Our school has just bought a piece of woodland that has the remains of a tudor cottage in it. We'd liked someone to look at the site before we continue with work to make the area a nature reserve for the use of the children.We're close to a major univesity, should we get in touch with them? The local authority also has an archelogist but I'm not sure if or when they could view the site - any ideas?
As Jean as said, I should contact the archaeologist in your local authority first. They should be able to advise you whether or not any archaeological work will need to be done before you undertake your work, particularly if it's going to affect what might be a listed building, or at the least an area of archaeological sensitivity.
I wouldn't bother contacting the university or any other archaeological organisation at this stage, until you've recieved advice from your local archaeologist.
As others have said if it is a Tudor cottage then the chances are it is a listed buiding and the area around it may be a Scheduled Ancient Monument. All this means any work done on or around the site may be subject to planning restrictions.
You should contact the County Archaeologist who is usually lodged with the County Council. They will be able to give advice. You should certainly NOT do any ground works to the building or the area around it until you have consulted the Council.
