Description

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Videotext Communications Ltd to carry out archaeological recording and post-excavation analysis on an archaeological evaluation by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at Ffrith, Flintshire, Wales (NGR 328500, 355300). The fieldwork, comprising one hand-excavated and nine machine-excavated trenches, was undertaken between 19th and 21st April 2005.
A considerable number of Romano-British artefacts have been found throughout the village, many in association with possible building remains, one of which had been previously investigated. Although two areas within the village have been designated as Scheduled Monuments (SAM 164a and 164b), the nature of the Romano-British remains is not clearly understood. It is possible that they form part of a small complex of buildings or they may represent part of a larger and more extensive settlement.
It was hoped that a project combining geophysical survey with trial trenching would clarify a number of key issues about the nature of the Romano-British remains at Ffrith. It was proposed that during the course of this project, two main areas were to be investigated by excavation and survey. The playing fields (SAM 164a) are situated in a natural, flat promontory formed by the confluence of two streams and any Romano-British activity may have utilised this space. The car park of Blue Bell pub and the garden of ‘The Glen’ next to it (SAM 164b) are very close to the northern stream and a previously investigated Romano-British building. In addition to these two main areas, the project also included trenching in the gardens of houses near to the site of the previously excavated remains.