Bloodgate Hillfort
The Norfolk Archaeological Trust owns or manages ten archaeological sites in Norfolk. Of these ten sites, nine of them are listed as scheduled monuments. If a site has been identified as a scheduled monument it means it has been selected as a nationally important archaeological site by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The list which also contains the details of all the listed buildings, protected wrecks, registered parks & gardens, and battlefields can be viewed online at:
Search the List – Find listed buildings, monuments, battlefields and more | Historic England
Scheduled monuments are closely managed so that they can be handed on to future generations in the same condition as they are now. To help achieve this, scheduled monuments are protected by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act of 1979.
Caistor Roman Town wall
Find out more about this Act here; Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (legislation.gov.uk)
Any activities which damage the scheduled monument, in any way, are forbidden, and any works require written permission – known as Scheduled Monument Consent. NAT takes its responsibility to look after these sites very seriously, and we work in partnership with the Norfolk Constabulary, and Historic England to ensure that they are here for future generations to discover and enjoy.
Heritage Watch
Disappointingly, this year, NAT has seen a huge increase in crime on our scheduled monuments. This includes metal detecting, anti-social behaviour, tipping, theft, wildlife crime, and criminal damage. Sadly, our team have also experienced verbal abuse whilst they are trying to do their job in protecting and caring for our sites.
We report all crimes immediately to the Norfolk Constabulary. If you see anything please let us know and report it online or through 101 to the Norfolk Constabulary – 6. Report It | Norfolk Constabulary
In response to this increase in crime we are setting up Heritage Watch across our sites. Working in partnership with Norfolk Constabulary and Historic England, our staff and volunteers will be trained in what to do when heritage crime is witnessed.
We are also holding a Heritage event on Saturday 4th September at Caistor Roman Town between 10am and 3pm with the Norfolk Constabulary and other partnership organisations to raise awareness of scheduled monuments and how they are protected, plus find out what you can do to help. We have free children’s activities, guided tours, and cream teas available in the church from 2pm.
Heritage Day at Caistor Roman Town | Norfolk Archaeological Trust (norfarchtrust.org.uk)
