Historic England Guidance – serie

This photographic guide will assist scientists working with archaeological plant or insect remains in the identification of calcium-phosphate replaced biological remains. Diagnostic criteria and images are presented for the most commonly occurring taxa found as mineralised remains in cesspits, drains and middens, dating from the prehistoric to post-medieval periods .Phosphatic mineralisation primarily preserves soft tissues and often results in the loss of diagnostic features typically seen in other types of preservation, particularly of the thickened, protective outer layers (pericarps and seed coats) of fruits and seeds. For insect remains this type of preservation primarily favours fly (Diptera) pupae and puparia. High quality photographic images are presented, for the most part using mineralised archaeological material. High magnification images of specific structures and cell layers (magnifications of up to x160) are included where appropriate. Variations of potential preservation are illustrated where possible. Identification criteria for each taxon is highlighted, along with examples of archaeological sites which yielded mineralised material, information on modern ecology and interpretative value of each taxon.

This publication provides guidance to building owners, conservation professionals, local authorities and estate managers responsible for dealing with graffiti on historic buildings and sites. It describes the types of graffiti and historic materials affected, the legal context for reporting and prosecuting graffiti crime, general advice on removing graffiti, best technical practice expected of specialist graffiti-removal contractors, and prevention measures. It also addresses wider cultural developments, notably the increased public recognition and acceptance of ‘street art’, and the consequent need to define the boundaries between street art and unwanted graffiti.

Part of the Historic England series of Advice and Guidance on using scientific techniques for understanding the Historic Environment, this document provides guidelines for good practice in the use of radiocarbon dating and chronological modelling in archaeology. It gives practical advice on the application of these methods within archaeological projects. It should be used in conjunction with advice given by radiocarbon laboratories and modelling specialists on specific projects. It contains an introduction to the fundamental principles of radiocarbon dating, methods of measurement, and the results produced by laboratories. It then explains radiocarbon calibration, reservoir effects, and provides guidance on the citation of radiocarbon dates. The need for Bayesian Chronological Modelling in the interpretation of radiocarbon dates is then explained, with the components of models identified and methods of model calculation, validation and comparison outlined.A step-by-step guide is then provided to the Bayesian process for employing radiocarbon dating and chronological modelling in archaeology and guidance is then provided in the reporting and citation of radiocarbon dates and Bayesian chronological models.Finally, a range of case studies of varying complexity illustrate the Bayesian process in practice on different kinds of site, from standing buildings, to prehistoric settlements, to geoarchaeological investigations.

This guidance describes a method of recording historic buildings for the purpose of historical understanding using analytical site drawing and measuring by hand. The techniques described here have a long tradition of being used to aid understanding by observation and close contact with building fabric. They can be used by all involved in making records of buildings of all types and ages, but are particularly useful for vernacular buildings and architectural details which are crucial to the history of a building or site. . Record drawings are best used alongside other recording techniques such as written reports and photography or to supplement digital survey data. They can also be used as a basis for illustrations that disseminate understanding to wider audiences.

This document provides practical guidance on how to investigate sites where pottery production has taken place. It describes how to anticipate and locate pottery production sites and the types of evidence that may be found. This document also provides advice on the available methods and strategies for examining, recording and sampling features and finds of various types at each stage of the work. The different techniques for establishing the date of pottery production, and for characterising the products of a site, are given particular emphasis. This document was compiled by Harriet White, Sarah Paynter and Duncan Brown with contributions by Joanne Best, Chris Cumberpatch, David Dawson, Peter Ellis, Jane Evans, Laurence Jones, Oliver Kent, Gareth Perry, The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, Ian Roberts, Kerry Tyler and Ann Woodward.

‘Nonconformist’ has long been used as a description of Protestant Christians in England and Wales who were not part of the Church of England. Among the numerous denominations are the Baptists, Methodists, Quakers and the Salvation Army. By the mid-nineteenth century their chapels and meeting houses, the subject of this brief introduction, outnumbered the buildings of the Church of England’s. While many chapels are now disused or have seen conversion, they remain characteristic and often notable buildings in settlements in all parts of the country.

The diversity of England’s Protected Wreck Sites reflects the wealth of maritime heritage preserved under the sea and around our coast. These sites provide a valuable source of evidence for a wide range of past activities, and not just of those on or in the sea. These guidelines are intended to support individuals or groups wishing to access and/or develop projects on wreck sites designated under Section 1 of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 in the English Territorial Sea. The role of a voluntary Licensee and his or her team is essential to the system that helps manage the most significant historic wrecks in our territorial sea. As Licensees are effectively voluntary custodians for these important sites; this has been recognised by Historic England awarding Affiliated Volunteer Status to Licensees and their teams. This guidance has been updated to reflect changes to the way the protected wreck licensing system is administered, recognise the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and publication of the UK Marine Policy Statement in 2011. The guidance forms the approach recommended for work on all historic wreck sites in England, not just those designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973.

This Project Planning Note is intended to cover the taking of oblique aerial photographs of the historic environment. It includes advice on planning and carrying out aerial reconnaissance projects and lists relevant sources of further information. This Project Planning Note is intended to be read in conjunction with the MoRPHE Project Managers Guide which gives generic guidance on project management.

This guidance document provides an introduction to the ways that the archaeological evidence for metalworking is studied. Archaeometallurgical evidence can include whole landscapes, buildings, features, artefacts and waste materials (eg slag and crucibles). Archaeometallurgy includes fieldwork investigations (survey and excavation) and the subsequent study of these data as well as any artefacts and residues recovered. Scientific approaches provide insights into the techniques used to produce different metals and how these were fabricated into artefacts.

This guidance document covers the use of geoarchaeology to assist in understanding the archaeological record. Geoarchaeological techniques may range in scale from landscape studies to microscopic analysis, and are carried out by practitioners with specialist knowledge about the physical environment in which archaeological stratigraphy is preserved, and excavations take place. The main aim is usually to understand site formation processes, but there may also be issues concerning site preservation, refining field interpretations of archaeological contexts and identifying changes in the physical landscape through time.

This guidance is intended for anyone interested in or responsible for the care of war memorials. This might include parish, local and district councils, conservation professionals, contractors, statutory bodies, volunteer groups or private owners. Although the guidance covers the setting of war memorials, more detailed information on landscape issues can be found in the publication The Conservation and Management of War Memorial Landscapes. When it refers to ‘custodians’, the document is addressing anyone who has taken on formal responsibility for a war memorial, whether or not they are its legal owner. The guidance describes current best practice on the understanding, assessment, planning and implementation of conservation work to memorials as well as their ongoing maintenance and protection. It also outlines the legal frameworks and statutory duties that relate to their ownership and care. War memorials have always had a deep emotional resonance with the people of this country. Whether on a national, civic or local level, they act as constant reminders of the ultimate price of war – collective monuments to the many lives lost as well as a means of remembering the names of the individual servicemen and women who paid that price. The majority of war memorials date from the 20th century, and most of those from the years after the First World War. National and city memorials were generally monumental in concept and size but in towns and villages they tended to be more modest in style. Whatever their appearance, they continue to act as focal points for the commemoration of those killed and affected by war and as places for reflection on the effects of their loss on a community and society as a whole. In addition to their continuing commemorative role, many war memorials are of significant architectural, historic or artistic quality and have become key parts of the historic environment; it is therefore important that their physical condition should be safeguarded for the benefit of future generations as well as our own.

Keeping historic buildings in good repair and, where possible, in use, is the key to their preservation. Owners of listed buildings are under no statutory obligation to maintain their property in a good state of repair, although it is in their interests to do so. Local authorities can, however, take action to secure repair when it becomes evident that a building is being allowed to deteriorate. Urgent Works Notices, Repairs Notices and Section 215 Notices can be very effective tools to help secure the preservation of historic buildings. This guidance is designed to help local authorities make effective use of these powers. It provides step-by-step advice on the use of the main procedures and includes case studies and a selection of specimen letters, notices, schedules and agreements. Samples of these are available to download at the bottom of this page for local authorities wishing to edit them for their own use.

This guidance on Building Information Modelling for heritage (Historic BIM) offers guidance for owners, end-users and professionals in the fields of heritage and construction. By raising awareness of the potential advantages of a BIM approach, this guidance will help users successfully implement BIM in heritage projects. Historic BIM is, by definition, a multi-disciplinary process that requires the input and collaboration of professionals with very different skillsets. It is also a fast-developing field in terms of research, official guidance, standards and professional practice. This publication addresses the issues surrounding the production and use of BIM for history buildings, and provides information about guidance and standards available elsewhere for managing a building's entire life cycle effectively.

This guidance provides practical advice on the recording, analysis and understanding of earthworks and other historic landscape features using non-intrusive archaeological field survey and investigation techniques. It describes and illustrates approaches to archaeological field survey, drawing conventions and Levels of Survey for record creators and users. The guidance also draws from the experience of Historic England field teams, exploring different aspects of landscape investigation and analysis through a series of case studies. This revised version of the 2007 edition is one of several pieces of Historic England guidance available from the Historic England website. This guidance builds on those documents and stands alongside Understanding Historic Buildings: a guide to good recording practice.

This guidance covers the practical application of photogrammetry in recording cultural heritage, with particular reference to structure from motion (SfM) techniques. Our audience for this document includes survey contractors, archaeological contractors, voluntary organisations and specialists. Photogrammetric image acquisition and processing, until recently requiring a considerable investment in hardware and software, are now possible at a fraction of their former cost. This has led to a huge increase in the use of photogrammetry in cultural heritage recording. The skills required to apply the techniques successfully and accurately are discussed, and background information on how various parts of the process work is provided so that better results can be achieved through better understanding. Photogrammetry is characterised by its versatility, and is applicable over a wide range of scales, from landscapes to small objects. The particular requirements needed at these different scales are outlined, and both imaging techniques and useful ancillary equipment are described. The different types of outputs are discussed, including their suitability for further interrogation using a range of established analytical techniques and the presentation options available. A range of case studies illustrates the application of photogrammetry across a variety of projects that broadly reflect the areas discussed in the text. This document is one of a number of Historic England technical advice documents on how to survey historic places.

When historic buildings are left vacant they are at a greatly increased risk of damage and decay as well as being a potential blight on their locality. The best way to protect a building is to keep it occupied, even if the use is on a temporary or partial basis. It is inevitable that some historic buildings will struggle to find any use, especially in areas where the property market is weak and the opportunities for sale or re-use are limited. However, such buildings may become centrepieces of future regeneration and safeguarding will allow them to fulfil their social, cultural and economic potential. This guidance is intended to help owners and purchasers of vacant historic buildings to reduce the risks by undertaking a range of precautionary measures and adopting an ‘active management’ approach that can prevent unnecessary damage, dereliction and loss of historic fabric. Owners will also benefit by maintaining the value of their assets and increasing the chances of bringing them back into permanent use. The guidance explains how to decommission buildings that are about to be vacated, as well as how to look after buildings that have already been vacant for some time.

The first edition of 3D Laser Scanning for Heritage was published in 2007 and originated from the Heritage3D project that in 2006 considered the development of professional guidance for laser scanning in archaeology and architecture. Publication of the second edition in 2011 continued the aims of the original document in providing updated guidance on the use of three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning across the heritage sector. By reflecting on the technological advances made since 2011, such as the speed, resolution, mobility and portability of modern laser scanning systems and their integration with other sensor solutions, the guidance presented in this third edition should assist archaeologists, conservators and other cultural heritage professionals unfamiliar with the approach in making the best possible use of this now highly developed technique.

This guidance is designed to help those intending to use airborne laser scanning (ALS), also known as lidar, for archaeological survey. The aim is to help archaeologists, researchers and those who manage the historic environment to decide first, whether using lidar data will actually be beneficial in terms of their research aims, and second, how the data can be used effectively. The guidance will be most useful to those who have access to data that have already been commissioned, or are planning to commission lidar for a specific purpose. They also provide an introduction to data interpretation in order to separate archaeological and non-archaeological features. Although important themes are introduced, this guidance are not intended as a definitive explanation of the technique or the complexities of acquiring and processing the raw data, particularly as this is a still developing technology. This document is intended to complement 3D Laser Scanning for Heritage, which covers a wider range of uses of laser scanning for heritage purposes (Historic England 2018). This Guidance is a revision of The Light Fantastic: Using Airborne Lidar in Archaeological Survey published by English Heritage in 2010. The text has largely been maintained except for certain areas where major changes have occurred in the ensuing years. This is particularly true with regard to increased access to data and the wide range of visualisation techniques now available. The case studies have also been updated to reflect more recent survey activity and to include examples from outside Historic England.

The preservation of waterlogged organic materials has transformed our understanding of the historic environment. Their study involves the collaboration of many different disciplines from within the heritage sector. This guidance is aimed at anyone planning for or working with waterlogged organic artefacts, including archaeological curators, archaeologists and specialists (finds specialists, environmental archaeologists and conservators). This guidance will help the reader appreciate the information and research potential waterlogged organic artefacts can offer. It will briefly describe material conditions and commonly applied conservation techniques, in order for people less familiar with these situations to make the right decisions when commissioning work. For practitioners in the field, it contains useful advice on lifting, storage and packaging. The chapter on analytical techniques highlights areas for further research. Case studies and specialist views are provided to illustrate the principles with real-life scenarios.