The Archaeology of Castle Hill, Wittenham Clumps

HOMEPAGE

The Archaeology of Castle Hill

Trench 1

Trench 2

Trench 3

Trench 4

Week 2

Trench 2

Index

Week 3 update

Week 4 update

Week 5 update

Week 6 update

Interim Summary Reports

Photographs of people at work

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Latest from Castle Hill

The topsoil in this area was taken off by machine to reveal a chalk layer that would have formed the rampart. At the edge of the hilltop we also see a layer of ploughsoil, probably from the medieval period. Soil from this has moved down the slope as a result of ploughing and rain and has built up against the chalk rampart. We are hoping to determine how much of the rampart has been protected by this.

The locations of all the trenches were based upon the results of an English Heritage geophysical survey. The survey located a ditch around the top of the hill, possibly dating to the Bronze Age, and our trench cuts through it. Animal bone and Iron Age pottery were found in the top of it, suggesting that it was used to dump rubbish after it had stopped being used as a barrier.

Two pits were found downslope from the ditch. Both of these are probably from the Iron Age.

Our trench also extends through a large hollow that was found to contain Roman material, including pottery. Roman pits were also found cut into the top of the chalk rampart. The amount of Roman material discovered so far suggests that the hill was occupied in the Roman period.

A sherd of Roman pottery found on site.

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.