Greater Thames Estuary Regional Research Framework

Introduction

In recent years the considerable amount of work on the archaeology and environment of the Greater Thames Estuary has resulted in the production of a number of important papers detailing the archaeological resource and reporting on the results of specific fieldwork projects. Following preparation of the Thames Estuary Management Plan (TEMP 1996), in order to consider the future direction of archaeological research in the region a working group was set up. This consists of representatives from Essex and Kent County Councils, English Heritage and the Royal Commission on Historic Monuments for England (RCHME). Following the publication of Frameworks for our Past (Olivier 1996:5) it was decided that a formal regional research framework document should be created. The Greater Thames Estuary is defined as a zone from Clacton in Essex to Whistable in Kent and upstream as far as Tower Bridge, an area coincident with the RSPB,s (1992) Greater Thames estuary.

The research framework

The research framework document will consist of three principal parts:

• The resource assessment; a summary of the current state of knowledge and understanding.
• The research agenda; gaps in existing knowledge, the potential of the resource and possible research topics.
• The research strategy; a prioritised list of research topics.

The Framework will cover research in the Greater Thames area up to, but excluding, creation of specific projects designed to further the research strategy. It will build on published documents dealing with the area and on draft papers circulated amongst the committee representing the interested parties.

Synopsis

The framework document will consist of four sections, each subdivided.

Introduction.

A summary of the development of archaeology in the Greater Thames estuary together with background information on the preparation of the research framework and a summary of its scope and format.

Resource Assessment

This will consist of a description of the current state of the archaeological resource in the Greater Thames area. It will be organised in seven sections:

• Pleistocene Palaeoenvironment and Archaeology
• Holocene Palaeoenvironment
• Marine Archaeology
• Intertidal and related Archaeology
• Archaeology of the floodplain and terraces
• Historic defences and other military installations
• Industry and Transport

Research agenda

The research agenda will follow the thematic structure established by the resource assessment and will provide a brief summary of the current gaps in current knowledge, the potential of the archaeological resource and key research objectives for the future.

Research strategy

The research strategy will present a series of prioritised research objectives grouped under two headings:

• The intertidal zone.
• Buildings and structures without clear potential beneficial reuse, mainly of industrial and / or military origin.

Timescale

A draft text is currently circulating for comment within the working group and it is hoped the published Framework will be available in Summer 1998

Bibliography

Olivier, A. 1996 Frameworks for our past: A review of research frameworks, strategies and perceptions. English Heritage.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 1992 Time for a Greater Thames

TEMP 1996 Thames Estuary Management Plan English Nature

Contact Information.

Nigel Brown
Essex County Council Planning Department
County Hall
Chelmsford
Essex
UK
Tel. : 01245 437640. Fax : 01245 258353.