This month’s articles follow two main themes, highlighting the latest insights from the worlds of historic architecture and archaeological science. We begin in the latter category, with two reports drawing on recently published research. The first covers intriguing analysis of ancient adhesives and how they were used between the 5th century BC and the 1st century AD; this is followed by a recent DNA study that has transformed our understanding of migration patterns across Europe in the 1st millennium AD.
We then travel to St John the Baptist, Reedham: a strikingly attractive church in my native Norfolk, which was largely built from reused Roman stone, brick, and tile. Could these have come from a possibly military predecessor that now lies buried beneath the church? We discuss the findings of geophysical surveys and excavations that set out to learn more.
From religious buildings to structures associated with more worldly delights, our next feature traces the evolution of British malthouses from the medieval period to the modern day, exploring their diverse designs and outputs.
Departing from the cheer of the alehouse, we then examine a rather darker episode in human history, which is reflected by an unusual group of Bronze Age human remains from Charterhouse Warren in Somerset. What do they add to our understanding of interpersonal violence in prehistoric Britain?
We end with a close look at the elegant neoclassical Market Cross in Bury St Edmunds, which recently celebrated its 250th birthday, and whose colourful history includes theatrical episodes and an unusual artistic link to the National Anthem.
In this issue:
FEATURES
ROMAN RECYCLING AT REEDHAM
Exploring the imperial origins of a Norfolk church
St John the Baptist, Reedham, was largely built using recycled Roman stone, brick, and tile. Did these come from an earlier, possibly military, building now buried beneath the church?
FROM BREWING TO BREAD
Exploring the buildings of the British malting industry
Following last month’s investigation of oast houses, we now take a tour through the history of malt production, and the buildings associated with this work.
BRONZE AGE BRUTALITY?
Exploring evidence for interpersonal violence at Charterhouse Warren
Why were dozens of men, women, and children killed and thrown down a shaft in Bronze Age Somerset? We consider recent analysis of their remains, and other research into prehistoric violence.
‘A NEAT AND BEAUTIFUL THEATRE’
Tracing the surprising story of Bury St Edmunds Market Cross
Now celebrating its 250-year anniversary, this neoclassical Suffolk landmark has a literally dramatic history to be revealed.
LETTERS
Your comments, complaints, and compliments
NEWS
Anglo-Saxon coin hoard discovered in Suffolk; Rare Roman sarcophagus burial found near Peterborough; Painted dog penis bone linked to Roman fertility rituals; ‘Lost’ fragment of music identified in Scotland; Roman kiln site found near Poole Harbour; Science Notes; Ornate sword recovered from Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Kent; Finds Tray
NEWS FOCUS
A sticky subject: recent research has shed illuminating light on the use of ancient metalwork, and how these substances can be identified and analysed in curated artefacts.
SPECIAL REPORT
Branching out: a new, more precise method of analysing historic ancestries has revealed previously unknown waves of migration across Europe during the 1st millennium AD.
COMMENT
Joe Flatman excavates the CA archive
CONTEXT
Tantalising tesserae: North Leigh Roman Villa
REVIEWS
The Snettisham Hoards: British Museum Research Publication 225; Baltinglass and the Prehistoric Hillforts of Ireland; Neolithic Life and Death in the Yorkshire Dales; A Short History of British Architecture: from Stonehenge to the Shard; Murder in Anglo-Saxon England: justice, wergild, revenge; Terror and Magnificence: the London churches of Nicholas Hawksmoor
EXHIBITION
The Great Mughals: art, architecture and opulence at the V&A South Kensington
MUSEUM NEWS
The latest on acquisitions, exhibitions, and key decisions
LISTINGS
Our selection of exhibitions and events, as well as historical, archaeological, and cultural resources from around the world that are available online
CONFERENCE
The latest details of Current Archaeology Live! 2025
SHERDS
Chris Catling’s irreverent take on heritage issues
ODD SOCS
Partners for Sacred Places
