30 Jul 2025
We are pleased to announce we will be convening the next Essex Archaeology Conference on 3rd October 2026 at the Essex Record Office. First held in 1978, these conferences have served to summarise archaeological work taking place in the country and provide timely reviews of current archaeological knowledge.
We encourage submissions from heritage professionals, academics, early career researchers, community groups, independent researchers and students who have undertaken (or will undertake) research into the historic environment of Essex. We welcome proposals for lectures and presentations that would be 30-45 minutes in length.
Submissions can build on the conclusions of the previous conference (the resultant publication of which can be found online here) or focus on new topics and alternate interpretations brought forward by recent work.
We encourage proposals which focus on work and research completed in the last 18 years. Submissions must be about archaeological work in Essex, and may be related to (although we will consider anything related to the historic environment):
There will also be a space for societies and organisations to have a stand at the conference. We welcome submissions for stands (from non-commercial organisations) that present and promote the historic environment of Essex.
Speakers will receive free entry to the conference. No fees or costs (including travel) can be reimbursed. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Please download a copy of the submission form and fill it out with your:
Please submit your proposal to tim.murphy@essex.gov.uk.
Deadline for submissions: 30th September 2025
There have been three previous archaeological conferences convened by Essex County Council, the first in 1978, the second in 1993, and the most recent in 2008.
These conferences served to summarise the archaeology of the county and provide timely reviews of current archaeological knowledge. They also took place when there was fundamental change to how archaeological work was undertaken; the 1978 conference was held six years after the appointment of ECC’s first Archaeological Officer, the 1993 conference shortly after the introduction of Planning Policy Guidance Note 16, and the 2008 conference following the 2004 Planning Act with its focus on regional planning.
Since the last conference, responsibility for the management of the Historic Environment of Essex has changed with the creation of Place Services in 2012 to provide archaeological advisory services and maintenance of the Essex Historic Environment Record, coinciding with the National Planning Policy Framework In addition, there has been a significant amount of archaeological fieldwork undertaken in Essex, and this day conference is an opportunity for individuals and organisations to provide an update on the latest historic environment research and discoveries in our county.