This month’s cover story showcases a monumental mystery from the Roman frontier. Excavations at Carlisle Cricket Club are uncovering the remains of a sumptuous building dating to the early 3rd century. Could its construction be connected to Septimius Severus’ Caledonian campaigns?
From the footprint of a massive building to footprints left by Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, we then visit Goldcliff to learn about the ephemeral echoes of ancient journeys that are being documented in the Severn Estuary.
Our next feature takes us into the Bronze Age, teasing apart the contents of a unique hoard of objects discovered near Peebles in the Scottish Borders. What has conservation and comparison with other finds revealed so far?
We remain in Scotland for our penultimate article, tracing the eventful history of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, from its monastic origins to its role as a royal residence.
Finally, we dip into the waters of the River Trent, as an exhibition in Nottingham explores the make-up and the meaning of Bronze Age metalwork that has been found along its course.
P.S. I couldn’t resist asking Design to include this image so we could share it with you. It was sent with photos for the Carlisle feature, but we weren’t able to squeeze it in – however, I think it is a beautiful illustration of how the right find can suddenly bridge almost 2,000 years of history.
In This Issue:
FEATURES:
FIT FOR AN EMPEROR?
Excavating a monumental building in Roman Carlisle
Why was a sumptuous building – the largest yet found on Hadrian’s Wall – built on the fringes of the Roman Empire at Carlisle? Ongoing excavations are piecing together its layout and its possible purpose.
FLEETING FINDS
Investigating intertidal discoveries in the Severn Estuary
More than 30 years of research into the richly preserved intertidal zones of the Severn Estuary has uncovered ephemeral echoes of journeys made in the Mesolithic, thousands of years ago.
UNEARTHING THE PEEBLES HOARD
A unique collection from Bronze Age Scotland
Expanding on last month’s ‘Special Report’, we take a deep dive into the fascinating contents of the Peebles Hoard, learning what conservation and expert analysis has revealed so far.
HOLYROODHOUSE
Tracing the history of Scotland’s official royal residence
Following the publication of the Royal Collection Trust’s new history of Holyroodhouse, we trace the palace’s evolution from a medieval abbey to the Royal Family’s official Scottish home.
INTENTIONAL OFFERINGS?
Examining Bronze Age metalwork from the River Trent
Why were so many late prehistoric tools and weapons deposited in the waters and surrounding wetlands of the River Trent? An ongoing exhibition searches for answers.
LETTERS
Your comments, complaints, and compliments
NEWS
Almost 4,500 burials uncovered at Bristol workhouse cemetery; ‘King Arthur’s Hall’ 4,000 years older than thought; Uncovering Oxford’s Anglo-Saxon defences; Protective symbols revealed at Gainsborough Old Hall; Exploring a lost landscape and Palaeolithic practices in Oxfordshire; Science Notes; Traces of medieval Richmond revealed; Finds Tray
COMMENT
Joe Flatman excavates the CA archive
CONTEXT
Celebrating heritage ‘Game Changers’: Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
REVIEWS
Where Men No More May Reap or Sow; Trelawny’s Cornwall; Ash-sharq: Bulletin of the Ancient Near East, Vol.1, No.8; Footpaths: a British history; Daisy Wheel, Hexfoil, Hexafoil, Rosette – protective marks in gravestone art; Artefact
EXHIBITION
Medieval Women: In Their Own Words at the British Library in London
MUSEUM NEWS
The latest on acquisitions, exhibitions, and key decisions
LISTINGS
Our selection of exhibitions and events, as well as historical, archaeological, and cultural resources from around the world that are available online
CONFERENCE
Find out more about our upcoming conference, Current Archaeology Live! 2025, including initial details of the timetable and all the nominees for our annual awards
SHERDS
Chris Catling’s irreverent take on heritage issues
ODD SOCS
Friends of the Roman Road and Fleam Dyke
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