British Archaeology 144

This short article reports on the Upper Dee Tributaries Project, a research project launched in 2013 by the National Trust for Scotland with the University of Aberdeen, University College Dublin and the University of Stirling. The project aims to investigate a scatter of Mesolithic artefacts discovered in 2003 during footpath repair works along the north bank of the river Dee within the Mar Lodge Estate in Aberdeenshire. Initial fieldwalking and large numbers of test excavations recovered additional artefacts and prehistoric pits, and recorded extensive riverside erosion of ancient activity layers. Survey and trial excavation continued in 2014 and 2015, investigating two main sites. The significance of the discoveries is discussed in the context of previous Mesolithic finds on the lower reaches of the Dee. LD

Evaluation at a site of known archaeological interest on the outskirts of Chippenham in Wiltshire, proposed for the development of a distribution centre and furniture store, has led to the discovery of substantial Roman structures including a large timber barn or hall, as well as a series of overlapping ditches. The site has now been Scheduled as a high-status Roman farmstead of national importance. Elsewhere in the county, excavations by Historic England immediately adjacent to a small henge at Wilsford have uncovered parts of another Roman farmstead. LD

In this interview British artist Dexter Dalwood outlines his interest in history and explains how his perspective is reflected in his work. He describes history painting as essentially a fictional projection showing the artist's interpretation of the available evidence, including archaeological evidence, and discusses the relationship between the viewer of a painting and himself as the artist. LD

In September 2015 the British Museum is to open a major exhibition about the Celts, which will move to the National Museum of Scotland in March 2016. This article, two of whose authors edited the book accompanying the exhibition, examines the development of 'Celtic' art, tracing its history broadly from the Iron Age to the medieval period and considering the relationship of Britain and Ireland with other parts of Europe. LD

The former presence of Vikings in Britain is becoming increasingly clear as a result of archaeological excavations and science, and modern DNA studies. Some of the people who travelled to Britain and Ireland from Scandinavia returned home, and a considerable number of Insular artefacts -- contemporary material made in Britain and Ireland -- have been found in Viking-age graves in Norway. A project undertaken at the Museum of Natural History and Archaeology, part of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, has been analysing burials in Trondelag, mid-Norway. This article describes the Insular material that has been recovered from these burials and discusses what is revealed about links between the people of Trondelag and Britain. LD

Roman remains were first discovered at Bignor, West Sussex, in 1811, when a farmer found a mosaic pavement whilst ploughing. This article outlines the history of the villa site's discovery, excavation, and presentation to the public, and describes in detail some of the exceptional mosaics preserved there. Although the site was excavated and recorded in the early 19th century and was also investigated throughout the second half of the 20th century, there are still many unanswered questions concerning the origins, use, development and abandonment of the villa. In addition, although the site is relatively well protected from destruction by agriculture and the elements, damp still threatens the long-term survival of the mosaics. Cover buildings erected in the early 19th century are now themselves of historic interest, constituting some of the earliest such structures in north-western Europe, but this limits the possibility for modernisation and facility upgrade. LD

Planning policy in England ensures that archaeological remains threatened by development are properly considered. When threats are natural, however, there is no system to manage losses, and significant archaeological sites in vulnerable coastal areas are currently being lost at an alarming rate to wind, waves and tidal scour. A three-year project called CITiZAN -- the Coastal and Intertidal Zone Archaeological Network -- has been developed in response. This provides training for local groups committed to monitor and survey archaeological sites at risk from erosion along all of England's coastline and tidal estuaries. A group network is being set up using a standardised recording system and an ambitious outreach programme is also underway. This article discusses the project and its wider goals, against the background of the development of the profession since the 1970s when local 'amateur' groups were able to contribute significant amounts of enthusiasm and effort to the cause of rescue archaeology. It finishes by setting out the national themes for a series of open foreshore days planned for 2015 and 2016. LD

Presents an example from the Council for British Archaeology's (CBA's) listed buildings casework: Sayers Croft activity centre in Ewhurst, Surrey. This was one of thirty-three purpose-built camps intended to house vulnerable civilian populations during the Second World War. In peacetime, Sayers Croft was to provide rural health and education to deprived city children. The combined dining hall and kitchen building was listed at Grade II in 2007. Concern over a planning application for a housing estate on the site's boundary led the team at Sayers Croft to contact the CBA. It was successfully argued that the countryside nature of the site was crucial to understanding the listed building as an almost isolated evacuee camp; planning permission was refused by the local authority, and the developers' subsequent appeal was dismissed by the planning inspectorate. LD