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Earthwork
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Earthworks can take the form of banks, ditches and mounds. They are usually created for a specific purpose. A bank, for example, might be the remains of a boundary between two or more fields. Some earthworks may be all that remains of a collapsed building, for example, the grassed-over remains of building foundations.
In the winter, when the sun is lower in the sky than during the other seasons, earthworks have larger shadows. From the air, archaeologists are able to see the patterns of the earthworks more easily. Earthworks can sometimes be confusing when viewed at ground level, but from above, the general plan is much clearer.
Archaeologists often carry out an aerial survey or an earthwork survey to help them understand the lumps and bumps they can see on the ground.
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Imperial
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1751 AD to 1914 AD (end of the 18th century AD to the beginning of the 20th century AD)
This period comes after the Post Medieval period and before the modern period and starts with beginning of the Industrial Revolution in 1750. It includes the second part of the Hannoverian period (1714 – 1836) and the Victorian period (1837 – 1901). The Imperial period ends with the start of the First World War in 1914.
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LAYER *
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An archaeological unit of soil in a horizontal plane which may seal features or be cut through by other features.
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SITE *
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Unclassifiable site with minimal information. Specify site type wherever possible.
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PARK *
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An enclosed piece of land, generally large in area, used for hunting, the cultivation of trees, for grazing sheep and cattle or visual enjoyment. Use more specific type where known.
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FEATURE *
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Areas of indeterminate function.
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INDUSTRIAL *
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This is the top term for the class. See INDUSTRIAL Class List for narrow terms.
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PIT *
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A hole or cavity in the ground, either natural or the result of excavation. Use more specific type where known.
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WELL *
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A shaft or pit dug in the ground over a supply of spring-water.
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DITCH *
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A long and narrow hollow or trench dug in the ground, often used to carry water though it may be dry for much of the year.
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COPPICE *
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A managed small wood or thicket of underwood grown to be periodically cut to encourage new growth providing smaller timber.
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QUARRY *
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An excavation from which stone for building and other functions, is obtained by cutting, blasting, etc.
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EARTHWORK *
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A bank or mound of earth used as a rampart or fortification.
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* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)
