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Summary

Several graves of probable Roman date. Possibly associated with adjacent enclosures.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• GRAVE (Roman - 43 AD (Between) to 409 AD (Between))

Full description

Randall, C. + Orellana, J., 2023, Prehistoric, Roman and Early Medieval Landscapes at Hayes Farm: Excavations at Exeter Logistics Park, 50-51; Fig 8, 13 (Article in Serial). SDV366041.

In the NW part of Enclosure A (MDV79242) were at least two, possibly three graves. None contained human remains, due to soil acidity. Their form suggests that they were contemporary with the use of Enclosure A, if not its construction. Grave 20192 was orientated NE-SW, just 0.3m west of the well. It is unlikely, due to the proximity, that the two features were contemporary. The grave contained the shadow of a rectangular wooden coffin. An assemblage of 44 iron nails, including 25 hobnails and 7 larger dome headed nails were recovered.
A second probable grave was revealed 7m to the west, on a similar NE-SW alignment. Six structural iron nails and 11 possible shanks were recovered from its single fill, possibly related to a coffin or furniture. To its immediate east was a N-S orientated pit, 1.12m by 0.65m with a profile similar to the two graves, with only its length precluding its immediate identification. This had a single fill containing several iron nail and a complete saw blade, three fittings possibly associated with a coffin, carpentry nails including several with larger domed heads of a type that could have been used as decorative fittings for box burials or coffin furniture, and six hobnails. It also contained a single sherd of Roman pottery. It probably represents a grave intended for a juvenile or short person.
A putative grave occurred in the NW part of Area 2. It consisted of a shallow rectangular cut, orientated NE-SW, containing 28 hobnails and 26 standard nails. The shape, orientation and metalwork suggests a Roman grave, perhaps contemporary with those within Enclosure A (MDV79242). However, its location immediately adjacent to the SW corner and possible entrance of the later Enclosure D (MDV43233) should be noted.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments: none recorded

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV9088 - Excavation at Exeter Logistics Park (Phase 2), Hayes Farm, Clyst St. Mary

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