Blackbird Leys nunnery dig uncovers Bronze Age arrowhead

Archaeologists said the arrowhead was found among a small group of prehistoric worked flints

An archaeology dig at a medieval nunnery in Oxford has unearthed a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age arrowhead.

The five-week dig by the Archaeology of East Oxford Community Project (Archeox) also revealed prehistoric worked flints, medieval and roman pottery.

The excavation at Littlemore Priory was a collaboration between volunteers and the University of Oxford.

More than 500 volunteers gave up their free time to take part in the project near the Kassam Stadium.

'Fascinating discoveries'

Professor Andrew Hamilton, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, said: "It is so important that the university and the local community maintain an active and close relationship.

"The fascinating discoveries of the excavation are testament to what can happen when town and gown work together."

The excavation revealed stone walls, floors and hearths which showed the priory buildings were once much more extensive.

Finds dating to the period of the nunnery, established in around AD1110, included a large amount of medieval pottery and decorated glazed floor-tiles showing heraldic designs including birds and griffins.

Archeox is hosted by Oxford University's department for continuing education and is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.