an archaeological contractor please contact your archaeological advisor or consult the Institute of Field Archaeologists
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Archaeological Journals and Publications
Antiquity - Antiquity is a quarterly journal containing the latest in research, method and debate in archaeology from around the world.
British Archaeology - "The largest, brightest, most forward-looking and talked about UK archaeology magazine ever published."
Current Archaeology - "Britain’s leading archaeological magazine."
Internet Archaeology - "Internet Archaeology is the first fully refereed e-journal for archaeology and publishes articles of a high academic standing which utilise the potential of electronic publication. Internet Archaeology is published by the Council for British Archaeology and hosted by the Department of Archaeology at the University of York. Internet Archaeology has been publishing on the web since 1996 and provides new avenues to present and engage with archaeological research. International in scope, all journal content is subject to rigorous peer-review. Articles make use of the huge potential of internet publication to present archaeological research in unique and exciting ways, such as full colour images, photographs, searchable data sets, visualisations and interactive mapping."
London Archaeologist - "Archaeology in Greater London is observed, reported and reviewed in London Archaeologist, a quarterly magazine providing up-to-the minute news of excavations, fieldwork and artefact research. In addition to articles on recent and ongoing projects, each issue has a diary of events - including local societies' talks, lectures, evening courses and exhibitions; also reviews of the latest publications on London's archaeology."
Archaeological Organisations
The Council for British Archaeology - "The CBA is an educational charity working throughout the UK to involve people in archaeology and to promote the appreciation and care of the historic environment for the benefit of present and future generations."
The Institute of Field Archaeologists - "The Institute of Field Archaeologists (IFA) is the professional organisation for archaeologists in the United Kingdom. It promotes professional standards and ethics for conserving, managing, understanding and promoting enjoyment of heritage. This website contains valuable information for archaeologists, students and purchasers of archaeological services."
The Standing Conference on London Archaeology (SCOLA) - "A Forum to promote the practice, study and public awareness of Archaeology in London"
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Archaeological Societies
The archaeological societies can be subdivided into national, regional and local societies...
National Societies
The Prehistoric Society - "Originally founded as the Prehistoric Society of East Anglia in 1908, the current name was established in 1935. The Prehistoric Society now has an international membership of around 2000 members. The Prehistoric Society's interests are world wide and extend from the earliest human origins to the emergence of written records. Membership is open to all, and includes professional, amateur, student and retired members from over 40 countries."
Society for Medieval Archaeology - "The Society ... exists to further the study of the period from the 5th to the 16th century A.D. by publishing a journal of international standing dealing primarily with the archaeological evidence, and by other means such as by holding regular meetings and arranging conferences."
The Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology - "The SPMA was founded in 1967 with the aim of promoting the archaeology of late medieval to industrial society in Britain, Europe and those countries influenced by European colonialism. To achieve this aim the Society publishes the annual journal Post-Medieval Archaeology, and a twice yearly newsletter, as well as producing regular monographs, and holds conferences and meetings."
The Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies - "The Roman Society is the leading organisation in the United Kingdom for those interested in the study of Rome and the Roman Empire. Its scope is wide, covering Roman history, archaeology, literature and art down to about A.D. 700. It has a broadly based membership, drawn from over forty countries and from all ages and walks of life."
Regional Societies
Essex Archaeology and History - "The Essex Society for Archaeology and History is the county's major society for those interested in any aspect of the past. To be a member is to join a long line of enthusiasts dating back to the 40 or so who met at the old Town Hall, Colchester in 1852 to form a society (then called the Essex Archaeological Society) 'for the purpose of reading papers, exhibiting antiquities, discussions etc.'"
The Greater London Industrial Archaeological Society (GLIAS) - "The Greater London Industrial Archaeology Society (GLIAS) was founded in 1968 to record relics of London's industrial history and to deposit these records with national and local museums, archives, etc; also to advise local authorities and others on the restoration and preservation of historic industrial buildings and machinery. GLIAS arranges an extensive number of walks and lectures, and publishes a bi-monthly newsletter to keep members in touch with events in industrial archaeology, in London and across the country."
Kent Archaeological Society (KAS) - "Welcome to the Kent Archaeological Society, the oldest and largest society devoted to the history and archaeology of the ancient county of Kent."
London and Middlesex Archaeological Society - "The Society was founded in 1855 ‘for the purpose of investigating the antiquities and early history of the Cities of London and Westminster and the Metropolitan County of Middlesex’"
Surrey Archaeological Society - "The Society was established in 1854 ‘for the investigation of subjects connected with the history and antiquities of the County of Surrey’. Despite subsequent changes in administrative boundaries, the Society's objectives remain substantially the same, and the present area of interest includes the historic county up to the Thames."
The University of London Extra Mural Archaeological Society (EMAS) - "EMAS was founded in 1988 to enable people who were, or had been, students of the University of London Centre for Extra-Mural Studies (now the Faculty of Continuing Education) to extend their interest in archaeology through an annual programme of lectures and field trips."
Local SocietiesFor local societies please check the Links provided by the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society and the Museum of London's London Archaeology
There are also a number of societies that carry out activities in and around Greater London, some of these societies are listed below:
Epsom and Ewell History and Archaeology Society (EEHAS) - "Epsom & Ewell History & Archaeology Society (formerly Nonsuch Antiquarian Society) is the local history, archaeology and conservation society for the Epsom and Ewell area of Surrey. It was founded in 1960 by people who had recently taken part in a major excavation of Henry VIII's Nonsuch Palace in Ewell. Its aims are to encourage interest in the archaeology and history of the area and to ensure that local buildings and objects of historical significance are preserved."
West Essex Archaeological Group (WEAG) - "WEAG is a local amateur Archaeological society, affiliated to The Standing Conference on London Archaeology (SCOLA) and the London and Middlesex Archaeology Society (LAMAS). We aim "to promote the advancement of knowledge and education by a study of archaeology, history and kindred subjects "
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Education and Courses
Birkbeck College - School of History, Classics and Archaeology - "The School of History, Classics and Archaeology has a high profile for both its teaching and research. History at Birkbeck has a long and distinguished tradition as an international centre of excellence, and a distinctive intellectual character."
Institute of Archaeology (IoA), University College London (UCL) - The IoA one of the largest archaeological departments in the world. They have an unrivalled range of specialist staff (all based in one building) who between them cover an immense variety of topics, time periods and geographical regions around the world.
The Training Online Resource Centre for Archaeology (TORC) - "TORC is an information service for anyone interested in courses and training in archaeology, from GCSE and A level courses through to specialised training for professional archaeologists."
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Historic Buildings
A selection of Historic Buildings can be found at Totaly London and Britain Express - Historic Visitor Attractions; as well as English Heritage Properties and National Trust Properties.
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Museums, Libraries and Archives
24 Hour Museum - The National Virtual Museum, containing news, listings & features from over 3000 museums, galleries and heritage sites.
The Archaeological Data Service (ADS) - "The Archaeology Data Service (ADS) supports research, learning and teaching with high quality and dependable digital resources."
The British Library - "The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the world's greatest libraries."
The British Museum - "Free to the world since 1753, the British Museum houses one of the greatest collections of human cultural history."
The London Archaeological Archive and Resource Centre (LAARC) - "Based at Mortimer Wheeler House in Hackney, the LAARC holds information on over 5000 sites or projects that have taken place in Greater London over the past 100 years. In addition, it stores the full archives from the majority of these. Nowadays the records and finds from nearly all archaeological work in London come here."
London Canal Museum - "At the London Canal Museum you can see inside a narrowboat cabin, learn about the history of London's canals, about the cargoes carried, the people who lived and worked on the waterways, and the horses that pulled their boats."
London's Libraries - "Your gateway to libraries, including local studies and history libraries, in London"
London's Transport Museum - "London’s Transport Museum collects items that reflect all aspects of the history of public transport in London. [The] collections are the most comprehensive of their type in the world."
The Museum in Docklands - "The Museum explores the story of London's River, Port and People, from Roman settlement of the port, through to the recent regeneration of London's former Docklands - a 2000 year storyline". Includes special exhibition London, Sugar & Slavery.
Museum Libraries and Archives (MLA) London - MLA London is the strategic development agency for museums, libraries and archives in the region.
The Museum of London - "The Museum’s collections are its outstanding resource. The whole collection was designated as nationally important in 1997. It is unrivalled among city museums internationally for its scope and size. The collections are constantly changing. The Museum regularly adds new material, including finds from archaeological digs. The overall aim is to build up a unique resource about London and Londoners for future generations to study and enjoy."
MuseumNet - A website containing contact details for many museums
The National Archives - Records of the UK government from Domesday to the present
OASIS - Online Access to the Index of archaeological investigations project run by the ADS.
(Last Updated: 28th Jan. 2008 Robert Whytehead )
