The Roman Road from Winchester to London has been surveyed as far as the Hogs Back near Farnham. Far more field boundaries parallel and right angle to this road than chance indicate the remains of a Roman field system. In Italy, southern France, and north Africa if the estates were large a grid of estate roads were provided. Such a grid has been found from Four Marks to near Winchester. Three of these estate roads have been surveyed, and excavations occurring on them. A GPS survey is planned over the winter to determine how accurately two parallel surveyed roads were laid out.
Roman Road Excavations will take place over August Bank Holiday and two weekends in late September 2010 at Medstead near Four Marks & Alton.
An important feature, not yet understood, has been found as the Road enters the grid of estate roads. It appears to become a large ditch with a stone running surface on the north side. Air photos suggest it is 1/3 mile long, and may have another stone lane running along its southern edge, and in its centre. A three lane highway?
Write-up.
In August we will complete the trench across the ditch to the southern edge. The potential central roadway cannot be reached in the woods due to trees, and in September after the harvest will be excavated in the field. Here magnetometry suggests the ditch is interrupted - for a
possible cross road of the grid - which will be explored.
A training course of five modules will be available during these weekends. They cover: Site Layout and Recording, Excavation, Surveying, Finds Processing, Geophysics and new Roman Road methods. They consist of instruction and exercises.
Reports and publications are available.
Experienced and novice excavators welcome. Further details contact
Dr Richard Whaley AIFA,
Field Works & School Director, 2 Rotherwick Court, Alexandra Road, Farnborough GU14 6DD, 01252 548115 (SEA appreciated), or
visit the dig online Information and Booking Form