Life's a ditch
Archaeology tour a real success
Site tour of newly discovered archaeology of the Cotswold Water Park
Sixteen members of the Cotswold Water Park Trust were given an exclusive tour of the fascinating and extensive archaeological dig taking place at Cullimore Gravels site Round House Farm, near Marston Meysey yesterday.
Chris Scott, of Archaeological Research Services Ltd from Bakewell, took the group around the site, which covers about 5 hectares, moving back in time from 18th century drainage ditches, through medieval times right back to clear evidence of an Iron Age round house and agricultural boundary features. A large Roman ditch cuts diagonally right across the site, showing strongly in the gravel as a dark strip of backfilled earth. About six archaeologists have been working full time on site for the past month in advance of extraction of sand and gravel, and their work has so far revealed an extensive Iron Age landscape, with evidence of people living, eating and farming on the gravel terraces next to the River Thames about 2000 years ago.
The tour was organised by the Cotswold Water Park Trust for its members to give them an opportunity to see the archaeological site before the gravel extraction.
Chris Scott explaining the Iron Age post holes, probably used for stock fencing
Moreton Cullimore, Managing Director, Cullimore Group
We are very pleased to be working with Archaeological Research Services Ltd who we consider the best in the country at what they do. It is a real privilege to be able to learn more about Britain's past while we go about our everyday business of sand and gravel extraction, while also being able to give the opportunity to local people via the Cotswold Water Park Trust to come and see how and why this archaeology is uncovered and be a part of that process.”
Chris Scott, Project Manager of Archaeological Research Services said:
“Thanks to the opportunity provided by mineral extraction within the Water Park we have been able to investigate these fantastic remains in their context and add to the fascinating story of the history of this area.”
Aerial view of the site with ditches and river features clearly visible
c RH Bewley
Jill Bewley, Communication and Events Manager of the CWP Trust said:
“The rich archaeological heritage of the Cotswold Water Park has been extremely well investigated over the past thirty years, since large-scale extraction began, and this site at Round House farm is no exception. It offers us a fantastic opportunity to understand the full story behind this dynamic landscape, and we are very grateful to the Cullimore group for allowing us this tour for our members.”
