Natasha N. Ferguson
M.A. in Landscape Archaeology
National University of Ireland, Galway
M.A. (Honours) Archaeology
University of Glasgow
Centre for Battlefield Archaeology
Archaeology
Telephone: +44 (0) 141 330 5541 (GUARD)
Email: n.ferguson.1@research.gla.ac.uk
Web: http://www.battlefieldarchaeology.arts.gla.ac.uk/
Research abstract
The main aim of this research is to assess the potential contribution of amateur metal detecting to battlefield archaeology, whilst also monitoring the extent and impact of large scale removal, collection and sale of musket balls. This pioneering research will work within the community of amateur metal detecting in order to tap into this unknown resource of conflict-related artefact data. This will require a methodology that involves systematic recording by the cataloguing, photography and analysis of private collections of musket balls, and other associated artefacts (musket fragments, military buttons, camping materials etc.) throughout the UK, with the primary objective to make this data available to archaeologists. Sales of artefacts will also be monitored on the auction website eBay and compared to data from the Portable Antiquities Scheme, Treasure Trove and previous archaeological survey projects in order to assess the volume of removed artefacts. A key aspect of this research will be to further investigate musket ball morphology and whether concentrations of recovered musket balls may reflect actions, such as small scale skirmishes, which have not yet been identified.
This study will play a vital role in British heritage management and will provide much needed research into key artefacts of battlefield archaeology through the analysis of their distributions and the formation of signature artefact assemblages aiding in the identification of new sites. This PhD research is being carried out in the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology, the first of its kind in the world.
Supervisor
Dr Tony Pollard, Centre for Battlefield Archaeology.
Conference Papers
The Archaeological Landscape of the Battle of Aughrim, Co. Galway
‘A Richer Dust Concealed’ conference at the National Army Museum, London, 17 July 2006.
Fighting a Losing Battle? Issues in the Management of Battlefields in the Republic of Ireland
‘Fields of Conflict IV’ conference at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, September 2006.
What Lies Beneath: An Introduction to Battlefield Archaeology
Renmore Barracks, Galway, November 2006.
Platforms of Reconciliation? Issues in the Management of Battlefields in the Republic of Ireland
‘Every heart is Freedom's Shield: Approaches to Conflict Archaeology’ conference at the Battle of Aughrim Interpretive Centre. Aughrim, Co. Galway, March 2007.
Publications
Ferguson, N.N. 2007. Platforms of Reconciliation? Issues in the Management of Battlefields in the Republic Ireland, in Pollard, T. and I. Banks The Journal of Conflict Archaeology, Brill Press.
GTA experience
MLitt Battlefield and Conflict Archaeology
L1 Archaeology of Scotland - tutorials
L1 Archaeology of Contemporary Society - tutorials
L2 Field Archaeology in Theory and Practice – demonstrating
Department of Adult and Continuing Archaeology:
Field Archaeology in Practice – Mugdock Field School 2007