Massive survey of Hadrian's Wall in its landscape
Submitted by Andy B on Friday, 21 November 2008 Page Views: 1530
Other ArchaeologyCountry: England The biggest survey ever taken of the full length of Hadrian’s Wall has revealed literally thousands of forgotten or previously unknown features. More than 30,000 aerial photographs, taken over a period of 60 years, have been carefully pieced together to give a dramatic new image of the World Heritage Site from Neolithic times right the way through to the Cold War.Prehistoric burial mounds, medieval sheep farms and ancient hill forts invisible on the ground are starkly illuminated from the bird’s eye view, along with evidence of World War Two gun emplacements.
The findings have excited historians, who say the survey will prove invaluable as a research tool.
English Heritage experts identified, interpreted and recorded all the archaeological features visible on 30,500 aerial photographs taken between 1930 and 2006.
Features catalogued include an Iron Age hillfort near Fourstones, and the deserted medieval village of East Matfen.
Historic photographs show hundreds of World War Two structures, but many of these were removed soon after the war ended and leave no trace on the ground today.
The English Heritage survey provides a record of such activity as well as actual archaeological remains.
Senior investigator for English Heritage’s aerial survey and investigation team David MacLeod, explained: “We need to remember that Hadrian’s Wall is not an isolated monument set within a landscape devoid of any other history.
Read more with photos in the Hexham Courant
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