More information : (SP 53631255) Romano-British Temple (R) (Site of) (NAT) (1)
North, Middle and South Hill fields have been known for nearly
300 years as a prolific source of Iron Age and Roman finds,
including many bronze objects, some thought to be votive.
Trial excavations were carried out by Oxford University
Archaeological Society in 1921(4) and 1934(5) but were rather
inconclusive. In 1952 excavations at SP 5363 1255 revealed
foundations of a Romano-Celtic temple of two periods. The earlier,
dated to the 1st century AD, consisted of a small cella 5.0m by
5.8m externally, with a clay floor, in the centre of which were
three superimposed hearths, apparently for ritual fires. In the
second period probably about mid 2nd century AD, the cella walls
were widened and a stone ambulatory added.
The precincts were enclosed by a temenos enclosure wall with
a gate in the east side, the area being about 45m square, see plan.
The site of the temple seems to have been on the fringes of the
Iron Age occupation area which was mainly on the SE edge of
Middle Hill and extended down the slope of the South Hill. There
are no signs of structures underlying the temple.
Iron Age pits were found close to the E wall of the temenos.
Occupation is apparently continuous from Iron Age 'A' to just
pre-Roman. Finds from the excavation include Iron Age pottery,
Romano British and samian wares, Roman coins, wall plaster and
small votive objects. An Iron Age tin coin came from the
Woodeaton site (6)(7), in the possession of P Manning. (2-7)
SP536 125. The Romano British temple site is at present under
plough. There are no visible structural features, the site being
indicated by a very strong surface concentration of abraded
pottery and building stone. (8)
(SP 536125). Numerous bronze letters used for votive inscriptions found at Woodeaton. Miniture spears from a possible Temple of mars at Woodeaton have been deliberately bent. Includes illustrations. (9) |