Author

Oliver Bullock

Date

November 2006

Project Type

Undergraduate fieldwork project

Subject

Landscape Archaeology

Datasets

OS County Series; aerial photographs from the national monuments record

Related Subjects

Historical Geography; Local History Studies; Planning

Sources: Digimap; Swindon and English Heritage, York.

Dates/Editions: All available dates and editions have been utilized

Scale: 1:10,560, 1:2500

Publishing Institution

Department of Archaeology, University of York

Summary

This project used non-intrusive survey and desk-based techniques to create a landscape history of an area of common land in York. This included map regression through Digimap OS historic maps.

Aims & Objectives

The aim of the project was to create a clearer picture of the chronological development of the research area. It was also to introduce students to the methods of topographical survey and desk-based study, including map regression techniques.

Methodology

The project was implemented initially through the use of aerial photographs to identify any archaeological features, including old field boundaries and drainage at the site. The Ordnance Survey maps from Digimap were then analysed to track the development of the site’s boundaries and land use. This was an integral part of the project because it informed the later use of topographic survey equipment to measure archaeological features such as ridge and furrow.

The project was able to track the changes in land use at the site from the medieval period until World War II. It has informed local history studies in the area and oral historical accounts have also been collected.

Results/Outcome

This project was part of a 2nd year undergraduate module taught at the University of York. It introduces students some basic principles of survey and background research. The Edina historic maps have been an important part of the teaching of the module.

	Map 1: Walmgate 1st edition 1:2500
	Map 2: Walmgate 1925 1:2500