In the Shadow of Segsbury: The Archaeology of the H380 Childrey Warren Water Pipeline Oxfordshire, 2018-2020

An excavation in Oxfordshire near the Iron Age hillfort at Segsbury uncovered traces of Mesolithic and Neolithic activity, including a possible Neolithic timber structure, Late Bronze Age pit alignment, and small Iron Age settlements with round houses, pits, and burials. One burial had been subjected to unusual treatment, and a small Late Roman cemetery included males, females, and neonates with a range of artefacts. Radiocarbon dating and scientific techniques revealed familial relationships and dating that would not have been known otherwise, with small assemblages of finds including worked flint, prehistoric pottery, Roman and later pottery, worked bone, glass, and metalwork.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2023
Publisher: Cotswold Archaeology

An in-depth excavation was conducted in Oxfordshire, close to the Iron Age hillfort at Segsbury, which yielded fascinating insights into the region's ancient history. The excavation uncovered traces of Mesolithic and Neolithic activity, including the possibility of a Neolithic timber structure. Additionally, the remains of a probable Late Bronze Age pit alignment were discovered. Furthermore, small Iron Age settlements, consisting of round houses, pits, and other structures, as well as burials, were unearthed. One notable burial in a pit underwent an unusual treatment, involving the removal of the individual's feet after death.

In addition to the Iron Age remains, small Roman and post-Roman cemeteries were identified. The small Late Roman cemetery contained burials of males, females, and neonates, accompanied by a diverse array of artifacts such as coins, brooches, a bracelet, rings, and an intriguing fragmentary double-sided bone or antler comb adorned with a horse motif and ring-and-dot decoration. Initially, it was believed that a small undated cemetery was of Roman or, less likely, post-Roman origin. However, radiocarbon dating revealed that the unaccompanied burials were from the late 7th or early 8th century AD.

Innovative scientific techniques, including radiocarbon dating, Bayesian modeling, aDNA and isotope analysis, have provided invaluable insights into the past. These techniques have revealed familial relationships and dating that would not have been possible with traditional methods. The excavation also yielded small assemblages of finds, including worked flint, prehistoric pottery, Roman and later pottery, worked bone, glass, and metalwork.

Overall, the excavation at Segsbury has shed light on the rich history of the region, providing valuable insights into the lives of ancient communities and their cultural practices. The use of innovative scientific techniques has opened up new avenues for understanding the past and has contributed to our knowledge of human history.

Weight: 728g
Dimension: 209 x 298 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781999822224