| Abstract: |
Extensive archaeological remains of Roman and post-medieval date were uncovered during the course of work, including the square base of a substantial Roman masonry structure. This was interpreted by the excavator as a late third-century military signal tower, on the basis of its form and its location and visibility on the north bank of the Thames. Timber structures were found just to the east of the masonry building. Examination of the site archive led to a reinterpretation of the site sequence, which included several phases of use from the first to the late fourth century AD. Gravel or brickearth quarrying in the late-first or early-second century, was followed by the establishment of a cremation cemetery during the second century, with nine cremations recorded in two clusters. The site lies c. 500m east of the easternmost known extent of the main cemetery outside the Roman city and 100m south of the projected line of the Roman road which ran through that cemetery. The 9m square masonry `tower' is thought to date to the second half of the second century or slightly later and may therefore have been contemporary with and a focus for the burials. The method of construction is consistent with that of mausolea, some of which are thought to have been tower like in appearance. In the third century the area was divided into plots and a substantial rectilinear timber building and other structures and pits associated with domestic occupation were established. Associated animal bone evidence may indicate that large-scale butchery took place nearby. In the mid-fourth century, the latest phase of field boundaries were infilled and clay- and timber-lined tanks and drains constructed, suggesting that the site was turned over to industrial use. A pair of leather briefs was found in the fill of one of the tanks. Demolition of the masonry structure, deposition of building rubble and the subsequent accumulation of agricultural soil marked abandonment of the area in the second half of the fourth century. Two inhumation burials may also date to this period, indicating a final return to use of the site as a cemetery. The pottery and coin assemblages are unusually large for a non-urban site and follow an unusual chronological profile, peaking in the late-third century; a large farm or hinterland settlement perhaps lay nearby. There was little in the finds assemblage that could be characterized as military, except possibly the samian. The site produced some of the latest samian known from Britain, with a high proportion of late East Gaulish wares. There are French and German summaries and specialist reports on: |
