Wessex Archaeology

 Sue Nelson represented Wessex Archaeology at a Saxon Heritage Day at Meonstoke School on Thursday May 9th. This is the forth year the event has been held and was enjoyed greatly by children, staff and visitors alike. Sue was involved, alongside Robin Iles of Winchester Museums Service, with engaging the children in a number of archaeological activities. The pupils dug for artefacts buried in a sand-pit, identified the materials of which they were made, learnt what different parts of an animal skeleton looked like and reconstructed a broken plate in jigsaw fashion. 

The day culminated in the children re-enacting the Battles of Stamford Bridge and Hastings with great gusto! 

This event now forms part of a wider project looking at the presence of the Saxons in the Meon Valley  in which Wessex Archaeology will be further involved in the coming year.  

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 The Prehistoric Ceramics Research Group consists of pottery specialists, other archaeologists and members of the public. The group aims to promote regular contacts between those with interests in prehistoric ceramics and to keep in touch with recent developments and current research. 

Members of the Prehistoric Ceramic Research Group in the WA finds room

The Group held its annual Spring meeting at Wessex Archaeology earlier this month. Archaeologists, amateurs and potters met to hear about recent discoveries from Wessex Archaeology's recent excavations on the Salisbury Plain Training Area, at MOD Durrington, Porton Down, Amesbury and Yeovil. 

Collard Urn and Armorican vessel

Grace Jones talked about pottery from Poole Harbour, and brought an extraordinary pair of pots to show the Group: the larger vessel (on the left) is an ordinary Collared Urn of the Early Bronze Age. The smaller one (on the right) was found inside it, and comes from the Armorican region of north-west France (shown here by courtesy of Bournemouth University). Bill Crumbleholme – a professional potter – produces replicas of prehistoric pottery, and brought a selection along. He is currently replicating pots for the Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, and is researching and developing a range of clays and inclusions to use for the pottery, which covers styles from the Neolithic to the late Iron Age. Interestingly, clay dug on the Head makes very poor pots – as you can see on the project's website. 

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Dr Andrew Murrison and CE Chris Brayne

Dr Andrew Murrison, MP for South West Wiltshire visited our Head Office at Portway House to familiarise himself with the range of work we undertake in both the terrestrial and marine environments. He met the Executive Team and was briefed on the many projects we have undertaken which relate to MOD land holdings or interests. Dr Murrison, an officer in the Royal Naval Reserve, took a great interest in our work with Operation Nightingale and met Steve Winterton, until recently a Corporal in the Rifles, who is now working full time in our geoarchaeology team whilst studying for a degree in archaeology. At the end of the meeting CE Chris Brayne presented Dr Murrison with a copy of our 2008 publication, An Iron Age Settlement outside Battlesbury Hillfort as a memento of his visit. Chris Brayne commented "We are very pleased to have been able to share a number of ideas with the Under Secretary of State and we look forward to pursuing several areas of opportunity which will benefit the local economy". 

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Wessex Archaeology continues to support Operation Nightingale by offering two keen soldiers work placements. Angus Forshaw, Community Archaeology Trainee with WA, wrote about these work placements for the blog:

Steve sieving environmental samples"Following on from the success of last summer’s excavation at Barrow Clump, two soldiers, Steve and Kenny, have been doing work placements at Wessex Archaeology’s Salisbury office.

Steve has been working with the environmental archaeology team. He has been busy sieving and sorting soil samples. These samples have been collected during excavations on site and can reveal a number of things, including small artefacts that may have been missed on site as well as any surviving environmental material, which could tell us more about the environment of the past.

While Steve has been working on the post-excavation side of things, Kenny has been out in the field with the excavation team. He has worked on a variety of sites and been able to excavate a number of exciting features. With a lot of this fieldwork being over the winter, it has given him a real taste of what being a field archaeologist can be like!"

Since Angus’s blog was written, Steve has completed his discharge from the army and been hired as a member of the environmental team at WA. His natural abilities and enthusiasm, as well as the skills he acquired during his work placement, have made Steve a valuable asset to the organisation and we welcome him on board. Find out more about our work with Op Nightingale on the Project Florence webpages and on the blog. 

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 10th May 2013 - Inspiration day at Chisenbury Iron Age Midden, Salisbury Plain On Friday morning (10th May 2013) an eager group of Jon Egging Trust representatives, students, teachers, archaeologists, volunteers and military personnel gathered on a windswept Salisbury Plain for the second archaeology-themed session of the Jon Egging Trust Blue Skies programme. The event was set-up by Richard Osgood, Senior Historic Advisor for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) in consultation with Wessex Archaeology (WA), and took place at the c. 2700 year old midden site close to East Chisenbury.    The site comprises a considerable mound of probable feasting waste and has been partly disturbed by badgers. The students’ mission was to methodically investigate the badger spoil heaps in order to recover as much archaeological material as they could find.  Three teams were headed by Wessex Archaeology’s Steve Winterton, Dave Norcott, and Angus Forshaw, James Spry (Leicester University), Richard Osgood and Cpl Tyler Christopher (DIO and 4 Rifles; Operation Nightingale). Each team was given a different spoil heap to tackle. Three volunteers from the Southampton University Air Squadron also gave up a day of their time to help out.   Within seconds all of the teams had found something. Large sherds of Iron Age pottery with some fantastic decoration, burnt and worked flint, and masses of animal bone quickly filled finds trays and then buckets. The students, teachers, archaeologists and soldiers were hooked. Even some of the more reserved characters were frequently heard exclaiming excitedly, and keenly engaged with all those nearby. Each of the teenagers got the chance to wash their finds and discuss them with the finds team – Sjt George Pas and Cpl Paul Turner or the 6 Rifles, and Dr. Matt Leivers (Wessex Archaeology). Star finds include some amazing decorated pottery, an antler tool and a large flint core.    Other activities included a map reading task with RAF Cpl Martin Puxley, where students scanned the landscape from the site’s incredible viewpoint, and identified locations and features seen on the map; you could even see the white horse at Alton Barnes! Another highlight of the day was the intense examination and sampling of the contents of the army ration packs.  It was wonderful to see the students so engrossed, so much so that it was difficult to get them to stop digging; they even enjoyed washing the artefacts! We were all impressed by their attitudes, motivation and enthusiasm, and how completely unphased they were when it came to communicating with everyone on site, including the media.    I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and express gratitude to all those involved, together we may have made a little bit of a difference. 

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Ian taking delivery of the new fleet

Wessex Archaeology has just received the latest additions to its fleet of cars and vans, featuring our new branding. With fleet vehicles now based in Sheffield and Rochester, as well as Salisbury, we are definitely on the move! Ian Phillips, Company Secretary said “the recent additions to our vehicle fleet shows continuing investment in our employees and the equipment that we operate, and also helps to ensure that the Wessex Archaeology brand is seen across the country” Wessex Archaeology now operates a fleet of eight vehicles, which is set to increase in the months ahead reflecting our growing portfolio of projects. 

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This July discover the exciting work of Wessex Archaeology at the Wiltshire Archaeology and Conservation Fair. Part of the Festival of British Archaeology 2013, the fair offers visitors a unique opportunity to find out about archaeology in Wiltshire and how you can get involved. The Wessex Archaeology display will feature hands-on activities for children and adults alike, real artefacts to handle and information about our recent work. Our Community & Education Officer Laura Joyner will be giving a talk about opportunities to volunteer with Wessex Archaeology and will be on hand to answer questions throughout the day.    

 

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2nd May 2013 Inspiration day at Wessex Archaeology HQ

On a sunny Thursday 2nd May the students participating in the Jon Egging Trust Blue Skies programme (Bournemouth) visited the Salisbury office to learn about what archaeology is, who archaeologists are, and how such a diverse range of people and skills come together to work towards a successful outcome.

Kirsten Dinwiddy, Angus Forshaw, Steve Winterton, Sue Nelson and Phil Harding all contributed, explaining about their roles within the company, and discussing the variety of evidence we gather in order to better understand the lives of those who lived in the past.  

Angus Forshaw and Steve Winterton speaking to the students

The session kicked-off with an overview and presentation by Angus Forshaw who involved the students in identifying features on aerial photographs and geophysical surveys.  Steve Winterton explained how he became involved in archaeology and Operation Nightingale. A visit to the environmental department followed, where the group saw how soil samples are processed, what may be found, and what information specialists can glean from such evidence.  

Sue Nelson on identifying artefacts

Sue Nelson asked the participants to try to identify different artefacts and think about how they might have been used in the past. Next came the pottery sequence challenge where, as is often the case, there was some amazement when they learned that the finely finished sherd of samian pottery was around 2000 years old. 

Kirsten Dinwiddy explaining what we can tell from human remains

The skeleton of a late Romano-British man from Boscombe Down was of great interest, particularly as he had evidently rarely brushed his teeth. Kirsten Dinwiddy demonstrated the ways in which the age, sex and sometimes lifestyle may be assessed from human bones, whilst the participants considered and questioned the manner in which the remains were treated in the past.   The final session of the day comprised a flint knapping demonstration by Phil Harding, who managed to mesmerize the teenagers (and adults) by talking about the connection he felt with the past through knapping flint. His comments made people think about the differences and similarities between modern and stone age everyday activities. He produced a number of tools including a large axe. 

Phil Harding demonstrating flint knapping

All those involved were impressed by how focused the students were, and by their interesting, thought provoking questions. From their debrief evaluations it seems that all the students had learnt something new and left feeling happy. The same could be said of the Wessex staff too! Thank you to everyone for their support and advice. We now look forward to a day at the East Chisenbury Iron Age midden with the Operation Nightingale team. 

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Mortlake Ware

Wessex Archaeology will host the Prehistoric Ceramic Research Group's Spring meeting at its Salisbury office on Saturday 11th May 2013 (10.30-4.00). The theme is pottery from Wessex and the South-West with an opportunity to hear about new research and recently excavated sites (Lyde Road, Somerset, Salisbury Plain and Amesbury), view and handle material of Neolithic to Iron Age date.  Speakers will include George Kirke (University of Bristol), Grace Jones (University Bournemouth) and Matt Leivers, Rachael Seager Smith and Alistair Barclay from Wessex Archaeology.   

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Archaeologist Chris Breeden

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by the Derbyshire Archaeological Society to undertake an archaeological evaluation and building survey on the former railway tunnel and line at Fritchley, Derbyshire. The fieldwork formed part of a HLF funded Your Heritage project investigating the former Butterley Gangroad – built in 1793 to transport materials between local quarries and the Cromford Canal. Desk-based research for the project is being carried out by the Derbyshire Archaeological Society. The aim of the fieldwork was to investigate the date and type of construction of the tunnel and railway. The tunnel was subject to laser scanning and building inspection as well as the excavation of a single trench to the south of the tunnel to investigate the presumed original line of the railway.  The investigations focused on the Fritchley Tunnel which allowed the Butterley Gangroad to pass below Chapel Street, Fritchley. The Gangroad was constructed by Benjamin Outram by 1793 to transport materials between quarries near to Crich and the Cromford Canal and the tunnel is therefore thought to be one of the oldest railway tunnels in the country. The Gangroad would originally have been constructed as a plateway and operated by horse drawn trains of wagons. In the 1840s the line was upgraded, and re-aligned and the old tunnel altered at Fritchley.  The excavation of the trench revealed a single in situ sleeper and adjacent path. However, in the construction of the new line in the 1840s, the majority of the stonework from the old line appears to have been removed, presumably for re-use elsewhere.  The building inspection and survey of the tunnel has confirmed it was constructed over two main phases, the latter phase corresponding with the railway’s re-alignment in the 1840s.  Recording the tunnel  Associated links:BBC News - 'World's oldest railway tunnel' in Derbyshire

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Wessex Archaeology diver

The recovery operation of the Dornier 17 bomber, the last of its type, has been prominently featured on national television. Graham Scott of Wessex Archaeology’s Coastal & Marine team tells us about Wessex Archaeology’s involvement with this world class aviation archaeology discovery: "It was reported to us by a local diver. We took up the reins and, after considerable time and effort spent promoting the site, a highly successful geophysical survey commissioned by English Heritage led to the brave decision by the Royal Air Force Museum to try to save it. Subsequently we were involved in the initial stages of the recovery project, carrying out a diver survey of the site for the museum.  I look forward to renewing my acquaintance with the aircraft when it goes on display at Hendon." For the latest news from the RAF Museum blog click here. Associated LinksBBC news -  WWII Dornier 17 to be raised from the seabed.BBC news -Salvaging a German bomberBBC news -German WWII Dornier to be raised from Goodwin SandsBBC news -WWII German bomber to be recovered 

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On Saturday 27th April 2013 we held an open day for the public and local residents to learn more about the exciting discoveries made at the CEMEX UK run Kingsmead Quarry, Horton near Wraysbury. 

The exhibition contained a selection of the most fascinating finds with experts on hand to answer questions and explain the significance of the artefacts. This was an opportunity for local people to see some of the brilliant discoveries that have been made over the 10 years of excavation at Horton. Of course Phil Harding’s demonstration of flint knapping and Jackie McKinley’s skeleton stand proved extremely popular.  

Wraysbury Primary School

Children had the chance to have a go at several different activities including making their own ‘prehistoric’ pots. These were inspired by the amazing Beaker burial that was discovered at the site.  

Jesus Gonzalez and Colin Rayner

We are delighted that over 500 people took the opportunity to visit the event on Saturday and we received extremely positive feedback.  ‘One of the most interesting things I have seen in my 50 years in Wraysbury’ ‘Fascinating exhibition. Well worth the trip’  The exhibition was formally opened on the Friday morning by Jesus Gonzalez, President CEMEX UK, who gave a welcome address, followed by Cllr Colin Rayner, the Worshipful Mayor of Royal Windsor and Maidenhead and Fiona Macdonald, Principal Archaeologists, Berkshire Archaeology. Classes from three local schools: The Hythe School, Staines, Datchet St Mary’s and Wraysbury Primary took the opportunity to learn about the discoveries, do the activity trail, make a pot and watch Phil knap flint. Later in the afternoon the exhibition was opened to the staff from CEMEX UK and in the evening over 50 people attended a public lecture by Gareth Chaffey and Alistair Barclay. 

Lecture by Gareth Chaffey and Alistair Barclay

Further talks to community groups will be taking place over the coming months, and school visits and workshops are planned. For more information about our work at Kingsmead Horton click here  

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Scottish Diver Magazine

The latest edition of the Scottish Diver Magazine includes an article on  Project SAMPHIRE, a Coastal & Marine archaeology project for the west coast of Scotland. The project brings together local communities, divers and professional underwater archaeologists to support the identification, investigation and understanding of Scotland’s marine heritage.

  

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Dr Paul Baggaley

Paul Baggaley has just returned from Bremerhaven, Germany, where he spent the week giving a practical course in marine geophysics to staff of the National Maritime Museum of Germany and students from the MA in Maritime Archaeology course from the University of Southern Denmark.

The course used equipment owned by the German National Shipping Museum to demonstrate the application of sidescan sonar and magnetometer surveys to investigating wreck sites. Following a couple of days fieldwork, the course was completed by a day of lectures and practical sessions discussing the interpretation and processing of geophysical data.  Sidescan sonar image of Bremerhaven wreck

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Phil Harding flint knapping

Have you been reading about rare Neolithic houses and a Beaker burial containing a ‘prehistoric princess’ recently? These discoveries were made during our excavations at Kingsmead Quarry, Horton.  Saturday 27th April 2013, we are holding a FREE open day to showcase some of the amazing finds from these excavations. The event will be held in Wraysbury Village Hall, Berkshire (TW19 5NA) 10.30 am to 3.30 pm.  The exhibition is open to all and explores the discoveries from the site as we present the hidden past beneath Horton’s landscape and uncover the imprints left by farming and ritual activity. • Learn about the interesting and unique evidence• Meet the archaeologists• View the artefacts• Examine a skeleton There will also be a number of activities for children including pot making and example excavations.  Practical demonstrations will be given by two of Time Team’s regular presenters – Phil Harding will be flint knapping and Jackie McKinley will be examining the human skeleton.  To explore the Kingsmead Quarry excavations further click here.  Wraysbury Village Hall - TW19 5NA 

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Beaker reconstructions by Karen Nichols

The two artist’s reconstructions are an impression of how the person may have looked during their life, and when placed in the grave. We know that the skeleton was that of an adult aged 35 or over and that they were placed in a crouched position, resting on their right side, facing east with their head towards the south – a rite that tends to be reserved for females at this time. Although the skull could be lifted in a soil block the bone was too degraded to attempt any form of accurate facial reconstruction – the face is that of the female artist! 

We have made the decision that the beads, along with an absence of more typical male grave goods, indicate a probable female burial. However, this assumption could be wrong as a number of beads have been found with men. This issue is further complicated as such items could represent gender and/or could be gifts from female mourners.  

Karen working on the reconstructions

Beads of gold and lignite found near the neck possibly belong to a single necklace. The Beaker pot was near the hips and, although we cannot be certain, it could have been placed in or near the hands. Other lignite beads were found in this area and could, as we have suggested, come from a bracelet. The large amber beads have a different distribution to the lignite and gold, and here we have made the suggestion that they could have been used as buttons or fasteners for a garment such as a cloak. Beads and buttons have interchangeable functions as both can be sown on to clothing. Unfortunately, organic textile rarely survives and out artist’s impression serves to remind us what could be missing from the archaeological record. We know that they had textile at this time from impressions left in pottery found on other archaeological sites. Archaeologists have speculated that the geometric motifs impressed into Beaker pottery with bone combs and twisted cord could be inspired by patterns used in textile. On this basis we have repeated the pot’s herringbone motif within the weave of the fabric.   For more information about our work at Kingsmead Horton click here. 

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Why there are no images of the skeleton

A better preserved Neolithic burial from the same site

The acid nature of the clay-rich brickearth, frequent flooding from the adjacent Colne Brook and the high water table at Kingsmead Quarry, Horton are not ideal conditions for the preservation of bone and collagen. Such conditions result in excessive physical breakdown of bone , and human bone recovered from graves - cut through and backfilled with the same material - is often found in various states of decay and is extremely fragile when exposed during excavation. In the case of the Beaker period skeleton some bones were so degraded that they survived as little more than a stain and others, such as the skull and the long bones, comprised degraded bone fragments and comminuted splinters rendering it almost impossible to lift them. Due to the poor bone preservation, the burial remains were recorded during excavation by osteoarchaeologist Jacqueline McKinley. The surviving fragments of the skull and other parts of the skeleton were lifted within soil blocks so that they could be more carefully excavated under laboratory conditions. All of the lower grave fill, ie, the soil that surrounded the burial remains, was collected and carefully processed to ensure full recovery of bone/tooth fragments and small objects such as beads.  Unfortunately, when the feature was first found it did not look like a grave and, consequently, some information and very small objects from one part of the grave (not that containing the skeletal remains themselves) could have been lost. The heavy, clayey, redeposited brickearth fill of such features is difficult to excavate by hand and is generally a challenge even for experienced excavators. Despite their small size, the gold beads were easily visible against the darker brown colour of the brickearth. Similarly, the larger amber beads, even with their oxidised and decayed surfaces, could be recognised by their shape. However, the smaller amber bead fragments and all of the black lignite beads were near invisible to the human eye during excavation. Here, our decision to lift parts of the skeletal remains in soil blocks was rewarded as we discovered many tiny black lignite beads adjacent to the neck area and from the torso region close to both the Beaker pot and close to where it appears the hands had rested. 

Beaker burial during excavation

Preliminary examination of the skeletal remains indicates that they are those of an adult of over 35 years of age. There is less confidence regarding the sex of the individual, with insufficient osteological evidence to say whether they were male or female. Sexing the remains has been based on contextual evidence and prior archaeological knowledge regarding such burials: the position of the body with the head towards the south, the presence of so many beads, and an absence of ‘male’ objects associated with hunting and warfare. For more information about our work at Kingsmead Horton click here. 

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Lorraine Mepham

On Saturday 20 April, 13 members of the Damerham Archaeology project took part in a pottery and animal bone identification workshop at the Wessex Archaeology offices in Salisbury. The Damerham Project, led by Martyn Barber of English Heritage and Helen Wickstead of Kingston University, is looking at cropmark sites mapped from aerial photographs around the village of Damerham on the Hampshire/Dorset border. Last year’s fieldwork, on a long barrow, dug through a post-medieval quarry, as well as part of the barrow ditch. 

The pottery and bone workshop was aimed at volunteers working on the project, who would like to be able to develop their recognition skills to use on site. The volunteers were able to handle examples of pottery spanning six millennia, and a wide range of animal bones. Each session included a short ‘test’ at the end to see how much the participants had learned during the day! Feedback was enthusiastic, and we hope that the workshop will enhance the participants’ enjoyment of their next fieldwork exercise. 

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A woman of importance

Archaeological excavations at CEMEX’s Kingsmead Quarry in Berkshire not far from Windsor have revealed a rare 'Beaker' burial of 'Copper Age' date (2500-2200 BC). Found within the grave were some of Britain’s earliest gold ornaments (five tubular beads), along with 29 bead fragments of amber and 30 beads of black lignite.

The burial contained the possible remains of a woman who was at least 35 years old. At the time of her burial, she wore a necklace containing small tubular sheet gold beads and black disc beads of lignite - a material similar to jet. A number of larger perforated amber buttons/fasteners were also found in a row along her body, which may indicate that she was wearing clothing, perhaps of patterned woven wool, at the time of her burial. Further lignite beads from near her hands suggest that she wore a bracelet. 

The woman’s burial represents an unusual and important find as only a small number of Beaker burials from Britain contain gold ornaments, and most are associated with male skeletons. It would appear that their religious beliefs dictate that most men were buried in a crouched position with the head resting to the north and facing east. With women the body position is often reversed with the head to the south.  The woman was found with a large drinking vessel, unusually placed on her hip rather than by her feet or shoulder. The fine pottery vessel had been decorated with a comb-like stamp.

Beaker using communities lived across Europe around 2,500 BC around about the time of Stonehenge. In more Western regions, such as Britain, they were the first people to use copper and gold (giving rise to the term Copper Age or Chalcolithic). They buried their people in special ways, characteristically with a distinctive type of pot, known to archaeologist as a Beaker. They were also buried with other fine objects such as metal, stone and bone.

Site Director Gareth Chaffey, of Wessex Archaeology, who has been excavating the site for the last seven years, said: “It is interesting to think who this woman was within her community. She was probably an important person in her society, perhaps holding some standing which gave her access to prestigious, rare and exotic items. She could have been a leader, a person with power and authority, or possibly part of an elite family - perhaps a princess or queen.” Osteologist Jacqueline McKinley (Wessex Archaeology) has examined the skeletal remains, which appear to be those of an adult aged 35 or over, possibly a female. Unfortunately the acid nature of the 'brickearth' soil is far from ideal for the preservation of bone and a lack of surviving collagen limits the possibility of scientific research, such as radiocarbon dating and DNA.    Dr Stuart Needham (an expert in Copper Age metalwork) who is presently studying the gold beads said: “Beaker graves of this date are almost unknown in South East England and only a small number of them, and indeed continental Europe, contain gold ornaments. The tubular beads that were found at Kingsmead Quarry are certainly rare in Britain, and this gives the grave tremendous research importance”.  It is possible that the beads have been fashioned by cutting up other objects made from sheet gold.The gold beads have been examined by scientists at the University of Bristol and at the University of Reading.  

Dr Chris Standish (University of Bristol) who is currently investigating the sources of gold exploited during the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age, has used lead isotope analysis to characterise a number of British and Irish gold deposits. This technique has been performed on the five gold beads from the Horton burial. Dr Standish concludes that “their isotopic signatures are consistent with natural gold deposits located in south-east Ireland and southern Britain”.  Further compositional analyses will shed light on where this gold originated from, and will provide important information relating to the patterns of gold procurement and the extent of trading networks that were in existence prior to the interment of the Kingsmead Quarry burial. Dr Stuart Black, an archaeological scientist at the University of Reading, has examined the beads using the cutting edge technology at the University’s Centre for Advanced Microscopy (CfAM) to reveal signs of decoration and details of how the beads were made and attached. This includes fine stitching holes on at least three of the beads and scored lines.     The ornaments found within the grave are all the more interesting when you consider where they came from. The gold may have originated from Southern England or Ireland, the lignite beads from Eastern England and the amber buttons/fasteners from as far away as the Baltic or made from amber collected from the east coast of England. 

Beaker burials of this type are rare in this region of England and, it was an unexpected find. However, as Dr Alistair Barclay of Wessex Archaeology notes “we know from recent research that an extensive prehistoric landscape is buried beneath the edge of West London and East Berkshire. The Kingsmead Quarry project is currently adding much new and significant information to this unfolding story and challenging our perception and understanding of prehistory.”  The beads will go on display at the end of April at a special two day event organised by CEMEX UK and Wessex Archaeology. And later in the year it is hoped to display the grave finds at a local museum.  

The excavations are part of CEMEX’s £4 million archaeological programme on the site, which has been in operation since 2003. Andy Spencer Sustainability Director, CEMEX UK, said : “Kingsmead Quarry has given us some wonderful finds, rare and interesting ones like this Beaker burial and the Neolithic houses. Today, as well as an insight into the lives of our ancestors, the site is providing valuable building materials for construction.” For more information about our work at Kingsmead Horton click here. 

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Wessex Archaeology were invited to the United Kingdom Archaeological Science 2013 held at Cardiff University. The event was well attended with presentations ranging from the investigation of the DNA of extinct lesser Antillean rice rats to the problems in radiocarbon dating sabre tooth cats from the La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles. Several posters were presented including: David Norcott presented a poster entitled Kingsmead Quarry, Horton: an approach to understanding persistent use of place, habitation and landscape dynamics. Jack Russell gave a presentation:  Geoarchaeological Investigations on the Dogger Bank summarising some of the work that Wessex Archaeology have been undertaking in advance of one of the world’s largest proposed offshore windfarms. After giving a summary of the historical research in the area, Jack presented some of the new methodological solutions to undertaking marine geoarchaeology in offshore areas and some of geoarchaeological highlights including the oldest and youngest radiocarbon dated peat deposits in the area.   

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