Late Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age activity at Hargham Road, Attleborough

CFA is proud to announce the publication of our article Late Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age activity at Hargham Road, Attleborough, authored by Cassandra Clay and Katy O'Donnell; and with contributions by Diane Alldritt, Lawrence Billington, Ann Clarke, Hayley Foster, Nick Gilmour, Christina Hills, Matilda Holmes, and Sarah Percival; and illustrations by Sarah Bailie, Shelly Werner, and Woody Musgrove. This article can be found in the most recent issue of Norfolk Archaeology.

CFA Archaeologists excavate a series of ditches and pits across the site.

Archaeologists excavate an Iron Age ring gully.

2021 excavations at the site uncovered ample evidence of prehistoric activity, including Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age pit clusters and Iron Age ring gully, ditches, and pits.

Appearing mostly abandoned at the end of the prehistoric period, the site was brought back into use between the 13th to the 19th centuries when a large boundary ditch was cut through it.

Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age pottery recovered from a cluster of pits.

Medieval annular brooch found through metal detecting.

Altogether, the excavation at Attleborough was a fascinating exploration into domestic occupation and settlement from the Neolithic through to the Iron Age. It provided a snapshot into everyday life in prehistoric Norfolk, even showcasing the kinds of decoration that people preferred on their pottery. The later medieval activity suggested a revitalisation and reuse of the land, especially for larger scale agricultural activity, and the discovery of an annular brooch hinted at the fashions and trends popular in the area at that time.

You can find out more about The Norfolk and Norwich Archaeological Society's journal at: https://www.nnas.info/publications/