Air archaeology in the valley of the river Severn

Abstract

This work constitutes part of a programme of aerial reconnaissance in the West Midlands over the period 1952 to 1978, an area previously regarded as inhospitable and devoid of prehistoric settlement. The application of flying disciplines and photographic techniques in light aircraft are discussed. Comment is also made on the technique of air archaeology, with particular reference to the recognition and recording of archaeological features revealed through changes in the growth of vegetation, including the effects of weather and seasonal variations. Consideration is given to the various soil types in the region and associated crop-mark distribution, together with detailed plans of the settlement sites recovered. Emphasis has been placed on the evidence for Roman remains in the area, including military installations and the recording of Roman road alignments. Apart from the conduct of aerial reconnaissance in general, attention is drawn to the advantages of a project oriented aerial survey, in this instance over the Romano-British town of Viroconium Cornoviorum in Shropshire, culminating in the interpretation and analysis of the complex features revealed; from this work a research excavation was initiated to determine the nature of the 4th century defences, in terms of a bastion form of defence with the use of artillery.

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