9.1. SOUTHERN COUNTIES (WEST)

Abstract

the second to fourth centuries A.D., with an emphasis on the late Roman period. The buildings may have been constructed using a combination of stone and timber, with the stone elements providing the foundation for the timber elements. The function of the buildings is unclear, in part hampered by the truncated nature of the remains. It is possible that these buildings may have served a variety of agricultural functions, perhaps being used on a seasonal basis. One phase of the site is associated with small-scale iron-working. Large quantities of industrial waste were recorded from two of the buildings, one of which was associated with a probable bowl furnace. An east– west ditch that appears to be contemporary could suggest the division of the area west of the boundary ditch into smaller plots. The identified buildings could define part of a wider complex of Roman buildings extending beyond the limit of excavation. Alongside the structural remains a series of ditches were recorded. These include the L-shaped section of ditch which could reflect the remains of a small pen or enclosure. Other small ditches may represent shallow drainage gullies.113