The A120 Bypass and Flood Alleviation Scheme Little Hadham, Hertfordshire Archaeological Investigations 2019–2020: Neolithic to post-medieval settlement and land-use

During the excavations, Mesolithic and Neolithic flint, Neolithic pottery, worked flint, charred plant remains, and animal bone were discovered, indicating Neolithic occupation. The first permanent settlements were established during the later Bronze and Iron Ages, characterized by post-built circular structures, pits, and cremation burials. By the Late Iron Age and Roman period, a farmstead and managed fields were established, involved in the large-scale production of spelt. Limited evidence was identified for Saxon activity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: Cotswold Archaeology

A scattered array of Mesolithic and Neolithic flint artifacts were discovered throughout the development area. A modest collection of pits provided evidence of Neolithic occupation,yielding flint-tempered Neolithic pottery,worked flint,charred plant remains,and animal bone. As the Bronze Age and Iron Age progressed, the first permanent settlements emerged. These settlements were distinguished by post-built circular structures,pits,and cremation burials. The initial settlement spread along the river valley and the western edge of the clay plateau, but during the Iron Age, a five-sided enclosure was constructed, leading to a shift in settlement to the clay plateau. By the Late Iron Age and Roman period, a farmstead and managed fields had been established, indicating the presence of a complex-type farmstead engaged in extensive spelt production. Although limited evidence of Saxon activity was identified, a few features, such as the remnants of a tree-lined avenue, may have been associated with the 17th-century Hadham and Wickham Halls, owned by the Capel family. This volume provides a comprehensive account of the archaeological remains, artifacts, and ecofactual material unearthed during the excavations.

Weight: 1452g
Dimension: 217 x 304 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781999822231