TVAS are pleased to announce the publication of the latest volume in their Monograph and Occasional Papers series. Latest publication include Monograph 47
Monograph 47: Iron Age Settlement and A Roman Villa at Bowdens Lane Quarry, Huish Episcopi, Langport, Somerset
Excavations in advance of mineral extraction revealed extensive archaeological remains spanning the early Bronze Age to the late Roman periods, with a few later features. The chief periods of activity were the later Bronze Age to early Iron Age, the middle Iron Age and early through to later Roman times. An extensive spread of deposits has been interpreted as a midden, rich in Later Bronze Age to early Iron Age pottery, which is a well-recognized ‘feature’ type for the period, albeit still rarely found, as preservation especially over such a wide area as here must be assumed to be rare. The prehistoric ceramics, mainly from this ‘midden’, form a regionally significant group. Iron Age roundhouses in two foci were accompanied by numerous pits and several 4-poster ‘granaries’, suggesting a protracted occupation in this period.
A further ring gully seems to have been the site of an early Roman roundhouse, and this was soon followed by a sequence of rectangular stone structures which by the 3rd century would merit the designation as a villa, albeit a very modest one. Two structures appear to be corn-drying ovens, although it is not ruled out that the more elaborate one was a small plunge bath. A notable aspect of the site is the presence of human burials, perhaps in all the main periods of use and certainly in the later Roman phase. Isotope analysis suggests that all three of the individuals sampled originated in a colder climate than south-west Britain. The site chronology is supported by a series of radiocarbon dates.
A4 soft cover, 250pp, illustrated throughout including 14 colour plates
ISBN 978-1-911228-68-4
Paperback (+ PDF if requested) £19.00 (+postage and packaging)
For the full list and to order: Monographs – Thames Valley Archaeological Services (tvas.co.uk)
