One of the great things about being subscribed to the list is how even the most flippant of remarks and comments can lead onto deep and meaningful discussion 8-> My previous posting was in NO way meant to convey the impression that I felt American colonial sites as not being worthy of study. I feel quite the opposite, as I am currently making extensive use of American source material in my work at Wortley Top Forge (and thanks are offered to everyone who has supplied me with information and references). I broadened the 'TIME TEAM' discussion to provide a possible account for the team's bemusement and slight frustration by the American method of working. The condemnation was of the attitude of the archaeological (mainly British, I hasten to add), mindset and its attitude to post-Medieval and later sites. The Time Team had apparantly in the past, felt quite happy to see similar techniques employed on prehistoric sites and had therefore, made suitable time allowances within their schedule (Was this considered to be 'real' archaeology?) Unfortunately, to many British archaeologists Post-Medieval and industrial archaeology are viewed as almost a fringe subjects, for example a couple of years ago I was employed by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum. The Museum is closely linked with the Ironbridge Institute, as such we offered what help and advice we could to the students on the Industrial Archaeology Masters course. Yet of an entire intake of 15-20 students not one had previously studied archaeology, or had a extensive field experience. Likewise, when I spoke to friends and colleagues employed within the more 'usual' regional based archaeological organisation, they seemed to think it strange that a unit could exist that specialised in post-Medieval and Industrial archaeology. This attitude has in recent years had to be revised, following the introduction of new government guidelines and legislation, archaeology in the UK (of all periods) has been placed centrally within the planning process. This coupled with the need for units to become less research based and more business orientated, has led to large increase in the number of evaluations being carried out on post-Medieval and later sites, the archaeologicla establishment is at last required to take both subjects seriously. A situation that can only ultimately be for the benefit of all post-Medieval and Industrial archaeologists. Thankfully, gone are the days (as I can personally recall from the dim and distant past) when a significant amount of pottery was recovered from a site, so much was recovered that the later material (19th/20th century), literally filled a dustbin! As to its fate I leave everyone to make up their own minds! Best wishes, ************************************************************** Jeff Morris AMInstCES PIFA Email [log in to unmask] Wortley Top Forge Archaeological Survey Wortley Top Forge Industrial Museum Wortley Village Wortley Sheffield S30 7DN A Research Project of the South Yorkshire Industrial History Society (formerly The Sheffield Trades Historical Society) Registered Charity No. 506339 **************************************************************