Archaeology is all about teasing out hidden details. At Verulamium, the site of the Roman city scrutinised during recent investigations is conspicuous enough, but its streets and city blocks have long since grassed over. Now geophysical survey has laid bare one of the great cities of Roman Britain.
On Anglesey, a project is seeking to reveal a lost prehistoric ritual landscape. Previously, this has been eclipsed by the spectacular passage tomb at its heart. A wealth of ancient art serves as a reminder of what can be overlooked when we are transfixed by impressive monuments, at the expense of more ephemeral activity in their hinterland.
Before Wallingford Castle was reduced to rubble by Oliver Cromwell’s soldiers, its grandeur rivalled the strongholds at Windsor and Oxford. Today, little more than earthworks studded with shattered masonry remain, but combining survey, surviving documents, and excavation allows us to glimpse the former glory of a royal castle.
At Spitalfields, the flourishing post-medieval suburbs were gradually engulfed by later urban development. The Spitalfields Market excavations opened up a huge swathe of lost London, exposing the hidden habits of its former inhabitants to modern scrutiny.
Matt Symonds
IN THIS ISSUE:
FEATURES
VERULAMIUM REVEALED
Sensing the city
The third biggest city in Roman Britain, Verulamium (modern St Albans) is being brought to light once more by an innovative community geophysics project.
BRYN CELLI DDU
Exploring a hidden ritual landscape
A recent public archaeology project has identified a wealth of previously unknown rock art around one of Wales’ most famous Neolithic passage tombs.
WALLINGFORD CASTLE
The rise and fall of a royal stronghold
At the end of the Civil War, Wallingford’s castle was reduced to ruins and a few earthworks. Now 15 years of historical and archaeological research have brought new life to its once mighty fortifications.
EXCAVATING SPITALFIELDS MARKET
The final chapter uncovered
Recently published findings from one of Britain’s biggest ever digs reveal how the site of a London priory evolved into a gunnery, an artillery fort, and a flourishing suburb of prosperous houses.
NEWS
Ice Age art in Jersey; Earliest human activity in Scotland identified; British Museum to help preserve Iraqi sites; UK’s earliest rickets are Neolithic; Cambuskenneth’s harboured secrets; Rufford Abbey’s Roman revelations; Smoke signals from Bath; Crannog clues at Monmouth?; Blick Mead’s Mesolithic home comforts
REGULARS
Conference
Current Archaeology Live! 2016 is approaching fast. This special section contains the latest details of the timetable, speakers, and Archaeology Awards nominations.
Reviews
The Real Lives of Roman Britain; Celts: Art and Identity; The Remembered Land
Museum
Egypt: faith after the pharaohs at the British Museum
Sherds
Chris Catling’s irreverent take on heritage issues
Odd Socs
The Musical Box Society of Great Britain