HERoNI Lecture - Loss of Archaeological Innocence- from Research to Regulation and Protection

Event type: Talk

Loss of Archaeological Innocence- from Research to Regulation and Protection

In the late 1970s the pursuit of knowledge through archaeological survey and research excavation was brought up short by the growing demands of development activity. In response, government and later development resources were re-directed towards rescuing sites in advance of destruction.

Abstract: Our historic environment provides authentic and attractive places which increase our pride, character and identity, lead to improved wellbeing and community engagement, and to prosperity through tourism, investment, skills, regeneration and creativity. It is a precious and finite resource available to present generations, and with appropriate management, to future generations. This talk will explore the experiences and work of HED’s staff and explore how using the knowledge base that has been critical to the ongoing work of the Division, from conservation to designation to archive management and recording continues to shape our work today and in the future.

Biography: Following beginning her career with the OPW Claire moved north in 1975 to start 40 years of work in the then Archaeological Survey of Northern Ireland under the supervision of colleagues like Dudley Waterman and Pat Collins. From archaeological survey in Fermanagh, (leading to the publication of two comprehensive volumes), to excavation at Creggandevesky and Kiltierney, to her work in the scheduling programme she has inspired may current HED staff by her application through the years and her intimate knowledge of particularly the archaeology of the west of Northern Ireland. Claire invested greatly in respect of agricultural policy development and heritage, and in liaison with key stakeholders such as forestry managers and was instrumental in getting archaeological sites more substantively factored into broader land-use approaches. A founder member of IAPA (now MIAI) she has remained very active in the sector since retirement in writing up her excavations, giving talks and lectures, and is presently the Vice President of ICOMOS Ireland.

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