Engl Heritage Conserv Bull 3

English Heritage (EH) invited Peter Robshaw of the Civic Trust to comment on its Area Conservation Strategy paper. He finds much to commend in the paper, which he describes as a forward-looking and imaginative document which deserves full support. He also makes two suggestions, concerning the possibility of financial support from EH towards the appointment of conservation officers in districts where there is a proven need, and for seminars to be arranged so as to provide interfaces between EH, the Department of the Environment, and local authorities. The main proposals of the consultation document are set out in note form in a separately authored (uncredited) section, and this is followed by a brief outline of the next steps that need to be taken in relation to the strategy. LD

Introduces English Heritage's Conservation Studio, located in London's Regents Park, which employs painting conservators and support staff. The Section was formed in the 1920s, when its primary function was to clean and restore the mural and ceiling paintings within Royal palaces and government buildings in the care of the then Office of Works. The range of work undertaken has developed and increased since then, and is outlined in this article along with examples of projects recently undertaken. Activities fall into three main categories: conservation of easel paintings in the studio; conservation of mural and ceiling paintings in situ; and advisory work. LD

Fleet Street in London has historically been an area of newspaper production, but the last large companies are soon to move out and it is inevitable that some redevelopment will take place. This article outlines the action taken by English Heritage to assess the area in order to gain an overall understanding of its character, ensure that all buildings which merit it have been listed, and check the adequacy of local conservation areas. Historical research has been carried out, as well as a full photographic survey to document the area while the newspapers were still in operation. The work will help inform discussion on development projects, where English Heritage will do what it can to secure preservation of what is best and most characteristic in the area. LD

Discusses the forthcoming English Heritage publication Ancient Monuments in the Countryside: An archaeological management review, which reflects major shifts in the perception of archaeology in rural areas. Any piece of the English landscape has reached its present form as a result of human activity in the past, and it is beginning to be realised that English Heritage needs to be concerned with the whole of the historic element in the countryside, not just individual sites and monuments. A second important realisation is that active rather than passive management is required in order to ensure the preservation of archaeological sites and landscapes. The new publication is intended to give broad guidance to everyone with an interest in the management of the countryside, as well as being a reference and resource book. LD

Describes results from the first season of a four-year project of excavation and consolidation at the fort of Birdoswald on Hadrian's Wall. The work is being conducted by the Central Excavation Unit of English Heritage on behalf of Cumbria County Council with funds provided by British Nuclear Fuels PLC. This year's excavation concentrated on the known site of the granaries within the fort; the results are spectacular both in terms of the new information that has come to light and the impressive nature of the Roman buildings uncovered. LD