ENGLISH HERITAGE SCIENTIFIC DATING SERVICE

This service provides advice on the application of scientific dating methods to archaeologists and the wider conservation community. We supply dating and advice for the excavations, surveys, and restoration projects which are funded by other parts of English Heritage and ensure that the dating work funded is both cost-effective and of the highest possible standard. The staff of the dating service are actively involved in the research and development of the techniques we use.

When a project begins, we assist the project team in devising a strategy to answer the dating questions posed. Which method is most appropriate? How much will it cost? How will the demands of the technique affect the organisation of work?

Three methods are most often used:

Archaeomagnetic dating is performed at the Ancient Monuments Laboratory itself.

Tree-ring dating is carried out by two dendrochronologists at the University of Sheffield who are funded by English Heritage.

Radiocarbon dating is provided by the Scottish Universities Research and Reactor Centre, the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit, or the Queen's University of Belfast Radiocarbon Laboratory. Each of these supply slightly different services which are contracted as appropriate.

After the scientific dating measurements are complete, the dating service assists with the calibration, interpretation, and publication of the results, frequently contributing specialist sections to the main project publications. In addition we publish datelists and scientific papers which result from our commitment to research and development (see AML Report Summaries).

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