Prehistoric Burial, Settlement and Deposition on the King's Gate Development, Amesbury Down, Wiltshire
Andrew B. Powell & L. Higbee
Description
In 2015-8 a programme of archaeological works was undertaken on land to the south-east of Amesbury, Wiltshire, in advance of the King's Gate Phase 4 residential development.
Previous archaeological investigations within the wider development area have revealed a landscape rich in prehistoric and Romano-British remains, including monuments, settlements and burials.
The recent excavations recorded several features containing Late Neolithic, Beaker and Early Bronze Age pottery, indicating the extension to the south and south-west of activity previously recorded on Amesbury Down. A small mixed-rite group of Middle Bronze Age graves lay on the south-east-facing slope of a dry valley with an extensive spread of soil, which may represent the plough-levelled remains of a turf mound.
Early Iron Age activity, including roundhouses, four-post structures, and clusters of intercutting pits, is an extension of the settlement previously recorded on the King's Gate Phases 1/2 excavation to the north-east.
Of major significance is the large animal bone deposit found in the upper levels of one of the pit clusters. This deposit formed over a short time span, possibly representing one or two communal feasting events. Isotope analysis on cattle bones from the deposit indicate that these animals derived from a single herd, probably reared locally but potentially in a chalkland coast setting. The evidence suggests the settlement had wider links and highlights the importance of sharing food and resources to bind communities.
Details
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| Feb. 6, 2026 | Wessex Archaeology | 134 | 978-1-9193953-1-9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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