Overview of Archaeological Investigations

The Archeox project, or the Archaeology of East Oxford, has been defined by its commitment to uncovering the multi-layered history of the region through rigorous scientific investigation. These investigations are not limited to traditional excavations; they encompass a wide variety of techniques designed to identify, record, and interpret the remains of past human activity. By integrating community participation with professional oversight, our investigations have provided a unique window into the lives of those who inhabited the Thames Valley from the Prehistoric period through to the modern era.

Our investigative framework is built upon the principle of landscape archaeology. Rather than focusing solely on isolated monuments, we examine the relationships between sites, the environment, and the evolving social structures of Oxford. This approach allows us to understand how the land was managed, how resources were exploited, and how the built environment shifted in response to political and economic changes over several millennia.

Non-Invasive Survey Techniques

Before any physical intervention occurs, our investigations typically begin with non-invasive surveying. This phase is crucial for identifying subsurface features without disturbing the archaeological record. We employ several geophysical techniques that have proven highly effective in the varied geology of the East Oxford area.

Magnetometry and Resistance Surveying

Magnetometry has been a cornerstone of our field investigations, particularly in identifying buried ditches, pits, and kilns. Because many of the industrial activities in East Oxford—such as the renowned Roman pottery industry—involved high-heat processes, they left distinct magnetic signatures in the soil. By mapping these anomalies, we can pinpoint the locations of ancient workshops and settlement boundaries.

Earth resistance surveying is also frequently utilised, particularly when searching for masonry structures. This method measures the electrical resistance of the ground; buried stone walls or paved areas offer higher resistance than the surrounding soil, while moisture-retaining features like ditches offer lower resistance. These surveys were instrumental in our work at Minchery Priory and Bartlemas, allowing us to map the footprints of lost monastic and hospital buildings before a single sod was turned.

LiDAR and Map Regression

Beyond the ground-level surveys, our investigations incorporate LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data and historical map regression. LiDAR allows us to see through modern vegetation and identify subtle earthworks that are invisible to the naked eye. When combined with the analysis of Tithe maps, Enclosure maps, and early Ordnance Survey records, we can reconstruct the historical topography of the area, identifying lost field boundaries, ancient trackways, and abandoned water management systems.

Community Test Pitting Programmes

One of the most successful elements of the Archeox investigations has been the community test pitting programme. This method involves the excavation of small, systematically placed square pits (usually 1 metre by 1 metre) in gardens, allotments, and public green spaces across East Oxford. The goal of test pitting is not to uncover large structures, but to sample the distribution of finds—primarily pottery, bone, and building materials—across a broad area.

Mapping Settlement Patterns

By counting and dating the pottery sherds found in these pits, we can create ‘heat maps’ of human activity. For instance, a high concentration of 13th-century pottery in a specific neighbourhood suggests a thriving medieval settlement, while a lack of finds from the same period might indicate the land was used for grazing or agriculture. This data is vital for understanding the expansion and contraction of Oxford’s suburbs and the impact of events like the Black Death or the English Civil War on the local population.

These investigations are inherently collaborative. Residents are encouraged to host test pits in their own gardens, working alongside student archaeologists and volunteers. This process not only generates high-quality archaeological data but also fosters a deep sense of connection between the modern community and their historical predecessors.

Targeted Excavations and Case Studies

While surveys and test pits provide the broad context, targeted excavations allow for a detailed examination of specific sites of interest. Our investigations have targeted several key locations that represent different facets of East Oxford’s heritage.

The Roman Pottery Industry

East Oxford was a major centre for pottery production during the Roman period, supplying fine tablewares and mortaria to much of Britain. Our investigations in the Cowley and Headington areas have focused on identifying kiln sites and associated settlement debris. These excavations have revealed the scale of the industry, the types of kilns used, and the sophisticated nature of the local economy during the 2nd to 4th centuries AD.

The Medieval Leper Hospital at Bartlemas

The site of Bartlemas, originally a leper hospital founded by Henry I, has been a primary focus for intensive investigation. Our work here sought to understand the layout of the medieval infirmary and the lives of those who resided there. Excavations revealed evidence of early medieval structures and provided insights into the diet and health of the inhabitants through the analysis of faunal remains and environmental samples. This investigation highlighted the role of charitable institutions in the medieval landscape and their long-term survival through the post-medieval period.

Environmental Archaeology and Post-Excavation Analysis

An investigation is not complete when the trenches are backfilled. The post-excavation phase is where the raw data is transformed into historical narrative. Archeox places a heavy emphasis on environmental archaeology, which involves the study of plant remains (charcoal and seeds), animal bones, and soil chemistry. These elements tell us about the climate, the types of crops being grown, and the livestock being raised.

In the laboratory, our specialists analyse the finds recovered during the fieldwork. Pottery is washed, marked, and categorised by fabric type and form. Metal objects are stabilised and, where necessary, X-rayed to reveal hidden detail. All data is then digitised and integrated into the Historic Environment Record (HER), ensuring that the results of our investigations are available for future researchers and the general public. This meticulous recording process ensures that although the physical act of excavation is destructive, the knowledge gained is preserved in perpetuity.