It’s that time of year where once again we find ourselves for a third and final season of excavation at Barrow Clump. This year will see us on site for five weeks, investigating the central area of the barrow, as well as exploring further to the west to establish the extent of the Anglo-Saxon cemetery.
Midweek saw us having opened up a five areas ready for excavation, covering the central area of the barrow, searching for Hawley’s trench from the early 19th century, along with others radiating out of the barrow to ascertain the extent of the Anglo-Saxon cemetery.
By the end of the week six definite Anglo-Saxon graves had been identified, with a possible seventh running into the trench edge. In addition, two Bronze Age cremation urns were revealed towards the central area of the barrow. These are of great interest as they belong to an early phase of burial in the monument before the later Anglo-Saxon burials.
Further signs of the monument’s continued use came courtesy of Geoff and Lesley, our resident metal detectorists, who scanned the soil during the opening of the trenches. Their discoveries range from the Roman period, with a number of coins uncovered, through to more modern finds, with a Parachute Regiment badge found, thought to date between 1945–52. This particular find sparked interest, clearly showing the use of the Salisbury Plain Training Area in more recent years.
These finds meant for an exciting first week, and we are all looking forward to more discoveries in the coming weeks.
Written by Angus Forshaw