Our cover story examines an unsuspected crypt discovered in a former church during redevelopment work. Although the space was too dangerous to enter, ingenious remote survey revealed that the crypt still contains numerous coffins, including at least two Archbishops of Canterbury.
It is caverns rather than crypts that have surrendered the secrets of the humans colonising Britain around 15,000 years ago. We take a look at a world where people could cross the land bridge still connecting these isles to Europe, bringing Continental toolkits with them.
By the Roman period, shipments from abroad had to be ferried in by boat, which is why a cargo of Samian ware ended up immersed off the coast of Whitstable. What can this tell us about Roman trade?
A sea journey also brought the Native American princess Pocahontas to these shores. On the 400th anniversary of her death, we explore the traces of her trip.
Finally, this issue is my last as editor, as I’m moving on to Current World Archaeology. Before I go, thanks to all of you for reading, and to all our contributing archaeologists – both volunteer and professional – for generously sharing their time, their stories, and their expertise during my tenure. We are truly lucky to have such dedicated, innovative, and resourceful people teasing out the secrets of our past. I look forward to keeping up with their latest discoveries after CA’s very own Carly Hilts takes over next issue.
Matt Symonds
IN THIS ISSUE:/n
FEATURES/n
EARLY HUMANS/n
Meeting the humans who inhabited Britain 15,000-11,000 years ago
In the last three decades, new discoverieshave dramatically transformed our pictureof the Upper Palaeolithic in Britain. We examinethe latest evidence for how humans respondedto the radically changing climate.
PUDDING PAN/n
On the trail of a Roman shipwreck
Samian ware from a Roman ship lost off the Kentishcoast has been resurfacing bit by bit over the lastfew centuries. Can this wreck be found? And whatcan its cargo tell us about trade?
UNDER THE CHANCEL/n
Discovering the ‘hidden’ crypt in a Lambeth church
Last year, archaeologists excavating at the church ofSt Mary of Lambeth came across a long-forgottencrypt containing a large number of coffins, includingthose of Archbishops of Canterbury. We investigatethe burials at this former parish church and itsconnections with the neighbouring Lambeth Palace.
POCAHONTAS IN LONDON/n
Tracing a 400-year-old journey across the Atlantic
When she arrived in England as an ambassadorfor the Virginia Company, Pocahontas sparkedexcitementin high society. We mark the 400thanniversary of her death in 1617 by tracing the material record of her visit.
NEWS/n
Stone square feature in Avebury circle; St Columba’s cellrevealed?; Roman diploma names 2nd-century seafarer;Neolithic longbarrow unearthed in Wiltshire; Hillfortsatlas launched online; Exploring Sheffield’s steelworks; Expanding Auckland Castle; Norman no more;Barnwood’s Roman remains revealed; Finds tray
SPECIAL REPORT/n
Roman writing tablets found at Vindolanda
REGULARS/n
Comment
Joe Flatman excavates theCAarchive
Context
Boating by the Broch of Mousa
Reviews
An Upland Biography; Cremation and theArchaeology of Death; Ireland’s First Settlers;Analysing Maritime Archaeological Archives;Photographing Historic Buildings; Ancient Rome
Exhibition
British Art: ancient landscapes at Salisbury Museum
Calendar
Our selection of exhibitions and events
Interview
CA speaks with the team behind the Ancient Identitiesin Modern Britain project
Opinion
John Schofield on why archaeology is still the bestuniversity degree
Sherds
Chris Catling’s irreverent take onheritage issues
Odd Socs
Pontefract & District Archaeological Society