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This section contains the latest news from the Field Unit, as and when it occurs. New sections are added as and when to show the progress the Field Unit are making during the year.

* Original Information 6th March 2024

 

BHAS excavations at Rocky Clump 2023, and Post Excavation

Excavations at Rocky Clump in Stanmer, near Brighton commenced in April and continued until October 2023. There was a week long dig in August. The excavations focused on a large pit which had produced some Middle Bronze Age pottery in test pits. The large pit was excavated by removing 2 quadrants in the north/west and south/east sections. The finds from the pit included more Bronze Age pottery and numerous struck flint flakes. A barbed and tanged arrow head was also found in an area close to the pit, it had been broken during manufacture. The excavations continued northwards up the hill covering an area 17 metres north to south, and 8 metres wide. The excavations revealed a number of linear shallow ditch features, post holes and a number of stake holes. At the north end of the site a number of shallow pits began to produce significant amounts of finds, including pottery, metal work, with copious amounts of ancient nails, marine shells and glass. The season saw a good number of new, younger people along, some travelling long distances. There was training in all aspects of the BHAS archaeological resources, including the setting up and use of a total station, and geophysics. Among the diggers in 2023 were people, from Hungary, Australia, America and Norway, so quite an international group.

During the winter the BHAS Field unit have washed the finds from 2023 at the Bridge Farm facilities, and we would like to thank both David Millum and Rob Wallace for access. In early 2024 finds processing continued with finds sorting, and marking at the Patcham Community Centre during January and February. There have also been a number of day schools on flint identification, environmental archaeological recording and a study of post Roman pottery. The 2023 season was very busy with director John Skelton now standing down from leading the team. New site directors will be taking over that role in 2024, with training in all aspect of archaeological recording a key undertaking, to train up younger people for leadership and specialist roles.

Rocky Clump 2024 - The new season will begin in late April, the exact date yet to be announced, and new faces are always welcomed.

The Brighton and Hove Archaeological Society is open to all whatever your experience. You will need to be a member to participate, which is £20 full or £10 student, and it is suggested that you have current tetanus protection. You can join via John Funnell at co-ordinator@brightonarch.org.uk or contact the Society through their website brightonarch.org.uk

Digging is on Wednesdays and Saturdays until late October. There may one week of digging during August with the date still to be confirmed.

You will need to bring refreshments, sun factor and wet gear, as the site is exposed and you can get wet. BHAS supply tools and training You will be able try your hand at anything within our archaeological resources.

We meet at 9-45 am at the Upper Lodge car park in Stanmer, and finish on site at 4-00 pm so back at the car park at about 4-30 pm. The car park is pay and display via a booking app.

 

 

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