Well, well, well… some intriguing water-feature finds (Milton, week 14)

An abundance of finds © Copyright ARS Ltd 2023
The well with timber © Copyright ARS Ltd 2023
Fine bracelet © Copyright ARS Ltd 2023

Exciting progress has been made in this week’s excavations as we shift our focus to the remaining archaeology. Uncovering a wealth of artefacts, processing waste, domestic debris and personal items has added significant depth to the historical context of the site, making this an important farmstead. Concentrations of building materials, such as Roman roofing tiles, sandstone floor tiles, and wall plaster fragments, are more abundant towards the south. The villa was probably situated southwest of the excavation, and the enclosures associated with the farmstead followed a distinctive northwest-southeast alignment, extending from the core area. Previous research on the adjacent landfill supports this interpretation, capturing part of the villa on this same alignment.

This week we have excavated a well and a pond, and what is particularly interesting about the well is its potential as an Iron Age feature. Wells have always been essential sources of clean drinking water, serving domestic needs and supporting agricultural activities. Constructed with wooden or wicker linings to prevent walls from collapsing, some even had elaborate wooden superstructures. A large beam at the base of the well will be recovered and examined for evidence of working to determine if it was structural. Additional preserved wood may also be part of a ladder extending further down, like examples found nearby. Further excavation is required to confirm this exciting discovery.

Excavating the pond © Copyright ARS Ltd 2023
Work as seen through the eye of a whey strainer © Copyright ARS Ltd 2023
Nene Valley pot base © Copyright ARS Ltd 2023

Excavation of the pond is still in the early stages, and appears remarkably devoid of datable finds, which is in itself an important discovery. Three other large pits were found nearby, perhaps quarries or ‘borrow pits’ focused upon a patch of natural gravel. Some ponds originated from extraction activities, where materials like clay, sand, or gravel were once gathered for construction or industrial purposes. Commonly, such pits filled with water, transforming into ponds or were deliberately repurposed to provide water storage.

The pond’s significance within the layout of enclosures is intriguing. While it may have been a quarry pit that eventually silted up, it could also have served as a water source for livestock or played a role in aiding water drainage from the surrounding land. A combination of these functions, reflecting the Romans’ resourcefulness in adapting features to suit their needs, appears likely.

Our ongoing excavations aim to shed light on the importance and the diverse roles the well and pond might have played when in use, and how they were adapted or differed in function over time. As we continue to investigate these features, we anticipate uncovering even more valuable insights into the region’s intriguing past.

Oxfordshire ware with interesting decoration © Copyright ARS Ltd 2023
Pot in situ © Copyright ARS Ltd 2023
Mortarium © Copyright ARS Ltd 2023

Don’t forget, you can come visit the site and see it for yourself during our open days this week – Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th August! See the flyer below for details.

As always, follow our progress on the site by following us on TwitterFacebookLinkedInInstagram.

Previous update (week 13).

See the main project page here.

Sam with a bracelet © Copyright ARS Ltd 2023
Some worked antler © Copyright ARS Ltd 2023
Milton Open Day 3rd and 4th August 2023
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