2012 Winners | British Archaeological Awards

The British Archaeological Awards are a showcase for the best in UK archaeology and a central event in the archaeological calendar. Established in 1976, they now encompass six Awards, covering every aspect of UK archaeology.

For guidance on the 2012 Awards or any other query please contact the Administrator.

BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGICAL AWARDS 2012

Announced on 9 July, British Museum, London.

The winners and highly commended nominations for each Award are given below.

Photographs and videos from the Awards ceremony are also available.

Best Archaeological Project

For a programme of research advancing the knowledge and practice of archaeology in the UK

Judges were looking for evidence of the following:

Contribution to knowledge of the past in the UK by archaeological means
Strong research focus
Commitment to high archaeological standards and ethics as, for example, set out by the Institute for Archaeologists in its various public documents (http://www.archaeologists.net/codes/ifa)
Approaches designed to promote public education and benefit
Demonstrated effective dissemination and presentation, including commitment to publication and archiving
Innovation and originality of approach, methodology and/or presentation

Winner: Must Farm Palaeochannel Excavations 2011, Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire – Cambridge Archaeological Unit, University of Cambridge

Highly commended:

Anglo-Saxon Monastic Landscapes: A Reconstruction from Lyminge, Kent – Dr Gabor Thomas, University of Reading
Ffos-y-Fran – The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust

Best Community Archaeology Project

For a programme of research advancing the knowledge and practice of archaeology in the UK

Judges were looking for evidence of the following:

Project should be driven by amateur archaeologists and/or societies and should involve the local community, including new audiences, throughout to enhance public education
Contribution to knowledge of archaeology in the UK
Strong research focus
Commitment to recognised professional standards and ethics as, for example, set out by the Institute for Archaeologists in its various public documents (http://www.archaeologists.net/codes/ifa)
Effective dissemination and presentation throughout the project, including commitment to publication and archiving
Innovation and originality of approach, methodology and/or presentation

Winner: Thames Discovery Programme

Highly commended:

Archeox: East Oxford, One History or Many? – University of Oxford, Department for Continuing Education
A Town Unearthed: Folkestone Before 1500

Best Archaeological Book

For a book publication which increases understanding of the past and introduces it to new audiences

Judges were looking for evidence of the following:

Contribution to knowledge and advancement of archaeology
Clear and stimulating style
Presentation/design and production standards
Accessibility, attracting a wider audience
Originality of approach and/or subject matter

Winner: Gathering Time: Dating the Early Neolithic Enclosures of Southern Britain and Ireland by Alasdair Whittle, Frances Healy and Alex Bayliss. Published by Oxbow Books.

Highly commended:

Great Excavations: Shaping the Archaeological Profession edited by John Schofield. Published by Oxbow Books.
The Thames through Time series of four volumes by Anthony Morigi, Danielle Schreve, Mark White, Gill Hey, Paul Garwood, Mark Robinson, Alistair Barclay, Philippa Bradley, Geoge Lambrick, Tim Allen, Paul Booth, Alex Smith and Anne Dodd, Series editor Anne Dodd. Published by Oxford Archaeology.

Best Representation of Archaeology in the Media

For a television or radio programme, ICT program or web site, newspaper or magazine feature which stimulates interest, advances understanding and changes perceptions of the past

Judges were looking for evidence of the following:

Contribution to spreading knowledge of archaeology
Includes recent research or provides a new interpretation of old research
Enhances public education and understanding in relation to archaeology
Clear and stimulating presentation
High design, production and editorial standards
Accessibility and appeal for its intended audience
Originality of approach

Winner: Time Team, Series 18, Episode 1, Reservoir Rituals, Tottiford, Devon – Videotext Communications Ltd

Highly commended:

Day of Archaeology
Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day – Episode 2 – Channel 4 Television

Best Archaeological Discovery

For a discovery which advances understanding and stimulates public imagination of the past

Judges were looking for evidence of the following:

Contribution to knowledge of archaeology in the UK
Commitment to recognised professional standards and ethics for recovering and reporting the discovery and subsequent dissemination
Quality of collaboration with others
A project which captures the public’s imagination

Winner: Must Farm Palaeochannel Excavations 2011, Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire – Cambridge Archaeological Unit, University of Cambridge

Highly commended:

Discovery of the Frome Hoard of 52,503 Roman Coins
Lost City of the Legion – Archaeological Research at Caerleon 2006-11 – Dr Peter Guest, Dr Andrew Gardner, Dr Tim Young

Best Archaeological Innovation

For an initiative likely to lead to significant improvements in archaeological practice which facilitate new perceptions of the past

Judges were looking for evidence of the following:

Contribution to knowledge or to dissemination of knowledge of archaeology in the UK
Strong research focus
Effective dissemination and presentation
Excellence in project design, experimental technique, imaginative investigations, innovative solutions, resourcefulness

Winner: The Grey Literature Library: Geospatial Search and Digital Object Identifier (DOI) assignment – Archaeology Data Service

Highly commended:

Combe Down Stone Mines Stabilisation Project, Bath – Oxford Archaeology South
SURE: The Specialist User Recording Environment – Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland and partners

Lifetime Achievement Award

BAA trustees also have the option of awarding a Lifetime Achievement Award to an individual who has, over their working life has:

Made a substantial contribution to our knowledge of archaeology
Demonstrated originality of approach, methodology and presentation
Shown commitment to recognised professional standards and ethics
Been effective in dissemination and presentation of research
Supported and inspired colleagues, students or members of the public

A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Professor Mick Aston Other projects of merit may be recognised at the discretion of the trustees of the British Archaeological Awards. A presentation recognising a project of special merit was made to representatives from Operation Nightingale: a ground-breaking archaeology project on Salisbury Plain which helps aid the rehabilitation of soldiers from The Rifles who have been injured on operations in Afghanistan.