Britannia 23

Excavation of two sites in advance of imminent coastal erosion produced evidence of salt production. This was predominantly in the form of briquetage, in association with features that have parallels at other salt production sites. The area also attests to the development of production techniques concomitant with urban expansion.

Evidence from forts along the Hadrianic line may indicate post-Roman use and activity.

A quantitative assessment of the evidence for population decline in later Roman London. The method may be used as a template for comparative analyses of sites across the country. Evidence from refuse deposits, pottery spot dates, water and food supplies are compared for the periods AD 50--150, 150--250 and 250--400.

A report on work at the site beginning with `The geophysical survey' (162--3) by C Gaffney & J Gater. `The excavations' (163--83) produced six phases of evidence. An initial pre-industrial activity phase (I) was succeeded by the first iron-making phase (II) and a Late Roman iron-making phase (III), primarily characterised by the construction of a padstone building. Features during phases (II) & (III) include furnaces, ore-crushing units and pits. The final phases consist of the latest Roman occupation evidence (IV) seen as indicative of a much reduced iron production industry, and post-Roman activity (V-VI) taking the form of rubble deposits that could have resulted from robbing of the villa building.`The finds' section (183--6) details `The coins' (183--4) by George C Boon, pottery, querns, and sharpening and grinding stones. `The technology of iron-making' (186--98) covers the ores and fuels including `The Charcoals' (188--91) by Isabel Figueiral. Clays, furnaces, slags and the spatial distribution of residues are described and the combined evidence used in an outline of the iron-making process. The ensuing discussion section explains that the chronology is difficult to analyse and the duration of industrial activity at the site would have been 100--125 years at most. Chesters Villa iron-production is thought to have been of intermediate scale in the context of a mixed estate economy. Further comparative evidence is needed to refine the context and future interpretation.

A stamped imbrex from Cripplegate and two from Winchester Palace have been discovered. All are of fabric 2 type, as are some unstamped tile fragments also found in London. This fabric has been provenanced to the Weald area. It is thought that widespread tile re-use by the mid second century AD made it more economical to import tile than produce it.

Appraises evidence in support of adding these names to the list of those that may indicate road routes.

Reports the discovery of a copper-alloy frying pan.

Describes a building stone from Hadrian's Wall, the first of a group recording work done by the II Augusta. It is thought that this group represents rebuilding work dating to the reign of Antonius Pius.

Evidence for bridgework at Brinkheugh and across the Hart Burn is assessed and deemed to be of later date.

Tidal level relationships garnered from present day Caerleon, Dover and London are not necessarily applicable to the Romano-British period. Comparative analyses suggest that changes in sea level would have substantially altered the coastal configuration of Britain since Roman times. It is thought that dock facilities dated to the Roman period represent more sheltered riverine quays, not estuarine ones, which further devalues their use as tidal benchmarks.

A note on the discovery of a mid third century ring bearing a palm frond engraving symbolising victory, and thought to have belonged to a member of the curial class.