Desk-based assessments are designed to provide baseline data on the potential archaeological and heritage assets that may be affected by a proposed development.
Archaeological Services produce these assessments to fulfil the requirements of the planning authorities and establish the nature and extent of any further pre-determination works that may be necessary.
They may also be needed to underpin scoping documents and environmental assessments.
During a desk-based assessment historic records are researched to establish what information exists about a development site's past.
Schweitzer's map of Durham City from 1595
An aerial photograph of a prehistoric hillfort in its landscape, taken using our UAV
An old tithe map of the Durham City region, showing land divisions and ownership for taxation purposes, from 1838
Typical northern English upland farming; understanding a site's relationship with the landscape can be crucial to its archaeological and historical context
Archaeological Services
Durham University Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
near Durham
DH7 9RH
Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1121
Email: archaeological.services@durham.ac.uk