Cite this as: Single, A. and Davies, L. 2021 Prehistory, Playhouses and the Public: London's Planning Archaeology, Internet Archaeology 57. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.57.10
Three recent examples of public benefit following archaeological discoveries in London are presented, alongside an explanation of the policy context that supports them. The examples are provided from the perspective of planning archaeologists, who advise decision makers and developers on managing archaeological sites in compliance with local and national policy.
The cases illustrate ad hoc public benefits secured following surprise discoveries at an excavation in Tottenham, as well as long-term benefits resulting from staged investigation and negotiation of two Elizabethan playhouses in Shoreditch and Aldgate. We discuss issues around encouraging and operating permanent visitor attractions and how to best secure the benefits deriving from those places through the UK planning system. We suggest some ways for this young field to develop further.
Author: Adam Single
adam.single@historicengland.org.uk
Historic England
Author: Louise Davies
louise.davies@historicengland.org.uk
Historic England
Figure 1: School children on site. © Pre Construct Archaeology
Figure 2: Explaining artefacts. © Pre Construct Archaeology
Figure 3: Excavation works. © MOLA
Figure 4: Excavated floor tiles. © MOLA
Figure 5: Exhibition space on the ground floor. © Nissen Richards Studio
Figure 6: Exterior of new development. © Gallus Studio
Figure 7: Excavation phase. © GLAAS
Figure 8: Tudor walls of the Boar's Head. © MOLA
Figure 9: GLAAS' Archaeological model of survival and significance. © Historic England
Figure 10: Exhibition space. © ArchitecturePLB
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