Current Archaeology 330

2 mins read

Our cover story examines an unsuspected crypt discovered in a former church during redevelopment work. Although the space was too dangerous to enter, ingenious remote survey revealed that the crypt still contains numerous coffins, including at least two Archbishops of Canterbury.

It is caverns rather than crypts that have surrendered the secrets of the humans colonising Britain around 15,000 years ago. We take a look at a world where people could cross the land bridge still connecting these isles to Europe, bringing Continental toolkits with them.

By the Roman period, shipments from abroad had to be ferried in by boat, which is why a cargo of Samian ware ended up immersed off the coast of Whitstable. What can this tell us about Roman trade?

A sea journey also brought the Native American princess Pocahontas to these shores. On the 400th anniversary of her death, we explore the traces of her trip.

Finally, this issue is my last as editor, as I’m moving on to Current World Archaeology. Before I go, thanks to all of you for reading, and to all our contributing archaeologists – both volunteer and professional – for generously sharing their time, their stories, and their expertise during my tenure. We are truly lucky to have such dedicated, innovative, and resourceful people teasing out the secrets of our past. I look forward to keeping up with their latest discoveries after CA’s very own Carly Hilts takes over next issue.

Matt Symonds

IN THIS ISSUE:

FEATURES

EARLY HUMANS

Meeting the humans who inhabited Britain 15,000-11,000 years ago
In the last three decades, new discoveries have dramatically transformed our picture of the Upper Palaeolithic in Britain. We examine the latest evidence for how humans responded to the radically changing climate.


PUDDING PAN

On the trail of a Roman shipwreck
Samian ware from a Roman ship lost off the Kentish coast has been resurfacing bit by bit over the last few centuries. Can this wreck be found? And what can its cargo tell us about trade?


UNDER THE CHANCEL

Discovering the ‘hidden’ crypt in a Lambeth church
Last year, archaeologists excavating at the church of St Mary of Lambeth came across a long-forgotten crypt containing a large number of coffins, including those of Archbishops of Canterbury. We investigate the burials at this former parish church and its connections with the neighbouring Lambeth Palace.


POCAHONTAS IN LONDON

Tracing a 400-year-old journey across the Atlantic
When she arrived in England as an ambassador for the Virginia Company, Pocahontas sparked excitement in high society. We mark the 400th anniversary of her death in 1617 by tracing the material record of her visit.


NEWS

Stone square feature in Avebury circle; St Columba’s cell revealed?; Roman diploma names 2nd-century seafarer; Neolithic longbarrow unearthed in Wiltshire; Hillforts atlas launched online; Exploring Sheffield’s steelworks; Expanding Auckland Castle; Norman no more; Barnwood’s Roman remains revealed; Finds tray

SPECIAL REPORT

Roman writing tablets found at Vindolanda


REGULARS

Comment
Joe Flatman excavates the CA archive

Context
Boating by the Broch of Mousa

Reviews
An Upland Biography; Cremation and the Archaeology of Death; Ireland’s First Settlers; Analysing Maritime Archaeological Archives; Photographing Historic Buildings; Ancient Rome

Exhibition
British Art: ancient landscapes at Salisbury Museum

Calendar
Our selection of exhibitions and events

Interview
CA speaks with the team behind the Ancient Identities in Modern Britain project

Opinion
John Schofield on why archaeology is still the best university degree

Sherds
Chris Catling’s irreverent take on heritage issues

Odd Socs
Pontefract & District Archaeological Society

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