British Archaeology 86

The Tomb of the Eagles -- the chambered tomb of Isbister, in Orkney -- was discovered in the mid-20th century and excavated in 1958 and 1976. As well as quantities of human bone, the excavators recovered 725 pieces of bird bone, the majority of which were identified as white-tailed sea eagle. Some of these were said to be in a 'foundation deposit' made at the time of the tomb's construction. However, two new radiocarbon dates have been obtained which challenge this interpretation. These reveal that the eagles died up to 1,000 years after the tomb was built, and confirm growing evidence that Orkney's Neolithic tombs remained in use for many generations. LD

Two annual reports published recently by the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport reveal the continuing success of the system that was introduced in 1997 to replace the Treasure Trove Act: the system is now arguably the country's greatest force for engaging the public in archaeology. Furthermore, its value to scholarship is increasingly being noted by archaeologists. LD

Short item reporting on recent appointments to three key roles relating to the historic environment and archaeology. These are: a new chief inspector at Historic Scotland, a new director at Cadw, and a new chair for the Institute of Field Archaeologists. In addition, the University of Oxford is seeking a new professor of European archaeology, to succeed Barry Cunliffe in October 2006. LD

In August 2005 Friends of Leominster Priory, as part of Operation Leofric, a Heritage Lottery Fund Local Heritage Initiative project, mounted an excavation in a car park in Leominster, Herefordshire. Although the site of a foundation by St Edfrith documented to about AD 660 was assumed to have been on the site of the town's later medieval parish church, no physical remains had been seen. The excavation revealed a series of shallow pits and gullies containing large amounts of food waste. Two animal bones from this material have been radiocarbon dated to AD 655--730, and it is thought likely that the features relate to the Saxon monastic community. LD

Describes the recent discovery and investigation of evidence for early hominin activity within the Cromer Forest-bed Formation at Happisburgh in Norfolk and at Pakefield in Suffolk. Some of the Pakefield evidence is believed to date from around 700,000 years ago, at least 200,000 years before the previous accepted arrival of hominins in Europe. Following description of the key evidence, the significance of the discovery is outlined. The landscape and environment of the area 700,000 years ago is then described, and a short piece considers which hominin species could have been responsible for the stone tools found at Pakefield. A final section assesses the current debate amongst specialists over the date of key geological deposits in East Anglia, with some interpretations challenging the early date claimed for the Pakefield evidence. LD

Major recent excavations in Birmingham in the West Midlands, a city well known for its industrial-era remains, have been overturning long-held perceptions that the intensity of development from the 18th century onwards will have erased any traces of earlier activity. It is popularly believed that Birmingham's centre began as an Anglo-Saxon settlement which remained little more than a village until the 18th century. However, since 1999 work at the Bullring development site in the historic heart of Birmingham has been revealing well-preserved medieval and post-medieval remains, with environmental data and industrial residues. The new findings suggest that Birmingham was created in the 12th century as a new town, with a range of industries as well as a market, and have considerably augmented the existing picture of the post-medieval town. The range of the recent findings is outlined in this article, in the context of discoveries from earlier small-scale investigations. The new information is being explained to Birmingham's public through various media, but old preconceptions remain entrenched and more dissemination is still needed. Further analysis and synthesis of all the available archaeological information is also needed in order to inform future responses within the planning process. LD

Short feature demonstrating what can be achieved with the advent of 'Web 2.0', a phrase reflecting fundamental changes in the web. Key features are interactivity and the reuse of website content, allowing people to add, comment, or write their own opinions, particularly through the medium of blogs. The authors, from Wessex Archaeology, have recently set up a blog to cover special events and projects. Some tips are given on how this can be done, using the example of a recent two-week practical archaeology course for which a daily diary was posted. 'Podcasts' are also introduced; these are pre-recorded radio shows that can be linked from blog posts and can be downloaded onto various devices, including the newer types of mobile phones. LD

Wide-ranging overview of war art in Britain and beyond -- including both graffiti and murals -- and how it can reflect the politics and popular culture of its time as well as the customs of different armed forces and the individual units within them. Focuses particularly on the period from the Second World War to the modern day, mentioning subjects such as Northern Ireland, Iraq and the art of peace protesters at military sites, and covering the Cold War in more detail. LD

Short item looking at a range of areas broadly themed on the portrayal of archaeology to the public, including aphorisms on paper cups from Starbucks, books, the specification for the new history GCSE, and the brewing of 'Stonehenge Ales' by Bunce's Brewery in Wiltshire. Some illustrations are also given of the general lack of understanding of prehistory in Britain. LD

Students studying for Bristol University's MA in Archaeology for Screen Media have conducted a 'thumbnail sketch' of visitors to Bristol's city museum, speaking to people with an active interest in heritage and archaeology about what they like, dislike and would like to see more (or less) of on television. Those questioned did not mention treasures or artefacts as key points of interest, but instead said they were interested in learning about cultures and how people used to live. Also of interest were programmes that demonstrate archaeological processes. This article discusses the findings, along with some of the programmes that include reconstructions, re-enactments, and authentic experiences of archaeology. LD

Short item giving an update on the situation at Whitefield in Nelson, Lancashire, where two years ago at public enquiries the inspector found against clearance of Victorian terraced housing. The housing is currently still boarded up awaiting refurbishment, and the Council for British Archaeology has objected to a recent scheme for one terrace where the proposals would result in loss of historic fabric and would have a wider impact on the Conservation Area. More positively, Prince Charles has visited to demonstrate his continued involvement with the area, and local campaigner Sylvia Wilson has been named Regeneration Champion of 2005 for her work to save the houses and community of Whitefield. LD