Nash Waste Water Treatment Works, Areas A & B, Nash, Newport, Gwent
ST 3387 840; Mark Beasley; Excavation; 23rd February - 6th July 1998; Dwr Cymru / Welsh Water; NAS98
Four trenches were excavated across the site. Alluvial silts containing layers of peat,
characterized by Wentlooge Formation.
Two separate field systems were observed across the site. The major system appears to
have worked from the late 1st to the late 2nd centuries AD. This is identified from four
aligned fields on cardinal points with boundary ditches defining them. Within this system
were a further system of grips an ditches. The fact the excavation could not ascertain the
size and shape of these fields suggests that they formed part of a structured field
system. Specifically at the junction of field boundary ditches all angles appear equal and
approx. 90 degrees and all internal field division conform to the major alignments
observed.
The system appeared to have fallen out of use by the 3rd century and a second system
to the W came into existence. The morphology of the ditches that is twisted and meandering
would suggest a less ordered landscape existed. Two of the ditches appear to have had a
fence at their base probably for stock control, a feature that was lacking in the earlier
system.
Occupation of the site appears to have ended towards the end of the 3rd century with a
marked lack of pottery from the 4th century onwards. This corresponds with excavations
from a field system at Rumney Great Wharf that was abandoned probably due to a rise of
the sea-level. Across the site there is little evidence for permanent settlement or for
crop cultivation. The pottery includes a preponderance of local and coarse wares, with
very few fine wares, which does not suggest the presence of a high status settlement in
the immediate vicinity.
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