Archaeology and ancient monuments
Nationally important archaeological sites that are protected
What is Archaeology?
Archaeology is the scientific study of human history and pre-history through the analysis of things that were created, used or changed by humans. It is studied to better understand human culture. Archaeology may be above or below ground and, in many cases, is highly fragile and vulnerable to damage and destruction. Care needs to be taken to ensure that archaeological sites and monuments are not needlessly destroyed.
When considering proposals for works that may affect archaeology, if preservation in situ is not possible or feasible, archaeological investigation and recording may be an acceptable alternative. The views of the County Archaeological Officer, as the Borough Council’s archaeological adviser, should be sought at the earliest opportunity.
Hampshire County Council maintains a county-wide Historic Environment Record (HER) for information in relation to the historic environment and archaeology.
The policies in the adopted Local Plan 2016-2036 set out the criteria by which planning applications will be considered in relation to archaeology.
What are scheduled monuments?
Scheduled monuments are nationally important archaeological sites that have been ‘scheduled’ and are therefore protected through legislation to ensure they will be handed down to future generations in much the same state as they have been found.
Schedule monuments are not always ancient or visible above ground.
- more information regarding scheduled monuments
- additional information on England’s historic sites and buildings, including ancient monuments.
What does scheduling mean?
If you are an owner of a scheduled monument or acting on their behalf, and wish to carry out works to the monument (above or below ground), you will have to apply for prior written permission to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. This process is known as Scheduled Monument Consent and is administered by Historic England.
To avoid the possibility of damaging a monument and therefore carrying out unlawful works, Historic England strongly recommend consulting them while in the early planning stages of any intended works.
Depending on the nature of the proposed works, planning permission may also be required. This does not remove the need for Scheduled Monument Consent.
Ancient monuments in Eastleigh
There are eight Ancient Monuments within the Borough of Eastleigh:
- Hamble Common earthworks/the remains of St Andrew's Castle;
- Netley Abbey;
- Netley Abbey, precinct and moat;
- Netley Castle;
- Netley Abbey aqueducts;
- Moorgreen barrow;
- Hickley Wood hillfort; and
- part of Marwell Manor moated site and associated earthworks.
The Council has a responsibility to ensure the protection afforded by scheduling is enforced in practice. The policies in the adopted Local Plan 2016-2036 set out the criteria by which planning applications that scheduled monuments will be considered.
Historic Parks and Gardens
In the 1984, Hampshire County Council published the Hampshire Register of Historic Parks. The register, managed by the Hampshire Gardens Trust, lists gardens, parks and landscapes of both national and local historical interest across Hampshire. These historic landscape features are heritage assets that are material considerations when planning applications affecting these sites are assessed.
- additional information regarding the historic landscape
Protected wreck sites
In the estuary of the River Hamble there are a number of shipwrecks of national significance which are protected by Statutory Instrument as Maritime Wrecks. The National Heritage List for England contains details of the protected wrecks in England.
- more information regarding protected wrecks
- additional information on England’s historic sites and buildings, including protected wrecks.