Description

In May 2006 an archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at Blacklands, Upper Row Farm, Laverton, Somerset (centred on NGR 376520 154210).
Blacklands field has formed the site of archaeological investigations by the Bath and Camerton Archaeological Society (BCAS) since 1998, commencing with fieldwalking and geophysical survey, followed by annual excavations since 2001. The survey revealed an extensive area of occupation comprising enclosures, field boundaries, pits and probable building remains. Excavation focused on the structures in the northeastern enclosure and revealed the presence of a Romano-British villa, stone gatehouse and two wells. Most of the dating evidence indicated a concentration of activity in the later Romano-British period, though radiocarbon dating evidence from a feature associated with the villa gives a 1st-2nd century AD origin. The trapezoidal enclosure to the south also contained mostly Late Romano-British material, though the circular feature it enclosed is believed to represent the remains of an Iron Age round house.
The ‘Time Team’ geophysical survey refined and extended the previous results, defining the full extent of the central enclosure and demonstrating the continuance of contemporaneous activity to the south. The potential presence of earlier prehistoric features – including a possible ring ditch – was also revealed to the west of the main site.