Author: Charlotte Young

Archaeology student Alison is photographed here removing spoil from the trench into the bucket with fellow archaeology student and small finds recorder Vicky.

Dave, a volunteer with Earthwatch, has travelled from Australia to take part in the excavations at Ipplepen.

Student Ben Trestrail captured this image yesterday of excavations taking place in the south-west quadrant of the site.

Archaeology student Jake took this image of the site yesterday for creating archaeological records of the excavation.

Over 200 visitors attended the site open day to the public today!

Both the information point at the Hub and the excavation site in Ipplepen received over 100 enthusiastic members of the public interested in exploring the recent archaeological excavations. Visitors travelled from all over Devon to see the new developments in the discovery of the Romano-British settlement. Archaeologists working at the site believe the settlement may have been occupied as early as the Bronze Age though this is subject to further analysis and identification. Finds include pottery sherds, charcoal, slag deposit, flint and animal bones. The last day of the excavation  will take place tomorrow and the information point at the Hub will close tomorrow at 4pm.

Student Jake has captured this view from inside his trench. Jake has described it as “the oblique angle of a linear ditch.”

(Photograph courtesy of Arthur French)

(Photograph courtesy of Arthur French)

Villager Arthur French has helped the students and archaeologists at the information point by providing a local history of Ipplepen. Arthur is also founder of the Ipplepen Local History Group and was instrumental in initiating the Ipplepen Archive project for keeping records of the local history. For further information on the Ipplepen Local History Group, please visit the website www.ipplepenarchive.co.uk or contact Shirley Northwood on 01803 813980 or email shirleypat@btinternet.com.

“I have been honoured with the experience of local villagers bringing to the information point recent finds which they have discovered in the Devon area. The finds, including Iron Age and Roman coins, have been recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme who will provide further information about their discoveries. It is so exciting to be able to share the excitement of such discoveries amongst academics, specialists and the public!” explained PhD student Charley.

Student Alison explained that this image shows “Mr. Summer filling out all 8 of his context sheets.”

“This is the sixth piece to come out of the trench today. I hope I find some rim,” exclaimed student Alison.