Aims and objectives of the project#

Developing the Mesolithic Research and Conservation Framework is an English Heritage funded project to update the archaeology community’s priorities for future research into the period.

In 1999 the first Palaeolithic and Mesolithic framework document was produced. Due to significant advances in Palaeolithic research, a new Research and Conservation Framework document was published in 2008 for the Palaeolithic alone, in which it was noted that Mesolithic archaeology had developed a distinct agenda and set of requirements. Since 1999, Mesolithic archaeology has indeed changed significantly: many important discoveries have been made and there has been increased interest in the period among both archaeologists and the public.

A new Mesolithic Framework was deemed necessary. A project was set up with the aims of improving understanding of the Mesolithic of England and setting out priorities for future work. This was to be carried out by undertaking widespread research and consultation in order to develop and publish a Research and Conservation Framework for the period, comprising resource assessment, agenda and strategy.

The specific objectives were to:

1. Produce a brief assessment of the current state of knowledge of the Mesolithic period and achievements since 1999;
2. Consult with the historic environment sector over the priorities for Mesolithic research and conservation and how to achieve them;
3. Convene an expert group to advise on the content of the document;
4. Develop a method of monitoring progress against the framework objectives.

This archive, not only provides downloads of the key documents that were produced as part of this process, but also provides a means for monitoring progress into the future through continuous engagement with stakeholders, and acts as a “hub of information” for the Mesolithic period.

Link to website https://sites.google.com/site/mesolithicframework/

Overview#

The framework has been produced by undertaking broad-ranging consultation across the sector using a dedicated website to disseminate information, an on-line discussion forum to generate interactive debate, email correspondence, and a meeting to convene a group of interested experts from across the sector. Other national, regional and local framework documents were also used to help assess the resource and set objectives.

The framework process was composed of three parts, as set out by Olivier (1996) in Frameworks For Our Past. The first part was a Resource Assessment: a statement of the current state of knowledge and a description of the archaeological resource. The second part was a research agenda: a list of the gaps in that knowledge, of work which could be done, and of the potential for the resource to answer questions. This was discussed at the expert meeting and formed the basis for the final part of the process, the production of the Research and Conservation Framework, which sets out key issues and priorities for future work as well as methods and approaches for achieving these.

However, the project was also designed to ensure monitoring of progress against the framework objectives and that has been facilitated by the ADS. On the Mesolithic Framework page, as well as being able to download the original documentation, it is possible to made updates against each of the objectives set out in the Framework document.

In addition, we have designed this ADS resource to become a hub for Mesolithic projects. By visiting the Mesolithic hub it will be possible to gain access to PhD research projects, excavation information, databases and documents. Some of these data draw upon existing ADS archives; however, it is also possible to develop the resource further via ongoing contributions from the community.

References:

Olivier, A. (1996) Frameworks for our Past. London: English Heritage.

Acknowledgements#

The Assessment report and the Framework document were both constructed following widespread consultation via email correspondence and participation in an on-line discussion and we are grateful to all who provided comments.

We would also like to thank the following people for giving their time, knowledge, images and feedback into the Framework document as part of the interested expert group from across the sector: Martin Bell, Fraser Brown, Chantal Conneller, Lynden Cooper, Oliver Craig, Ben Elliott, Tim Evans, Simon Fitch, Vince Gaffney, Daryll Garton, Jim Innes, Jonathan Last, Maria Medlycott, Andrew Myers, Matt Pope, Alan Saville, Sue Stallibrass, Rick Schulting, Penny Spikins, Fraser Sturt, Clive Waddington.

The project was funded by English Heritage and we thank Jonathan Last who has provided much input and monitored the progress of the work. We are also grateful to the Department of Archaeology, University of York and in particular Claire McNamara, Claire Watkins, Jo Tozer and Ben Elliott who provided additional administrative support. We thank ADS for technical support and particularly Catherine Hardman and Tim Evans who have provided expertise on the production of this ADS website. We also thank the Council for British Archaeology and particularly Catrina Appleby, Frances Mee and Lucy Cavendish for producing the paper version of the framework.