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Introduction
This second summary report on archaeological work in Worcester (see
Dinn 2000 for a report on 1997-1999)
covers two years of unprecedented activity in Worcester's archaeology,
with more sites than ever examined. During 2000-2001 there were
over 80 significant archaeological records (out of some 100 on the
City Sites and Monuments Record for the period; the remainder were
mainly small watching briefs carried out by the City Archaeological
Officer). These records range from small watching briefs up to one
of the largest excavations yet seen in Worcester; only the most
important or productive are mentioned here.
Results from this work have consolidated and extended knowledge
in areas which are already of established archaeological interest,
such as the Roman occupation in the northern
part of the town (from the City Wall northwards), but they have
also suggested a number of new areas and themes for research.
The work of the Worcester Urban Archaeological
Database, which began in 2000, is for the first time providing
a detailed computer-based record which builds on the information
provided by the many archaeological assessments and interventions.
The database is intended to work as a research tool as well as providing
essential support for WCC's planning function. It is discussed in
more detail at the end of the report.
Results of assessments and fieldwork
The work described here was carried out by the following contractors:
Archaeological Investigations Ltd (AIL), Archaeological Site Investigations
(Asi), Archenfield Archaeology (AA), Birmingham University Field
Archaeology Unit (BUFAU), CPM, Geophysical Surveys of Bradford (GSB),
Lindsey Archaeological Services (LAS), Marches Archaeology (MA),
Mike Napthan Archaeology (MNA), Oxford Archaeological Unit (OAU),
Stratascan, Worcester City Council (WCC), and Worcestershire County
Council's Archaeology Service (Worcs CC). Historical assessments
have been produced by Pat Hughes and David Whitehead. In all, 20
archaeological contractors and specialist contractors carried out
work in Worcester in 2000-01.
Most of the information is taken from individual site reports. These
reports are not separately cited here but may be consulted at the
Worcester City Sites and Monuments Record. Most of the SMR numbers
given (six-figure numbers starting WCM 100) refer to event records
(ie records of archaeological or other observations) contained within
the Worcester City SMR. Five-figure SMR numbers starting WCM 96
are monument numbers defined as part of the UAD.
Nearly all of the work has been in response to developments (whether
planning-related or not), and the primary aim of the archaeological
response has been to secure preservation in situ of any archaeological
remains present where circumstances permit. Inevitably, this means
that the size of the areas recorded has often been very limited,
as fieldwork becomes more and more targeted towards specific areas
of development impact, or individual archaeological features.
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