SWX8531 - Bestwall Quarry Archaeological Project, Phase 10 - 2001

This report covers work completed in Field J during 2001 and also the results of the fieldwork conducted in this field in 1998 during the construction of a water culvert. A random metal detector survey was conducted at plough, subsoil and replaced topsoil levels. Excavated features support the following sequence of activities. Mesolithic 6000-4000BC -There were no Mesolithic features, but one microlith and a number of blade-type flakes were retrieved from collection areas. Neolithic 4000-2000BC -Some worked flint can be attributed to this period; three transverse arrowheads are of particular note. Bronze Age 2000-800BC -An area of Middle Bronze Age settlement was located and consisted of a hut with postholes and drip gully together with pits and ditches. Two bronze bracelets were exceptional finds from this area. Large quantities of pottery were associated with the features. Away from the main habitation area, other features included two probable infant cremations and two ‘special deposits’. The first comprised large amounts of Deverel Rimbury pottery and the second contained thirteen ceramic loom weights and two small urns. Ditches denoted a series of field boundaries. Large amounts of worked flint were retrieved from both features and collection areas. Burnt flint and burnt heathstone were also abundant. Iron Age and Roman Period 800BC-AD400 - Further field boundaries were excavated. Industrial activity was inferred from the distribution of charcoal-filled pits. Three areas of Roman iron working were located and consisted of spreads of iron slag and the base of an iron-working furnace. Medieval Period AD400-1500 -A single pit was dated top the late 6th century. One ditch and two other pits produced Saxon pottery together with some iron nails and lead scrap. A copper alloy strap end dating to the 9th century was retrieved during the metal detecting survey. Post-Medieval Period AD1500 to date. -One ditch was assigned to the 18th century, as were two spreads of rubble. The latter was likely to have been demolished remains of a building of an earlier date.