Late Iron Age, Roman and Saxon Occupation at Courtwick Lane, Littlehampton, West Sussex (Paperback)

Archaeological fieldwork running over several episodes of development including evaluation, three phases of excavation and an extended watching brief, revealed a broadly agricultural landscape of late Iron Age to Roman (3rd century) date, comprising large enclosures and droveways. A large, possibly defensive, ditch of Iron Age date suggested a substantial settlement within the vicinity, though structures of this date were not encountered. Eighteen Roman cremation burials of 1st-3rd century date were recovered from the enclosed areas (11 urned, 2 unurned and five token or redeposited human bone). Several Saxon sunken-featured buildings and a possible timber post structure indicate a small Early Saxon settlement on the site. Over 800 struck flints suggest limited activity in the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods (a single pit was the only Neolithic feature), while small numbers of pits represent limited Bronze Age and Middle Iron Age activity. The volume presents reports on substantial pottery assemblages, and smaller quantities of other finds. The chronology is supported by a programme of radiocarbon dating.