Archaeology in the Severn Estuary 4

The preliminary results of excavations at ten sites of archaeological and palaeoenvironmental significance are presented. Other work undertaken included detailed earthwork surveys of the motorway corridors, aerial photographic survey of the wider area, documentary research and a photographic survey of Redwick. Larger interventions included at an Iron Age settlement at Hallen, A Romano-British settlement at Northwick, and a medieval and later farmstead at Redwick.

The results of extensive survey in 1993, which recorded archaeological features and the sedimentary sequence, in areas to the east and west of previous work, are outlined. Small scale detailed planning and excavation was undertaken at 14 further specific sites. Further structures, trackways and post alignments were recorded, several of which have produced radiocarbon dates within the Iron Age. Two planks from a sewn boat were of Bronze Age date. A charcoal horizon of Mesolithic date was further investigated due to rapid erosion of the area.

Samples from two peat sequences were examined for plant macrofossils. The evidence suggest that throughout the Neolithic, carr woodland seems to have dominated the local vegetation at Vurlong Reen, giving way to a more open environment with, ultimately, pools of open water which persisted throughout the Bronze Age.

Samples from 1992 and 1993 excavations are identified. These were mostly from trackways, post structures and from several different phases of submerged forest. Thirty-four samples from Iron Age Structure 4 were also identified.

A borehole survey was undertaken to investigate the alluvial stratigraphy at the site of a proposed business park, suggesting that the site perches on the eastern edge of an ancient channel floodplain. Subsequent trenching at four points investigated the peat sequence and a number of features within a minor palaeochannel. These included a rubble platform associated with driven piles, probably of Roman date. During construction a further Roman stone and timber structure and contemporary boat were discovered and excavated. Post-excavation is on-going.

Progress on post-excavation is reported, including radiocarbon dates for the alluvial sequence, palaeochannels and structures. The results of the excavations and the environmental evidence are summarised.

The evolution of the Gwent levels landscape as currently understood is described and proposals for the research required to understand the area in greater detail are presented.

Interim report which outlines recent pollen-analytical investigations at Vurlong Reen on the Caldicot Levels.