Archaeological Remains
Information about the location of important archaeological remains is contained on the Surrey's Historic Environment Record (HER) which Surrey County Council maintain. Formerly called the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR), the record has been expanded to include information relating to all aspects of the historic environment. In particular, information about historic buildings and landscape features, such as parks and gardens. For more information please visit Surrey County Council's website (this page opens in a new window).
Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM's) and county sites of Archaeological Importance
The word 'monument' covers the whole range of archaeological sites. Scheduled monuments are not always ancient, or visible above ground. There are over 200 'classes' of monuments on the schedule, and they range from prehistoric standing stones and burial mounds, through the many types of medieval site - castles, monasteries, abandoned farmsteads and villages - to the more recent results of human activity, such as collieries and wartime pillboxes.
'Scheduling' is the process through which nationally important sites and monuments are given legal protection by being placed on a list, or 'schedule'. English Heritage takes the lead in identifying sites in England which should be placed on the schedule. The schedule is compiled by the Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. (DCMS)
A schedule has been kept since 1882 of monuments whose preservation is given priority over other land uses. The current legislation which protects Scheduled Ancient Monuments is the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.
Scheduling is the only legal protection specifically for archaeological sites. Consent is required from the Secretary of State for works to Monuments, and applications should be made to the DCMS. The Secretary of State will consult with English Heritage before determining such applications.
Are there Schedule Ancient Monuments in Guildford?
There are over 30 SAM's in the borough. To view a list please visit our Scheduled Monuments page.
Areas of High Archaeological Potential (AHAP)
These areas have been selected using information on the HER and are those where
there is good reason to expect significant finds during any disturbance of the ground caused by for example proposed new development. These areas often include historic town and village centres. Important archaeological remains or finds will either be required to remain in situ or to be properly recorded.
Advice in Planning Policy Guidance 16 states that there should be a presumption in favour of the physical preservation of nationally important remains. The objective of preserving monuments and remains in-situ, reburying, and sealing a site, needs to be achieved in a way that will maintain a site without deterioration. Appropriate methods of recording and analysis should be included in a written scheme of investigation, and the results incorporated in the post-excavation report and publication.
You can view interactive maps of AHAPs within the borough. The current AHAPs are represented as an area that is outlined with small mid blue triangles.
Sites outside Areas of High Archaeological Potential
Unexpected discoveries may be made on large sites that have not been previously
surveyed for archaeological purposes. It is reasonable to assume that any development on a large scale is likely to affect something of archaeological interest unless the site has been destroyed in archaeological terms, for example by former excavation. On development sites where there is likely to be disturbance to land, proper assessment, possibly field evaluation, will be required to identify any areas of possible archaeological remains.
Not all archaeological remains are found below ground. Archaeology is also found in buildings and older above ground structures When proposals are submitted involving the alteration of historical structures, an initial assessment of the site for archaeological purposes may be requested as part of any planning application, Listed Building Consent application, or application for Conservation Area Consent.
If you would like more information please contact us using the details below.
Other useful links
If you would like more information you can also visit the following websites:
Conservation Team
Planning Services
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444664
Email: conservation@guildford.gov.uk