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 Denis Sami

Denis is in our finds lab

 

This large lead object is from the bottom of a ditch. Similar objects are used as cremation lids, although this is a little too large for that. Ideas anyone?

A large fragment of a flat lead circular object with curled edges sits ontop of a wooden desk with a measuring stick to the left showing it as approximately forty five centimeters in diameter.
artefact icon
Artefact
Stephanie Matthews

Stephanie is digging in our East England region

 

I finally found the bottom of this large storage pit. This was one of many found on site which were probably used for food storage.

A female archaeologist stands in a large prehistoric storage pit cut into the natural chalk geology. The pit has been half excavated to show a half section of the soil fill.
An illustration drawing of a trowel
Exploring