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 try to have several field projects on the go each year. SOAG members are given priority for participation but non members are welcome to get in touch to express an interest. 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
Our lecture series for 2025-2026 is arranged. Click here for the schedule for our winter lecture series.
EXTRA: An additional lecture has be organised:– 28th May 2026 – NT Archaeologist Adrian Cox will give a lecture on the excavations undertaken at Greys Court.
SOAG FieldWork 2025
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 will 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. As before, a summary report will be published soon. Annual summary reports and documentation from previous seasons are 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.
There was also an opportunity in July for members to excavate 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.
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 will be presented at SOAG’s Christmas lecture and meeting.
SOAG COMMITTEE FOR 2025-2026
At the SOAG AGM in April 2025 all the current members of the committee agreed to stand for a further year and were re-elected. To see who we all are and what we do in SOAG, see About SOAG – People.
Membership of the group gives you priority 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