Example archaeology dissertation topic 7:

What now for a Leicester car park? An analysis of the potential site-legacies of the discovery of the body of Richard III.

The discovery of that which is believed to be the body of Richard III in a council car park in central Leicester is, this thesis contends, one of the most exciting and important archaeological finds within England in the past decade. Given that the modern day car park appears to be the final resting place of an anointed King this dissertation asks what should happen next to the site – once the archaeological dig is fully over. In so doing it evaluates whether the site should be refilled (as is now usually the case within inner-city sites once the dig is over) or preserved as not only a ‘window on the past’ but also as a location by which to highlight the role of 21st century archaeology.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Demas, M. (2004). ”Site unseen’: the case for reburial of archaeological sites’, Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites, Vol. 3/4, pp. 137-154.
• Jones, S. (2009). ‘Experiencing authenticity at heritage sites: Some implications for heritage management and conservation’, Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites, Vol. 11(2), pp. 133-147.
• Leicester City Council (2012). Work focuses on future of Richard III site. Leicester City Council Press Release, 29th September 2012.