Abstract/Summary

Dating of activity through use of ceramic typology at the oppidum is exceptionally good. The quantity and quality of pottery and indeed small finds in most features has enabled the construction of a chronology for use of the site, with late Iron Age activity believed to occur from c. 20 B.C.–A.D. 43. However, a few of the more ambiguous features and individual remains have required direct dating due to a lack of association with dateable finds, complex stratigraphy or because they were so unusual (e.g. an early plant introduction) that they required clarification. A modest programme of dating was therefore undertaken and has shown up interesting questions on the potentially earlier than expected timing of first occupation of the oppidum, at 120 cal B.C.–50 cal A.D. Contrast with the ongoing Environs Project, which will provide a landscape-wide chronology for the development of the oppidum and a more robust context for appreciating the significance of the dates reported here will follow. In addition direct dating of a whole olive (Olea europaea) has shown it is indeed of Iron Age date import and is the first reported pre-conquest for the UK. Similarly an unusual miniature dog burial has been found to be of Late Iron Age date at 110 cal B.C.–60 cal A.D.