Work by Archaeology South-East has uncovered an Iron Age and Roman settlement site enclosed by deep V-shaped ditches which are likely to be defensive in nature. Further settlement related evidence (pits, post holes, ditched spaces) were found outside of this main enclosure and may relate to earlier or later phases of activity in both the Iron Age and Roman periods. The site as a whole gives insight into how the local population reacted to the growing influence of the Roman world both prior to and post the Roman Conquest of AD43, with finds like fragments of Italian amphorae or wine containers, suggesting that links with the continent were well established in the 1st century BC.
The archaeological excavations at Horndean have produced both a written, drawn and photographic record of the archaeological remains found and an assemblage of artefacts (e.g. pottery, metalwork, brick and tile) and environmental material (e.g. charcoal and charred plant remains). As is standard practice and following English Heritage guidelines, this archive is in the process of being assessed by a variety of specialists with the end result being a Post Excavation Assessment report. This report outlines the significant aspects of the site and presents a pathway to the full analysis and publication of these elements to ensure public dissemination of the results. Once this analysis stage has been completed, Sunley and Charles Church Southern have kindly agreed to donate the entire archive, including all finds, to Portsmouth Museum where they will be publicly accessible for anyone who wishes to review the original record.
Sunley will be setting up their marketing suite in February with show homes ready for the end of March / April. The new road layout will be worked on and complete for February 2014. Sunley are also looking at a development on Blendworth Lane which will include accommodation for injured servicemen and I will post details of this here shortly.
Link to The Portsmouth News article: http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/discovered-pottery-in-horndean-sheds-light-on-history-of-the-region-1-5776708
