Archaeology

The main services we provide are -

Advice on the archaeological impact of development proposals to the County Council and other Local Planning Authorities, developers and land owners in Bedfordshire. Providing Briefs for archaeological investigations and monitoring archaeological fieldwork projects.

Contact: Lesley-Ann Mather| or Martin Oake|

Advice on managing archaeological and historic landscape sites and features including management, agri-environment schemes and sources of grant aid and funding.

Contact: Martin Oake|  

Advice and information on the promotion and interpretation of archaeological sites and historic landscapes, developing opportunities for outreach activities and community involvement.

Contact: Martin Oake|

A focus for research into the county's archaeology and historic landscapes, initiating research projects and grant bids and providing a strategic overview of the county's archaeology.

Contact: Martin Oake|

We also run these projects -

~Bedfordshire Archaeological Research Framework
~Bedfordshire and Luton Extensive Urban Survey
~Bedfordshire Historic Landscape Characterisation Project

Contact: Martin Oake|

Services provided by others include:

Advice on the archaeological impact of development proposals in Luton from:

Regeneration Service
Luton Borough Council
Town Hall
George Street
Luton
LU1 2BQ

Telephone: (01582) 547095
Fax: (01582) 546971
email: regeneration@luton.go.uk|

We provide archaeological advice to Luton Borough Council, but its Regeneration Service is the first point of contact.

The Portable Antiquities Scheme which records and identifies archaeological finds made by members of the public. The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Finds Liaison Officer is:

Julian Watters
Verulamium Museum
St Michaels
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL3 4SW

Tel: (017270 751826,
email: j.watters@stalbans.gov.uk|  

Julian can also be contacted via Bedford Museum and Luton Museum

For an overview of some of the finds reported to the Finds Liaison Officer please click here 

Bedford Museum| (new window) and Luton Museum| (new window) which cover Bedfordshire's archaeology through their collections and public displays. They help identify archaeological finds along with the Finds Liaison Officer and also outreach and educational services. 

Albion Archaeology| (new window) - the County Council's archaeological fieldwork contractor -which carries out archaeological projects in Bedfordshire and the surrounding region.

Other archaeological contractors – The Institute of Field Archaeologists can provide information on archaeological contractors who could also undertake work in Bedfordshire.

English Heritage| (new window) - the Government's statutory advisory body for the historic environment. It manages hundreds of historic sites, awards grants, gives advice on Scheduled Ancient Monuments, and publishes archaeological reports and technical advice notes, some of which are on the web site.

The Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers - the umbrella body for curatorial archaeologists working in local authorities.

The Institute of Field Archaeologists - the professional organisation for archaeologists. It maintains a Register of Archaeological Organisations and produces technical papers and guidance notes, many of which are on the web site.

The Council for British Archaeology – which promotes the study and safeguarding of Britain's historic environment, provides a forum for archaeological opinion, and works to increase public interest in and knowledge of Britain's past.

The Industrious East| (new window) is a regional route which celebrates the industrial heritage of the East of England and its people.

The main contacts for our services are:

Martin Oake|
County Archaeological Officer
Heritage & Environment Service
Bedfordshire County Council
Cauldwell Street
Bedford
MK42 9AP

Telephone: (01234) 228074

Lesley-Ann Mather|
Archaeological Officer
Heritage & Environment Service
Bedfordshire County Council
Cauldwell Street
Bedford
MK42 9AP

Telephone: (01234) 228305