SECTION 2.2.5: CLAYDON PIKE TRENCH 17

INTRODUCTION
Phasing

PHASE 3B (EARLY/MID 2nd-?LATE 2nd/EARLY 3rd CENTURY AD)
Major linear boundaries
Internal features

PHASE 3C/D (EARLY 3rd TO 4th CENTURY)
Linear boundaries
Rectangular building B6
Other internal features

PHASE 3/4 (4th CENTURY)
External boundaries
Pits/wells 1342 and1344

UNPHASED FEATURES

DISCUSSION OF THE ARCHAEOLOGY FROM TRENCH 17

Introduction (Fig. 2.2.21: Trench 17 composite plan)

Trench 17 lay to the west of Trench 13 and to the north of Trenches 29 and 19, with north-south and east-west trackways dividing the different areas. Activity in this area was characterised by a sequence of intercutting, sub-rectangular enclosures and associated features such as 'circular stacks', pits, gullies and a small rectangular building with masonry foundations. These were bounded by an arrangement of linear ditches running north-south and east-west, forming large rectilinear enclosures.
All dateable activity in Trench 17 was Roman and rangeed from the late 1st to late 4th century AD. Most of the pottery dates from the mid 2nd to later 3rd/early 4th century, and is broadly contemporary with Phase 3 on Trench 13, although the character of occupation differed markedly between the two areas. On the basis of finds distribution throughout the site, it appearedthat the area of Trench 17 was utilised primarily for domestic and industrial purposes. With the exception of B 6 (see below), any structures were likely to have been timber built and of relative low status. Only two fragments of plaster recovered from unstratified layers. Five of the six fragments of window glass were also from unstratified spreads (context 1200). Nevertheless, the domestic material recovered, including querns, spindlewhorls, pottery and vessel glass, suggests that the area was occupied at least during Phase 3 (see below), albeit not as intensively as in Trench 13. But over 60 % of smithing slag was recovered from Trench 17 contexts, indicating that the majority of industrial activity took place in this area, especially during Phase 3.

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Phasing (Fig. 2.2.21-ph3b, -ph3c, -3d, 4:Trench 17 sub-phases)

It was difficult to accurately phase the features in Trench 17 due to lack of stratified relationships. Most features were, therefore, assigned to two broad periods, equating to Phase 3 and 4 of Trench 13, although Phase 3 has been further sub-divided into 3b and 3c/d on the basis of stratigraphic relationships, and to a lesser extent ceramic dating. But even within these subphases, features are presented in composite, showing a sequence of stratigraphy rather than a closely defined single phase of activity. Figure 2.2.21a shows only the major features assigned to subphases. Most of the internal features could only be broadly assigned to Phase 3.

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Phase 3b (early/mid 2nd - ?late 2nd/early 3rd century AD)Fig. 2.2.21 b:Trench 17 sub-phase 3b

The earliest phase of activity in Trench 17 appears to have begun around the middle of the 2nd century AD on ceramic evidence, making it contemporary with the Phase 3b activity in Trench 13. During this phase the occupied area increased substantially.

Major linear boundaries

Although it is uncertain whether they formed the earliest components of the site, a series of linear boundary ditches (1247, 667/1340, 669, 1401/9) enclosed much of the area to the north and west, and virtually all activity was confined to certain zones within this space. Ditches 748 and 707/2548 appear to have been later additions along the southern and eastern side, and have been tentatively assigned to Phase 3c/d (see below). If this were the case, much of the central area of the site would have been left open during the 2nd and early 3rd century AD.

Ditch 1247

Ditch 1247 lay in the south-eastern part of the site, on the same alignment as 748 to the east (section 36). Ditch 1247 appears to have been wider (c 1.5 m) than 748, although its exact dimensions and length remain uncertain due to truncation by the later ditch, 1255. Towards the eastern end, it cut pit 1254. The only finds recovered from ditch 1247 were 28 animal bones and 175 g of pottery.

Ditch 1340

Along the western boundary of the occupied area lay a substantial ditch, 667, traced northwards from 1255/1247 for over 50 m. It cut an earlier ditch on the same alignment, 1340, which measured c 1 m across and 0.3 m deep (section 32). Ditch 1340 was probably the earliest boundary ditch, possibly contemporary with 1247 and 669, although produced little dating evidence, only 180g of undiagnostic pottery and four animal bones. Ditch 667 cut the east-west ditches 669 and 670, but was contemporary with large east-west aligned ditches 1201 and probably 1255, so may belong to the later Roman period (see Phase 4 below).

Ditch 669

Ditch 669 ran east-west, defining the northern boundary of the site. It may originally have linked with ditch 1340, but was cut by 667 at this point, obscuring earlier relationships. The ditch was traced for 27 m before turning slightly southwards where it was cut by ditch 1201, presumably its successor. Only 103 g of pottery was recovered from the fill along with a mid 4th century coin from an upper fill of .

Ditches 1401/1409, 1403/4

Four successive north-south aligned ditches (1401-1404) lay to the north of ditch 707/2548, continuing the line of the north-south trackway until cut by ditch 1201. They were shallow, with a maximum depth of 0.4 m (section 124). Ditch 1401 appears to have turned westwards when it reached the terminal of 707, to continue for c 22 m as 1409, forming the northern internal boundary of the enclosed area. Ditch 1409 contained large volumes (over 6 kg) of domestic pottery, in addition to a significant quantity of smithing slag, suggesting the presence of light industrial activity in the vicinity. Other finds from this ditch include a stone cosmetic palette, spindle whorl, fired clay and 145 animal bones. Subsequent recuts of 1401 (1402) and 1409 (1408) probably represent a later phase of the same boundary line (see below). It is likely that these ditches stayed open until the end of Phase 3.
Ditches 1403 and 1404 were barely distinguishable from one another and neither produced finds, but both seem to have predated ditch 1402 (section 124).

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Internal features

The northern and western parts of the enclosed area in Trench 17 were characterised by a series of inter-cutting ditches, gullies and pits, along with at least one building (see below). The precise spatial organisation and development of this area was difficult to reconstruct but some features were be identified and are described below. The dating evidence from these features suggests that that they belonged to Phase 3.
South-western 'enclosure group'
In the south-west corner of Trench 17 a succession of ditched enclosures was identified, probably utilising the south (1247/1255) and west (1340/667) boundaries of the site. The earliest comprised two sides (1278 and 1292) of a possible ditched enclosure running east-west and north-south respectively, although the latter was heavily truncated by later features. Part of the head and the limb bones of a baby were located within 1292, and 1278 contained a copper alloy belt fitting and a small quantity (0.6 kg) of local pottery. This pottery was dated approximately to the mid 2nd century AD. Lying 1.8 m to the south of 1278 and cutting 1292, was another east-west ditch (1260), which may have formed part of a similar enclosure with north-south ditch 1236, although the relationships between them are obscured by ditch 1244 (section 33). These ditches contained a higher quantity (c 3 kg) of pottery (including a few sherds of 2nd century Central Gaulish samian ware) as well as daub, suggesting the possible presence of structures nearby. Over 150 animal bones were also recovered from ditch 1260. A third enclosure in the same area is probably represented by ditches 1244 and 1288. The north-south section (1244; section 33) contained a reasonable quantity of pottery (2.1 kg), and unlike other ditches, the largest group (46%) comprised 2nd century black burnished wares (BB1). Fired clay daub and 93 animal bones were also recovered from this ditch. An east-west ditch (1256) may have been an earlier or later part of this enclosure, although the relationships are not clearly defined.
'Enclosure' ditches 1286 1335, 1320, 1314
To the north of the south-western enclosure group, although cut by 1288, was an east-west ditch (1286), which curved round northwards and probably turned into ditch 1335. Ditch 1335 was more substantial, being c 1 m wide and 0.6 m deep (section 83). It cut north-south gully1380 and was cut by stone-packed posthole 1381 which may be associated with Phase 3c/d wall 1366 (see below). The ditch formed a sub-rectangular enclosure (c 12 x 16 m) with the similar character east-west ditch (1320) to the north. An entrance may be positioned in the north-east, opposite the main entrance to the open space area. To the north of and parallel with 1320 was a linear ditch (1314), and it is possible that this feature represents a separate phase (earlier or later?) of this enclosure. A small amount of primarily local pottery (c 1.8 kg) was recovered from all these ditches except 1335 where it was present in much greater quantity (5.6 kg). This ditch also contained many nails, daub fragments, smithing slag, animal bones and a fragment of vessel glass. The interior of the enclosure was largely free of features, with the exception of a number of circular gullies, which may not be contemporary (see below).

Ditch 670

Ditch 670 ran east-west from 668 (relationship uncertain), was cut by 667, and continued into the north-western interior for c 9 m, before it is obscured by gully 1303 (section 26). It is unusual in that it was one of the very few features that continued beyond the main exterior enclosure ditches, and it may therefore belong to the earliest phase of activity within this trench. There is however nothing within the small pottery assemblage (0.62 kg) to suggest a particularly early date (it include two fragments of mid-late 2nd century samian and eight sherds of Dr 20 amphorae). Other finds include quantities of fired clay, smelting slag, iron rings and links and 74 animal bones.

Gullies 1303, 1297 and ditch 1296

Gully 1303 started in the north-west just above ditch 670 and seemed to curve south-eastwards cutting the latter feature (section 26), and ending around the terminal of north-south ditch 1296. The gully was 0.6 m across and 0.3 m in depth. Ditch 1296 was c 1 m wide and 0.6 m deep, and cut an earlier north-south gully 1297 (section 68). It is possible that ditch 1296 joined up with either 1303 or 670 to form an enclosure in the north-western corner of the site, or alternatively it could have defined the western limit of a sub-rectangular enclosure with ditches 1408/9 and 669/1201. Very few finds were recovered from any of these features.

Ditch 1294

Running SW-NE for c 15 m across the centre of Trench 17 was a substantial ditch, 1294 (up to 1.2 m width, 0.6 m depth). It cut part of the south-west enclosure group (1288, 1286) and was in turn cut by the earliest timber phase of B 6, and overlain in this area by a linear stretch of large limestone blocks (1375) on the same alignment (section 81; Fig. 2.2.23). The ditch produced a reasonable quantity of pottery (c 9 kg), including over 100 sherds (c 1 kg) of coarse shell-tempered calcareous wares from a single section, probably belonging to the later 1st century AD. Fragments of coal, smithing slag, fired clay, 85 animal bones and a few domestic finds (Spindlewhorl, whetstone, bracelet) were also recovered. It is difficult to spatially relate this feature with others within the trench.

Ditches 1420, 1414, 1367

In the north-eastern part of the site, mostly enclosed within the major boundaries (1201/669, 1408/9, 1401/2) were three linear ditches (1420, 1414, 1367), all on different alignments. The earliest stratigraphically was 1420 (c 1 m across 0.38 m depth; section 73), which ran south-eastwards for c 18 m before being cut by 1401-3, and probably reappearing as 1400, which ran for 5 m into the area of the main north-south trackway. Only a small quantity of fired clay, along with iron nails, a whetstone, and 1.4 kg of pottery were recovered from 1420, and it is likely that it belongs to one of the earliest phase on this site. It was cut by a shallow ditch/gully (1414) which curved from west to north before it was cut by ditch 1367, and was up to 0.8 m wide and 0.3 m deep (section 74). Just over 1 kg of pottery was recovered, along with a small amount of animal bone.
Ditch 1367 ran SW-NE for 20 m, with south-west terminal cutting ditch 1450 just to the east of B 6. In the north-east it was cut by 1201. The ditch (up to 1 m width, 0.5 m depth; section 73) contained quite large amounts of pottery (9.8 kg) and finds throughout its length, including Oxford colour-coated ware, 2nd century samian, over 20 sherds of amphora (most Dr 20), fired clay, smithing slag, and a few iron objects (key, knife, nails). 150 animal bones were also recovered. Its function and spatial relation to other features on site is uncertain, although it may be associated with B 6.

Ditch 1269

Running north-south for 7-8 m in the centre of Trench 17 was ditch 1269, c 1.3 m wide and 0.5 m in depth. It comprised a series of cuts and was later than most of the other features in the area, with the exception of gully 1272 (section 34). The ditch contained over 10 kg of pottery, along with a reasonable quantity of other finds including over 20 iron nails, 2 iron chisels, a bone bobbin, a copper alloy pin, vessel glass, fired clay, smithing/smelting slag and a quantity of coal. Over 200 animal bones were also recovered. This suggests domestic and light industrial activities within this area, further confirmed by the pits and possible hearth/oven (1356: see below).

Circular gullies (1208, 1308, 1302, 1298, 1446)

A number of circular gullies of varying dimensions were sited across the trench. The largest (1208) lying between the south-west enclosure group and the internal north-south boundary (1206) was just 5.6 m in diameter, and would therefore seem too small to be a roundhouse gully. A slightly bigger circular gully at Thornhill Farm (c 6-7 m dia) was interpreted as a storage building or temporary night shelter (Jennings et al, forthcoming). Aside from a small amount of pottery (0.2 kg), the only find recovered from 1208 was a single piece of fired clay. Approximately 11 m to the west lying within the south-west enclosure group lay another much smaller circular gully, 1308 (c 3 m dia), cut by two pits (1306-7), while further to the north lay circular gullies 1302 (3.6 m dia), 1298 (3 m dia) and 1446 (3.2 m in diameter).These features produced no finds other than a small amount of pottery and their dimensions suggest they could be 'stack rings', used to store fodder.

Gully arcs (1322, 1323, 1345, 1370, 1317, 1315, 1341)

Mostly confined to the interior of the western enclosure (1286 1335, 1320, 1314), were a series of gully arcs of varying shapes and sizes. Gully 1322 (c 3 m in diameter) was open to the west (1 m width) and had fired clay within its fill, suggesting that there may have been some kind of associated superstructure. Fired clay was also found in gully 1315 along with two pieces of slag, although the remaining gullies contained no finds at all, with the exception of 225 g of local pottery from gully 1345 and 75 g of pottery from gully 1323.

Pits

A total of 81 pits, or probable pits, were recorded from Trench 17, 25 of which formed a coherent group within the rectangular cleared area (see Phase 3c/d below). The remainder were found throughout the area of gullies and enclosures to the north and west, but there were apparent concentrations to the north of circular gully 1208 and around the area of B 6. The majority of pit fills outside of the 'cleared' area produced no finds other than all quantities of pottery and animal bone, in contrast to most of the ditch fills. The major exceptions were two large pits (1246, 1202) south of circular gully 1208, which seem to have been used - at least secondarily - for the disposal of domestic and light industrial refuse. The southernmost (1246; section 37) contained over 6 kg of mostly local pottery (but also included 2nd century samian ware) in addition to vessel glass, coal fragments and animal bone. It was cut by the later Roman roadside ditch, 1255. Just to the north was the larger pit 1202, which contained almost 2.5 kg of pottery, including a small group of Oxford colour-coated ware, in addition to vessel glass and smithing slag.
To the north of 1208 lay a number of pits but only two produced. Pit 1265, which was cut by ditch 1253, despite being small and shallow (0.5 m dia, 0.1 m depth), contained almost 1 kg of pottery, including 10 oxford colour-coated fragments and two sherds of Dr. 20 amphora. Nearby was a pit or possible hearth, 1291 (1 x 1.5 m, 0.6 m depth) with a small amount of local pottery and vessel glass (not shown on plan). In the area around structure B 6 was another small group of pits, of which only four contained any finds (Fig. 2.2.22). A small pit (1453) containing 309 g of local pottery was cut by slot 1379 (B 6). The slot was cut by a larger pit, 1398 (2.4 m dia; section 69) containing over 2.7 kg of mainly local coarsewares, along with smithing/smelting slag and some animal bone. Two nearby pits (1454, 1448) contained quantities of slag, a small amount of pottery (c 0.8 kg) and an iron key was recovered from 1454.

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Phase 3c/d (early 3rd to early 4th century)Fig 2.2.21 c:Trench 17 sub-phase 3c Fig 2.2.21d: Trench 17 sub-phase 3d

A number of features in Trench 17 have been assigned to Phase 3c/d on the basis that they were late in the Phase 3 sequence but appeared to predate Phase 4. Some of these, however, could belong to any part of Phase 3.

Linear boundaries

Ditches 748 and 707/2548
Ditches 748 and 707/2548 appear to be later additions enclosing the previously open space in the centre of the site. They were of similar character and dimensions (c 1 m width, 0.3 - 0.7 m depth), and are probably contemporary. Ditch 748 lay at the southern boundary of the trench and ran east-west for c 22 m from an entrance gap in the east to the junction of ditches 1206 and 1247/1255 in the west. It appeared to terminate in a sump/pit (1276) at this point and there was no stratigraphic relationship with any of these other ditches. Ditches 748 and 707/2548 not only marked the limits of the new enclosure, along with 1206, 1253 and 1408/9, (c 23 x 26 m), but also acted as trackway ditches for the main roads leading into the site. A small amount of pottery (1.2 kg) animal bone (87) and slag came from 748, while 707/2548 contained 176 animal bones and 1.5 kg of ceramic material, including a fragment of a Nene Valley beaker, Oxford white ware mortaria and later BB1 sherds. This was sufficient to suggest a later 3rd century date for this feature, and probably for 748 as well. It is likely that the interior of the enclosure was kept clear, until a group of pits were dug in the central southern area during the later 3rd/early 4th century (see below).

Ditches 1206 and 1253

Defining part of the western boundary of the interior open space was a c 10 m long shallow gully, 1206, (c 0.8 m width, 0.25 m depth; section 89) running north from the junction of 748 and 1255. Its relationship with these ditches was obscured by pit 1276, but it may have been a continuation of 1255. Its northern terminal was cut by ditch 1253, which continued on a similar alignment to enclose the open area. This left a 3.6 m wide entrance from this space into the main areas of activity to the north and west. Ditch 1253 was much more substantial (c 1.2 m wide, 0.4 m deep) and contained a much greater volume of pottery (4.1 kg) than 1206 (0.4 kg), including over 30 sherds of Oxfordshire colour-coated ware, suggesting a later 3rd/early 4th century date for this feature. Other finds from ditch 1253 include over 150 animal bones, vessel glass, hobnails, and two jet and glass beads.

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Rectangular building B 6 (Figs 2.2.22: Trench 17 building 6 and 2.2.23: Plan of stone features in central trench 17 )

Lying in the central northern part of the site, on a NW-SE alignment, was a two-phase rectangular building, measuring c 6.5 x 4.5 m. The first phase was represented by three lengths of a timber slot building (1379, 1458, 1305) open on the north-west side. This building was among the latest features in this part of the site, with only pit 1398 (see above) and the second phase of the rectangular building post-dating it. This second phase is represented by narrow compact linear rubble spreads (1376-8; Fig. 2.2.23) overlying the earlier slots, suggesting that the structure was re-built with pitched stone foundations. The southern area of pitched stone (1378) spread north of the slot into the interior, perhaps consolidating the ground surface to avoid subsidence into the features below (1320, 1393). On the south-eastern side (1376) was an area of large limestone slabs, possibly marking a threshold into the building, although there is no indication of a wall of any kind on the corresponding north-west side, suggesting that the entrance was located at this point. Finds associated with the timber slot building included over 3.7 kg of pottery, including small quantities of amphora (Dr 20 and CAM 186) Oxford colour-coated ware and a fragment of New Forest ware beaker. The pottery is consistent with a late 3rd/early 4th century date. Other finds included fired clay, slag, an iron reaping hook, 71 animal bones and a shale bracelet. No finds were directly associated with the second building phase, but pottery of 2nd to early 4th century was found in upper spreads around the structure. It is unlikely that the 2nd phase building was in use beyond the early 4th century.
It is likely that the structure was a low status domestic building, with light industrial activity in the general area. Both phases of the building may have belonged to Phase 3d (late 3rd/early 4th century AD).

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Other internal features

'Walls' 1366, 1385 (Fig. 2.2.23: Plan of stone features in central trench 17 )

An extensive spread of rubble was found in the area around B 6, and while most of it may have derived from this building, there were at least two sections of probable walling to the south (1366, 1385). 'Wall' 1366 overlay ditch 1335 (section 83), and ran north-south for over 3 m, starting from just south of building B 6. Patches of mortar were recovered from the northernmost end. A possible east-west wall (1385) lay further to the south, just to the east of a hearth/oven (1355/6; see below). Whilst these features may have been the remains of walls, it is also possible they represent the truncated remains of a localised rubble spread that had subsided into the ditch tops There was no dating evidence from these 'structures' but they were amongst the latest features stratigraphically, probably belonging to Phase 3c/d, contemporary with B 6.

Oven/hearths (Fig. 2.2.23: Plan of stone features in central trench 17 )

In the centre of Trench 17, north of 1269 and south of B 6, lay an oven, 1355, aligned east-west, with a possible hearth, 1356, at its west end. A line of four postholes, 1346, 1352-4, lay along its southern side, possibly representing a surrounding structure, although it is possible that they are later features. The only finds from these features were a small quantity of fired clay presumably from the superstructure of the oven.
Another possible stone-lined oven, 137, was located north-east of B 6, cut by pit 1372. It contained a charcoal-rich fill but no finds.

Well 1318

Lying 2 m east of ditch 667 lay a large oval well (3.2 x 2.4 m across, 1.2 m depth; section 191) with a variety of 2nd - late 3rd/early 4th century pottery (2.2 kg) and 136 animal bones in its fill. Other finds included fired clay, a copper alloy brooch, iron slag and a stone gaming counter. On the slope of the eastern side lay a quantity of stone rubble, which may have either been tipped there as refuse, or possibly laid down to be used as steps into the well base (similar to examples 2839 and 2906 in Trench 29, and 1342 further to the south in Trench 17). One of these rubble pieces was a column base which must have been derived from another part of the site, the same as the column parts found within one of inter-cutting pits (see below). It seems likely that the well was excavated during Phase 3d, much the same as the inter-cutting pits.
South-eastern pit grouping
Situated in the south-eastern part of Trench 17, in the lower half of the internal cleared enclosure, was a group of 25 inter-cutting pits covering an area approximately 12 x 14 m. Over a third of the 10 kg of pottery came from a single pit (1249) to the north of the main group, and this appears to be primarily later 3rd/early 4th century in date. Many other finds came from the remaining pits, including two column parts and other masonry building fragments, iron nails, fired clay, lead sheets, a copper alloy bracelet, two bone pins and a small quantity of smithing slag. Almost 1000 animal bones were also recovered from these pits. The evidence from pottery and a single coin (267-80 AD) suggests that these features were dug in Phase 3d or possibly 4a, during a period of obvious reorganisation of the site. It is likely that most of the material was redeposited from another part of the site when the cleared enclosure went out of use. The masonry building material may have come from the area of Trench 19 to the south, where other similar objects were recovered within pits of a similar date (see discussion below).

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Phase 3/4 (4th century)Fig. 2.2.21 d: Trench 17 sub-phase 3d Fig. 2.2.21 d: Trench 17 sub-phase 4

The general date range of the pottery from Trench 17 indicated that activity probably lessened significantly in the 4th century, but nevertheless continued in some form until the end of the Roman period. There are few features that can definitely be assigned to Phase 4, although it is possible that some of the internal features described above (e.g. B 6 and the pit grouping) may in fact continue into Phase 4a.

External boundaries

Ditch 1255

Ditch 1255 ran westwards from the junction of 1206 and 748 for over 35 m, before exiting the trench. It was the northern ditch of the main east-west trackway (c 3 m width, 0.5 m depth; section 36), which was traced on aerial photographs continuing westwards away from the site. Stratigraphically, ditch 1255 cut its probable predecessor (1247; see above), in addition to pit 1246. Considering its size, only a very small pottery assemblage was recovered (0.7 kg), and most of this was quite mixed. However, over 12% of the recorded sherds were Oxford Colour coated ware, suggesting a likely late 3rd - 4th century date. This date is further strengthened by fact that the much larger ceramic assemblage from pit 1246 beneath had less than 2 % later Oxford wares, in addition to a number of 2nd century samian sherds.

Ditch 667

Running SSW-NNE for 52 m at the western side of the main activity area in Trench 17 was a substantial ditch 667 (c 2.2 m width, 0.6 m depth; section 32), which probably cut an earlier, similarly aligned, boundary (1340; see above). It appears to have cut all other related features with the exception of pits 1342 and 1344 in the south-west, and was probably contemporary with the other Phase 4 boundary ditches 1255 and 1201. A reasonable quantity of material was recovered from the ditch fills, including over 12 kg of pottery (most 2nd - 4th century AD), 848 animal bones and a small quantity of structural and domestic small finds (daub, nails, vessel and window glass, quernstones, etc.). The quantity and wider chronology of the finds from this ditch suggests that it may been cut earlier and have had a longer period of use than ditch 1255.

Ditch 1201

Ditch 1201 ran ENE-WSW for c 45 m at right angles to ditch 667 along the top of Trench 17, before turning northwards to follow the line of the main trackway. The ditch was c 1.5 m wide and 0.4 m deep, and there seems to have been an earlier cut (1309) visible in some sections to the east (section 72). It was contemporary with 667 and is stratigraphically the latest feature in the area, cutting the earlier northern boundary 669. More material was recovered from this feature than 667, including over 21 kg of pottery (2nd - 4th century AD), together with a similar range of primarily structural and domestic small finds (whetstones, boot plate, bracelet, daub, ligula etc). A single later 3rd - 4th century coin was also recovered. Quite remarkably, considering the quantity of other material, no animal bones seem to have been recovered.

Ditches 668 and 1312

About 4 m to the west of, and parallel to, 667 was ditch 668, and while its position suggests contemporaneity with this feature, no relationships were recorded. It was cut by ditch 1312 which ran parallel for its entire length and must represent its successor. It was difficult to distinguish between the two cuts, and the overall dimensions were 2.6 m wide and 0.45 m deep (section 28). Far fewer finds were recovered, although the small (c 1.7 kg) recorded pottery assemblage did include a substantial percentage (18 %) of Dressel 20 amphora. Other finds included a copper alloy bracelet and pin, two coins (1st-2nd century and 4th century) and 550 animal bones. These ditches may have defined a north-south trackway lying in-between the large open enclosure (paddock?) to the west and the domestic, agricultural and light industrial zone within Trench 17

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Pits/wells 1342 and 1344

In the south-eastern part of Trench 17 were two large oval features (1342, 1344) considered to be sumps or wells. Feature 1342 was c 2.5 m across and 1.1 m deep, and cut Phase 3/4 ditch 667 and internal boundary 1256. As with well 1318 and many of the waterholes in Trench 29, there were a series of steps leading into the feature from the east (section 32). Just 0.4 kg of pottery and 28 animal bones were recovered from the silt and sandy gravel fill. Just to the north, 1344 as 2 m across and 1.2 m deep, and also cut ditch 667. A total of 0.6 kg of pottery and 105 animal bones came from this feature, which may have functioned as a sump helping to drain water from the ditch.

Unphased features

Two 5 m long beam slots (1245 and 1285), aligned east-west, were positioned north-west of the pit group. They were 3.4 m apart, approximately parallel, and may have formed a structure of undetermined function. Only 85 g of pottery and 1 piece of slag were recovered from these features and precise dating was not possible.

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Discussion of the archaeology from Trench 17

Activity commenced in Trench 17 probably slightly after the radical reorganisation that took place within Trench 13 to the east, in about the mid 2nd century AD (Phase 3b). A series of major north-south and east-west linear boundaries were laid out, defining zones of domestic, agricultural and light industrial activity in the western and northern parts of the trench. The south-west corner of this area was given over to a series of enclosures, while another larger enclosure to the north contained a series of 'stack-rings' and a well, possibly for the provision of certain animals. The primary domestic foci appear to have been to the east of the SW enclosure group and north-east of the central enclosure, although no definite structures of Phase 3b date have been located, and many of these features could belong to Phase 3c/d. 73 % of all smithing slag from Phase 3 contexts at Claydon Pike came from Trench 17, with particular concentrations in ditches 1409 and 1335, implying light industrial activity in these areas.
At some point in mid-late 3rd century AD (Phase 3c/d), there appears to have been significant alterations to the spatial organisation. The open area to the south-east was probably enclosed at this time, and a rectangular building constructed in the central northern part of the site, which was later seemingly rebuilt with stone foundations. Sections of probable masonry walls were built to the south, possibly connected to hearth structure.
By the later 3rd/early 4th century (Phase 3d), it seems that activity had greatly declined in this area, and a series of pits were probably dug in the previously cleared enclosure at this point, possibly for gravel extraction. They were subsequently infilled, some of them with masonry structural material from another part of the site. This worked stone may have come from the rectangular enclosure in Trench 19 where similar pieces were found, possibly all from a structure of some architectural quality that had occupied that site. During most of the 4th century, it seems that occupation of the site was not intensive and that it was part of an agricultural field system surrounding the late Roman farmhouse, with some limited industrial activity continuing.

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