Solent-Thames archaeological framework

The research framework for the Solent-Thames sub-region investigated all aspects of the historic  counties of:

• Berkshire
• Buckinghamshire
• Hampshire
• Oxfordshire
• Isle of Wight

This research helped us identify gaps in our knowledge and looked at how decisions about future development are made.

The research behind the framework was split into 3 stages.

1. Resource assessment

A team of 40 contributors analysed the archaeological and historical records for every period in each county. Each contributor produced a County Resource Assessment. These documents were published on the project website.

During the consultation, seminars were held so that the published documents could be discussed.

2. Research agenda

The lead authors were each responsible for research agendas for their period. The agenda identified where our current knowledge is incomplete. The project team discussed these at a series of period-based seminars across in the region. A wide range of people with an interest in cultural heritage were present, both professional and non-professional.

3. Research Strategy

The final stage was to produce a research strategy. This strategy addressed the issues raised in the agendas. It also considered how we could improve our understanding of the cultural heritage of the region.

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

Full details and all papers are on the Oxford Archaeology website.