Archaeology Section Introduction

What do we do?

Durham County Council’s Archaeology Section is based at the Rivergreen Centre in Durham City. We work with collegues in other departments of the County Council, and other organisations, in order to protect, preserve, research and interpret the archaeology, historic fabric and cultural heritage of County Durham and Borough of Darlington. To the benefit of all and promote improved understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the past by local communities and visitors alike. We are a small team that achieves a great deal. The Archaeology Section has three permanent members of staff and a number of project staff.

We regularly seek external funding, and have had funding in the past from the Heritage Lottery Fund, New Opportunities Fund and English Heritage for Innovative projects such as 'Past Perfect','Keys to the Past','Time Detectives', and the 'North East Regional Research Framework'.

In pursuit of our goal of sustaining the archaeological heritage of the county and its communities we:

• Maintain and enhance the publicly accessible Historic Environment Record (HER).
• Provide development control advice to local planning authorities, utility companies, developers and others.
• Provide management advice to landowners regarding ancient monuments and archaeological features on their property.
• Devise and obtain resources to undertake or commission research projects that enhance knowledge of the historic environment thus enabling better informed and improved management in the future.
• Curate an further information archive which contain books, journals and information.
• Undertake outreach activities to promote understanding of Durham’s heritage through publications, exhibitions, and lectures.
• Produce a yearly magazine containing summaries of recent archaeological work within County Durham (You can buy the 3rd edition of our publication 'Archaeology in County Durham 2006' from the Culture and Leisure marketing department (0191 3708826) or buy online for £4.50 plus P&P).

Community Archaeology

We are always working to inform the general public about the archaeology and heritage of County Durham. Our work includes educational activities for schools and talks to local groups and societies. We have recently been running a community excavation at East Park, Sedgefield. We also look after Binchester Roman Fort which is open to the public and school groups during the summer months.

Contacting Us

If you have any questions or enquiries you can contact us using the following details:
The Archaeology Section
Adult and Community Services
Libraries, Learning and Culture
Rivergreen Centre
Durham
DH1 5TS
Tel: 0191 3708712
Fax: 0191 3708897
Email: Archaeology

Who to Speak To

Any of our staff will be pleased to assist with enquiries, you can speak to:

• David Mason, County Archaeologist
• Lee White, Assistant Archaeology Officer
• Gemma Lewis, Assistant Archaeology Officer
• Deborah Anderson, Assistant Archaeology Officer
• Hannah Wiggins, Historic Landscape Characterisation Project Officer
• Matt Symonds, Hadrian's Wall Research Framework Project Officer
• Rob Collins, Finds Liaison Officer, Portable Antiquities Scheme

Links to Other Pages

• Binchester Roman Fort
• Archaeology News and Events
• Historic Environment Record
• Development Control
• Archaeological Projects
• Rock Art Project
• Portable Antiquities Scheme
• Find out more about archaeology
• A brief history of County Durham
• Past Perfect
• Keys to the Past

You can also find out more about who the Archaeology Section are.