Promoting awareness of the archaeology and history of north Devon
Promoting awareness of the archaeology and history of north Devon
Our Aims
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To promote awareness of and interest in archaeology and the historic environment with particular reference to northern Devon.
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To encourage field survey, recording and research.
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To promote the preservation and interpretation of ancient monuments and antiquities in the region.
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Where appropriate and necessary, to excavate to professional standards and to publish the results of research.
Our Activities
NDAS was established in 1959, and for many years concentrated on
providing lectures and visits for members. The society merged with
North Devon Rescue, a campaigning organisation which had been instrumental
in ensuring proper recording and excavation in the area, particularly
during Barnstaple's major redevelopment in the 1980s.
The society continues to lobby and campaign for proper investigation
and preservation of North Devon's physical heritage, including,
for example, continuing threats against the Braunton Great Field.
Members of NDAS are well placed to be involved in cutting-edge archaeological
exploration. Since the first discovery of Romano-British iron-working
on the fringes of Exmoor, NDAS members have been actively involved.
At Combe Martin a leading Society member has extended our knowledge
of mineral exploitation – silver and lead - by centuries if
not millennia. In Parracombe, the Society revealed new traces of Bronze Age settlement.
The Society acts as an umbrella organisation, encouraging a network
of local groups to act together, sharing their observations, knowledge
and experience. These currently represent Brayford, Combe Martin,
Hartland, Hatherleigh, Parracombe, South Molton, Torrington and
Winkleigh as well as the Barnstaple and Bideford areas.
Members take part in all aspects of practical archaeology including geophysical surveys, earthwork surveys, excavation, fieldwalking, potwashing etc. and the Society has attempted to train members in all these areas whenever possible. Training days are also held on documentary research, flint identification, pottery identification, pottery drawing etc.
NDAS welcomes all new members, regardless of whether they have any previous knowledge of archaeology.