Data copyright © English Heritage, Essex County Council, Kent County Council, Thames Estuary Partnership unless otherwise stated
This work is licensed under the ADS Terms of Use and Access.
Ellen
Heppell
Project Officer
Essex County Council
Fairfield Court
Fairfield Road
Braintree
CM7 3YQ
Tel: 01376 331431
The Thames is one of the great European estuaries, a cultural social and economic artery between the heart of England and the continental mainland since prehistoric times. The Greater Thames Estuary is therefore an area with a rich historic environment resource which can be found above and below ground and above and below water.
In 1999 the Greater Thames Estuary Archaeological Steering Committee (GTEASC) published the first research framework for the area recognising the need for a coherent approach to research into the historic environment of the estuary. This document was the first step to defining the historic environment resource, to direct research and underpin curatorial decision-making. It reviewed the state of knowledge at that time and set out possible directions for future research.
The research framework was not intended to be a static document and the last ten years have seen considerable change take place around the estuary. A review process has taken place, overseen by GTEASC (with funding from English Heritage). The updated Research Framework presents the results of that review, considering:
The review has been a collaborative process, drawing upon the knowledge and experience of those with an interest in the historic environment of the estuary across all sectors. Their contributions have been key to the development of the framework. This document will help guide the process of continuing investigation, the results of which will answer questions posed here and raise new ones. The GTEASC will continue to meet and to encourage research.
Links:
http://www.thamesweb.com/archaeological-steering-committee.html
http://www.thamesweb.com/about-tep/annual-forums.html