Those involved with historic battlefields, as part of their work or leisure interests should be aware that many activities could have an effect on the preservation of archaeological evidence on such sites. These include ploughing, metal detecting, re-enactment and development, which incorporate excavations and constructions such as pipelines and structures.
Threats to battlefields from the abuse via metal detectors can be combated in several ways. These include close working relationships between archaeologists and metal detectorists, which aid in the education of all parties as to the accurate recording and reporting of finds. Many organisations, such as the Battlefield Trust and the All Party War Graves and Battlefields Heritage Group, are attempting to find a strategy that would lead to the protection of battlefields as landscapes, both in Britain and abroad. It is envisaged that English Heritage will take a proactive stance regarding their landscapes policy, which would ideally restrict the uncontrolled use of metal detectors in ‘archaeological areas’, such as battlefields (their potential pilot project would ideally address this problem). This is clearly necessary to avert the current threat of large-scale metal detecting rallies on these sites.
It must also be remembered that only 43 English battlefields are on the English Heritage register and thus currently receive some form of nominal protection from development. However, as these are only a small proportion of battlefields and are all located in England, it is vital that all sites of conflict are archaeologically evaluated as to their location and potential and are eventually protected by law. This must mean that neither metal detecting nor development would be possible in these areas. Before that time arrives, it is important that everybody should work towards three-dimensional recording of all artefacts located on these sites.
There also needs to be a closer liaison between the different groups that are interested in large archaeological landscapes. This would include bodies such as English Heritage, The Battlefield Trust and The Portable Antiquities Scheme, who, by working together could disseminate a unified statement, which would advise on archaeological procedures and guidelines that would limit the potential damage to such sites.
The Conflict Archaeology International Research Network (CAIRN) has been founded by Tim Sutherland to promote the work of specialists in the field of historical conflict. The network is promoting greater understanding of all issues involved in the subject, including the protection, investigation, recording, and dissemination, of the evidence.
It is necessary to consider the possibility that human remains will be located on a battlefield, or in its vicinity. If such a case arises, the appropriate excavation and analysis of these remains should be carried out in the light of the proximity of a site of conflict, although such a link must not be presumed without the appropriate evidence. In such cases it is vital that qualified osteologists excavate the skeletal remains, as these can be so mutilated that it can often be difficult to identify all the relevant parts of each individual. Commingling of parts of different skeletons is also a possibility. In such a case the post-excavation analysis should have the ability to analyse all the records to be able to interrogate the data so that separated fragments can be reunited with those to which they belong (Sutherland 2000b).
It is envisaged that, wherever possible, as more visitor centres are constructed near to sites of conflict, then more people will reflect upon the degree of archaeological evidence that a site might contain and it will be more likely that the battlefield is protected. The promotion of such centres should therefore be encouraged. It is also important, however, that re-enactments are not carried out on these historic sites as contamination can occur, which would confuse later surveys.
It is anticipated that this guide will make archaeologists and other interested parties more aware of both the value of and the threat to battlefields, which will aid in the protection of these unique sites.