Fullamoor Farmhouse: threats to the setting of a listed building
The setting of listed buildings has come into sharp focus in recent years as something which might need as much protection as the building itself. The setting can be an indispensable part of how we experience a site - such as the Grade II listed Fullamoor Farmhouse, on the edge of the Oxfordshire village of Clifton Hampden. A proposal for a new gravel quarry literally at the end of its garden was rejected late in 2017, but has resurfaced as a new planning application. The original proposal barely even considered the issue of setting - so the owners of the farmhouse asked us to prepare a report for them instead. This produced some interesting insights into the history of the farmland between the house and the River Thames, and we've suggested that some of the woodland plantations were very deliberately placed to influence and shape views from the house. The new quarry, if approved, would have a massive impact on the house and its setting.
Rochester Cathedral - major new project begins
The Hidden Treasures, Fresh Expressions project at Rochester Cathedral is now under way. We will soon be carrying out major excavations in the Crypt (which is being prepared for our work), but in the meanwhile have made several smaller but stille exciting discoveries:
- A lost (or more exactly hidden) medieval door in a small room just off the Crypt. The door had been hidden behind old storage cupboards and shelving, and we didn't know whether it had been completely blocked or destroyed. It was great to see it in good condition!
- Original wall paintings on the crown of a 13th-century arch in the Crypt, thought to have been removed when the arch was blocked up in the late 18th century.
- Pencil graffiti dating from 1835 and 1907 in the Chapter Room.
We will be posting more news from this project here and on our Facebook page (see link to the right).
Click Read more to see some photos.
Church of St Andrew, Oddington
Archaeology isn't always about glamorous projects or the bones (possibly) of famous people.
Sometimes it is just a matter of keeping an eye on some building work in case anything of interest turns up.
Keevill Heritage Consultancy becomes a limited company
On 29 September 2011 the Keevill Heritage Consultancy became Keevill Heritage Ltd.
This administrative change does not affect our services, but does mean that we can deliver them to clients more efficiently. Out insurances and VAT registration are also unaffected.
The National Trust commissions Keevill Heritage to prepare study of Ecton Hill copper mine, Staffordshire
We are delighted to receive the important commission to prepare an Archaeological Management Plan for the Ecton Hill copper mine.
The site is a Scheduled Monument, protected because of its exceptional important industrial archaeology. An 18th-century engine house is most obvious feature, but the land around it is covered with earthwork features such as spoil heaps, reservoirs – and open shafts going hundreds of feet underground!
Rochester Cathedral wins Heritage Lottery Fund support for a major new project
Rochester Cathedral has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for its ‘Hidden Treasures, Fresh Expressions’ project.
The award of £158,000 will enable the Cathedral to progress their plans to apply for a full grant in 2012.
New discoveries at Christ Church, Oxford
We have been carrying out an archaeological survey on Demant’s Cottage, a small outbuilding to the north of Tom Quad at Christ Church, Oxford.
Much of this work has involved recording the building itself as it has been refurbished (while retaining its historic features), but some excavation has been needed as well. Inside the cottage, we have found that part of its east wall lies on a very fine chamfered plinth (sloping base) of what appears to be an earlier (perhaps medieval) building.