British Archaeology 141

At Ormesby St Michael, Norfolk, a type of Bronze Age field system has recently been identified that was previously thought to have been absent from this part of England. The investigation work and the significance of the discovery are outlined in this article. LD

Some documents recently discovered in a second-hand bookshop and presented to Devizes Museum have shed new light on the excavation of Woodhenge in 1927 by Maud Cunnington. This article outlines why the 1920s excavation of this late Neolithic site is of significance in the history of British archaeology, and how the documents contribute to our understanding of the field techniques employed. In particular, annotated section drawings of an important ditch reveal that a camera lucida was used. LD

In this interview Greg Jenner, the 'history nerd' behind the BBC's Horrible Histories children's comedy series, describes the importance of capturing children's imaginations as a way of teaching history. An archaeology and history graduate, his interests cover a wide range of subject areas, but particularly comedy. LD

In February 2005 a farmer ploughing on a headland at Auldhame, East Lothian, brought human bone to the surface, along with significant amounts of stone. An archaeological investigation of the site was undertaken, comprising a walkover survey and evaluation trenching followed by open-area excavation. At least 308 graves were found, surrounding the remains of stone-built structures interpreted as a chapel complex. An extensive radiocarbon dating programme demonstrated that the site was active for at least a millennium, from the 7th century AD until the 17th century. These dates reveal four distinct phases, with clear breaks in the graveyard's use. It is the earliest phase that is described in this article, which discusses the findings in the context of the documented history of the area. As well as providing rare evidence of Anglo-Saxon affairs in southern Scotland, the findings also provide a context for an even rarer discovery: a Viking burial in a Christian graveyard. LD

In 2013 the University of Leicester announced the discovery of the grave of Richard III, the last English king to die in battle (in 1485). This immediately became one of the most sensational and debated archaeological stories of modern times. Research has continued, disputes have been resolved and preparations have been underway for a ceremonial reburial. In this article Mike Pitts, who has followed the project behind the scenes from the beginning, reviews the events: setting the context of the search for the king's remains, outlining the debate on where he should be reburied, and describing the signs of history and myth that can be seen in the landscape of Leicester and the area around the battlefield at Bosworth. Au/LD

The Carved Stone Investigation: Rombalds Moor project (CSIRM) set out to work with local people to record all prehistoric rock carvings within a defined area of Rombalds Moor, an expanse of open moorland in West Yorkshire between the rivers Aire and Wharfe. It was one of several initiatives developed under the Watershed Landscape project, a wide-ranging programme focusing on the South Pennine uplands. This article describes the methodology used during CSIRM, including a new high-resolution recording method known as reflectance transformation imaging, before discussing some of the conservation issues faced by the carved stones in situ. It then outlines some of the benefits the project has delivered, including the significant addition it has made to the England's Rock Art database, increased public awareness, and the creation of a core group of experienced volunteers who can potentially use this experience in future projects. LD

A recent policy forum event jointly organised by the British Academy and the Honor Frost foundation, held in London, focused on investigating and safeguarding the sites of wrecks dating from the First World War, and on engaging public interest in the war at sea. Part of the context for the event was the recognition that ever more wrecks date from over a hundred years ago now that the centenary of the beginning of the war in 1914 has passed, so they will fall within the ambit of the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Heritage. Case studies were presented at the event which showed the range of stories and conservation challenges associated with First World War wreck sites. Some of the issues are outlined here, and the current legal framework in the UK is discussed. The CBA is one of a number of bodies that have joined together in calling on the UK government to ratify the 2001 UNESCO Convention at the earliest opportunity. LD

Discusses the history of ownership of Stonehenge, which was sold in its own right for the first time one hundred years ago this September, against a background of the recent sale of an Egyptian statue by Northampton Borough Council and other proposed and actual sales by the French parliament. It was not until after Stonehenge was controlled by the state that half of the site was cleared of its buried remains, of which we now have frustratingly little knowledge. The article concludes that it is not the ownership of antiquities that matters, but rather their guardians' actions and intentions -- and what the public want of them. LD