Commercial Services

As well as our core functions to record, research, conserve and inform on all aspects of the archaeology of the area, we are also able to provide commercial archaeological services.

The Research and Fieldwork Section specialises in archaeological work related to the planning process and the fulfilment of planning conditions. The Section has a proven record of desktop assessments, watching briefs, field evaluations and excavations throughout Teesside and also in County Durham and North Yorkshire.

In addition, the Section has a particular expertise in the fields of survey and maritime archaeology. As well as numerous architects, developers and private landowners, we also carry out work for local government bodies, charitable trusts and national organisations.

All field projects are carried out in accordance with the Code of Conduct of the Institute of Field Archaeologists (IFA), with English Heritage's Management of Archaeological Projects , and with the IFA Standard and Guidance documents.

The English Heritage guidelines Understanding Historic Buildings: A guide to good recording practice (2006) are used for building survey projects, and maritime work is carried out in accordance with the principles of the Nautical Archaeology Society.

Human remains are treated in accordance with the guidelines established in The excavation and post-excavation treatment of cremated and inhumed human remains (IFA Technical Paper No. 13), Guidance for best practice for treatment of human remains excavated from Christian burial grounds in England (The Church of England and English Heritage, 2005) and any conditions stipulated by the Home Office.

Tees Archaeology’s field projects are fully covered by Employers’ Liability, Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance policies.

The Service’s assessment and field projects are carried out under the direction of Archaeology Project Officer Rachel Grahame MA, who has experience of this type of work on sites of all periods.

A team of experienced field archaeologists, all of whom are trained in Tees Archaeology methods and recording systems, is drawn on for these projects.

Post-excavation work is carried out with the assistance of Tees Archaeology’s professional illustrator and curatorial staff. Work on finds and samples is carried out by recognised specialists in various disciplines: wherever possible, specialists from the region are employed.

If you have a project that you would like to discuss please do not hesitate to contact Rachel at rachel.grahame@hartlepool.gov.uk

JCB used for digging on large scale excavations