The Archaeology Service now forms part of the facilities provided by Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre.

The Archaeology Service has a duty of identifying, recording and protecting Wiltshire´s archaeology by advising planning departments and negotiating with landowners and developers. 

The Service uses a digital mapping system and computer database to maintain the Wiltshire Sites & Monuments Record  of which there are over 21,000 sites indentified. This information is then used by developers and other interested parties. 

Pioneers in archaeological research - such as General Pitt Rivers in the late 19th century - first revealed the outstanding quality of Wiltshire´s archaeology. Each year brings a crop of new discoveries, but also challanges as development, forestry, farming and quarrying threaten sites with destruction.

Visiting the Archaeology Service

The work of the  Archaeology team often takes them out of the office. However, if you have an enquiry about the Archaeology of Wiltshire or the Sites and Monuments Record, there is a drop in service available for members of the public between 11am - 12 noon and 2pm - 3pm, Tuesday - Friday (Please note that while the History Centre is open on a Saturday for Archives and Local Studies research, the Archaeology office is not open). If the drop in times are not convenient for you, you are always welcome to make an appointment with a member of the team.

Links

Wiltshire Sites & Monuments Record

Archaeology Sites & Walks

Window on Wiltshire's Heritage