SWX8530 - Bestwall Quarry Archaeological Project, Phase 8 - 1999

This report covers work completed in Fields H and R during 1999 and the early part of 2000. The work entailed a subsoil search for finds and excavation of all exposed subsoil features. Random metal-detector surveys were conducted on the subsoil, topsoil and re-instated topsoil levels. Excavated features together with artefact evidence support the following sequence for activity in these fields. Mesolithic (6000-4000BC) A pit filled with large quantities of burnt flint and some worked flint, including a microlith, was located in Field H. a background distribution of ‘blade-type’ flakes was noted in nearby collection areas. Neolithic (4000-2000BC) Two small sherds of ‘Grooved Ware’ pottery dating to the later Neolithic were found in Field R. Some worked flint is also attributed to this period. Bronze Age (2000-800BC) Small numbers of early Bronze Age ‘Beaker’ sherds were retrieved from both fields. However, middle Bronze Age features predominated, yielding a wide range of pottery styles. There were notable finds from two pits, these consisted of pieces of ceramic loom weight and a fragile charred bone pendant. Three discrete areas in Filed R showed high levels of activity and structures were located in two of these. Of note were two ‘special’ deposits of middle Bronze Age pottery and five single bucket urns. An urned cremation was found in isolation. As in previous years large numbers of worked flint were retrieved from features and surface collections. Burnt flint and heathstone were also abundant. There were significantly fewer features in Field H. Iron Age and Roman Period (800BC-AD400) The sequence of field boundaries noted in previous years was extended. Small-scale industrial activity was implicit in the random spread of charcoal filled pits and other pits and scoops. A single late Roman cremation was found in the upper fills of a late Iron Age ditch. Medieval Period (AD400-500) Small numbers of pottery sherds were retrieved, the earliest pieces dating to the early 11th century. Post-Medieval Period (AD15500 to date) Two linear features were recorded in Field H; both of these yielded moderate quantities of pottery.