Archaeology

Oxford has a rich and diverse archaeological heritage that encompasses prehistoric settlement, a nationally important Roman pottery industry and a historic core that has experienced over 1,000 years of urban development. The built heritage of Oxford has an international reputation and the layers of history preserved below ground have proved to be equally exceptional.

Oxford City Council's Heritage and Specialist Services Team provide advice on the likely impact of proposed development on heritage assets in the city. The City Council also maintains an evidence base for the historic environment which includes a database of archaeological information for the historic core of Oxford. This record, the Urban Archaeological Database (UAD), currently covers 7.5 square kilometres of the central part of the town.

Further information:

Contact details for the City Council Archaeologist and the Oxford Urban Archaeological Database.

Urban Archaeological Database

For a map of the area covered by the Urban Archaeological Database visit our Urban Archaeological Database page. The area outside the UAD but within the Oxford City Council Local Authority Area is currently covered by the Oxfordshire County Council Historic Environment Record.

Archaeology and Planning

Information for developers and residents regarding the protection afforded archaeological assets by the planning process.

Oxford Archaeological Plan

The Oxford Archaeological Plan provides links to downloadable archaeological resource assessments and research agendas for the city. An action plan for archaeological heritage management in the city is currently being drafted and will be added to this page in early 2013.

Historic Landscape Characterisation

Information about accessing historic landscape characterisation data for the city.

Historic Urban Character Areas

Provides links to short downloadable character area statements for the historic core of Oxford.

A version of the Urban Archaeological Database and Historic Environment Record can be accessed via the Heritage Gateway website. Further information on the city and county's history and archaeology can be accessed on the Oxfordshire County Council Heritage Search website. Developers and archaeological contractors please note that the Heritage Gateway is not maintained as an up to date version of the UAD and HER. The relevant databases should therefore be consulted directly for any asset information that is to be used in planning related reports.

Recent archaeological work in the city

Short summary reports of recent archaeological work can be downloaded as PDF files below. These reports are produced for the Oxford City and County Archaeological Forum which normally meets three times a year.

 Oxford City Report April 2013 (126kB PDF)
Oxford City Report January 2013 (291kB PDF)
Oxford City Report September 2012 (PDF)
Oxford City Report April 2012 (126kB PDF)

Oxford Heritage Plan

Page last updated 8 May 2013