Haversham Road, Milton Keynes: Phase 1. Post Excavation Assessment

Abstract

The excavations encountered considerable Neolithic-Early Bronze Age remains, comprising a cursus with internal post alignment, oval enclosure which can be attributed to the 'mortuary enclosure' classification of monument, and a mound. These monuments demonstrate a continuation of the Neolithic complex identified at Manor Farm Quarry, Old Wolverton. Further archaeology included Middle-Late Bronze Age watering holes and a Late Bronze Age-Iron Age pit alignment. The pit alignment had preserved banks and other up cast features, as well as, waterlogged preservation of environmental material including evidence for the construction of a fence and a hedge. Further environmental evidence was provided by a palaeochannel representing the pre-Iron age course of the Great Ouse River, and significant burnt deposits in the tree throws indicating burning as a strategy for woodland clearance or management.