Established in 1976, the British Archaeological Awards are a showcase for the best in British archaeology and a central event in the archaeological calendar.
Today’s ceremony, attended by the DCMS Minister for Tourism & Heritage John Penrose MP, and hosted by historian and broadcaster Michael Wood, was a key event within the Council for British Archaeology’s two-week Festival of British Archaeology, a huge UK-wide celebration of archaeology with more than 750 events running from 17 July to 1 August.
The Chairman of the British Archaeological Awards trustees, Dr Mike Heyworth MBE, said:
“These awards have gone to the very best of British archaeology from the last two years. We congratulate all the winners and are hugely encouraged by the public interest in archaeology and the enthusiasm shown across the UK for our archaeological heritage, as we have seen in particular with the Staffordshire hoard.”
The DCMS Minister for Tourism & Heritage, John Penrose MP, said, at the event:
“Today we’re celebrating the very best of British archaeology and I was extremely impressed by all the worthy nominees.
This two-week festival highlights so much good work from all over the country. 750 events in just two weeks is a massive achievement, which gives thousands of people a chance to muck in, discover and appreciate the heritage around them – it is a unique and wonderful opportunity.”
The winners of the six Awards are as follows:
Best Archaeological Project: The Tarbat Discovery Programme
Best Community Archaeology Project: Fin Cop – Solving a Derbyshire Mystery
Best Archaeological Book: Europe’s Lost World: the re-discovery of Doggerland by Vince Gaffney, Simon Fitch & David Smith published by the Council for British Archaeology
Best Representation of Archaeology in the Media: Thames Discovery Programme web site
Best Archaeological Innovation: Lindow Man: a Bog Body Mystery Exhibition at the Manchester Museum (April 2008-April 2009)
Best Archaeological Discovery: The Staffordshire Hoard
CBA News: LINK
