Devon Archaeological Society Proceedings 66

Presents the results of a programme of AMS radiocarbon dating, osteological re-examination, and stable isotope analysis of bones found in the simple passage tomb at Broadsands. Also presented are the results of a petrological examination of the pottery and a reassessment of the lithic finds, along with two new dates and stable isotope results for human remains from Cow Cave, Chudleigh. The Broadsands dates confirm that interments occurred during the first and third quarters of the fourth millennium BC and at the beginning of the second; pig bones were identified as being placed in the tomb during the early-third millennium BC. Analysis of the human bones showed that these individuals had a terrestrially-based diet - a phenomenon noted elsewhere for earlier Neolithic humans from coastal locations. It is suggested that the pottery may have been made comparatively locally. The Cow Cave dates show cave burial in the Early Neolithic. The north French/Channel Islands connections of the Broadsands monument and the significance of the results to understanding neolithisation in Devon are discussed.

Presents the results of radiocarbon dating of nine samples taken from material excavated from the barrow complex in the 1860s and 1960s. The resulting determinations ranged between 2210 and 1660 cal BC, indicating that the barrows were used for several centuries, and that different areas within the complex may have been contemporary with one another. Also presents a catalogue of finds from the barrows, an illustration of surviving ceramics, and an examination of their petrology. The diversity of monuments in terms of traditions which have recently been identified in the South West peninsula and beyond during the second millennium cal BC is briefly considered.

The digging of a patio in a private garden revealed an inhumation burial initially assigned to the Neolithic. The specifics of the burial are presented, and the significance of the find within the Late Romano-British landscape of the area is discussed.

Explores the treatment of executed criminals in the late- and post-medieval periods through the examination of the landscape setting of sites of execution. The sites were identified through a combination of place-name, documentary, and cartographic evidence; each site found during the research is discussed. It is suggested that general trends can be recognised, including the regular associations of execution sites with: parish boundaries; highly visible sites within the landscape; and marginal land.

Catalogues known examples, detailing a selection.