Series: Culver Archaeological Project unpublished report series

Open area excavation of 770sq.m in a grass meadow west of the Roman-period settlement at Bridge Farm, Wellingham, East Sussex (TQ4297 1456) revealing the postholes of a 13 post, possibly aisled building from the Roman-period with adjacent ditches, pits (possibly shallow wells) and two hearths possibly for working iron. Each posthole contained remains of an oak post. One posthole had remnants of prepared oak timbers used as post packing. Two of these has carved ogival end and were analysed as possble ends of roof rafters from an earlier Roman-period building. Other finds included 7000 sherds of pottery plus coins, brooches and an inscribed silver ring bezel; all of Roman date. The excavation revealed 13 postholes, 1m+ diameter, in a rectangular grouping 16m x 6.4m each containing the waterlogged remains of an oak post averaging 0.45m width which were interpreted as the principal posts of an aisled building, dated by associated pottery to the late 3rd century. Two hearths, three ditches, two large ovoid pits, plus other pits and smaller postholes were also excavated and dated to the Roman period. Over 7000 sherds of Roman period potery were collected together with metal finds including coins, a zoomorphic enamel brooch and a silver ring bezel inscribed 'VTER FELIX'. Post packing taken from beneath the remains of a postbase included a beam end which gave information on woodmanship practices, and two very rare ogee carved rafter ends (assessment by Damian Goodburn) potentially offering unique insights into Roman period roof construction (these were conserved by Durham University). The area of the Bridge Farm settlement was increased to include an area much closer to the River Ouse potentially increasing the importance of its local on the tidal reach of this river at the junction of the E-W Pevensey to Chichester road and at the southern end of a road from London via the western Wealden iron production area.