Archaeologia Aeliana Series 5

A scatter of Early Neolithic flints and pottery found during fieldwalking lead to an excavation which identified a series of archaeological features consistent with a small transitory settlement. Radiocarbon determinations dated this settlement to the early fourth millennium BC. A reconstruction of the dwelling structure is reported, which revealed that the timber frame could have only supported a light covering such as hides. A LBA cairn was also discovered, which had been situated over three pits each containing a separate cremation. One of these cremations is radiocarbon dated to the beginning of the first millennium BC. Includes separately authored reports on:

Largely historical. Discusses the extent of the three Anglo-Saxon shires in modern Northumberland. Proposes a geographical definition for a lost shire, Gefrinshire, centred on Yeavering.

Reports archaeological recording during the renovation of the westernmost building in the hamlet of Steel, a former house or pair of houses, together with a barn, which have served as farm outbuildings for around half a century. The earliest part of the structure dates from the later sixteenth-century and has witnessed successive phases of development through the following centuries.

Reports on three nineteenth-century road bridges, two crossing the Ouseburn and one spanning the former Pandon Dene.

Evaluates a recent interpretation of the meaning behind the names of the two forts. Suggests that Arbeia might mean `the place of the Arabs' -- a direct reference to the area where the stationed garrison was originally recruited (near the River Tigris). See also 2002/313.

Discusses Grooved Ware findspots in Northumberland and places the pottery within a national context.