Exhibition of material from Thame archeological excavation

WHO could have predicted that a new housing development in Thame would reveal an archaeological site of immense national importance, with evidence of continuous settlement in Thame spanning a period of 6000 years ?

Roman coins found at site F in Thame (Image courtesy of John Moore Heritage Services)

From a Neolithic henge, and a causewayed enclosure through to Iron Age roundhouses and a ritual burial, moving on to a Roman well and sunken featured buildings from the Saxon period, all supported by artefacts in the form of tools, coinage, pottery and human remains.

All of this was unearthed in 2016 on the old pig farm to the north of Thame, known as site F in the Neighbourhood Plan, through a joint excavation by Oxford Archaeology and Cotswold Archaeology, who are now bringing their findings to a public exhibition at Thame Town Hall.

On Saturday, July 23 (10.30 – 4.00) maps, plans, photographs, and actual artefacts from the site will be on display and archaeologists who worked on the dig will be on hand to explain the significance of the site and to answer any questions. The last admission will be at 3.30pm

All are welcome to this free event which will feature two introductory talks in the morning, followed by an afternoon for browsing, object handling, and children’s activities, making a unique opportunity for Thame residents to get hands-on with local history.

SOURCE: Contributed by Phil Williams