Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 74

Reports examination of the six artefacts forming the assemblage, and re-appraisal of comparative material. Argues on this basis that the group does not represent a definable cultural package, and that it instead points to a complex set of inter-relationships with 'foreign' lands via maritime networks. Suggests that the material shows connections with the east coast of Britain, west towards the Irish Sea and across the Channel to Armorica and the Frisian coast, with much weaker links to inland Wessex. Questions, on this basis, the utility of the 'Wessex' label. Concludes that the assemblage can be seen as a record of exploits in distant travel, of great importance to the community.

Examines whether there are fundamental differences between a 'Celtic' model of social organisation and the observations made by J.D. Hill about PRIA [Pre-Roman Iron Age] social organisation in southern England. Concludes that the similarities between the kinds of societies proposed by Hill and those described in the medieval Irish and Welsh sources are significant. (PP-B)

Presents findings within Wyman Abbott's recently-rediscovered notebooks, and other allied archival sources, relating to his Fengate fieldwork during the early decades of the twentieth century. Publishes the text of a manuscript concerned with his 'great' ring-ditch, otherwise known from a paragraph in Hawkes and Fell's Antiquaries Journal paper of 1945. It is argued that these sources contribute to the further reconstruction of Fengate's Bronze Age landscape, and also that the centralised multiple-lineage interment evident at this site may well reflect upon the social organisation which also gave rise to Pryor's Flag Fen platform.

Reports excavations of two Neolithic causewayed enclosures c. 300m apart on the same hilltop. In the later Bronze Age enclosures and cremation cemeteries were constructed immediately to the east, followed by Iron Age enclosures, and field systems dating to the later Iron Age onwards. Discusses the differences observed between the two Neolithic enclosures, the possible functions they performed, and the community or communities they served. Also explores the later use of the hilltop, noting that the Bronze Age enclosures appear to respect the Neolithic boundaries, and that by the Iron Age this is no longer the case. Explores the shift from a ritual landscape in the Neolithic to agricultural use in later periods, along with the hiatus in use and subsequent re-use of the area. Au Adp/PP-B

Reports that a bifacial flint tool found in 2007 south of Swindon, which was originally identified as a Lower Palaeolithic hand-axe, was found on subsequent examination to be a reworked fragment of a Neolithic polished axe. Notes that initial identification of the artefact was made from digital images alone, and cautions that detailed examination of the actual object is necessary to avoid similar errors. (PP-B)