Archaeology provides important evidence for the centuries in which the Arthurian tradition began to develop. Written sources from post-Roman Britain are scarce and often difficult to date, making excavated settlements, fortifications, burials, inscriptions, coins and other material remains particularly valuable.
The following resources provide access to archaeological records, excavation reports, historical maps and information about ancient and medieval sites in Sussex and throughout Britain.
National Archaeological Resources
Archaeology Data Service
The Archaeology Data Service preserves excavation reports, archaeological journals, surveys, photographs and research datasets. Its archives include a large collection of unpublished fieldwork reports.
Visit the Archaeology Data Service
Heritage Gateway
Heritage Gateway allows readers to search national and local records of archaeological monuments, historic buildings and landscapes in England. It brings together information from Historic England and numerous local Historic Environment Records.
Historic England
Historic England maintains records and research relating to England’s archaeological sites, scheduled monuments, historic buildings and landscapes.
Explore Historic England’s research
Council for British Archaeology
The Council for British Archaeology promotes public participation in archaeology. Its website contains archaeological news, publications, information about local societies and details of excavations and events.
Visit the Council for British Archaeology
Portable Antiquities Scheme
The Portable Antiquities Scheme records archaeological objects discovered by members of the public. Its searchable database contains photographs and descriptions of coins, brooches, weapons, jewellery and other finds from prehistoric times onwards.
Search the Portable Antiquities Scheme database
Current Archaeology
Current Archaeology reports on excavations, discoveries and research from across Britain. It provides accessible accounts of both major archaeological projects and smaller local investigations.
ARCHI UK
ARCHI UK is a commercial database combining information about archaeological sites with historical maps, aerial photographs, LiDAR images and geographical coordinates. Some searches are free, while detailed records require a subscription.
Historical Records and Maps
British History Online
British History Online provides access to digitised historical sources relating to Britain and Ireland. Its collection includes county histories, maps, gazetteers, parliamentary material and records of religious and civic institutions.
National Library of Scotland Maps
Despite its name, the National Library of Scotland’s online map collection covers the whole of Great Britain. Historical Ordnance Survey maps can be viewed alongside modern maps, making it possible to identify old roads, settlements, field boundaries and lost buildings.
Gatehouse Gazetteer
The Gatehouse Gazetteer records medieval castles, fortified houses, town defences and other fortified places in England and Wales. Its Sussex section is particularly useful for examining the development of defensive sites in the county.
Explore fortified sites in Sussex
Sussex Archaeology
Chichester and District Archaeology Society
The society researches and promotes the archaeology of Chichester and the surrounding area. Its activities include lectures, fieldwork, surveys and reports on local sites.
Visit Chichester and District Archaeology Society
Worthing Archaeological Society
Worthing Archaeological Society studies the archaeology and history of Worthing and the wider Sussex area. The society organises lectures, fieldwork and visits to places of archaeological interest.
Visit Worthing Archaeological Society
West Sussex Historic Environment Record
The Historic Environment Record contains information about known archaeological sites, finds, historic buildings and landscapes in West Sussex. Such records are continually updated as new discoveries and investigations are reported.
Find out about Historic Environment Records
Archaeology and the Arthurian Period
Archaeology cannot prove that King Arthur existed, but it can help us understand Britain during the fifth and sixth centuries. Excavations reveal the continued occupation of some Iron Age hillforts, the development of high-status settlements, changing burial customs and the gradual expansion of Anglo-Saxon settlement.
Important sites associated with discussions of post-Roman Britain include Tintagel, South Cadbury, Dinas Powys, Wroxeter and several former Roman forts and towns. Their connection with Arthur is generally uncertain, but the evidence they provide helps reconstruct the society in which the earliest Arthurian traditions may have arisen.
These archaeological resources should therefore be considered alongside the surviving historical and literary texts rather than treated as independent proof of the legend.
For a fuller discussion of the archaeological, historical and literary evidence, see Notes on Arthurian Literature by Bruce Macfarlane.