Archaeology

Dudley’s archaeological heritage is a vital component of the historic environment comprising many hundreds of sites, buildings and structures.

 

All archaeological remains, whether structures, earthworks or buried deposits potentially hold the key to a better understanding of the Borough’s past and how it has evolved to the present, thus reinforcing the sense of place and local distinctiveness that makes Dudley special. Dudley Council archaeologists, therefore, aim to identify, conserve and promote the archaeological heritage of the Borough.

 

Sites range in date and type from prehistoric artefact scatters, to medieval settlements, historic parkland, water mills and the many sites and structures of the Industrial Revolution. There are also whole areas, such as the medieval planned town of Dudley itself, which have a high archaeological potential.

 

New archaeological sites are regularly identified through survey and fieldwork and through information supplied by local people. A record of all Dudley’s known archaeological sites is kept on the Historic Environment Record.

 

Nine of the Borough’s most significant sites are of acknowledged national importance and therefore designated as Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

 

Archaeological sites require to be managed sensitively through the planning system as a fragile and finite resource. Dudley Council archaeologists, therefore, monitor all new development proposals in order to ensure that important archaeological sites are preserved intact wherever possible. Where this is not feasible archaeological recording, paid for by the developer, will be required in advance of development taking place. Specific policies relating to archaeology are contained in the Unitary Development Plan (UDP - HE8 to HE11 inclusive),

 

Supplementary Planning Guidance that defines how proposals for planning permission affecting archaeology will be handled by the Council is available in the form of a publication “Archaeology and Development in Dudley – A Code of Practice for Early Consultation”. This document stresses the benefit and potential savings, both in terms of time and money, of consultation with the Historic Environment Section at the beginning and in the very early planning stages of development proposals.

 

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See pictures and information from the Archaeological Excavation that took place in Stone Street Square, Dudley in 2003.