Why archaeology matters

The physical remains of the past hold our shared story. Understanding what came before us creates a sense of place and identity which can inform and enrich our lives today. This is recognised in the UK's planning process, which seeks to strengthen local economies, support communities, and protect and enhance our environment through consideration of archaeology and heritage in development. Through our investigations, we help to physically and digitally preserve the past and ensure it is accessible to everyone now and forever.

School visit on an archaeological excavation

Project feed

Every week our teams of archaeologists are uncovering interesting finds across the country. Whether it is an artefact or an ecofact, each piece of evidence helps us build a more detailed picture of the past. 

Join us in an exciting journey of discovery through our Project Feed.

Portrait of Nick Overton

Nick is working on the Historic England's Biodiversity Net Gain research project.

 

Together with Anwen and Graeme, Nick is starting research on how the historic environment and archaeology can contribute to efforts to reverse biodiversity loss. Read all about it here.

The Biodiversity Net Gain chain
An illustration drawing of a microscope
Research
Portrait of Lauren McIntyre

Lauren is excavating Roman cremations in the East Midlands 

 

After days of rain, Lauren is making the most of the sunshine to excavate and lift some Roman cremations. The cremations, some deposited in urns, some directly into the soil, will then be analysed in detail in the lab.

Lauren excavating Roman cremations
artefact icon
Artefact