Founded 1906
Archaeology Report Spring 2011
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Selected Articles from the BHAS Bi-Annual magazine "Flint" Spring 2011
ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD UNIT 2011 The BHAS field unit will be carrying out a number of excavations in the field due south of Rocky Clump during the early to middle part of 2011. A number of geophysical surveys have already been carried out by David Staveley to find out if there is any possible evidence of human activity in the area. The field located north of Rocky Clump, previously excavated by the team, has shown large scale human activity during the 1st, 2nd 3ra and possibly 4th centuries, evidenced by the form of disruption to the natural geology and finds excavated. In addition, there was the discovery about 50 years ago of a number of burials within Rocky Clump itself. Unfortunately, however, the north field has produced no evidence of permanent human occupation or temporary shelter, (report forthcoming by John Funnell). lt has been decided that the south field should now be investigated as lt is a logical area for human occupation. The geophysics results of the south field show areas where there may be some human activity, but this possible evidence may only be natural geological features such as clay with flint, which is in abundance in the north field, and will only be identified on excavation A number of trenches will be placed in the south field where the geophysics have indicated possible human activity or disruption to the natural geology, and the results of these excavations will be subject to analysis by the field unit. Additional investigations will be carried out by the field unit until all areas of the south field, which indicate possible human occupation, have been studied. Norman Pippard
FINDS PROCESSING The finds processing was once again held at Patcham Community Centre on Saturdays, but a small group has also been marking and cataloguing finds at Reeves Hill. All sessions of finds processing have been well attended. The focus has been on marking the thousands of flint flakes and tools from the Peacehaven barrow excavation. The numbers coming along to finds processing has been large and this has allowed much of the Ovingdean excavation material to be analysed and studied. Among the Ovingdean finds now competed is the tile, glass, flintwork and marine shells. The clay pipes and metalwork are in the process of being identified and catalogued and the stonework and small finds have yet to be done. The finds processing has proved to be very popular, being both an educational and social event. Our deep appreciation is passed to all those that attended. John Funnell
SUMMER GEOPHYSICS Beacon Hill has been the subject of two resistivity surveys over the past few years and the results have provided some very interesting anomalies. Members of the BHAS field unit are planning to return to Beacon Hill this summer to investigate what lies beneath this untouched landscape. The hill is the location of two Neolithic long barrows and features revealed in previous surveys may be associated with a still intact ancient landscape. The team are also planning to survey the enclosure revealed at Ovingdean on Google earth. This feature may be the remains of a Roman enclosure or trading station. No dates have been finalised as yet. John Funnell
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