| Abstract: |
This volume describes the background to the excavations, and the stratigraphy and structures found on the sites. It also contains a discussion of the structures in their Roman context, and includes a review of work in the town up to December 1989. The 1964-66 excavations uncovered the principal Stratford to Droitwich road, two minor roads, many buildings and enclosures, a substantial ditch, and human burials. There was no evidence of formal planning. Agricultural and industrial functions are suggested for some of the structures. There was successive rebuilding on several sites. One of the most significant results of the excavations is the demonstration of the considerable variety of building types to be found in a Romano-British small town. A medieval drying kiln is also reported.Separately authored reports begin with an introduction section `Physical background' (1-3) and `Roman Alcester: the state of knowledge in 1964' (8-11) both by Paul Booth. Also, Christine Mahany reports on `Excavations 1964-6' (11), `Recording system' (11), and the `Form of the report' (11-12).The description of the excavations begins with `Summary of the Birch Abbey area' by Christine Mahany & R S Langley (13-15) with `Phase dates' by Frances Lee, Jeremy Evans & Stephen Cracknell (15). `Sites AA and C' by R S Langley (25-59), `Site D' by R S Langley (60-84), `Sites E, F, J, and P' by R S Langley & E Allnut (85-106), `Site H, trench B I extension, and trench B 1A' by R S Langley (107-14), `Site G' by E Allnut & Christine Mahany (115-35), `Site K' (136) and `Site L' (136-43) both by R S Langley. `The Birch Abbey burials' are then discussed by R S Langley (144-7) and `Buildings: summary description of types' by Christine Mahany (148-56), are followed by `Buildings: discussion' (157-63) and `The excavations in the context of the Roman town' (164-75), both by Paul Booth. A bibliography and index complete the volume. Au & IH |
