The Archaeology of Britain: An introduction from ... - waughfamily.ca

• 310 • Timothy Darvill
cause the accelerated decay of such remains (Figure 17.7). Conservation requires constant
vigilance and the availability of skills not only to recognize signs reflecting the onset of
accelerated decay but also to do something about it. In the case of small-scale effects, the
process is straightforward. Visitor erosion where footpaths cross archaeological sites is one of
the most widespread examples, where the opportunity to move the main path slightly or divert
users to allow the regeneration of vegetation cover may be all that is needed. Bigger problems
are more difficult, among the worst being tree-throw in strong winds, and coastal erosion. The
National Trust in particular is at the forefront of developing new approaches to these kinds
of problems in the countryside, and much innovative research is carried out on their properties.
• Exploitation. Many demands are placed upon the archaeological resource by today’s society.
These range from access to ancient monuments for educational and recreational use, promotion
of the archaeological heritage as a tourist attraction and visitor facility, and the exploration of
the past through research and study. All represent perfectly legitimate claims, and need to be
taken into account when considering the long-term future of the resource. Intensive exploitation
of the archaeological resource through excavation or restoration for public display can be as
destructive as developing the land for a completely non-archaeological objective.
Making accessible some of the more tangible remains of the past often finds public support. Within
the development process, and in countryside management, there are numerous opportunities to
make aspects of the local archaeological resource accessible. Nor need presentational work always
be archaeologically destructive. There is often enough visible already to allow the creation of a
‘heritage trail’, whether as a self-guided facility or as part of a more structured experience. In almost
any development there is scope to mark the positions of earlier buildings in coloured brick, or
perpetuate historic alignments, or reconstruct important features. Sociologically, such things serve
to strengthen the ‘existence’ value of the historic elements of cultural heritage.
The number of publicly accessible archaeological sites, museums, heritage centres and historical
attractions has risen dramatically in recent decades, and with increases in available leisure time
within the population as a whole,
historic sites and displays are an
important destination for trips and
visits. A survey by the British Tourist
Authority revealed that in 1995
historic houses and monuments were
collectively the second most popular
kind of attraction after museums and
galleries. The top ten historic houses
and monuments comprised: the
Tower of London, Windsor Castle,
Edinburgh Castle, the Roman baths
in Bath, Warwick Castle, Stonehenge,
Shakespeare’s birthplace, Hampton
Court, Leeds Castle and Blenheim
Palace.
Whether in public or private
Figure 17.6 Protecting monuments: wooden barriers in place around a
section of Iron Age rampart at Badbury Rings, Dorset.
Source: Timothy Darvill
hands, there is a range of attractions
that run from the almost untouched
site opened-up for visitors with very