A day at Boden

As a student archaeologist, there are moments when theory meets practice in the most exhilarating ways. This past weekend, I had the privilege of working with the Meneage Archaeology Group at a fascinating multi-period site that boasts evidence of Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Romano-British occupation. It was a weekend filled with mud, meticulous planning, and a sense of connection to ancient lives.

Exploring the Heart of Bronze Age Roundhouse 3

My task for the weekend revolved around two posthole features located within Bronze Age Roundhouse 3. These features, positioned in close proximity to one another, stirred questions about their relationship and how they might have contributed to the structure’s function. Postholes, while seemingly mundane, are the fingerprints of ancient construction. Each groove, layer of fill, and alignment tells a story of architectural ingenuity.

One posthole was possibly used as a brace for the other—an intriguing detail that hints at the deliberate engineering of the roundhouse. Cleaning out these features was no small feat. Armed with trowels, brushes, and a lot of patience, I carefully removed soil layers, documenting every change in colour and texture. The physical labour was balanced by the thrill of uncovering features that hadn’t been touched for thousands of years.

The Challenge of Tricky Section Drawings

One of the highlights of my weekend was drawing a section of the two postholes to better understand their relationship. Section drawings are an essential part of archaeological documentation, providing a vertical slice through features to reveal their stratigraphy and construction. These postholes, however, presented a tricky challenge. Their overlapping nature required a precise interpretation of their layers and fills.

Sitting at the edge of the excavation, pencil in hand and clipboard balanced precariously, I sketched and re-sketched until I had captured the nuances of their form. It was a humbling reminder that archaeology is as much about interpretation as it is about discovery. The resulting drawing will play a vital role in deciphering whether the two features were indeed functionally linked, contributing another piece to the puzzle of this Bronze Age structure.

Guidance Under the Expert Eye of James Gossip

None of this would have been possible without the guidance of James Gossip, our site director. James’s deep knowledge of the site and his enthusiasm for its multi-period narrative were infectious. Under his stewardship, the excavation team seamlessly balanced the scientific rigour of archaeology with the collaborative spirit it demands.

James’s insights into the Bronze Age roundhouse added layers of meaning to our work. He emphasized the importance of understanding the site’s broader context, reminding us that every feature—whether a posthole, hearth, or pottery shard—contributes to a dynamic story of human adaptation and innovation.

Reflection on the Weekend

As I packed up my tools at the end of the weekend, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Cleaning out postholes and drawing sections may seem like small contributions, but they are the building blocks of archaeological interpretation. Every trowel scrape and pencil mark bring us closer to understanding how people lived, worked, and thrived in this landscape.

Being part of the Meneage Archaeology Group has reaffirmed my passion for unearthing the past. This experience has shown me that archaeology is not just about discovering ancient objects—it’s about piecing together the stories that connect us to those who came before.