History of Tees Archaeology

Tees Archaeology began life back in 1974 as the Cleveland County Archaeology Service (C.C.A.S.), based in Middlesbrough. At that time, its principal aims were to create an information database, carry out archaeological fieldwork, and provide a range of archaeological information to the public.

As a result, the Sites and Monuments Record was established and a wide variety of projects undertaken, including the recording of all known prehistoric burial mounds, and a survey of all the church buildings in the County. In 1996 the four unitary authorities of Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton on Tees were created with Hartlepool Borough Council becomIng the lead authority for the archaeological service.

Tees Archaeology has particular responsibility for providing archaeological advice to the Planning Departments of all four local authorities, as required by the Government’s Planning Policy Guidance Note 16: Archaeology and Planning (1990), usually referred to as PPG 16, which states:-

“Archaeological remains should be seen as a finite and non-renewable resource, in many cases highly fragile and vulnerable to damage and destruction. Appropriate management is therefore essential to ensure that they survive in good condition. In particular, care must be taken to ensure that archaeological remains are not needlessly or thoughtlessly destroyed.”

Tees Archaeology continues to “record, research, conserve and inform” about all aspects of the archaeology in the Tees Valley area.

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