Archaeology

The landscape holds clues to the activities of people over much of the past 10,000 years, extending back to the Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) when the first bands of hunters wondered into the area after the last glacial phase of the Ice Age.

Over the years, relatively little survey and research has been done here in comparison to other areas of northern England, but sufficient has been done to demonstrate the potential for many exciting discoveries in future. The AONB Partnership's Altogether Archaeology project (funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and Natural England) is helping local people to undertake lots of exciting archaeological fieldwork. Another exciting initiative is the Miner-Farmer Project on Alston Moor, led by English Heritage, which is using modern technology to survey extensive previously unknown remains from prehistoric through until modern times.

The related pages listed below provide introductions to the different periods of North Pennines archaeology. 'Prehistory' is a term used by archaeologists to refer to time before the first written records (ie 'before history'). In the North Pennines this means the period prior to the Roman conquest, although written records of any kind remain extremely sparse through into medieval times. The prehistoric era is divided into Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age.

Altogether Archaeology project

The AONB Partnership is running a community project called Altogether Archaeology. This encourages and enables local people with an interest in the past to work with professional archaeologists at several different sites throughout the North Pennines.

For more information about archaeology and how to get involved contact the AONB Partnership's Historic Environment Officer - Paul Frodsham on 01388 528801 or email pfrodsham@northpenninesaonb.org.uk