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Excavations at Cherhill, North Wiltshire, 1967

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 May 2014

J. G. Evans
Affiliation:
Department of Archaeology, University College, Cardiff, CFI IXL
I. F. Smith
Affiliation:
2 Church Walk, Avebury, Marlborough, Wilts., SN8 IRG
T. Darvill
Affiliation:
Sydenham Lodge, Cranham Road, Cheltenham, Glos
Caroline Grigson
Affiliation:
Odontological Museum, The Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 2PN
M. W. Pitts
Affiliation:
Alexander Keiller Museum, Avebury, Marlborough, Wilts., SN8 IRF

Abstract

A sequence of deposits ranging in date from Late-glacial to the present produced detailed evidence of environmental changes, reflecting both climatic fluctuations and the effects of human activities. A Later Mesolithic occupation horizon, with lithic industry and associated faunal remains, is dated at about 5280 bc. It was sealed by a deposit of tufa. An irregular linear excavation, dated at about 2765 bc, is interpreted as a quarry; the backfill contained Earlier Neolithic pottery and other settlement debris. The first phase of later activities is marked by the deposition of a large quantity of Peterborough ware. Later on, part of the site was ploughed over and at the same time a series of small ditches, interpreted as elements of a system of land boundaries, was dug in the adjacent area. Late Beaker and Food Vessel sherds indicate the approximate date of these events.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Prehistoric Society 1983

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References

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