Abstract:
Sarah Orr from West Berkshire Council Archaeology Service is to give a talk entitled “West Berkshire's archaeology service and the Historic Environment of Thatcham.” Sarah is not planning to give a talk on the history of Thatcham but rather on the local physical remains of the past that her team aim to promote and preserve in various ways. Sarah will cover what the council’s archaeology service does, what information they hold in the historic environment record and how the team want to work together with local communities to develop a “sense of place.”
Sarah’s job title is “Historic Environment Record Officer” or HERO! Sarah has been with the archaeology service for 9 years since shortly after it became in-house at the council. Sarah previously worked in museums and as a primary school teacher.
Review:
Sarah Orr from West Berkshire Council's Archaeology Service who is the Historic Environment Record Officer (HERO) gave a talk on her job and the archaeology in the area. Sarah works in a small team of just two people, the other being Duncan Coe, and are responsible for the recording of archaeology within West Berkshire. The department has only existed within West Berkshire Council since 2000, before which the archaeology unit/service was an independent body.
Sarah noted that the service was to record, understand, preserve and promote archaeology and history, both below and above ground. As such, when a planning application is made the can request that the developer undertakes an archaeological excavation prior to building or consent being given. Sarah gave two local examples of this. The first being Wyatt’s the butchers where an excavation was undertaken which revealed an 18th century floor and an earlier mediaeval floor. Also was another local building which has indications of a moat.
The work has collected and provides many resources including; finds from excavations, aerial photography, buildings details and much more. The resources are usually free unless for commercial use.
Sarah showed some examples of these including a map of Berkshire which showed where archaeological finds had been made.
A vote of thanks was given by Nick Young (Chair) and refreshments followed.