Early Thame, Oxfordshire (vol. 1)

Excavations by Oxford Cotswold Archaeology (OCA) during 2015 at Oxford Road, Thame, revealed activity dating from the Neolithic to the Late Saxon period. This has now been published by OCA in two illustrated volumes. Early Thame Volume 1 describes Early Neolithic pits, a sub-oval ring ditch, a penannular monument and a three-circuit causewayed enclosure – possibly one of the largest known – that were succeeded by later prehistoric activity, including an extensive Early Iron Age settlement. Bayesian modelling has shown that the Neolithic monuments were broadly contemporary. Large assemblages of pottery, lithics, charred plant remains and animal bone were recovered from the Neolithic features. The Iron Age settlement comprised structures and numerous pits, some of which contained notable deposits of material involving pottery, animal remains and other finds. A small cemetery included the remains of at least 13 people.