Industrial Archaeology

Abstract

Industrial archaeology is defined as the study of the tangible evidence of social, economic and technological development of the period since industrialisation, generally the last 250 years. Marilyn Palmer and Peter Neaverson argue that industrial archaeology must be firmly placed within the context of mainstream archaeology, and be set within a methodological framework. Industrial Archaeology introduces the origins and development of the discipline in its international context. The first two chapters consider industrial landscapes and buildings as the visible symbols of the processes of production in both space and time. Landscapes are analysed such as the linear landscapes created by rivers, canals and railways as well as buildings, in terms of function, typology and context, both topographical and cultural. The authors evaluate the techniques of field survey and documentary research, finally considering the problems and potential of the cultural resource management of the industrial heritage. The authors argue that conventional archaeological techniques and concepts need to be modified because of the nature of physical evidence and the availability of documentary sources. The analysis of sites and structures needs to extend beyond the functional to the cultural; only then will the complex nature of industrialisation be revealed in a more meaningful way than that derived from documents alone.

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