MEM15411 - Iron Age or Roman smithing at Timberscombe Enclosure (Monument)

Summary

Evidence of ironworking was identified within the hillslope enclosure at Timberscombe from surface finds and geochemical survey.

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Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

  • None recorded

Full Description

Evidence of iron working was identified within the possibly Iron Age hillslope enclosure at Timberscombe. The evidence comprised a scatter of smithing slag confined to one corner of the earthwork enclosure. It is suggested this may represent a smithy serving the enclosure and its immediate environs. [1] Low intensity geochemical survey identified two anomolies that are potentially related to metal working within the area of the Timberscombe enclosure. The date of the anomolies and the type of metal working they represent are uncertain, but it is possible the hill-slope enclosure was a metal-production site in the later prehistoric and Roman periods. [2] Gradiometer survey identified two areas of anomalies indicative of possible iron-rich or burnt deposits within the hill-slope enclosure, but provided limited evidence for iron working. The results did not provide evidence for intense in situ burning indicative of furnaces, smelting or ore roasting. [3]

Sources/Archives (4)

  • <1>XY Report: Juleff, G.. 1997. Earlier Iron-Working on Exmoor: Preliminary Survey. P.18; 20; 30, Table 1; 31, Table 2. [Mapped feature: #31370 ]
  • <2> Report: Carey, C.. Geoprospection in the Archaeological Landscape: A Low Resolution Geochemical Survey of Timberscombe, a Hillslope Enclosure.
  • <3> Report: Dean, R.. 2004. Gradiometer Survey at Timberscombe Hill-Slope Enclosure, Dulverton, Somerset.
  • <4> Monograph: Carey, C.. 2005. Geochemical Survey and Metal Working on Archaeological Sites. P.69-77.

External Links (0)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Park: Exmoor National Park

Map

Location

Grid reference SS 9572 4143 (point) (Estimated from sources)
Map sheet SS94SE
Civil Parish TIMBERSCOMBE, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (1)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Related Articles (3)

Record last edited

Jan 22 2020 3:32PM

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