SWX8526 - Bestwall Quarry Archaeological Project, Phase 6 - 1997

This report covers work completed in Fields P and F during 1997 and early 1998. The work entailed a subsoil search for finds and excavation of exposed subsoil features. It was possible to field walk only a small portion of Field F prior to topsoil stripping. Random metal detector surveys were conducted at topsoil, subsoil and re-instated topsoil levels. Excavated features and artefact evidence supports the following sequence of activities in these fields. Mesolithic (6000-4000 BC) The small sub-site at the western end of Field P produced a number of pits and substantial amounts of flint waste. Examination of he assemblage confirmed several areas of activity. In addition, small amounts of flint were collected from Field F. Bronze Age (2000-800 BC) Evidence of activity spanning the greater part of the Bronze Age was located in various areas of Field F. Of particular note were ‘special pit deposits’ of early and middle Bronze Age pottery. A north-south ditch in the centre of the field constrained large amounts of pottery in its northern terminal. At the north-western side of the field was a complex of features dating to the late Bronze Age. This consisted of two large storage pits together with other pits, scoops, postholes and gullies which are likely to have had an agricultural and industrial function. As in previous years, large quantities of flint in the form of tools and waste were retrieved from features and subsoil collections. Burnt flint and heathstone was also abundant as surface scatters and pit fills. Iron Age and Roman Period (800 BC-AD 400) Pottery finds spanning this long period attest a continuity of occupation and use of the site. Heathstone-filled pits and post-holes with large boulders of mudstone characterise the Iron Age activity. One pit containing crucible fragments hints at metalworking in the vicinity. Excavation of the numerous, randomly distributed charcoal-filled pits continues – 128 were investigated over the season. A number of ditches and gullies were plotted, these are likely to have been field boundaries and enclosures. Medieval Period (AD 400-1500) As in previous years both metal and ceramic finds were scarce and there were no features of this period. Post-Medieval Period (1500-date) Topsoil and subsoil finds of metalworking and pottery were low confirming the pattern of the last few years and implying long periods under pasture