An Archaeological Research Framework for Northumberland National Park
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An Archaeological Research Framework for Northumberland National Park Resource Assessment, Research Agenda and Research Strategy Dr Robert Young Paul Frodsham Iain Hedley Steven Speak An Archaeological Research Framework for Northumberland National Park Summary ....................................................................................................................................................5 Preface ........................................................................................................................................................6 Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................................7 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................8 The National Parks And Archaeology .......................................................................................................9 Part One: Resource Assessment and Research Agenda Paleo-Environment Outline History Of Previous Palaeo-Environmental Research In Northumberland And Northumberland National Park ...........................................................................................................................................16 Assessment Of The Current State Of Knowledge Relating To The Palaeo-Environment Of The Northumberland National Park And Related Areas.................................................................................29 Prehistoric Archaeology A Brief Outline Of Some Previous Work On The Prehistoric Archaeology Of Northumberland ..........75 Prehistoric Archaeology In The Northumberland National Park: Assessment Of The Current State Of The Prehistoric Archaeological Resource ..............................................................................................100 Discovering Our Hillfort Heritage Iain Hedley And Steven Speak ........................................................131 Roman Archaeology Beyond Hadrian's Wall Outline History Of Previous Archaeological Research In Northumberland And Northumberland National Park. ........................................................................................................................................155 Assessment Of The Current State Of Knowledge Relating To The Roman Archaeology Of The Northumberland National Park Beyond Hadrian’s Wall. ......................................................................169 Early Medieval Archaeology Historical Background To Early Northumberland (C Ad 410-Ad 1066) ..............................................191 Outline History Of Previous Archaeological Research In Northumberland And Northumberland National Park .........................................................................................................................................200 Assessment Of The Current State Of Knowledge Relating To The Early Medieval Archaeology Of The Northumberland National Park. .............................................................................................................222 Medieval Archaeology Historical Background To Medieval Northumberland (C. 1066 Ad – 1603 Ad) Paul Frodsham ........232 Outline History Of Previous Archaeological Research In Northumberland And Northumberland National Park. ........................................................................................................................................264 Assessment Of The Current State Of Knowledge Relating To The Medieval Archaeology Of The Northumberland National Park. .............................................................................................................285 Post Medieval And Modern Archaeology Historical Background To The Post–Medieval – Modern Period In Northumberland ..........................313 A Brief Outline Of Some Previous Work On The Post-Medieval/Modern Archaeology Of Northumberland And The National Park. ..............................................................................................338 Assessment Of The Current State Of The Post-Medieval – Modern Archaeological Resource In Northumberland National Park Iain Hedley ..........................................................................................357 Consolidated List Of Unprioritised Research Topics Paleoenvironment ..................................................................................................................................385 Prehistoric ..............................................................................................................................................392 The Romans Beyond Hadrian’s Wall ....................................................................................................401 Early Medieval .......................................................................................................................................407 Medieval ................................................................................................................................................408 Post-Medieval/Modern ..........................................................................................................................414 Page | 2 An Archaeological Research Framework for Northumberland National Park Part Two: Research Strategy Research Theme 1: Palaeoenvironmental Research ..............................................................................422 Research Theme 2: Stone Age Archaeology .........................................................................................423 Research Theme 3: Farming Through The Ages ...................................................................................425 Research Theme 4: Death And Burial ...................................................................................................426 Research Theme 5: Identity In The Roman Period ................................................................................427 Research Theme 6: Early Medieval Archaeology .................................................................................428 Research Theme 7: Boundaries In The Landscape ................................................................................430 Research Theme 8: Bastles In Context ..................................................................................................431 Research Theme 9: Medieval/Post-Medieval Industry ..........................................................................432 Research Theme 10: Transport And Communication............................................................................433 Research Theme 11: Detailed Area-Specific Research Projects ...........................................................434 Page | 3 An Archaeological Research Framework for Northumberland National Park Page | 4 An Archaeological Research Framework for Northumberland National Park SUMMARY The Archaeological Research Framework for Northumberland National Park was produced as a result of the Regional Research Frameworks initiative, promoted by English Heritage in collaboration with Local Authorities. By bringing together a series of discussion papers it was designed to produce a meaningful and effective, yet flexible, structure for decision making in relation to archaeological research within the National Park. Northumberland National Park has over 4,000 known archaeological sites, a number which is steadily increasing each year as new records are created and existing records refined. This includes 424 Scheduled Ancient Monuments and 228 Listed Buildings, and part of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site (which has its own Research Framework). This record is based upon decades of research carried out by Universities, private contractors and consultants, by community groups and private individuals. Such work has contributed significantly to understanding the archaeology and the historic character of the National Park’s historic environment, but the majority of projects occurred opportunistically without a strategic framework to enable the prioritisation of research. This document, and the full version available on the National Park website, gives a detailed overview of what we know about Northumberland National Park, what we need to know and where opportunities for further research exist. It is not a final report in any sense, but a working document which we hope you will use to delve into the area’s rich archaeological heritage and that you will be inspired to carry out your own research. In line with the aims for Research Frameworks, the document also contributes to the provision of advice and decision making within the planning process. It can also inform priorities for the distribution of resources and inform the management of the archaeological resource through conservation projects. Through connecting research to conservation, the informed conservation approach, the outcome is a holistic understanding of the historic environment that is vital for its effective management. Page | 5 An Archaeological Research Framework for Northumberland National Park PREFACE This framework for archaeological research within the Northumberland National Park comes about as part of a national scheme, under the aegis of English Heritage, to re-kindle a ‘research culture’ in British Archaeology. It has long been recognised by both professional and amateur groups that there are regional disparities in levels of research activity across the country and