Neolithic, Iron Age and Saxon ocupation at Milton Road, Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire (Paperback)

A site on the edge of Shipton-under-Wychwood was archaeologically investigated prior to residential development. An open area excavation of 0.6ha exposed deposits of Neolithic, Middle to Late Iron Age, and Middle Saxon occupation. Neolithic evidence mostly consisted of a few dispersed pits. This occupation was probably much disturbed by later phases as Neolithic pottery was commonly found mixed with later assemblages. Iron Age occupation began with a post-built roundhouse and some curvilinear gullies. This unenclosed early settlement was masked by a more substantial phase, consisting mostly of pens/paddocks and enclosures. The main enclosure, extending towards the north-west, was left almost empty and probably had a livestock management purpose. In a possibly later stage, clusters of pits (a total of about 175) developed within and outside this enclosure. Further phases of enclosure first expanded then
replaced the original. Two radiocarbon dates taken from contexts at the start and end of the sequence of enclosures indicated a likely commencement date in the mid 4th century BC and lasting up to the late 2nd century BC. Other peculiar features were noted: a low stone platform encircled by a gully and three pits
with a clay base lining, and fills that differed from the usual infill. One of these had a stone lining. There was no trace of any Roman activity but if the pottery is identified correctly, there could have been a Saxon presence in the form of two possible Sunken Featured Buildings and a few pits.