Archaeology

We aim to promote the understanding, appreciation and sustainable conservation of Buckinghamshire's archaeological heritage.  We do this by:

Planning and land management advice

We develop policies for the management and conservation of archaeological remains and historic landscapes and provide related advice to local planning authorities and other organisations.  We do not undertake archaeological fieldwork - this is done by commercial archaeological contract organisations. 

Historic Environment Record and Unlocking Buckinghamshire's Past

We are responsible for the maintenance and development of Buckinghamshire's Historic Environment Record. This is a public access record of the whole of the historic environment of the county from the earliest humans to the end of the Cold War. A user-friendly version with loads of additional resources including illustrations, education packs, a timeline, interactive games and visitor guides is available online at Unlocking Buckinghamshire's Past. The online database is also available on English Heritage's Heritage Gateway. Information in the online HER is not licensed for commercial re-use and excludes sensitive or copyright-restricted material.

Projects

We have undertaken a number of externally-funded characterisation projects to develop our understanding of Buckinghamshire's historic landscapes and townscapes.  Work includes Historic Landscape Characterisation of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes for English Heritage, a number of characterisation projects in the Chilterns AONB area for the Chilterns Conservation Board, Historic Landscape Characterisation of the Colne Valley Park for Groundwork Thames Valley, and we are currently working on a Historic Towns project for English Heritage.  We are also involved in developing regional archaeological research frameworks for the Solent-Thames region. 

New book

Buckinghamshire Archaeological Society has published the first new book on the early history of the county to appear in many years.  An Illustrated History of Early Buckinghamshire is edited by Michael Farley and includes contributions by past and present County Archaeologists.  Covering the period from the Ice Ages to the Tudors, the book is aimed at a popular audience and is lavishly illustrated.  

Copies are available through the Buckinghamshire Archaeological Society and cost £15.99.  

Contact us

County Archaeological Service
Buckinghamshire County Council
County Hall
Aylesbury HP20 1UY