Monument record 8675/2 - Roman Quarrying Activity at Gorsestacks

<1> Earthworks Archaeological Services, 2017, New Bus Interchange Site at Gorse Stacks. A final report on the Archaeological Excavations 2015-2016 (Client Report). SCH8440.

Excavation identified a a number of Clay pits which varied in size from less than 1m in diameter to in excess of 5m, but all were under 1m deep suggesting that it was the softer, weathered, more pliable and sticky yellow clay that was largely targeted for extraction rather than the stiff, red boulder clay encountered at greater depth. The softer clay would undoubtedly have been easier to work with when used as bonding material for masonry and other building requirements

Roman pottery and glass finds from the clay pits suggest that this activity was taking place during the late 1st- to early 2nd-century AD (c. AD 90–120+).This period of activity would equate with a programme of rebuilding of the legionary fortress of Deva, under the twentieth legion, that was to last a decade or possibly longer

A later phase of quarry pits was also identified. Ceramic finds recovered from this suggest a date during the early to mid-2nd-century AD (c. AD 120–150+).

A patchy stony spread located towards the south end of the area may have been indicative of occupation at this location. Notable finds recovered from this surface included sherds from a form 37 Central Gaulish samian bowl dated c. AD 120–200, and a decorated bone toggle, or bridle cheek-piece; this object compares closely with a similar piece of equine equipment recovered from a late 1st- to mid-2nd-century layer at the Roman industrial settlement at Prestatyn, North Wales,