Stage 2

The west side of the A5 road was fully geophysically surveyed before gravel digging started in 1966. With the cooperation of the company large areas were mechanically stripped of top soil some months prior to gravel extraction, thus giving the R.A.S ample time to study the site. As on the eastern side the occupation was dense over the whole length of the site, but on this side the settlement was broader, spreading down the hill side for about 150 metres towards area 3.

These occupation strata were very productive. Levels revealed feature upon feature: beam slots, working floors, drainage ditches, enclosure ditches, gullies, rubbish pits and house foundations. Two wells were found. These were sectioned and emptied when the gravel workings reached them. One well had a rectangular wooden frame of reused roof timbers. These timbers were infested with woodworm in antiquity.

The defensive ditch was traced and emptied. Buried in the top of the infill was the skeleton of a young girl. Also found in the top infill was the peacock belt buckle. The infill was dated to the fourth century AD, using pottery and coins found there.

Above: Early excavations in Area two