Bull Board Celtic Stud 28

A number of dyke systems have been recognized by air photography and fieldwork. Some are in apparent association with RB settlements though the dykes themselves are probably earlier. Several are illustrated, and the four-phase Waitby Dyke system is analysed in detail. Already by the Roman period environmental deterioration and consequent abandonment of some fields was under way.

SH 355690. Excavation of a 162sq m area revealed three phases of defences of a hitherto unknown (but not entirely unexpected) Roman fort. Dating evidence was minimal and three small sites elsewhere in the town provided little further Roman material. Seen in the historical context, the Phase III rubble rampart could be the work of the post-Roman Gwynedd dynasty which had its seat here.

In Ireland the 'ideal monastery' was defined as having two or three concentric zones of increasing sanctity: monastery, settlement, and enclosing bank. Since the Welsh Laws recognize similar zones of sanctity, it is worth examining the earliest Welsh urban plans for physical evidence of such a concept. Within the limitations of topography it is possible to see some tendencies towards it in places like Llandeilo Fawr, Bangor, and St Davids. However, the two cathedral cities of Llandaff and St Asaph show rather different patterns, and there are many difficulties to be solved before the general thesis can he demonstrated.

Both these preconquest kingdom names derive from Celtic words describing their local ecology, Elmet meaning 'elmwood' and Deira 'oak forest'. D G

SN 653903. Trenching across the NW defences of a cropmark site (0.6 ha) revealed two phases with a possible brief abandonment between. An outer ditch is probably a rare example of a palisade trench. A life of c AD 74/8 to 125/30 is suggested and the nature of the garrison discussed. The discovery hints at a network little known so far.

[SH 91 76] Catalogue and discussion of 142 coins found by metal detector near the corner of the hillfort. Two divisions are made: a probable hoard of 133 coins deposited during the regime of Carausius-Allectus; and a possible scattered hoard of nine coins of Constantine I suggesting possible 4th century re-use of the hillfort. D G