Almost a decade ago, I stood on a viewing platform at Must Farm in Cambridgeshire, spellbound by the Bronze Age settlement spread before me. We first featured its astonishing archaeology in CA 312, so it feels fitting that it is issue 412 that returns to this unique site now that analysis has been published in full.
Still in Cambridgeshire, our next feature explores thought-provoking research into medieval cemeteries, asking: when faced with uniform ranks of anonymous skeletons, how do you restore their individuality?
We then travel to the famous White Cliffs of Dover, where long-buried Second World War sites are being brought to light once more.
Returning to prehistoric matters, we next trace Professor Keith Ray’s journey from Preseli to Salisbury Plain, walking more than 200 miles in the wake of the Stonehenge bluestones. Chris Catling and I were among the 20 lucky ‘co-walkers’ invited to spend a day with Keith during his travels – here Chris explores the initiative’s broader themes, while I add a few memories of its final stretch.
Speaking of adventures, Deputy Editor Kathryn has gone on maternity leave. I hope you will join me in wishing her all the best, and welcoming Rebecca Preedy, who is covering her role – and who heroically held the fort while I disappeared on honeymoon for most of May (hence the change to my usual photo: Simon and I were married on the Bluebell Railway in Sussex at the end of April), with the much appreciated support of Amy, our Editorial Assistant. Thanks, both!
In This Issue:
FEATURES
Extraordinary insights into Bronze Age life
As a time-capsule of late Bronze Age life, Must Farm is unique; now, with post-excavation analysis published in full, Carly Hilts explores how the site’s significance lies in its ordinariness.
Personalising the anonymous medieval dead
Craig Cessford and John Robb describe analysis of hundreds of skeletons from Cambridge that has helped to reconstruct the lives of those who were laid to rest at the Hospital of St John.
EXCAVATIONS OVER THE WHITE CLIFFS OF DOVER
Uncovering the Second World War story of Fan Bay and its surroundings
Fascinating traces of Second World War coastal defences on Fan Bay and in the immediate area that are being investigated by the Wanstone Rediscovered project.
Travelling on the trail of the Stonehenge bluestones
Carly Hilts joins Professor Keith Ray on the last stretch of his 222 mile journey from the Preseli Hills to Stonehenge.
ROLLING STONES
Chris Catling reflects on the origins of the Stonehenge bluestones while he accompanies Professor Keith Ray on part of his 222 mile bluestones hike.
NEWS
Only UK example of Tyrian purple found in Carlisle; LiDAR uncovers evidence of Middle Neolithic activity in Ireland; New Woodhenge dating aligns chronologically with Stonehenge; Sheffield Castle excavations reveal undiscovered steelworks; UCL creates 3D digital model of Welwyn Roman Baths; Science Notes; York Station excavations yield Victorian and medieval finds; Finds Tray
REGULARS
COMMENT
Joe Flatman excavates the CA archive
CONTEXT
Seeing the invisible: Stonehenge, Suffolk
REVIEWS
The Britannias: an island quest; Death in Irish Prehistory; Iron Age Wetland Deposition: case studies from Wales and Scotland; Evolution of a Romano-British Courtyard Villa: excavations at the former Dings Crusaders rugby ground, Stoke Gifford, 2016-2018; Wessex: a landscape history; The Archaeology of Wild Birds in Britain and Ireland
MUSEUM NEWS
The latest on acquisitions, exhibitions, and key decisions
MUSEUM
Perth Museum
CALENDAR
Our selection of exhibitions and events, as well as historical, archaeological, and cultural resources from around the world that are still available online
GO DIGGING!
The third instalment of upcoming opportunities to get involved in archaeology this summer – get in touch to feature your project next!
SHERDS
Chris Catling’s irreverent take on heritage issues
ODD SOCS
The British Society of Master Glass Painters
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