Archaeological dig writes new chapter in Broads history
Exciting Neolithic and Bronze Age discoveries in the Broads have added a new chapter to the history of Norfolk.
Hundreds of Neolithic flints and pottery shards dating back to 3,600 BC—some of the earliest pottery ever found in Britain--- have been unearthed at Ormesby St Michael, near Gt Yarmouth in Norfolk.
Pottery and other finds dating from the Early and Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BC) were also uncovered, including a loom weight used in weaving cloth and a whetstone, used for sharpening tools – a rare find and something normally only found in rich burial grounds.
The dig by Oxford Archaeology East was carried out as the Broads Authority prepared to mud pump the eastern arm of Ormesby Broad to improve water quality and wildlife. Crop marks, indicating earthworks of archaeological importance, were found on two hectares of farmland earmarked for 12 silt lagoons to take the sediment from the broad.
An extensive Middle Bronze Age field system was uncovered, dating to around 1,500 BC. These systems were not thought to have existed further east than the Cambridgeshire Fens, indicating that such organised systems of farming were in use in the Broads earlier than previously thought.
A large Bronze Age enclosure, surrounded by a ditch up to 4 metres wide and 1.2 meters deep, is believed to have been used for keeping cattle, and might partly be seen as a display of power or wealth. Similar enclosures have been recorded in Cambridgeshire but this is the first in this region.
Burnt flint and charcoal were found in an Early Bronze Age horseshoe shaped building surrounding a pit that may either have been used for cooking or ritual activities.
Richard Mortimer, Senior Project Manager at Oxford Archaeology East said: “This discovery will move prehistoric archaeology forward in Norfolk. It represents the very first excavation of its kind ever undertaken in Norfolk. We have not only shown that contra to virtually all published sources and expectations Norfolk certainly does have Middle Bronze Age field systems, but they have a complexity that has rarely been seen elsewhere in the county.. It seems man, who dug out the Broads, was living and farming here earlier than we thought. It adds a new chapter to the Middle Bronze Age story for Norfolk”.
Oxford Archaelogy East have removed all the finds from the site and are now processing them. Mr Mortimer said academics were already taking a keen interest.
The site is now under water. Twelve man-made lagoons are to be filled with 30,000 cubic metres of silt pumped from Ormesby Broad to improve water quality for plant and bird life. The £120,000 three year project is being funded by additional grant money from Defra.
17/06/10
