From heathland to hi-tech.
Kate Sharpe (pictured), NADRAP
and
Catherine Hardman, ADS Collections Development Manager
Amongst the outcrops and boulders of northern England keen eyes may spot an array of mysterious symbols carved into the rock surfaces. These curious marks vary from simple, circular hollows known as 'cups' to more complex patterns with cups, rings, and intertwining grooves. Many are in spectacular, elevated locations with extensive views but some are also found on monuments such as standing stones and stone circles, or within burial mounds. The carvings were made by Neolithic and Early Bronze Age people between 3500 and 6000 years ago. The original meaning of the symbols is now lost but they provide a unique personal link with our prehistoric ancestors.
Since 1999, English Heritage has been developing a strategy for the management and understanding of rock art in England. A review of rock art studies was commissioned from Bournemouth University and University College London, and the resulting report set out six proposals for improving the current state of British rock art. These formed the basis for English Heritage´s Rock Art Management, Access, Study & Education Strategy (RAMASES), which provided a framework for directing future work on rock art. The first of these proposals recommended the development of a national database of all known rock carvings in England. The Northumberland and Durham Rock Art Pilot Project (NADRAP) was conceived in 2000 and managed by Northumberland and Durham County Councils with funding from English Heritage. It was developed as a pilot for the creation of a standardised recording strategy and rock art archive that would be publicly accessible on line. The project ran for five years and involved around 100 volunteers. New recording methods were developed and over 1500 rock art panels were captured using a variety of approaches including photography and photogrammetry. The current condition of each panel was assessed and potential threats also noted. This information will help heritage managers make informed decisions about conserving and managing the rock panels for the future. A number of specialist studies were also undertaken, including landscape surveys, an analysis of sandstone weathering, and the use of laser scanning for monitoring erosion.
These fascinating carvings are threatened by a combination of human and natural factors; many have already weathered away or been lost to activities such as quarrying. There is a continuing need to record and conserve these ancient marks so they can be studied and enjoyed by future generations. England's Rock Art database (ERA) is a major step towards that goal. ERA currently covers the counties of Northumberland and County Durham, which both have major concentrations of rock art. It is intended that it will one day provide a record for all of England's rock art.
Volunteers at work recording the Morwick Rock Shelter site, Northumberland. (Image: NADRAP).
The online database provide numerous ways of searching for specific rock arts sites including sophisticated map searches and a highly innovative interface that allows the user to search by motif. For example, the researcher can select the following motifs from a gallery:
and the resulting search will return sites where these motifs are known to occur. This searchable database is a significant new research resource for all archaeologists.
As well as lots of useful information on how to find out more about rock art and extensive image galleries of some of the most exciting rock art sites, motifs and landscapes. For the very young researcher the site also holds spot the difference games and a great fun "chisel your own panel" rock art game for everyone to enjoy.
England´s Rock Art: http://www.archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/era/.
