Wiltshire campus dig uncovers 2,700 years of archaeology

Archaeologists investigated the relationship between two phases of boundaries aligned with the boundary of St Michael’s Church

Evidence from life as early as the Iron Age, from 700BC to AD43, has been found by archaeologists in Wiltshire.

The discovery was made by a team from Cotswold Archaeology last year during Wiltshire Council's preparation of Melksham Community Campus for construction work.

Councillor Richard Clewer said it has been "fascinating to hear more on their findings and the rich history."

The discovery highlights some of the historical origins of Melksham.

The multi-period site was uncovered during initial trial digs of the community campus.

The space is part of a £23m project to provide a multi-facility community hub, which will include a pool, sports hall, library and gym.

The investigations found most archaeology at the site dating to the later prehistoric, Roman (AD43 to AD410) and medieval (AD1066 to AD1539) periods.

Finds manager Ed McSloy said locally made early Iron Age pottery fragments, including storage vessels and finer tableware, were unearthed, dating from the 7th Century BC to 4th Century BC, which show "probable evidence" of communal feasting.

Pottery fragments are similar to pieces found at Budbury Hillfort, approximately 7km (4.3 miles) to the west

The team said recovery of Romano-British 'tegula' fired clay roof tiles to the south of the site suggested a high-status Roman farmstead or villa had been located nearby.

One of four ox-shoes found, thought to date back to the medieval period

Archaeologists also uncovered four ox-shoes with with nails still in, believed to be medieval.

Mr McSloy explained they were not as common as horseshoes for the time and would have been used for "certain agricultural tasks including ploughing, where shoes may have improved traction and reduced injury".

Other findings included artefacts such as iron knives, pottery and animal bone from medieval and post-medieval (AD1540 to AD1800) periods were found in waste pits.

Field boundary ditches and a phase of settlement were found marked out by large rubbish pits and postholes, dating to the Iron Age and Romano-British periods (700BC to AD410)

Councillor Richard Clewer, Wiltshire Council leader and cabinet member for heritage, thanked Cotswold Archaeology for the "thorough and detailed work" they had carried out.

He said: "These impressive discoveries are a great contribution to the history of Melksham."

Melksham Community Campus is set to open later this year.