British Archaeology 110

Notes on various items including: experimental archaeology investigating the possibility that burnt mounds might have been used in brewing beer (6); the discovery of flower remains in a Bronze Age grave (7); a complete Roman lantern found in Suffolk, discovered by a metal detectorist; the discovery of rhyolitic tuff with stilpnomelane to the north of the Preselis, contradicting the idea that bluestones with this composition at Stonehenge could not have come from the region; and the latest news on the Staffordshire hoard, venues for the display of which are currently under discussion.

Describes the discovery of a new stone circle: 'Bluestonehenge' at Stonehenge.

Describes excavations at the hillfort, which revealed features dating from the Bronze Age and the Middle Ages. These included an Iron Age inner ditch, a Bronze Age outer ditch, roundhouse gullies and a medieval aisled hall. A small part of the Iron Age ditch has been prepared for public viewing.

Describes two bog bodies retrieved in Ireland in 2003, discussing the process of conservation. Clonycavan Man is dated to between 392-201 BC, and Oldcroghan Man dates to between 362-175BC.

Overview of Orkney archaeology, listing several important sites.

Discusses some of the problems with the presentation of archaeology on British television, suggesting that there needs to be more openness to debate and engagement with viewers. In particular notes the danger of archaeology being appropriated by extreme right groups to underpin their claims.