Occasional Papers 18, 2004: Romano-British industrial activity at Snettisham, Norfolk

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An evaluation in 1991 at Strickland Avenue revealed widespread remains datable to the Roman period, including field boundary ditches, a road, a chalk path, an inhumation and two upstanding pottery kilns. In 1994, a geophysical survey sought to identify further evidence for industrial activity, primarily additional pottery kilns. In 1998 the Norfolk Archaeological Unit excavated targeted areas but no further kilns were found.

The ‘spikes’ identified by the geophysical survey all proved to be large pits which are typical of Roman quarry pits used to extract the abundant iron stone contained in the natural sand. One example was provided with a chalk access ramp and revetted timber steps, while two more had subsequently been re-used as wells. Most of these pits had eroded rapidly and were finally closed with large dumps of pottery and metal working debris, domestic waste and building material. The presence of large flint and limestone slabs suggests that substantial buildings had existed in the area but were in a state of disrepair by the 4th century AD. Four sections of a Roman road were excavated where wheel ruts and mended pot holes could clearly be seen. On either side of the road were vast drainage and demarcation ditches that had been repeatedly cleaned and re-cut.

Full reference:

Lyons, A., 2004, Romano-British Industrial Activity at Snettisham, Norfolk, East Anglian Archaeology Occasional Papers 18

A4, 78pp, 38fig, 4pls

ISBN 0 905594 42 8