The South Downs NMP Pilot Area 1 - Worthing to the Weald: National Mapping Programme Report
Author(s): Edward Carpenter
This National Mapping Programme survey involved the interpretation, transcription and recording of all archaeological features seen on aerial photographs within this traditionally well researched landscape. It forms part of a programme of work by English Heritage designed to characterise the historic environment of the proposed South Downs National Park. The survey area includes the downland to the north of Worthing with a contextual area that encompasses part of the coastal plain, the Weald and the River Adur valley. Of the features mapped, Neolithic flint mines, Bronze Age barrows, and cross-ridge dykes occupied prominent parts of the South Downs. There is evidence of large prehistoric and Roman field systems, sometimes integrated with enclosures and trackways, over much of the downland. Medieval features include remains of salt production in the Adur valley. New discoveries were made for all periods except the Neolithic, but the majority date to the Second World War. These have a wide distribution and include evidence of extensive anti-invasion works on the coast and inland and military training areas. The photographs also show the effects of extensive post-war ploughing. Ploughing was undertaken partly in response to food shortages, and resulted in the levelling of many archaeological earthworks.
- Report Number:
- 11/2008
- Series:
- Research Department Reports
- Pages:
- 76
- Keywords:
- Bronze Age Early Medieval Iron Age Medieval Modern Neolithic Post Medieval Roman Aerial Photograph Interpretation Aerial Photography Lidar Survey National Mapping Programme
