Canterbury Archaeological Trust

General information

The Canterbury Archaeological Trust was formed in 1976 and principal purpose of the Trust as set out in its Memorandum and Articles of Association (1975) is ‘to promote the advancement of public education in the field of archaeology’. The charity pursues this objective through a wide range of activities, including active involvement in archaeological fieldwork and research throughout south-east England and beyond. Our research interests are wide and not restricted to the UK and our expertise is sought on a professional consultation basis by developers and local authority planners.

Canterbury Archaeological Trust’s principal role remains unchanged from 1976: ensuring that sites and buildings under threat from construction projects are adequately investigated and recorded before work takes place. Our activities are largely dictated by urban and rural development plans which may involve anything from constructing a shopping centre to adding an extension to a private house. The Trust is a Registered Archaeological Organisation with the Institute for Archaeologists, and is committed to uphold the standards and codes of conduct of the Institute.

Although archaeological excavation might be perceived as our primary concern our activities go beyond buried archaeology. We have an active historic building recording department, employ an Education Officer (whose role is to work closely with schools and centres of higher learning in the development of education initiatives related to archaeology). We are expanding our community involvement with the successful appointment of a Community Archaeologist Trainee, made possible by the Council for British Archaeology. Wherever possible the participation of amateur volunteers is encouraged and a very broad programme of public outreach and educational activities is undertaken. The Trust is committed to engage wherever possible all sectors of the community in its work in order to promote a better appreciation of our mutual heritage.

Canterbury Archaeological Trust is both a registered charity (charity number 278861) and a limited company (company number 1441517).