Prehistoric pits yield rare finds

A two week Archeology excavation in East Oxford in October brought forth Neolithic, Bronze Age, and maybe even Mesolithic artefacts.

Our Archaeology of East Oxford Project (Archeox) held a two week excavation in October on the edge of the Thames floodplain at Donnington Recreation ground, near Iffley.

A geophysical survey earlier this year revealed a cluster of probable pits of prehistoric origins; these were explored by volunteers and students, with some very good quality flint artefacts - such as a beautiful scraper - being found, along with later material from the topsoil such as Roman pottery.

Most of the flints found were Neolithic or Bronze Age (c. 3000-1500 BC) but a provisional look at the material suggests there may even be some Mesolithic evidence here (c.5000-3000 BC).

The general area between Iffley and the city is known for producing prehistoric evidence.

For more information about our East Oxford Archaeology Project, please see www.archeox.net

Published 25 October 2013