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• Government Bodies
  

  Here are the governmental organisations, most of them in effect Quangos, headed by English Heritage and its various brethren: English Heritage is now trying to regionalise itself, so we list all the regional offices.

   

• Finds Liaison
  

  Every year many thousands of archaeological objects are discovered by the public, mostly by metal-detector users, but also by people whilst out walking, digging in their gardens or going about their everyday work. If reported and properly recorded, these finds have the potential to tell us much about the past: how and where people used to live and about the types of objects they made and used.

  The Portable Antiquities Scheme:

  In 1997 the Portable Antiquities Scheme was established to record archaeological objects found by the public. Now - thanks to central Government funding - every part of England and Wales has its own local Finds Liaison Officer; an archaeologist whose role it is to identify archaeological finds made by members of the public and record this information for future prosperity and the benefit of all. This data is published on the Scheme's website - www.finds.org.uk - and made available to Historic Environment Records, the key record holders about the Historic Environment. Currently the Scheme's database provides access to over 195,000 finds and 95,000 images, as diverse as Prehistoric flints to Post-Medieval buckles, and new finds are going online everyday!

  The Portable Antiquities Scheme also has an important educational role, facilitated by its Education Officer. As well as their finds identification and recording work, the Finds Liaison Officers regularly organise Finds Days at local museums and elsewhere, give talks to local archaeological and historical societies and various other clubs and societies, visit metal-detecting clubs, organise archaeological fieldwork and work with schools, colleges and universities. This work is co-ordinated and supported by a Central Unit of nine post-holders, including an ICT Adviser and five Finds Advisers, as well as a network of local managers and partners.

  Advice for finders of archaeological objects:

  If you find an archaeological object our advice is that you have it identified and recorded with your local Finds Liaison Officer (see contact details below). Always seek expert archaeological help if you discover something large or unusual, or objects below the plough-soil (i.e. undisturbed) or a concentration of finds material.
  The Portable Antiquities Scheme is interested in recording all archaeological objects over 300 years old, including pottery and flint, no matter how they were found: we may be selective in recording finds of later objects.  Even if you do not think an object is significant or interesting it is probably best to show your local Finds Liaison Officer everything you find, so he/she can decide whether to record it or not. 
  It is very important that the Finds Liaison Officer knows where the object was found (its findspot) even if the object was found on the soil surface or in disturbed ground, such as a ploughed field. It is therefore recommended you mark the findspot on a map or make a note of the National Grid Reference of the findspot, using a map or handheld GPS device. Without this information the archaeological value of the finds is often greatly diminished.
  Normally the Finds Liaison Officer will prefer to borrow your finds for a time, so they can be properly researched, recorded and photographed. Finders are issued with a receipt whilst they are in our care, and can ask for the object back at any time.
  For further advice ask your local Finds Liaison Officer or read our leaflet 'Advice for Finders'. The York Archaeological Trust, on behalf of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, has also produced 'Conservation Advice Notes' which is an indispensable guide to conserving finds found by the public, including metal-detected finds (all leaflets are available online at www.finds.org.uk).

  Code of Practice for Responsible Metal-Detecting in England & Wales:

  Being responsible means:

  Before you go metal-detecting
  1. Not trespassing; before you start detecting obtain permission to search from the landowner/occupier, regardless of the status, or perceived status, of the land. Remember that all land has an owner. To avoid subsequent disputes it is always advisable to get permission and agreement in writing first regarding the ownership of any finds subsequently discovered (see www.cla.org.uk / www.nfuonline.com).
  2. Adhering to the laws concerning protected sites (e.g. those defined as Scheduled
  Monuments or Sites of Special Scientific Interest: you can obtain details of these from the landowner/occupier, Finds Liaison Officer, Historic Environment Record or at www.magic.gov.uk). Take extra care when detecting near protected sites: for example, it is not always clear where the boundaries lie on the ground.
  3. You are strongly recommended to join a metal detecting club or association that encourages co-operation and responsive exchanges with other responsible heritage groups. Details of metal detecting organisations can be found at www.ncmd.co.uk / www.fid.newbury.net.
  4. Familiarising yourself with and following current conservation advice on the handling,care and storage of archaeological objects (see www.finds.org.uk).

  While you are metal-detecting
  5. Wherever possible working on ground that has already been disturbed (such as ploughed land or that which has formerly been ploughed), and only within the depth of ploughing. If detecting takes place on undisturbed pasture, be careful to ensure that no damage is done to the archaeological value of the land, including earthworks.
  6. Minimising any ground disturbance through the use of suitable tools and by reinstating any excavated material as neatly as possible. Endeavour not to damage stratified archaeological deposits.
  7. Recording findspots as accurately as possible for all finds (i.e. to at least a one hundred metre square, using an Ordnance Survey map or hand-held Global Positioning Systems (GPS) device) whilst in the field. Bag finds individually and record the National Grid Reference (NGR) on the bag. Findspot information should not be passed on to other parties without the agreement of the landowner/occupier (see also clause 9).
  8. Respecting the Country Code (leave gates and property as you find them and do not damage crops, frighten animals, or disturb ground nesting birds, and dispose properly of litter: see www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk).

  After you have been metal-detecting
  9. Reporting any finds to the relevant landowner/occupier; and (with the agreement of the landowner/occupier) to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, so the information can pass into the local Historic Environment Record. Both the Country Land and Business Association (www.cla.org.uk) and the National Farmers Union (www.nfuonline.com) support the reporting of finds. Details of your local Finds Liaison Officer can be found at www.finds.org.uk, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 020 7323 8611.
  10. Abiding by the provisions of the Treasure Act and Treasure Act Code of Practice (www.finds.org.uk), wreck law (www.mcga.gov.uk) and export licensing (www.mla.gov.uk). If you need advice your local Finds Liaison Officer will be able to help you.
  11. Seeking expert help if you discover something large below the ploughsoil, or a concentration of finds or unusual material, or wreck remains, and ensuring that the landowner/occupier's permission is obtained to do so. Your local Finds Liaison Officer may be able to help or will be able to advise of an appropriate person. Reporting the find does not change your rights of discovery, but will result in far more archaeological evidence being discovered.
  12. Calling the Police, and notifying the landowner/occupier, if you find any traces of human remains.
  13. Calling the Police or HM Coastguard, and notifying the landowner/occupier, if you find anything that may be a live explosive: do not use a metal-detector or mobile phone nearby as this might trigger an explosion. Do not attempt to move or interfere with any such explosives.

  Who owns archaeological finds found in the United Kingdom?
  With the exception of Treasure finds (see below) all archaeological finds found in England or Wales are normally the property of the landowner. It is therefore important you have the landowner's permission (preferably in writing) before you search for or remove any archaeological objects from his/her land. Even parks and beaches have an owner and archaeologists need permission too!

  In England, Wales and Northern Ireland there is a legal obligation to report all Treasure finds (under Treasure Trove if found before 24 September 1997 or under the Treasure Act 1996 if found after this date) to the local coroner in the district in which they were found within 14 days of their discovery. For further information telephone 0207 323 8546/8611 or see www.finds.org.uk/treasure.

  Additionally, in Northern Ireland there is a legal obligation to report all archaeological finds found after 1926. For further information telephone 028 9054 3034 or see www.ehsni.gov.uk/built/legislation/legislation.shtml.

  In Scotland there is a legal obligation to report all archaeological finds under Treasure Trove. All objects belong to the Crown, unless disclaimed. For further information telephone 0131 247 4082/4355 or see www.treasuretrove.org.uk.

  Dr Michael Lewis
  Deputy Head of the Portable Antiquities Scheme

• National Bodies
  

  This is our list of national societies in archaeology. We are constantly amazed by the variety of organisations that exist in Britain, ranging from the august and well established such as the Society of Antiquaries and the Royal Archaeological Institute, through the Medieval Village Research Group down to some of the more obscure.

• Curators
  

  The heart of archaeology in Britain today is an obscure government document known in England as 'PPG 16' (there are similar documents on other parts of the country.) PPG 16 stands for Planning Policy Guidance note 16 and it is guidance issued by the government in November 1990 to local planning authorities, telling them that they ought to take archaeology into consideration before issuing planning permission for any construction work.

  t has been hugely successful, or at least hugely influential, as it has 'solved' the problem of rescue archaeology, by pushing the costs of carrying it out from the government onto developers. It has also resulted in a considerable increase in the numbers of professional archaeologists, which have probably tripled in the 1990s. As part of the new scheme, rescue archaeologists were divided into two categories, 'curators' and 'contractors'. The so-called 'curators' are employed by local government mostly in local planning departments. Their main task is to compile the SMR, the Sites and Monuments Record which records all finds ever made in the area and it is on this that their advice is based. (The SMR should be, if not the first, then one of the early places to look for information about your local area).

  If a planning application appears to be archaeological sensitive, they can advise the planners to put on a planning condition that the developer should, at his own cost, employ an archaeological contractor to research the site and if necessary excavate any archaeology. The leading contractors, who are professional archaeologists, are listed in our contractors section.

• Local Societies
  

  Below is our list of local societies. There are so many of these and we have included two very important details, the date of foundation and the number of members: these often provide very useful information about any society - but remember that it may be the small, recently-founded societies that may be the liveliest!

• Contractors
  

  The role of the professional archaeologist as known today came with the advent of PPG16 as described under Curators. Contractors fall into three main categories. There are the big professional units which carry out excavations and range from the big three, Oxford, Wessex and the Museum of London, each of which has a staff of over 100 and can carry out excavations to the highest standard anywhere in the world.

  There are a dozen or more units that are not much smaller, all capable of carrying out major excavations. Then there are the consultants. They are often one-man bands, often a senior archaeologist with massive experience, who can advise a developer on how to get planning permission and then, if excavation is needed, select and supervise the unit to carry out the excavation. There are also a number of major engineering consultancies that have archaeology sections, part of a team that can provide a complete guide to the heritage process. And then there are the specialists who deal with specific fields often working as sub-contractors to the major units.

  In some ways this is the most rewarding, if often the poorly paid part of professional archaeology - the people who can really extract the meaning from Roman pottery or animal bones, for example. Many of these professionals are members of the Institute of Field Archaeologists whose Year Book is available from the University of Reading, PO Box 329, Reading, RG6 6AU. This gives details of the specialities of its members.

• Young Archaeologists
  

  The Young Archaeologists' Club is the only UK-wide club for young people
  aged 8-16.
  
  The first element of the Young Archaeologists' Club is the UK-wide club.
  This is based around subscription to Young Archaeologist, an exclusive
  members' magazine packed with news, features, competitions, letters and
  pictures from YAC UK members, and hands-on activities to try at home. YAC
  UK members also receive the YAC Pass which contains special offers for
  members including free entry or discounts at over 160 museums around the
  UK, free entry at Cadw sites and places in the care of Historic Scotland
  and a free entry voucher for an English Heritage property. Special
  discounts at the British Museum Company website, PADI and Cotswold Outdoor
  are also included in the YAC Pass. Each year YAC UK organises
  archaeological holidays for members (for which there is an extra charge);
  these are a great opportunity to meet other young people with similar
  interests and to try out loads of hands-on archaeological activities.
  There's also a membership pack with a certificate, badge and membership
  card too. Membership of YAC UK is £12 annually for an individual child or
  £15 for up to five children at one address. Those under 8 can join as YAC
  Supporters and enjoy the majority of full membership benefits. Join via
  the secure online shop: www.britarch.ac.uk/shop or call 01904 671417.
  
  There is also a network of over 70 YAC Branches across the UK.  All
  Branches are run by teams of adult volunteers who are Disclosure checked
  and approved by YAC HQ. The Branches offer hands-on activities and tend
  to meet once a month, usually on a Saturday.  Please be aware that being a
  YAC UK member does not guarantee access to a Branch. Local Branches do
  sometimes have waiting lists or ask members to book for individual
  sessions on a first-come-first-served basis. Local Branches may also have
  an annual membership fee and charge a small meeting fee to cover the
  costs. To find out if there is a Branch in your area check out our list our list of contact details.

• Re-enactment groups
  

  Today's re-enactment started some 36 years ago when a group of lecturers and enthusiasts at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, led by Brigadier Peter Young, formed an English Civil War Society called 'The Sealed Knot'.

  The 'Southern Skirmish Association', American Civil War, was formed soon after; ‘The Vikings’ were formed  in 1971 and ‘The Ermine Street Guard’, covering the Roman Army, in 1972. Nowadays it is possible to join groups from Ancient Greeks right through to the Vietnam War.
  Many traders, craftsmen and suppliers now make a living fulfilling the needs of re-enactors of all periods. Indeed it can be said that re-enactment has helped to keep alive and revive craft skills that might otherwise have been lost.

  In the early years the standards of research and authenticity in re-enactment were not that high. However it was soon realised that to obtain credibility from historians, academics, museums and the public much more effort was needed to ensure that things were right. Old army boots, cut off wellies, resin helmets and man-made materials such as nylon and polyester would not do. Having said this, there is still a wide variation in the authenticity of groups of all periods. Some are exact in every detail, whereas others reach a compromise point much earlier.

  It would be fair to say that re-enactment has had an influence on the authenticity of historical television, particularly in documentaries. Television costume departments and indeed costume designers are not renowned for attention to detail and research. It was soon realised that re-enactors could be a ready supply of well-equipped, trained bodies who looked comfortable in their kit.

  Later periods have the advantage of having military and civilian equipment still surviving from their eras and this, together with written evidence, can be used to make accurate copies. Indeed the 'modern' periods can use actual artefacts from the periods they depict. Earlier periods, particularly Viking, Saxon and Roman rely heavily on archaeology to provide them with evidence. However, this is a two-way process with re-enactors feeding information back to the archaeological/academic world from experimentation. A classic example of this has been the use by re-enactors of Roman saddles made by Peter Connolly, from archaeological evidence.

  How can one join or hire a re-enactment group? By far the best and most ready source of information is the directory 'Call to Arms' which lists over 800 re-enactment groups and over 600 traders and suppliers. Another way is to attend one of the events around the country, many of which are organised by English Heritage. Some of these are multi-period, including English Heritage's flagship event, 'Festival of English History' every August. In 2006 this will be held at Kelmarsh Hall near Market Harborough.

  Most people have an era of history in which they are most interested and will be able to find a group or groups covering that period. Most groups are always actively looking for new recruits and enquirers will find that re-enactors are most welcoming and ready to talk about their hobby. You will need to decide if you want to take part in combat or have a living history role - many groups cater for both. It will also be necessary to decide how much you have to spend on your equipment, which for some periods can be expensive. However, most have equipment you can use first to see if re-enactment is for you. With some, such as The Ermine Street Guard, you do not have to buy equipment, it is loaned to you whilst you remain a member.  Why not help to bring history alive?

  Listed below are some, not all, of the societies with strong links to archaeology. 'Call to Arms' can be obtained by phoning 0870 789 8778; email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; website www.calltoarms. com. English Heritage's Special Events Unit can be reached on 0207 973 3459.

  Chris Haines

• Research Body
• Event Diary
• Foreign Societies