Images and GIS data from an Archaeological Evaluation at A417 Missing Link, Birdlip, Gloucestershire 2020-21
Cotswold Archaeology, 2022. https://doi.org/10.5284/1101256. How to cite using this DOI
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Resource identifiers
- ADS Collection: 4895
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1101256
- How to cite using this DOI
Introduction
This collection comprises images and GIS from an archaeological evaluation of land along the route of the proposed A417 Missing Link, near Birdlip, Gloucestershire, between September 2020 and April 2021, Cotswold Archaeology carried out the work. A total of 323 trenches were excavated. Archaeological features were identified throughout the site, closely correlating to the results of preceding geophysical surveys. The features recorded included those dated to the Neolithic, Iron Age, Roman, Saxon, medieval, post-medieval and modern periods, with undated features also present. At the western extent of the site a pit was identified containing abundant knapping waste, of probable Neolithic date, in association with a number of small ditches, pits and a possible hearth. Within the centre of the site, a group of pits/postholes were recorded, which contained worked flint of broad prehistoric date, potentially representing a structure. Towards the eastern extent of the site, a series of pits and ditches yielded pottery dateable to the Middle Neolithic.
Each of these collections of features potentially represent small areas of settlement. Iron Age activity was recorded in the western area of the site, with rectilinear and circular enclosure systems recorded, along with a possible trackway. An area of possible enclosed Iron Age settlement was recorded at Shab Hill, in the centre of the site, where Middle to Late Iron Age material was recovered from pits and ditches, which correlated to discrete and linear geophysical anomalies; a possible landscape boundary was identified to the south of this and may be contemporary and associated. Within the area of the Scheduled Monument at Emma's Grove, and adjacent to the approach to Crickley Hill hillfort, a fortified enclosure of Middle Iron Age date was recorded in two trenches. It included substantial ditches, internal bank material and evidence for a palisade; it is possible that this represents a satellite defended position to the main fort at Crickley Hill, or a camp associated with the siege of the fort in the Middle Iron Age. An area of possibly related late prehistoric activity was also recorded to the east of this. Roman features represented the majority of those identified by the evaluation. This included at least two areas of settlement, an area of funerary activity, evidence for agricultural practice, quarrying, and indications of a ritualised element to structural features identified in the southern extent of the site.
A Roman cremation burial was identified within the central-western part of the site, within a small square enclosure. Whilst the pottery recovered from the burial pit suggests a Roman date for the cremation, an association with the nearby Barrow Wake Iron Age cemetery is highly likely, with the area possibly a focus of funerary activity in both the Iron Age and Roman periods. Roman settlement evidence was recorded succeeding the Iron Age activity within the centre of the site at Shab Hill, with ditched enclosures and pits of Roman date recorded, potentially adjacent to a trackway running towards the main Roman road to the west. The main concentration of Roman activity within the site was recorded towards its southeastern extent, with enclosure, drainage and boundary ditches, pits, postholes, a stone-built well and structural remains identified. A substantial amount of pottery was recovered from these features, as well as brooches, coins, other metal items, and a rare example of a 'Cupid as Hercules' figurine. This, coupled with the vicinity of the structural remains to a potential former water course and the Ermin Street Roman road, raise suggestions of a ritual aspect to some of this activity. Saxon pottery was retrieved from a probable sunken featured building within the central part of the site, where it lay within an area of previous Iron Age and Roman occupation at Shab Hill. Whilst the structure was an isolated feature, it suggests some level of early medieval settlement within the area.
