| Abstract: |
The archaeological investigation at the development site, located on the southwestern side of Park Road, Faringdon consisted of the excavation of an area measuring 15,200m2 and another measuring 6,060m2 to the west. These areas were separated by a modern, tarmacked road. Any archaeological deposits and features revealed were cleaned by hand and recorded in plan before being excavated and recorded at an appropriate level. Any archaeological features or other remains i.e. concentrations of artefacts, were recorded by written, drawn and photographic record. All remains were sample excavated. Any variation to this was agreed with Oxfordshire Historic Environment Team (OHET), on behalf of the local planning authority. All artefacts were collected and retained except for concentrations of building material where a representative sample was kept. Sample excavation levels for features were: • All structural features or those relating to a specialised activity were subject to a 100% sample. • All post and stake holes that relate to specialised activities were subject to a 100% sample. Others, subject to a 50% sample. • A 50% sample of all pits was undertaken. • Up to 10% or 10 metres, whichever is greater, of all linear features was sampled. Evidence from the excavation demonstrated episodes of activity from the Mesolithic period through to the modern era. During the earliest phase, residual Mesolithic flints found across the site indicated that the high ground to the south of Faringdon was frequented by hunter-gatherer groups, who exploited a range of environmental niches in the immediate vicinity. During the Neolithic period and into the Bronze Age the landscape comprised a mixture of open country and shady environs. One Neolithic pit, produced significant amounts of Grooved Ware pottery, whereas further activity was once again represented by residual flint recovered from secondary deposits. The Bronze Age was better represented than preceding periods. A beaker burial dating to the Early Bronze Age was excavated in the western portion of the site, whilst a single cremation demonstrated activity during the transition from the Middle to Bronze Age period. The landscape begins to be more intensively used and exploited during the Iron Age. A ring ditch dating to this period was discovered to the south of the site, and a large bisecting ditch running NE-SW through the site marked the beginning of spatial organisation, which bounded activity to the west. Throughout the course of the 1st to 2nd centuries AD, the settlement witnesses increasing activity and investment. Changes appear in the form of the creation of a number of enclosures, alongside a metalled trackway. Despite these changes, continuity can be seen in the layout and spatial patterning at the site. Furthermore, continuity from the preceding period can also be identified in relation to the activities undertaken, notably in regard to the mixed economy which was practiced. Despite the sites predominantly agricultural nature, a range of activities have also been identified, notably the structured special deposits recorded within a roofed or fenced 2nd century pit adjacent to the trackway. Whilst the 2nd century appears as the most archaeologically visible, significant activity continues into the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. Alterations to the trackway were undertaken and quarrying develops as another key element of the site’s economy. Nevertheless the agricultural regime of the Iron Age and Early Roman period continue, as evidenced in the form of a corn dryer and possible malting tank, alongside the creation in the 4th century of a stone mill or barn building. Furthermore, two stone lined wells attest to increased water management. It is hypothesised that the site is integrated into a larger landholding during the 4th century. |
