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Photograph of the River Witham

Archaeological studies of the Witham valley from prehistory to the medieval period.

Archaeological Research in the Lower Witham Valley

In 1981 excavations were undertaken south of Fiskerton village on the remains of a timber causeway that was in use during the Iron Age (c.457-282BC) and surrounded by important items of metalwork, including tools and weapons. Further excavations were funded by the Environment Agency in 2001 as part of their flood relief works in the Witham Valley and once again the well preserved remains of the causeway and its associated artefacts were uncovered. In the light of the renewed interest this work generated amongst archaeologists, the local community and the media, a seminar was held at County Offices in December 2001 to look at the archaeological potential of the Witham valley as a whole.

The seminar highlighted that the valley between Lincoln and Tattershall/Dogdyke was important because of its good preservation of archaeological and environmental remains and the concentration of prestigious artefacts and monuments of death, burial and religion within it. This suggested that the valley had possessed a ritual significance since at least the Neolithic period through to the Middle Ages. The seminar identified a need for further research into the valley's archaeology and environmental development and to promote appropriate management of the landscape. The papers from the seminar were later published in the volume Time and Tide. The Archaeology of the Witham Valley.

The Witham Valley Archaeological Research Committee (WVARC) was established to produce a set of priorities to guide research and to push forward the resulting projects. In essence the priorities consist of a series of questions to guide the collection of data and interpretation of the results. Much work has already been carried out and a coherent story of the valley's evolution is beginning to emerge.

WVARC is made up of representatives of Lincolnshire County Council, English Heritage, the Environment Agency, the Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire, Washingborough Archaeology Group, Lindsey Archaeological Services, City of Lincoln Council, local consultancies and universities. They meet twice a year to discuss progress but the work generated by the committee, funded by member organisations, continues.

Last Updated: 30 November 2009

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Spatial Planning - Correspondence
Unit 16
Witham Park House
Waterside South
Lincoln
LN5 7JN

Tel: 01522 782070
Fax: 01522 554829
Email: Dev_PCG@lincolnshire.gov.uk

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