Historic finds from ancient settlement in Nottinghamshire

Dozens of people took advantage of an open day yesterday to view the finds of an archaeological excavation of an ancient former settlement in Nottinghamshire. 

A couple of well-preserved pots were among the finds on show [Credit: This is Nottingham]

Archaeologists and more than 100 volunteers have carried out a number of digs at the Mons Pool site in Collingham, near Newark, during the last two years ahead of the site becoming a quarry next year. 

Scores of fascinating artefacts have been uncovered, including pottery dating back to the Bronze Age and Neolithic period. 

Visitors to the open day were able to view some of the artefacts found, including coins, jewellery, tweezers, roof tiles and even a Roman shoe. They were also able to take part in a guided tour, where they stood on the spot of a Roman house, and could see a number of wells and former furnaces that had been uncovered. 

One of the deep wells found at the site, off Carlton Ferry Lane, in Collingham [Credit: This is Nottingham]

Mons Pool is a multi-period settlement, which it is believed was occupied as far back as the New Stone Age. 

Many of the treasures recovered are thought to date back to its time as an important settlement during the Roman period, when it is believed to have been home to native Britons who played a vital role in providing supplies to soldiers from the Roman Empire. 

Among the objects uncovered are stone axes from the Neolithic period, about 5,000 years ago; a necklace made of glass beads from the grave of a Roman lady; and decorated Samian pottery, imported from France during the Roman period. Archaeologists also discovered a 2,000-year-old wicker basket at the bottom of a well. Several burials have also been found on the site. 

One of three former furnaces found [Credit: This is Nottingham]

Councillor Liz Yates, vice-chairman of the culture committee at Nottinghamshire County Council said, "We're really grateful to LaFarge, the owners of the Mons Pool site, for being willing to allow volunteers to be part of their archaeological programme and to Salford University's archaeological team for making it happen. 

"The artefacts that have already been recovered are invaluable in helping us to understand the history of the site and especially the important part played by the inhabitants of the area at the time in supplying the Roman army."  

Author: Bekky Smith | Source: This is Nottingham [August 19, 2012]