The development area lies close to the site where archaeological monuments of National importance were discovered during the 1960s. These included an early Neolithic house, Later Neolithic ceremonial monuments - two henges and a cursus, Early Bronze Age burials, an Iron Age house followed by Romano-British activity nearby and an Early Medieval cemetery. The discoveries of forty years ago were made in advance of the present industrial estate. It was anticipated that related discoveries might be found in the area of the current development.
The archaeological excavation is now completed and a considerable amount of very important archaeology has been discovered and recorded. This includes an early Neolithic post-built house, very like the one excavated in the 1960s, Early Neolithic pottery, groups of pits containing Later Neolithic pottery, Bronze Age burnt mounds, late Iron Age to Romano-British roundhouses and a complex of ditches and enclosures.
During the excavation a web diary was posted on the internet every week or so. Some of these pages have been retained here to give a feel for the process of excavation and discovery as work progressed.
Other links on this page will give more detailed information on the discoveries.
The post-excavation analysis of the records and finds is progressing towards a report for publication. Several public lectures have been given to local societies and community groups in the area.
The Neolithic House and pottery