Press Release, December 7th 2005

Solent Thames Archaeological Research Framework

The end of November 2005 saw the launch at Reading Museum of the Solent
Thames Archaeological Research Framework. The Mayor of Reading joined
heritage organisations from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire,
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in welcoming the start of this exciting
and challenging exercise. Over the next 27 months both amateurs and
professionals will work together to improve our understanding and
appreciation of the historic environment of this rapidly changing
region, thus assisting in its management and protection for future
generations. 

The Research Framework for the Solent Thames will survey and define all
aspects of the rich and diverse past of this area and will produce an
agenda to address the key heritage issues and gaps in our knowledge. The
project aims to ensure that decisions about future development are
undertaken with the most up-to-date information to hand and that the
research potential of the archaeological work is quickly recognised and
opportunities for investigation are seized. It will also enable this
archaeological resource to be displayed to best effect, providing
learning opportunities for all. 

The work will be co-ordinated by a team from Oxford Wessex Archaeology.
The first step will be a look at what is currently known about the
historic and archaeological resource of the Solent Thames region from
the Palaeolithic to the modern period, a time span of over 500,000
years. Over 45 experts, organised by county, will work with Historic
Environment Records and other archives and their results will be
summarised by period in the Resource Assessment. These will be available
on the website and as hard copy on request.

Gill Hey, Project Manager, said: "Consultation at all stages of the
project will be very important. We want the Framework to encourage a
wider interest in and engagement with the historic environment so that
it has a greater relevance to everyone. People will be able to check the
project's progress on the website where we will post new documents and
information about events". 

A round of seminars, organised on a county basis and open to all, will
discuss the Resource Assessments and the results of the consultation
exercise will be incorporated into the amended document. A Research
Agenda will then be drawn up, followed by a further round of
consultation. Finally, a Research Strategy for the region will be
produced. All three stages (the Resource Assessment, the Research Agenda
and the Resource Strategy) will be published as a book and on the
website.

This project was commissioned by ALGAO South East. It is supported by
funding from English Heritage with contributions in kind from the Local
Authorities, Oxford Wessex Archaeology and other contributors.

More information about the Solent Thames Archaeological Research
Framework can be found on the website :
www.buckscc.gov.uk/archaeology/strf

Notes for editors

The Solent Thames Archaeological Research Framework is the latest in a
series of regional projects set up in response to the English Heritage
document 'Frameworks for our Past' (1996). It is part-funded by English
Heritage and supported by the local authorities of the sub-region and
contributions of time and expertise from many other stakeholders. ALGAO
SE has commissioned Oxford Wessex Archaeology to act as Project
Co-ordinators. The project team (contributors, lead authors and Steering
Group) include representatives from EH, ALGAO, academic institutions,
local groups, private individuals, archaeological contractors and
consultants.



This message has been scanned for viruses by BlackSpider MailControl -
www.blackspider.com