Ringlemere 2005: The Dig that Refused to End
In 2005 the sixth excavation on the Bronze Age barrow site at Ringlemere, near Sandwich, took place. It was here that the now famous Bronze Age gold cup had been discovered by Cliff Bradshaw in 2001. The new excavation, Trench 6, was funded by the British Museum, the British Academy and a generous donation from Cliff Bradshaw. Supervisors from Canterbury Archaeological Trust led the team and were joined by staff from the British Museum during October, under Dr Stuart Needham. Much of the digging was carried out by volunteers, notably from Dover Archaeological Group, several other local societies and the Archaeology Departments of various Universities. Regular reports on progress again appeared in the ever-popular Ringlemere Director’s Diary (see www.canterburytrust.co.uk).
Trench 6 was located in the southwestern sector of the barrow, with two extensions to investigate further segments of the enclosing barrow ditch. Overall, the excavation lasted considerably longer than planned due to the unexpected discovery of a large number of important features, including Anglo-Saxon graves and 125 pre-barrow, Neolithic features, all of which required careful investigation. On site, the jokes about “being here until Christmas” became less and less amusing as the weeks rolled by and on a cold, wet New Years Day seemed decidedly silly! The investigations were finally completed in the middle of March 2006, with some highly important results.
The Anglo-Saxon Cemetery
A few Anglo-Saxon graves had been discovered in 2004 but many more were discovered this season. Over 40 burials were excavated. Most were inhumations, but there were also several cremations.
From the grave-goods, the bulk seem to be of fifth century date. Objects recovered included glass vessels, beads, brooches, silver rings and pins, buckles and various iron objects. Some exceptionally important graves appear to be represented. All the grave finds have been sent to the British Museum, where they have been stabilized, pending more detailed examination.
The Bronze Age Barrow
Another large portion of the turf core of the prehistoric barrow was examined. A very substantial collection of prehistoric pottery and flintwork was recovered. The great bulk of this material, however, appears to be derived from pre-barrow occupation on the site.
Two sections across the 5-6 metre-wide ring-ditch enclosing the barrow mound were cut. Excavation showed that the ditch was almost two meters deep, but as in previous seasons, it contained comparatively few finds. The ditch seems to have been completely silted and invisible by the Iron Age-Roman period.
The Neolithic Grooved Ware settlement
Preserved below the barrow mound was a buried soil and sealed below it were about 125 cut-features, in the form of variously sized hollows, pits, post-holes and two sub-rectangular hearths. Collectively, these remains provide clear evidence for occupation on the site prior to the erection of the barrow mound. Associated Grooved Ware pottery shows this occupation occurred during the late Neolithic period.
Trench 7
Since annual ploughing continues to erode the site, a seventh and final season of excavation at Ringlemere is now being planned for the early summer of 2006. It is intended that this will investigate the last portion of the remaining barrow mound and the entrance on the north side of the enclosure, where it is hoped that some significant structures and/or deposits may be discovered. The KAS is helping to sponsor the work this year and all volunteers will be very welcome (see page 9 of the Newsletter).
**Readers will also be interested to know that the Ringlemere gold cup will be on display at Dover Museum towards the end of the year.
Keith Parfitt, Canterbury Archaeological Trust
Stuart Needham, Dept of Prehistory and Europe, British Museum