51-53 Southwark Street, Southwark,
TQ 3210 8015; (Douglas Killock); evaluation & excavation; Loper Engineering; FSS96
A sequence of 13 phases, of both natural and anthropogenic events, was identified at
this site, dating to the Roman and Post-Medieval periods. The earliest consisted of a
natural horizon consisting of alluvial clays and decaying vegetation, located on a sand
island or bar. Cutting through this, on the east and west sides were two stream channels.
Following an overbank event the west channel silted up, timber-posts were driven through
the infilled channel and sand bar. The posts were not part of a revetment or pile
foundation for an overlying building. At best, given their dimensions, they may have
supported a form of walkway. The timberwork recovered was no earlier than the Roman
period. The sequence indicated that alluvial deposition continued within the channels
and extensive flooding occurred which was followed by further natural deposition and as
well as the dumping of deposits. Subsequent to these events a substantial timber revetment
was constructed along the eastern bank of the western channel, but unfortunately this
structure continued beyond the western limit of excavation and its full shape could not be
determined. This structure resembles a closed box rather than a simple plank and upright
construction. A further revetment was located immediately to the north. Various repairs
and modifications were identified.
Following the abandonment of the revetment structures construction activity occurred
represented by a mortar spread. The subsequent phase is characterised by the deposition
of large quantities of demolition rubble. This included large quantities of painted wall
plaster, fragments of patterned mosaics and box tiles used in hypercaust heating systems.
Clearly a building of some note had been demolished on or close to the site.
Following the sequence of dumping a further substantial mortar floor had been laid down,
which extended beyond the limits of excavation both to the north and west. It was divided
into two parts by a N-S running linear cut which may represent a robbed out wall. Two pits
and a timber lined well represented the features pertaining to the next phase of activity.
The well may have remained in use during the next phase during which post-built structures
were constructed. Post-built structures occupied most of, if not the entire area. The
dimensions of the post-holes covered a wide range with elements up to 0.50m across. These
clearly formed buildings of some size and importance. Many of the smaller postholes, at
times grouped in pairs, may represent internal partitions and divisions within these
buildings. Some may simply be external fence lines. Other elements were possibly supported
by short beams. The lines of postholes appear to follow an orientation similar to that of
the well identified in the preceding phase. Raised timber floors could have been employed.
These are well documented for the Roman period, notably in the construction of granaries.
The abandonment and demolition of these structures was followed by large scale dumping.
The Roman sequence was followed by a sequence of Post-Medieval cut features. The most
noteworthy of which was a large cesspit. A series of fills was overlain by a dwarf brick
wall which had clearly collapsed into the pit.
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