We have been working with Galliford Try as part of the National Highways’ A303 Sparkford to Ilchester upgrade, a scheme which will improve a three-mile section to high-quality dual carriageway to make the road safer and more reliable. The archaeology our team discovers as part of this scheme is helping us to understand more about the people that have lived, traded with and travelled through this special part of Somerset.
Alongside our recording of archaeological features – from prehistoric pits to field systems – we have found a wonderful collection of artefacts. To hold a flint tool, a worked bone comb or a copper alloy brooch that has not been touched for thousands of years is exciting and it’s these personal objects that really bring our work to life.
We are looking forward to being able to understand and share more about how people have interacted with this landscape over 7000 years.
Fascinating finds
As the route takes shape, our archaeologists are helping to chart the history around the old route, and the communities who have lived and worked alongside it.
Among the selection of finds so far are:
- Worked bone combs, traditionally associated with textile working, although it is unclear precisely how they were used.
- Scallop shell with a 6mm hole drilled through, suggesting it was worn as a necklace or hung as a decoration
- Copper alloy brooch, decorated with enamel-filled lozenges, dating back to between AD 60–150
- Worked bone point which could have been used as a pin, skewer, weaving shuttle or pin beater for textile manufacture
- Mesolithic chert and flint tools
- Neolithic flint knives and charred plant remains from Neolithic pits
- Iron Age and Romano-British storage pits
Elliot Hayes, Senior Project Manager for the National Highways scheme, said: “We, along with our contractors, have been working closely with Wessex Archaeology throughout the life of the scheme. Somerset has a rich cultural heritage and the team have brought their expertise to bear in adding to that history. In keeping with National Highways’ approach to protecting the country’s cultural heritage, we want to ensure that archaeological remains are preserved and recorded. We are absolutely committed to conserving and, where possible, enhancing the historic environment around a number of schemes across the country.”
Chris Hill, Project Director for Galliford Try, added: “It’s been really important for us, as the main contractor on the scheme, to work with Wessex Archaeology to do all we can to help protect and preserve the local heritage. It’s been an exciting process to see what the team has uncovered and it’s great to be able to share these finds with the public.”
Fragment from a scallop shell with a drilled hole suggesting it may have been hung and potentially used as an ornament like a necklace.
Images from left to right: Complete worked bone point, Fragment of handle of a worked bone comb with three ring-and-dot motif, Close up of front of worked antler comb
Copper alloy T-shaped brooch