Berkshire Archaeology

Welcome to Berkshire Archaeology - an archaeological advice service for Windsor and Maidenhead, Reading, Bracknell Forest, Slough and Wokingham.

Our Role

Berkshire Archaeology was established in 2004, as part of Reading Borough Council's Museums, Archives and Libraries Service. We offer a range of archaeological services across the five authorities. Please scroll down the page for more information:

• Sites and Monuments Record
• Planning and development control
• Site conservation and management
• Public archaeology

Open House

We run Open House sessions - you can drop in to consult the Sites and Monuments Record or discuss any aspects of archaeology in our area on Thursdays, 12 - 4pm, Reading Central Library (Third Floor).

Sites and Monuments Record

We manage the Berkshire Sites and Monuments Record (SMR), a computerised database of all known archaeological sites in our area. From Prehistoric finds and Roman roads to Saxon earthworks, Medieval villages and royal hunting parks, we have a rich and varied heritage - there are records of over 5,000 sites, and this number is growing as new discoveries are made and reported.

Looking for archaeological information?
Whether you are a student, a researcher, or simply interested in the archaeology of your town or village, the SMR has a wealth of information to help your search. You can consult the SMR during our "Open House" sessions, on Thursdays between 12 noon and 4pm, or contact us to make an appointment.

Planning and development control

We advise on all planning matters relating to archaeology. We also monitor the work of archaeological contractors and consultants who carry out excavation and survey work before sites are developed, and make sure that the results of this work are available to the public through the SMR.

Are you planning a development in the area?
We can provide information on whether there are likely to be archaeological implications, and how to resolve these.

Site conservation and management

We are working with local authorities and other land managers to make sure that important archaeological sites are properly cared for and managed, so that they survive into the future.

Are you a landowner or manager?
We can advise on how to look after and conserve any archaeological remains on your land, and on how to include archaeology in schemes such as Countryside Stewardship.

Public archaeology

We are committed to raising the profile of our heritage and making sure that everyone has access to archaeology. We are working with partners to develop projects that will help people get involved.

Interested in taking part?
Please visit the News & Events page for details of events at Reading Museum, and contact us for a copy of our newsletter to find out what we are planning in your area.

Taking Archaeology forward

We are currently working to produce a development plan for Berkshire Archaeology, to outline our plans, forthcoming projects, and ideas for future work.

Tell us what you think.
We welcome input from residents of the five authorities and community groups with an interest in heritage. If you would like to have your say on how archaeology should be managed in your area then please contact us.

Contact

We are based in Reading's Central Library and can be contacted by post, phone or e-mail:

Berkshire Archaeology
Central Library
Abbey Square
Reading
RG1 3BQ

Tel: 0118 901 5976
Email: info@berkshirearchaeology.org.uk

For information on how to find Reading Central Library visit their website at www.readinglibraries.org.uk

Berkshire Archaeology provides archaeological services to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (lead client), Reading Borough Council, Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Slough Borough Council and Wokingham District Council.

If you require information on the archaeology of West Berkshire, please contact West Berkshire Heritage Service:
Tel: 01635 519534
E-mail: heritage@westberks.gov.uk