Archaeological Heritage Assets

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A heritage asset has archaeological interest if it holds, or potentially holds, evidence of past human activity worthy of expert investigation at some point, as defined in the NPPF glossary.  Heritage assets of archaeological interest, or archaeological remains, include both designated and non-designated heritage assets, and buried and above ground heritage assets.   

 The city contains a wealth of archaeological remains reflecting important changes in the development of the locality, the region and the nation. These range in date from the earliest prehistoric times to the 20th century. They include the remains of the Roman town at Bitterne Manor, the Middle Saxon and Late Saxon towns, and the medieval town, all of which are nationally significant. As well as below ground remains, they include historic structures, whether or not they are scheduled or listed, for instance industrial buildings. Sites and artefacts are located not only on dry land but also underwater and in the intertidal zone. All are a finite and non-renewable resource requiring careful management. This complex picture is constantly being amended and elaborated as a result of archaeological investigation. For instance, extensive evidence of Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman settlement has been found in recent decades, including in the city centre.