Brit Archaeol News 8

Prompted by the recent decision of the Board of Governors of the Museum of London to review the structure of MoLAS, this article discusses the implications for British archaeology of recent moves away from the territorial, publicly-funded rescue units of the 1970--80s and emerging preference for in situ preservation of sites, as advocated by PPG 16. The institutionalisation of the `polluter pays' principle is seen to have introduced the disciplines of the commercial market into archaeology. Arguments in favour of the new commercialism are considered and challenged. A way forward is proposed, based on three principles: a recognition of the importance of research, government funding to match its own stated commitment to archaeology, and a vigorous profession that is integrated with a flourishing voluntary sector.

Noting the discovery of a drawing by the artist and archaeologist Heywood Sumner (1853--1940) in the Bournemouth Natural Science Society's museum, a brief account is given of his life and work.

Excavation in advance of works on the Lincolnshire church of St Helen, Cumberworth, has revealed a complex sequence of Anglo-Saxon burials, buildings, and an earlier, larger church. Finds included a tenth-century inscribed lead plaque, bronze tweezers, and a ceramic sequence starting in the seventh century.

In Somerset, an evaluation of archaeological deposits near the site of one of Carhampton's medieval manors has revealed part of a cemetery sealed beneath deposits containing twelfth--thirteenth-century pottery. Burials and possible remains of a medieval chapel had been found in the 1820s and the burials have since been interpreted as the victims of a ninth-century Danish attack.

An account of Tessa and Mortimer Wheeler's involvement in investigations at the Roman town, highlighting their role in promoting the work and in establishing standards for excavation and research. The Verulamium Museum's curation of their legacy is noted.

Briefly describes recent evidence for an as yet undated and previously unknown cemetery in Ipswich.

Summarises previous work on the lake-edge settlement in the Vale of Pickering and outlines the research objectives of a forthcoming reinvestigation of the site. This will concentrate on establishing the extent of human impact on the environment and establishing the overall chronology of the occupation.