More information : (TQ 786 145) Romano-British Ironworkings (R) (Site of). (1)
A large cinderbank at Beauport Park first recorded in 1862. In
1870, removal for road-metal commenced and it has now been
entirely destroyed. According to Rock, it formerly covered an
area of 2 acres and at its highest part was about 50 ft above the
surrounding land. The mound was made up of a series of layers,
each layer being about 10" thick.
Finds included bronze coins of Hadrian and Trajan which may
have been deposited c 140 AD. Samian and other RB ware was
also found in the mound and the entire absence of objects of
other periods suggest that it was the work of the Romano-British.
The most interesting object found was a statuette (now in
Hastings Museum) made of cast-iron, much corroded. It is of
Roman form, but being of cast-iron it is doubtful if it is of
Roman origin. Notwithstanding Dawson's belief in the authenticity
of the find, Straker remarks that the sale of objects found was
a valuable source of income to the diggers, and it is possible
that deception may have been practised. A replica of a bronze
figure in modern cast-iron would not be difficult to cast and
to corrode by burial. (Sited by geog co-ords to TQ 78691468). (2-4)
Five stamped tiles of the Classis Britannica were found here
in 1968, by Brodribb, at what is probably one of the biggest of
all RB slag heaps. The find suggests that certain iron sites
came under the control of the Naval Authorities. (5)
The remains of an extensive Roman iron-working complex exist in
Beauport Park. The site lies on a NE-facing slope above a small
stream centred TQ 7870 1450, with extensive slag heaps on the
eastern side.
In 1969 stone foundations were discovered at TQ 7867 1445, and
subsequent excavations (a) revealed a bath-house complex of
heated rooms with walls surviving to 1.5 m high.
Finds dating the site to 140-250 AD, including Samian and other
RB pottery, roofing tile (it is thought each individually
stamped with the letter CLBR), and an inscribed stone.
Excavation is to continue, but a report is to be published at
the end of 1973. The site is scheduled, and the finds are in the
possession of G Brodribb. Surveyed at 1:2500. (6)
The site was investigated by the Time Team (Channel 4 television programme) in June 1998. Excavation, geophysical survey and landscape analysis were undertaken over a three day period. Evidence for iron smelting was revealed (centred at TQ 7855 1456) in excavation. Extensive ironstone quarries were found to the north of the site (at TQ 786 147) which although having probably been re-worked are the original ore source for the Roman period iron workings. An 'L' shaped earthwork bank and terrace at TQ 7862 1439 was excavated but no dating was established. A series of south-west - north-east oriented terraces at TQ 7860 1454 on the north side of a stream valley appear to be natural although at the south there has been some artificial scarping into the hillslope. A group of slight earthworks at TQ 7861 1456 are regular in plan and may be associated with the iron working site but these were not investigated during the programme. (7) |