Sussex Archaeological Collections 145

The prehistoric (Iron Age), Roman and medieval environment of the Bourne Valley was examined via a study of dry-valley sediments, comprising a prehistoric lynchet overlooking the `floodplain', and sediments on the Bourne `floodplain' in Old Town. This research discovered an Iron Age site at the face of the lynchet, and investigated the area of the valley floor and the former Bourne Stream. Analytical investigations of magnetic susceptibility and archaeomagnetic dating were applied to examine their applicability to colluvial sediments and utilise any results they yielded. The research provided information on the environment and land use of early Eastbourne, and complements that from the South Downs and the results of the Eastbourne Urban Medieval Excavation Project. Includes

With the objective of illustrating the importance of observing and correctly identifying the stone bedding orientation in the structural aspects of the stonework of early churches, nine West Sussex churches are described. These descriptions reveal especially the distinctive styles of Anglo-Saxon workmanship. In particular, ashlar stones emplaced with the orientation of their bedding vertical typically indicate Angle-Saxon craftsmanship. Correct stone identification is also shown to assist significantly in determining the probable age of different church wall fabrics.

The remains of a medieval farmstead were excavated following the identification of an area of archaeological interest during a large-scale evaluation of the route of the proposed bypass. A range of features including enclosure ditches, pits and post-holes were recorded. Finds included medieval pottery, animal bone, tile, brick, burnt clay, metalwork, ironworking slag, geological material and glass. Study of the pottery suggests that the site was occupied from the late-twelfth/early-thirteenth century to the mid-fourteenth century, although a few finds indicate some later activity. A watching brief was maintained during groundworks for the bypass. Two post-medieval kilns were recorded (reported elsewhere). No further medieval sites were identified. Separately authored contributions include

A programme of archaeological recording, historical research, and dendrochronological dating, undertaken during 1993--4, demonstrated that the barn at Charlton Court, Steyning, was erected shortly after the manor had passed into private hands in 1403, and was probably prefabricated from green timbers during 1405--6. It was originally designed as a three-bay unaisled barn with canopied porches to the central bay, but was never completed and used in its intended form. It was altered and extended at either end, using timber from the original stock; the original roof design was maintained, but aisles were added. A number of subsequent alterations and repairs are discernible and at a date probably in the eighteenth century, masonry walls were inserted at the south end. A detailed description is given of the construction and structural history of the barn. A series of dendrochronological samples provide a basis for dating, and these are fully discussed. Includes

The paper discusses an essay on the rock hermitage at Buxted, written by the Sussex antiquarian Charles Dawson (known for his involvement in the Piltdown Man fraud). In particular the author draws attention to the light shed by the essay on Dawson's interests, motivations, scholarly methods and social and professional contacts. The essay was printed in limited numbers early in the twentieth century as the introduction to a group of photograph albums commissioned by the then-owner of the house and estate known as the Hermitage, at High Hurstwood, Buxted. It is also suggested that one of Dawson's footnotes to the essay relates to the forging of inscribed Roman tiles allegedly found at Pevensey Castle. Includes