Archaeology and planning
There has been a long history of archaeological investigation in Devon, from amateur enthusiasts to professional commercial projects.
Most archaeological work today arises from commercial development and planning policy. RAMM actively acquires archaeological archives from commercial projects within its collecting area.
The earliest archaeologists were interested amateurs. From 1846-1870 Peter Orlando Hutchinson surveyed ancient earthworks and recorded the work of the early barrow diggers.
In 1928 the Devon Archaeological Exploration Society (later the Devon Archaeological Society) was set up with the aim of actively researching the County's past. The Society carried out the first systematic excavations in Exeter and at sites such as Hembury.
In the 1940s and 50s many of the areas of Exeter damaged by WWII bombing were excavated. In 1971 the Exeter Archaeological Field Unit was set up and made major discoveries such as the Roman Legionary Bath-house.
Most archaeological work is now related to commercial development and planning policy. Guidelines are in place to control and regulate this activity.
The results from these commerical archaeological projects are held by various organisations for the public. Information is lodged with the Historic Environment Records (HERs) while the finds and documentation (called archaeological archives) are held by museums.
RAMM collects archaeological archives from the district council areas of Exeter, Mid Devon, East Devon, Teignbridge, parts of the South Hams and parts of West Devon. Please contact us for further information.
