Desk-based Research

• Desk-based research appraises the existing archaeological and historical information to determine potential evidence for burials at the site of interest. Most of these sites will also contain other forms of archaeology such as grave goods, grave markers, organic matter (plant seeds, pollen), coffins and coffin furniture and it is therefore important to conduct research in the pre-planning stages so as to understand the area prior to excavation.

• Information within a research report may include some of the following: topographic and geological data, Historic Environment Records (HER), Sites and Monument Records (SMR), published and unpublished reports for the surrounding area, historic maps charting the various land use throughout the history of the site, the identification of any significant issues that may impact the site, and recommendations to mitigate against archaeological issues.