maintaining the best standards of independent archaeology
SOAG is one of the most active, independent archaeology groups in Oxfordshire engaged in excavation and landscape archaeology. We aim to promote an interest in all aspects of archaeology in Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas. We welcome people of all ages and experience to take part in excavation, post excavation work, fieldwork and landscape study. We have a full programme of lectures by professional speakers and experienced members, and visits to places of interest.
SOAG projects
We aim to have several field projects active each year. SOAG members are able to participate in all our projects and non members are welcome to get in touch to express an interest, with a view to joining. Click here for a description of current and recently completed projects.
We welcome new members – uncover Oxfordshire’s history with us
Latest news
2025-26 SOAG Lectures
The final lecture in our 2025-26 series is on the 28th May 2026 – NT Archaeologist Adrian Cox will give a lecture on the excavations undertaken at Greys Court.
SOAG Visit
SOAG has arranged a group visit to Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire on Tuesday 12th May. This will include a private tour which will introduce the five main time periods – Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, and Anglo-Saxon. It will explain the archaeology behind their experimental buildings and the evidence that informs each reconstruction. Further details can be found on the Events page and in the April 2026 edition of Messenger.
SOAG COMMITTEE FOR 2026-2027
At the SOAG AGM in April 2026 most of the current members of the committee agreed to stand for a further year and were re-elected. The exception was Nigel Peters who stood down as Secretary and Messenger editor as he is moving out of the area. On behalf of SOAG, the committee expresses its grateful thanks to Nigel for his years of work supporting the group. Nigel is replaced by Neil Killoran. To see who we all are and what we do in SOAG, see About SOAG – People.
SOAG Fieldwork 2025
In July, SOAG members were able to participate in a dig at a site at Park Corner, near Nettlebed in a project organised in partnership with Dr Wendy Morrison of the Chilterns Heritage and Archaeology Partnership. Wendy gave a lecture on the preliminary findings of the excavation on Friday 27th February 2026 to the Watlington Environmental Group.
Smokedown Romano-British site is SOAG’s long running field project. 2025’s fieldwork season ran from July 31st to September 8th. We understand the field is likely to be returned to arable crop in the new year, so this was probably our last extended season on the site. Nevertheless, it was an exciting year with unusual finds and features. A summary report on this year’s excavations has been published and is available available through the Smokedown project page.
We were very pleased to partner with the National Trust again for a second excavation at Greys Court in late July, as part of the CBA’s Festival of Archaeology. Part of the remains of the inter-court range across the oval lawn was uncovered, to the excited interest of visitors and NT staff. The NT archaeologist Adrian Cox again expressed his heartfelt thanks to SOAG for the quality of the excacvation, and the extent of public engagement.
SOAG members undertook geophysical surveys at a number of locations during the year, some of which may provide opportunities for fieldwork and excavation in the future. We also participated in the ongoing test-pitting programme at Chinnor Community Orchard.
Each of these projects is referenced on our Fieldwork Projects page, and a summary of this years field work was presented at SOAG’s Christmas lecture and meeting.
Membership of the group gives you access to all SOAG fieldwork as well as receiving our regular newsletter, SOAG Messenger and our annual journal, SOAG Bulletin.
If you would like to get involved in investigating South Oxfordshire’s rich archaeological past or would like any further information go to the membership page for subscription rates and to download a membership form, or contact us for more information.