Introducing the January/February 2024 issue of British Archaeology
ON THE COVER
Ring cairns: the defining prehistoric monuments of the Early Bronze Age
An aerial view of The Cockpit ring cairn in the Lake District, set in its landscape with Ullswater in the middle distance and a network of path skirting the monument.
CBA NEWS
A Roman plantation found at Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, is the furthest north in the UK that evidence has been found for viticulture. A preserved prehistoric yew tree shows evidence of having been hollowed out and cut using fine metal tools in the very early Bronzw Age. Rare 5,000-year-old tomb discovered in Orkney. Changing fortunes of nineteenth century workhouse residents. WW2 experimental catapult investigated at Harwell.
From the director
This year (2024) will mark the 80th anniversary of the Council of British Archaeology (CBA) and we will use this milestone as a catalyst to reimagine our role and priorities moving forward..
In progress
Unlocking the ‘lived religion’ of everyday people in the Middle Ages. Michael Lewis explores what we have learnt about medieval lives from the MeRit project.
Casefiles
Proposed alterations to numbers 17-21 Cathedral Road would have converted the three houses into a set of flats.
Archaeology 8-25
Dig It! Competition success shows the value of providing opportunities to the next generation.
My Archaeology
Artist Brian Rice explains how a move to a farm in an ancient Dorset landscape ignited his interest in archaeology and formed a significant inspiration for his artistic work.
FEATURES
Uncovering the Rutland Roman mosaic
Hailed as one of the most significant ever found in Britain, the mosaic and its associated extensive complex got plenty of media attention, but what had less focus despite being equally noteworthy was the network of people and organisations involved in the project. Key contributors told us their stories.
Clarendon Palace: a medieval power centre
Dr Eloise Kane reports on the work that has been undertaken to try and understand more about this remarkable site in Wiltshire. It is a place that has much more history left to reveal.
The missing link
Adam Morgan Ibbotson visits some of northern England’s finest examples and explains why they should be known as the defining prehistoric monument of the Early Bronze Age.
The DUA legacy
Following its 50th anniversary, John Maloney looks back on the pioneering work of the London-based Department of Urban Archaeology (DUA), which had its origins in
the rubble of the undeveloped bomb sites that still littered London in the 1960s.
That’s rich: the material origins of the English aristocracy
Duncan Wright, Oliver Creighton, and David Gould report on the Where Power Lies project, the first dedicated archaeological investigation into the origins and development of lordly centres in England from c. 800 to 1200.
OTHER REGULARS INCLUDE
The world in antiquity
A study has now identified carving techniques and traces of colour on the Parthenon Sculptures at the British Museum.
Archaeology active
The CBA is embarking on an exciting new project, which examines how archaeological research and information is disseminated across the UK.
Sharp focus
The Crypt of St Leonard’s Church, Hythe, Kent.
Greg Bailey on TV
How will new generations find archaelogy to watch when it’s all hidden behind paywalls?
Books
The Hillforts of Iron Age Wales; The British Museum Puzzle Book
Archaeology Now
Dr Chlöe Duckworth asks, ‘What links archaeology and the concept of power?’
British Archaeology is a bimonthly members’ magazine that is also available in newsagents and by subscription in print and digital
Discover feature articles
On occasion, we provide open access to featured articles to support out wider advocacy work championing archaeology. Discover them below.
Regular features
Regular features highlighting the work of the CBA
From the director
A letter from director of the Council for British Archaeology Neil Redfern
Archaeology 8-25
Articles from the delivery & engagement team at the Council for British Archaeology, as they report on the world of young and aspiring archaeologists
Archaeology Active
Discover more about CBA activities to champion archaeology and public participation
Casefiles
Caseworkers at the Council for British Archaeology present examples from the council’s files

More information
Past Issues
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You can search our back catalogue for subjects that may interest you here.
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