Solent-Thames Archaeological Research Framework

A Framework for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

The Research Framework for the Solent-Thames sub-region aims to survey and evaluate our understanding all aspects of the rich and diverse historic environment of the historic counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight.  It has also produced an agenda to identify gaps in our knowledge. The project aims to ensure that decisions about future development are undertaken with the most up-to-date information to hand and that the research potential of archaeological work is quickly recognised and opportunities for investigation are seized.  It will also help enable this  resource to be interpreted to best effect, providing learning opportunities.

There are three stages: 

• Resource Assessment
• Research Agenda and
• Research Strategy

Resource Assessment

Starting in November 2005, a team of 40 contributors analysed the archaeological and, where appropriate, historical records for every period in each county.  Each contributor produced a County Resource Assessment, documents published on the project website. During 2007, a period of consultation was held when everyone was invited to comment on the documents and to attend seminars held in each county to discuss them. The revised Buckinghamshire County Resource Assessments are available here. 

Since 2007, Lead Authors for each period have prepared Regional Resource Assessments based on the county contributions and these, too, have been the subject of consultation.

Research Agenda

The Lead Authors were also each responsible for a Research Agendas for their period.  The Agenda identified where our current knowledge is incomplete. These were discussed amongst the project team and at a series of period-based seminars across in the region in 2008 to which a wide range of people with an interest in cultural heritage were present, both professional and non-professional.

Publication of the Resource Assessments and Research Agendas in book format is now being discussed with English Heritage.

Research Strategy for the Solent Thames Region

The final phase is to produce a Research Strategy which will address the issues raised in the Agendas, and consider how our understanding of the cultural heritage of the region can be furthered and communicated. Once funding is confirmed further details will be posted on the Oxford Archaeology web site.

The project is funded by English Heritage and undertaken by Oxford Wessex Archaeology for a consortium of local authorities and other interest groups. 

Full details and all papers can be found on the Oxford Archaeology web site.