Archaeology

Introduction

Archaeology in Shrewsbury and Atcham is the study of the historic environment in all its manifestations: the pattern of streets and properties and the buried remains of parts of the town and its historic building and the objects used in them.

As part of government policy the Borough Council are charged with the management of the Borough's archaeological heritage.   This means the consideration of archaeologically significant sites This is achieved with advice and guidance from the Shropshire County Council, Archaeology Section and English Heritage.

Over the past five years our understanding of the archaeology of the Borough and Shrewsbury in particular has increased considerably. This has been as a result of a continuing process of archaeological investigation and the compilation of a computer database, funded by English Heritage, which identifies all archaeological material within the town centre (the Urban Archaeological Database).

The results of the database project and the synthesis of information into an assessment text have illustrated the huge potential of the town's archaeological resource. Our town's historic environment - its streets, open spaces and buildings - survives to such a degree that it provides Shrewsbury with a unique selling proposition.  The database can be accessed by appointment at the Shropshire County Council, Natural Environment Section, through the Environmental Record.

In 2000 the Council launched the Urban Archaeological Strategy aimed at exploiting and enhancing Shrewsbury's unique heritage for the economic benefit of the town.  The aims of objectives highlighted in the Strategy's action plan are being implemented by the Conservation Section.