The Artefacts and Archives Research Groups (AARG) are friendly groups who meet weekly to process many of the archaeological finds resulting from current excavations in Surrey. We are keen to encourage new members.

On-site we carry out the initial sorting, cleaning and marking of artefacts as they leave the trenches. Further work is carried out at our weekly meetings meetings at the Abinger Research Centre or West Horsley Village Hall where we analyse and record the finds. We also hold occasional training sessions to help with our knowledge of artefacts. Our work has included processing artefacts from the prehistoric, Roman, medieval and post medieval periods, and covers pottery, ceramic building material, worked flints (lithics), environmental processing and other artefacts. Read more about this under the individual sub-group headings.

Artefact analysis is a very important part of the post-excavation process that must be carried out before a site report can be written. It can also be a fun social activity and is a way to learn more about archaeological artefacts. Prior experience is not necessary, just a keen interest to learn about archaeological finds processing. We are also keen to expand our groups and would welcome anyone with experience and the enthusiasm to help analyse pottery, worked flints, building material, metal, glass, bone or other types of artefacts. We are also keen to encourage people who would be interested in helping to clean and mark finds on excavations.

For further information, please contact Lyn Spencer – lyn-spencer16@sky.com