The Roman small town at Leintwardine: excavations and other fieldwork 1971–1989

Pages & Document Description:
510 - 572; figs; many refs
Author:
Abstract:
Two excavations are reported here, the first undertaken in 1971 at Sawpit Bank, conducted by J G P Erskine, the second in 1980 at 22 High Street by J Sawle. In addition archaeological evaluations and salvage recording between 1978 and 1989 are summarised. The results have contributed to the continuing debate on the civilian or military associations of Roman Leintwardine. Here it is suggested that Leintwardine was a defended Roman small town, with ramparts constructed in the AD 190s. This hypothesis would have considerable consequences for the military history of the Welsh Marches, as there would be no significant military presence in the Leintwardine vicinity after the withdrawal from Buckton fort in the AD 130s. There are specialist reports from Sawpit Bank on: 'Samian ware' by B R Hartley & H Pengelly (524–6) followed by details of the course pottery including 'Mortaria' by K F Hartley (530); metalwork, glass and organic remains. Finds from 22 High Street include: coins; 'The samian ware' by Brenda Dickinson (541–3); 'The [Roman & medieval] coarse pottery' by Helen Rees (543–5) including 'Mortaria' by K F Hartley (543–4); 'Roman brooches' by D F Mackreth (545–7); a note on ironwork; 'The [vessel, window & bead] glass' by J Henderson (549–50); and organic remains. Observations at smaller sites in the vicinity are recorded including a radiocarbon date for charcoal samples from beneath the rampart south of Mill Lane. It is thought that Roman Leintwardine started out as a civilian settlement related to the fort at Jay Lane and was fortified after AD 170 - possibly in the AD 190s. 'Appendix 1: Index to archives for Sawpit Bank and 22 High Street' (571–2) concludes. Holroyd, Isabel
Dataset:
Classifications:
6G, 6K
Source description:
figs, many refs.

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