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Archaeology in Worcester
2000/01 - Roman Archaeology
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 (Aerial survey by MAPS 1999™) |
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Roman Archaeological Sites in Worcester, 2000/01 - Click on a site marker to see the report. |
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Evaluation at 14-20 The Butts (WCM 100761, BUFAU), on behalf
of David Wilson Homes, indicated that Roman activity covered the
whole site. No trace was found of the road which may have run along
the E side of the site, and activity was characterised by pits,
ditches and other cut features, spanning the period from the 2nd
to 4th centuries AD. Location
plan Refurbishment of the former Conder Building (now Enterprise House) in Infirmary Walk required excavation for foundations and a lift pit. Two very small areas were excavated archaeologically (WCM 100592, 100789, by AA, on behalf of Hereford and Worcester Chamber of Commerce) and produced rich results. These included a number of clay hearths or ovens, one of which was dated by archaeomagnetism to between 288 and 357 cal AD. Two large Severn Valley Ware pots were found during a subsequent watching brief adjacent to the excavated areas. These had been set in pits dug into the ground, and may have been used in metalworking. Several deposits contained hammerscale, while some also showed high levels of copper and lead. Location plan A watching brief on further works at the Police Station, Castle Street (WCM 100540, Worcs CC), on behalf of Worcestershire County Council and West Mercia Police, recorded scattered Roman features including corn-dryers. Location plan The adjacent site has now been developed as a new Magistrates Court. Following a limited field evaluation in 1990 Roman activity was expected here, though the extent and the state of preservation of the remains was only revealed when the recent and dark earth deposits had been removed. The whole of the footprint of the new building (some 1300 sq m) was excavated archaeologically over three months in 2000 (WCM 100417, AIL), on behalf of HBG Construction. With the exception of the SE corner of the site, the Roman remains survived more or less unaffected by later activity. Roman activity seems to have started in the early 2nd century AD, when a ditch was dug across the site from W to E; this ditch was also recorded during work at the neighbouring Police Station site in 1998-99. Groups of postholes on the N and S sides of this have been interpreted as roundhouses. The ditch continued in use through the 2nd century, though reduced in length. Various structures were built on either side, with a concentration of activity in the SW corner of the site, where cobbled and clay surfaces were recorded. A sandstone lined well was constructed in the SE part of the site and probably continued in use until occupation of the area ended. By the late 2nd century, an extensive cobbled surface had been laid over the N part of the site, and the E-W ditch had been abandoned. Wheelruts were identified on this surface, though it does not seem to have been a road. Very large quantities of pottery, tile and animal bones were incorporated into the surface (the finds assemblages from this site were generally large; for instance nearly 40,000 pottery sherds were recovered). The structures in the SW part of the site showed evidence of several rebuilds, with cobble and slag internal surfaces, and several clay lined ovens seems to have been associated with them. Outside the structure, a single cremation burial in a Severn Valley Ware pot was found. This phase of activity continued through the 3rd century. The pattern of activity in the 4th century was similar, with continued use of the SW corner for ovens, while a timber-lined hearth was also present. The main structure in this area was extended; the extension had sandstone footings. A possible timber structure and a linear boundary were built over the cobbled surface. The site seems to have been abandoned or used for agriculture from the late 4th century. Location plan |
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