Archaeological Mitigation, Oxfordshire

Summary

The Iron Age settlement was probably of the “open settlement” type as no evidence for an enclosing ditch was identified during the course of the excavation. The features attributed to this phase of activity largely conformed to those excavated during the Evaluation phase of works; they included a series of large sub-oval enclosures and smaller ring-gullies that possibly represented the remains of roundhouses, along with intersecting linear ditches, a possible trackway, and numerous pits. These were all located on the plateau at the highest point of the site, providing extensive views of the surrounding landscape. 

The Archaeological Excavation was successful in revealing a previously unknown phase of activity, changing from a settlement for the living to a burial ground for a relatively high-status Anglo-Saxon community. This cemetery contained articulated inhumation burials and disarticulated remains, with both adults and children represented. 

Most of the burials had been interred with grave goods that likely represented personal items, from simple iron blades/ knives, to decorated bone combs, beaded necklaces and luxurious silver and gold-plated jewellery. The presence of such exquisite finds suggests links with the Continent, with the skilled craftsmanship required to create them likely reflected in their cost.

There was no evidence for activity on the Site after the Anglo-Saxon period beyond a series of later Medieval/ Post-medieval plough furrows and it is presumed that the land was either turned over to agricultural practices at this time or was abandoned entirely reverting to scrub/ woodland.