Excavation of an Iron Age Site in 2002 at Westwood, University of Warwick, Coventry: Archaeological Archive Appraisal & Preliminary Post-excavation Report (original) (raw)
Related papers
Title: Post-excavation assessment, analysis and dissemination in modern archaeological practice
The anticipated boom in planning-led archaeology will lead to unprecedented amounts of data being produced. However there are concerns that much of this data will be redundant, despite the care and resources spent upon its collection. Audiences are being missed, or worse, ignored. We are facing a crossroads in our professional practice, largely due to how we undertake post-excavation. The current post-excavation assessment procedures were initially established by English Heritage (1991) and have been widely followed across the sector. We have now been using them for 25 years, without a formalised review or renewal. In the meantime, the dual pressures of programme and budget have become more acute and the sheer amount of data created on an average City of London project (for example) can be too complex to be analysed effectively within the timescales available (Cumberpatch 2015). The key question we have failed to ask ourselves thus far is who we are trying to engage. The vast majority of our published material is aimed at fellow archaeologists and the academic sector but the use of archived data remains uncommon. Academic priorities for urban archaeology centre upon synthesis (Bryant and Thomas 2015, 18), which requires the adherence to research strategies (Museum of London 2002, Rowsome and Baker 2016) but these are rarely explicitly adopted, so despite regular calls for improved synthesis (Millett 2013; 2016; Perring 2015; Wilson 2016), it remains clear that there are limited possibilities for thematic work, despite the vast amounts of archived data. We should perhaps redirect our efforts to attract a wider variety of audiences. This proposal leads on from my recently completed PhD which examined professional practice in the City of London and led me to consider that there should be far less distinction made between the worlds of 'commercial' and 'academic' archaeology. The opportunity to study at the McDonald Institute would be the ideal progression from this viewpoint. My employer MOLA has been an industry leader in the innovation of techniques and are keen to encourage this field of study, particularly as our profession is looking forward to the positive influence of the HS2 project.
COVENTRY AND DISTRICT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN , 2018
When the discovery of an Iron Settlement site on the University of Warwick campus in 2002 hit the region’s media, it gathered extensive interest from scholars and public alike. As a former lecturer in archaeology at the university, I was as keen as anyone – and drove up from Oxford to take a tour of the excavations in progress. The remains of at least 14 roundhouses had been uncovered during ground preparation for a new all-weather football and rugby pitch. I recalled the site location from a desk-based study of 1996 which had flagged up the likelihood of Iron Age or Romano-British enclosures from a murky post-war RAF aerial photograph. The excavated findings were of particularly note. I recall being handed a small crucible by the site director. Two roundhouse gully terminals under excavation each contained the complete head of a pony, while other segments dug through the gullies unearthed charcoal-rich fills with quantities of pottery. The pottery, and the site, had already been assigned to the Late Iron Age –somewhere between 500 BC and AD 50. Without the application of scientific dating and method it is hard to narrow down the date on many sites, but it was clear to me that the excavation at Westwood campus site was in the process of producing the potential to break new ground as a (pottery) dating mechanism for so many other LIA sites across the Midlands. In 2018, myself and colleague Di Budd (an archaeologist of the 2002 excavation) decided to find out what had happened to the project’s post-excavation analysis and report. To our surprise: nothing. We thus set out to examine the archive (in three separate repositories) and to compile a comprehensive assessment, in order to get the project back on track. Not such a straightforward task. The assessment report is to be uploaded to this academia page in due course. In the meantime, a couple of short articles on the progress of the project have been produced – one for West Midlands Archaeology, the other for the Coventry & District Archaeological Society Bulletin, the latter appears here…
2022
SUMMARY: This pdf of a power point summary lecture serves as a guide for either TEST no.2 (end-of-term) for the in-class version of Anth.106 (Introduction to Archaeology), or TAKE-HOME no.2 (end-of-term assignment) for the online class version of the same course. It provides a summary of 25 selected, key concepts and an example extracted from the textbook (Renfrew and Bahn, 2019 [8th edition]), in part-1, and the summary notes from the special lectures in part-2. The summary covers such post-excavation analysis options, including assessing (a) technology, (b) trade, contact, and exchange, (c) cognitive aspects (religion; language; art; etc.), (d) appearance (bio-archaeology; health; diet; clothing; etc.), and (e) processes of change. It also considers some benefits of archaeology for people today. POSTED: May 3, 2022.
Archaeological Mitigation Report
Clifton Meadows, Church Farm, Overy Mead, Little Wittenham Wood Archaeological Mitigation Report, 2022
DigVentures was commissioned by the Earth Trust to undertake the archaeological mitigation at Clifton Meadows, Church Farm, Overy Mead and Little Wittenham Wood, as part of the River of Life II project. The ‘River of Life II’ project is focused on developing a wetland landscape comprising pools and wet woodland environments within areas of the floodplain of the River Thames and River Thame. Following geoarchaeological boreholes (Law 2019), geophysical survey (Whittingham 2019), and a programme of archaeological evaluation trial trenching (Jago et al 2019), an archaeological strip map and sample along with a watching brief was carried out throughout the ground reduction aspects of the main excavation of the work (DigVentures project code: ROL21). The overarching aims and objectives for the archaeological strip, map and sample was to establish the character, date, state of preservation, and extent of any archaeological remains should they be encountered within the areas impacted through the development area (Casswell and Hogue 2020). The aims were to: corroborate chronological phasing for the sites. understand the nature of typical and atypical features encountered. evaluate the results of the geophysical survey. establish the current state of survival of archaeology deposits. situate the sites into a wider research context. The archaeological monitoring incorporated a synthesis of results from earlier stages of work. The archaeological mitigation has achieved the defined aims by helping to understand the archaeological resource in the wider landscape and provide necessary details for formulating recommendations for future work. Results summary: Monitoring of ground works at Clifton Meadows, Church Farm, Overy Mead, and Little Wittenham Wood began on the 3rd June 2021 and extended through to the 1st September 2021, undertaken as part of the River of Life II project. The monitoring took place across areas that had been agreed with Richard Oram of OCAS based on results from the programme of targeted evaluation trenches (Jago et al 2019) designed to investigate features identified from geophysical survey (Whittingham 2019) within the proposed development areas. All data was recorded by project archaeologists using pro-forma primary records, including context records for all deposits, cuts, and features; GPS plans and levels; section drawings of features and digital photographs of all contexts. The site archive has been digitised and will be deposited with the Archaeological Data Service (ADS). At Clifton Meadows, wetland pond and backwaters totalling 2,153m2 were continuously monitored during the excavation stage. These areas were positioned to avoid geophysical anomalies or potential features encountered during the previous surveys and evaluation. No archaeological features were revealed in any of the areas monitored. A great deal of insight was gained in terms of the rapid nature of alluvial deposition for the area. Most noteworthy was the fact that all signs of truncation of the alluvium from the evaluation trenches from July 2019 had been diffused in just two years; only the cut into the gravel terrace was discernible. At Church Farm, the area for Backwater 5 totalling 1266m2 was monitored during the excavation stage. A possible trackway comprised of two possible ditches in the evaluation stage of works identified to the west of the site was more clearly characterised, proving to be a modern field drain to the east and possible rooting from a hedgerow or a slump in the gravel terrace to the east. At Overy Mead, areas totalling 320m2 were continuously monitored during the excavation stage. Any archaeological features identified in the evaluation stage were intentionally avoided with the placement of the development site, which encountered no archaeological deposits during the work. The only material recovered was a single block of sandstone which was recovered out of the existing pond. This was likely waste material used in the maintenance of the bridge which is located approximately 50-60m away and is made from a similar stone material. There were no obvious markings and it was irregular in shape, therefore it is possible that it was deemed unsuitable or unnecessary for use. At Little Wittenham Wood, areas totalling 286m2 were continuously monitored during the tree stump removal and the excavation stage. No archaeological features were identified during the monitoring of the excavation of these ponds.
University of Cambridge Sports Ground - Archaeological Excavation [2018]
2018
Excavation covering 1.4ha at the University of Cambridge Sports Ground revealed four main episodes of activity. In the first of these, a cluster of Middle Bronze Age pits were the site’s earliest features, although a handful of worked flints represent the earliest human presence at the site from at least the later Neolithic. Aside from two Early Iron Age pits, which mark the second episode of the site’s activity, no further prehistoric activity was encountered. This was all situated within the south half of the site, near to or upon a geological junction, where a diamict gravel ridge passed downslope into Gault Clay, and perhaps where a perched water table could be located. The ridge later became the focus for Roman settlement in the site’s third episode of activity, distinguished by three main phases covering the 1st-3rd centuries. Phases 1 and 2 relate to a primary and secondary phase of settlement. There is clearly considerable overlap across these phases, which may have equally been presented as a single episode of activity; however, their division is warranted on the basis of mismatching feature alignment, albeit with respecting spatial arrangement. A valid assumption is that one develops from the other, where a settlement core of 1st–2nd century date lies to the west of the site and was remoulded within an existing fieldsystem. Stratigraphically later within this sequence, Phase 3 sees a ditched trackway – the provenance of which must lay within the preceding phases – traverse the site from south to north, with further evidence of settlement spreading from the west. The ceramic evidence shows that by the mid-3rd century the majority of settlement activity had ceased. A notable highlight of the Roman activity is an early pottery kiln with an assemblage of kiln furniture. The final, fourth episode of activity, relates to post-Medieval furrow cultivation which lay across much of the site, though with little impact to earlier deposits.
Journal of Urban Archaeology 2: The Backfill
Journal of Urban Archaeology 2, 2020
We have been thrilled to feel the warm welcome given by readers across the world to these humble pages, which we are honoured (but of course!) to share alongside the oh-so-important and posh Journal of Urbane Archaeology. Here at The Backfill, we are simply happy to serve. I know I, personally, am not in the least bothered that my office is only half as big as that of our distinguished colleagues at JUA, or that my table is two inches smaller than that of Mr Sid E. Dweller. After all, we know only too well that what starts at the bottom of a site is most likely to end at the top of the heap! Until that happy time, we at The Backfill will always provide a home for unsifted facts and be ready with a cheerful throw away comment! We hope you enjoy sharing our load with us.
2017
This report provides a rapid, point-in-time review of progress against the long-term aspirations and specific recommendations set out in the Southport Report (2011). It has been prepared within the scope of the original Southport Report as an update and prelude to '21st century Challenges in Archaeology', a programme of cross-sector discussions in 2017 led by Historic England and the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. The core of this report is a review of progress against the specific recommendations (with detail given in the accompanying table referred to as the Southport Reporter), a comment on whether the vision has been achieved, notes on what appear to be the main drivers and barriers involved and pointers for the future. The report highlights priorities for the historic environment sector to address: Assuring a resilient place for archaeology and heritage in statute and government policy - in other words in a structure that is better able to withstand the pressures of budget cuts and streamlining of planning process being experienced in England. Seizing opportunities created in the archaeology services market - where a forecast spike in demand for skilled archaeologists offers a rare and invaluable chance to establish a stronger and different model for archaeology in England. Reinforcing among policy-makers the recognition of the beneficial role and capability of archaeology as a contributor to socio–economic growth, especially in the context of economic upturn. Prioritising the funding necessary to ensure that practitioners and employers are able to put in place the expertise, training, resources and confidence to design, manage and deliver innovative, quality-based archaeology that benefits development as well as society. Getting the historic environment sector fully aligned behind a shared definition and purpose of what we do and what outcomes we want – and then ensuring that we put policy into practice in all parts of that sector. Disseminating our research in ways that demonstrate its worth, and successfully convince policy makers of the value of archaeology as a catalyst for regeneration and a focus of community and place, even when weighed against other pressing domestic issues requiring limited funding.
Excavations at Ham Hill, Somerset 2011-2013: Post-Excavation Assessment [2015]
2015
This document presents the collated results of a three-year programme of excavation and post-excavation assessment at Ham Hill, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, Somerset by the Cambridge Archaeological Unit of the University of Cambridge and the Department of Archaeology at Cardiff University. An Update Project Design (UPD), issued in conjunction with this Post Excavation Assessment (PXA), provides an in-depth statement of potential and research programme.
Archaeological Landscapes of East London: six multi-period sites excavated in advance of gravel quarrying in the London Borough of Havering, 2011
Six archaeological sites investigated in advance of gravel extraction in the London Borough of Havering, between 1963 and 1997, form the basis of a landscape history of the locality. Significant monuments include an Early Neolithic ring ditch. The Bronze Age and Iron Age were periods of woodland clearance followed by intensive landscape utilization and settlement. Two fortified enclosures date from the period of the Roman conquest. A number of Roman farmsteads were occupied until the late 4th century; some of these sites were also inhabited during the Early Saxon period. Significant medieval remains included a farmstead and a manorial enclosure. A full digital resource of excavated samples is available for researchers via Archaeology Data Service. Monograph Series 54 MOLA 2011. ISBN 978-1-907586. Hb 144pp. 99 bw & col ills. Reviews "This book will be of interest to anyone who wishes to understand the changing landscape of the region over time, and is a must-have for those involved in fieldwork in east London and Essex, especially for the book’s extensive bibliography." Alistair Ainsworth in London Archaeologists 2013 "…it does summarise the fieldwork nicely, placing what can be relatively sparse evidence into a well rounded narrative and should be useful to anyone interested in the archaeology of the Thames area." John Naylor in Journal of the Medieval Settlement Research Group 2012 "This important publication is the result of a project funded by the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund. It rescues a large amount of archaeological information from obscurity but also places it in context to give a well-researched and well-presented story." David Bird in Transactions of London and Middlesex Archaeology Society 2011 "Local history is, in effect, at its most expansive an inter-disciplinary approach to every aspect of the historic local landscape. Archaeological reports, such as this from Museum of London Archaeology, readily inform such an inter-disciplinary approach. The science which archaeologists apply is now giving immeasurable insights into the lives of people who lived where we live but who, unlike us, have left no written records. We now know something of their lifestyle and even their diets, and this gives us greater insight into the degree to which people had already made their mark on the landscape, well before the Roman occupation. Such reports as this should become part of the reference repertoire of local historians." Trevor James in Local History Magazine 2011