The Archaeology of Castle Hill, Wittenham Clumps

HOMEPAGE

The Archaeology of Castle Hill

Trench 1

Trench 2

Trench 3

Trench 4

Week 4

Trench 3

Index

Week 2 update

Week 3 update

Week 5 update

Week 6 update

Interim Summary Reports

Photographs of people at work

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Excavation in Trench 3 is progressing rapidly. The ditch, which forms part of the early enclosure on the hilltop, has been fully excavated revealing that it is some 2.8 m deep with steep sides and a flat base. Pottery recovered from the base suggests a late Bronze Age/ Early Iron Age date for the construction of the enclosure. Additionally, the recovery of charcoal and bone from the base of the ditch will allow the use of scientific dating techniques, such as radiocarbon dating.

Further discoveries have also been made in some of the pits. A second skeleton of a newborn was found in an Iron Age rubbish pit adjacent to the pit in which the first baby was found. The recovery of human remains from Iron Age rubbish pits is not unusual, but is of great interest. This might seem disrespectful according to 21st century beliefs, but this practice was common in the Iron Age, in addition to burial in rivers.

The enclosure ditch running through Trenches 3 and 4 has been fully excavated in Trench 3. It is about 2.8 m deep and contained Late Bronze Age/ Early Iron Age pottery and animal bones.

We have found several more burials on the site. Some of these were found in Iron Age rubbish pits, others were found with Roman pottery.

The quarry at the lower end of Trench 3 has been excavated a little deeper revealing sharp square sides cut into the chalk. Roman finds are still being recovered from the fill. Another skeleton, presently undated, was also found south of the quarry.

If you would like to help on the dig please speak to one of the team, or contact Denise Price, at Oxford Archaeology on 01865 263800. Application forms may also be obtained by e-mail from denise.price@oxfordarch.co.uk.