The remains of seven ancient people, a Roman well and two probable Anglo-Saxon houses are some of the incredible finds that have been discovered by archaeologists from Archaeological Management Solutions (AMS) during early, pre-construction investigations around the National Highways’ A46 Newark Bypass scheme.
Confirmed in the Government’s third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) in March, the scheme aims to ease congestion along key junctions of the A46 by widening sections of the carriageway, introducing a flyover and building a bridge over the A1.
During a 22-week excavation last year, a team of 30 from AMS, working on behalf of National Highways, excavated five fields in Newark, covering over 23 acres (9.63 hectares), revealing fascinating finds that could date back to 6000BC.
A burial site containing seven individuals was uncovered in a field close to the A46. These burials are provisionally dated to the Iron Age, Roman or Anglo-Saxon periods, with further scientific analysis underway to confirm their age.
The remnants of an Anglo-Saxon house, known as a grubenhaus, were also found within the same area. A grubenhaus, German for ‘sunken-floored building’, was typical of Anglo-Saxon settlements but is a rare find in Nottinghamshire.
In a field south-west of Kelham village, various features were discovered dating from the Mesolithic to post-Medieval periods. Items included a rectangular Roman enclosure, foundations of a farmhouse and a Roman well.
AMS Site Director, Seán Tiffin, said: “Our excavations uncovered fascinating insights into life in this corner of Nottinghamshire during the prehistoric, Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods, and even up to the present day.
“The results will greatly help increase our understanding of the rich history of the area, shedding light and new insights on previously unknown settlements.”
Naziya Sheikh, National Highways project manager for the A46 Newark scheme, said: “The experts have done an amazing job to uncover these important pieces of history that have unknowingly remained buried under Newark until now. We’re excited to finally be able to share the details with residents in the town and beyond as part of our early pre-construction work on the A46 scheme.
“We take great care to record and safeguard the country’s heritage that can be uncovered by our projects. Archaeology belongs to the communities we serve, and by working alongside a team of archaeologists, we are delighted to be able to conserve and protect these incredible finds for future generations.”
Other items uncovered during the excavation included 163 pieces of ceramic pottery, many glazed and decorated, dating from Roman and Iron Age periods.
Prehistoric finds such as flint arrowheads and a Neolithic saddle quern used to grind grain for bread were also uncovered, alongside items dating to the English Civil War in 1642.
Details of the discoveries have now been published by AMS, along with photographs and videos from the excavation. It is hoped that some of the artefacts will eventually go on public display in Newark.
- The A46 Newark Bypass scheme will improve a key trans-Midlands trade route linking to the Humber ports. Planned work includes:
- Widening four miles of single carriageway between the Farndon and Winthorpe roundabouts near Newark-on-Trent.
- Constructing a flyover at the Cattle Market roundabout.
- Building a new bridge over the A1.
- Enlarging the Winthorpe roundabout to connect a new link road.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to the project in RIS3, with further details on delivery expected this summer.
Following completion of the project, AMS plans to open a new Midlands hub in Newark as part of its wider UK expansion.
For further information and updates available, please visit: www.nationalhighways.co.uk and www.ams-consultancy.co.uk
Images:
Aerial view of some of the 282 test trenches which were dug over a nine-mile area.
A prehistoric flint arrowhead was among several discovered during the dig.
Silver penny of Elizabeth I found during metal detecting.
All imagery courtesy of AMS Consultancy.
