Oxoniensia 42

SU 553953. Report of excavations of a prehistoric ring ditch (?'henge barrow') prehistoric linear features and pits, and RB field enclosures of 1st-2nd century, together with a 4th century inhumation with colour-coated bowl. Appended are a consideration of plough damage (subsoiling etc) to the archaeological levels, and a description of the extensive area of cropmarks around the site.

SU 573954. A rectangular ditched and partitioned enclosure c 820 ft x 220 (the 'Bishops Court Rectangle') was partly excavated during 1957-8. Dated to 4th century or later, its function (?official) remains unknown. Likewise a pair of parallel ditches nearby meeting in a loop gave no evidence of function, but may be Roman. Saxon domestic occupation of ?6th century and a small inhumation cemetery (?7th) were also examined. Pottery and small finds, human and animal bones are reported.

Two small area excavations, one trial trench, two building surveys and some documentary research provide a historical survey of part of Oxford's south suburb. Of a wide variety of late Saxon and medieval finds, those from the larger excavation were exceptionally well stratified, and a system of dating pottery assemblages is described. Evidence of major engineering at the deepest level suggests a pioneer Thames crossing (temp Offa). Building on the causeway seems to have begun in mid-10th century with a stable street frontage by 12th. Seventeen specialist reports include those on pottery (Oxford's best stratified sequence, late Saxon to medieval), coins, metalwork, stone objects, textiles, leather, bone including instrument pegs, and environmental evidence. Au(amp)