Our cover feature takes us to the outskirts of Corby in Northamptonshire where, over the past decade, excavations have revealed not only the remains of a Roman villa but, more recently, an enigmatic ‘temple-mausoleum’. This latter structure later underwent a dramatic change of purpose as industrial activity flourished on the site – join us as we trace its fascinating story.
The Corby investigation was undertaken ahead of urban development, but while the continuation of construction work has meant that many rescue projects have been able to operate during Covid-19 restrictions, during the first lockdown many archaeologists found themselves unable to work. A new project, ‘Archaeology on Furlough’, found asilver lining in these challenging circumstances, however, bringing together over 100 volunteers to apply their skills to a host of illuminating research projects.
From the innovative to the aesthetic, for our third feature we immerse ourselves in the stunning surroundings of Herefordshire’s ‘Decorated’ churches – a distinctive variation of English Gothic architecture that flourished in the late 13th and 14th centuries.
Our fourth feature also focuses on ceremonial sites, though of a smaller and more contemplative type: pet cemeteries. New research tracing their evolution from the Victorian period to the present day has shed intriguing and frequently poignant light on how our relationships with domestic animals changed over time – from working animals to ‘man’s best friend’ to fully-fledged members of the family.
Finally, voting is now open for the 2021 CA Awards. Click here for more about the nominated people, projects, and publications, and for details of how to have your say.
Carly Hilts
In This Issue:
FEATURES
BUILDING A ROMAN VILLA
A Romano-Celtic temple-mausoleum and evidence of industry at Priors Hall, Corby
Next to a Roman villa just outside Corby, Northamptonshire, excavation has revealed the remains of a temple-mausoleum that later underwent a dramatic transformation into a prolific tilery and pottery production site.S
ARCHAEOLOGY ON FURLOUGH
How volunteers explored the past during lockdown
With many archaeologists unable to work as usual during the first lockdown, Rob Wiseman took the initiative to bring together more than 100 volunteers to research a host of intriguing archaeological questions, spanning prehistory to the present.
DECORATED IN GLORY
Exploring later-medieval churches in Herefordshire
In the 14th century, churches and religious buildings in Herefordshire were built and remodelled in the ‘Decorated’ style, with many of them retaining these features today. Here we take you on a tour of these ecclesiastical establishments, analysing how the style evolved and spread throughout the county.
‘WE ARE ONLY SLEEPING, MASTER’
Tracing the evolution of pet cemeteries
Pet cemeteries offer unique insights into how our relationships with domestic animals have evolved over time. How did these burial grounds develop and what can they tell us about the many roles animals have played in our lives?
NEWS
Judicial facial mutilation in Anglo-Saxon England?; Spectacular prehistoric discoveries from County Sligo; Witch marks discovered in Stoke Mandeville?; Prehistoric settlement uncovered in Aberdeenshire; Hadrian’s Wall revealed at Walltown Crags; Science Notes; Migration and disease in the Iron Age; Finds Tray
REGULARS
Comment
Joe Flatman excavates the CA archive
Context
Tomen y Mur, Snowdonia National Park
Reviews
The Dissolution of the Monasteries in Englandand Wales; Hinterlands and Inlands: the archaeology of West Cambridge and Roman Cambridge revisited; The Ness of Brodgar: as it stands; Gloucester: the Roman forum and post-Roman sequence at the city centre; Excavations at Chester: the northern and eastern Roman extramural settlements, excavations 1990-2019 and other investigations; Hillforts of the Tay: community archaeology at Moncreiffe Hill and Castle Law, Abernethy
Heritage from Home
A selection of resources to help you get involved in archaeology-themed activities from home – as well as news of heritage sites that are reopening to the public
Conference
Details about Current Archaeology Live! 2021, including the nominees for our annual awards.
Sherds
Chris Catling’s irreverent take on heritage issues
Odd Socs
Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust
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