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<< Our Photo Pages >> Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement - Ancient Village or Settlement in England in Devon

Submitted by AngieLake on Monday, 16 September 2019  Page Views: 21355

Iron Age and Later PrehistorySite Name: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement Alternative Name: Ipplepen Archaeological Project; Ipplepen Romano-British Settlement
Country: England
NOTE: This site is 4.096 km away from the location you searched for.

County: Devon Type: Ancient Village or Settlement
Nearest Town: Newton Abbot  Nearest Village: Ipplepen
Map Ref: SX848664
Latitude: 50.486053N  Longitude: 3.625213W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
1 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
4 Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
4 Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
4

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Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : Lots of animal bones had been found on the site of the settlement. Sorry about blurred image. (Vote or comment on this photo)
An Iron Age settlement unearthed in Devon has been described as one of the most important finds of its kind. It was prompted by the chance discovery of Roman coins in fields at Ipplepen, near Newton Abbot about five years ago. Archaeologists who have been excavations for several years say it is the first of its kind in the county.

Reports from August 2013: The excavation is being funded by the British Museum, Exeter University, the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) and Devon County Council. Sam Moorhead from the British Museum said he believed the Ipplepen site was "one of the most significant Roman discoveries in the country for many decades."

The site was discovered by local metal detector enthusiasts Jim Wills and Dennis Hewings, who contacted archaeologist Danielle Wootton, the Devon finds liaison officer for the PAS.

Electric Atmosphere: Ms Wootton said local people had been involved in the project, with about 40 volunteers helping at the excavation site. "When we announced the find at a community meeting about three years ago, the hall was absolutely packed with local people and there was an electric atmosphere," she told BBC News. "The bit we've excavated at the moment is prehistoric - it's Iron Age - but we have picked up traces of some Romano-British field boundaries," she said. "It's probably going to take us a very long time for us to fully understand the nature of the settlement and how long it was occupied for.

Ms Wootton said the important discovery should be credited to [metal detectorists] Mr Wills and Mr Hewings who had painstakingly recorded "every scrap of metal" they found. "Jim and Dennis have been absolutely first class in recording what they've found and it's a result of them being responsible with their metal detecting that we've discovered this site." she said.

Mr Wills said the oldest coin he found dated back to 117 BC. "The very first Roman coin I found strangely enough - and this is out of more than 100 coins we found subsequently - is still the oldest of all the coins," he said. "I've been detecting for many years, but it's always thrilling to dig up something you recognise is really important."

[More at: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-23733741 ]

Angie: That excerpt was dated 17th August 2013, and the next day, Sunday 18th August was the Open Day, attended by hundreds of curious locals. It had been quite well advertised in the local news, and some (like myself [Angie Lake]) who had missed the August 2012 Open Day, made sure they checked out this one.

From the 2013 Ipplepen Archaeological Project blog, some interesting notes:
"Day 21 saw the majority of the excavation finished on site, with only a few areas needing further exploration. There were some exciting finds for the last day, including several large pieces of Bronze Age pottery and an unfinished Neolithic arrowhead."
"Day 20 Work continued in the Bronze/Iron Age pits with several volunteers under the supervision of Nick, ....... The final bulk in the eastern ditch that runs into the ring ditch is still being removed, and a large amount of Bronze Age pottery has been coming out of that all day."
"Day 12 One such feature was the Bronze/Iron Age pits the last of the slate lining was removed. .... The largest piece of the slate lining was strangely circular with a central hole. ... "
[Link: http://blogs.exeter.ac.uk/ipplepenblog/ ]

See also Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/IpplepenArchaeologicalProject

On local BBC TV programme Spotlight:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b038mtj1/Spotlight_19_08_2013/

More at: www.exeter.ac.uk/news/featurednews/title_313364_en.html
"The site of the largest Roman village yet found in Devon. The previously unknown Romano-British settlement ..." etc... etc. (explaining the metal detectors' success).
"Trial excavations and a survey in 2011 confirmed features including a Roman road, square enclosure ditch and several Iron Age round houses. Fragments of pottery, including locally-produced and imported wares such as wine vessels from Spain, were recovered together with more Roman coins. Bronze Age pottery and flint flakes provided evidence of human activity on site since prehistoric times. Archaeologists have been working at the 23-acre site near Ipplepen for a month (in Summer 2013), having first excavated there a year ago."

Angie: My friend Lyn and I then looked at the exhibition in 'The Hub', a local community hall, and noticed how small a part of the total site this area of the dig had been. It will take them years and years at this rate to excavate the 23 acres, if indeed they plan to do it all!
The 2012 and 2013 dig area (in 'Field 13' on the official plans) was close to a hedge at the extreme west end of a large field that sloped upwards towards the west, with good views on most sides.

Archeology students acted as guides, taking groups of approx 20 people around the perimeter explaining the ditches and holes. A few stalls were also set up at the field with artefacts from the dig, and examples excavated elsewhere. A very interesting afternoon.

Note: Angie Lake visited the Ipplepen dig exhibition on Saturday, see lots of new photos on this page. The dig made the national news too: "New finds beef up case for redrawing map of Roman empire"
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Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : The beautiful and delicate arrow head found in the 2019 dig. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : The Roman trackway unearthed in Trench 15. There are ditches either side of the raised area which apparently led across the countryside in the direction we are facing (SE) towards Torquay on the coast. (1 comment - Vote or comment on this photo)

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : Trays of 'finds' laid out in the Finds Tent at Open Day 25 June 2016, for the visiting public to inspect and ask questions about. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : A Devon C C map showing other Roman sites of interest in S.Devon. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : This was the base of a pot of black burnished ware, found in 2019, that came from the Poole area. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : The hobnail photo I meant to post!

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : A collection of hobnails found in this year's dig. The young lady said that there can be 11 at least per shoe, so that finding many doesn't necessary mean lots of shoes.

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : These are definitely 2019 finds, each pouch has Trench 18 and 2019 on it. The left one is black burnished ware; the piece of antler had been carefully cut off at each end (a craft item); centre is a small piece of delicate Samian Ware; rear right is the handle of an amphora, and in the foreground right is a lovely flint arrow head.

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : A Roman coin found at the site (2019?)

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : Sorry this one isn't so clear. May have been a brooch uncovered in 2019?

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : I'm sure the girl at the info centre said these lines joining the two trenches represented the sites of palisades. It must be for a kind of drove road, looking at the cattle illustration on right. I seem to remember asking if it was a 'funnel' to guide visitors to the 'shrine', but she thought not.

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : Trench 14 from 2017 dig, showing a structure that was interpreted as a shrine on another diagram. See close up pics from that year on site page.

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : Trench in 2017 dig again with pottery find, and wells.

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : Aerial view of the larger trench in 2017.

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : A good aerial shot of the sites dug in 2017 to link in with the photos I took that year beside those trenches.

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : Sorry this one is so blurred, but had to include it as the deep well looks amazing. Not sure if this was 2017 or 18.

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : I just remember being told that those are deep ditches in diagram on right. Sorry, don't recall which area.

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : An aerial view over the sites dug, showing various years' positions, and looking towards the village.

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : A display of some of the artefacts found in previous years' digs. Sorry some of these pics are a bit foggy, as my hands are not so steady.

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : On an info board at the display in Ipplepen is this overview of the local landscape. View is looking to SE towards Torbay, and the dig area is in the centre of this photo.

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : What has been found so far during the 2018 dig - part of the informative display at the Methodist chapel in Ipplepen village. I was glad I'd made this visit on Friday 7th September, as I didn't go to the Open Day on Saturday 8th. (Hadn't been feeling great.)

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : Details of the 2017 dig edited from the larger poster on display at the Methodist chapel on 7th September 2018. (1 comment)

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : The trenches marked in yellow on a map from the larger poster.

Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement
Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement submitted by AngieLake : The positions and numbers of the trenches dug up until 2017.

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"Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement" | Login/Create an Account | 40 News and Comments
  
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Re: Ipplepen Iron Age/Roman Settlement Video on Facebook by AngieLake on Friday, 27 March 2020
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Ipplepen: Re-defining Roman Devon
The name of a video about the site at Ipplepen from Torquay Museum.

If you have Facebook click on this link:
https://www.facebook.com/torquaymuseum/videos/141777897269418/UzpfSTUzMjU1MjE1OToxMDQ1OTUwMDM5MTM4MzI0/
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Re: Ipplepen Dig 2019 on local TV tonight. by AngieLake on Wednesday, 18 September 2019
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If anyone is interested, the local BBC news prog 'Spotlight', featured the Ipplepen dig at around 6.43pm tonight, 18th September.
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Re: Ipplepen Dig 2019 by AngieLake on Monday, 16 September 2019
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Just found this excellent piece on devonlive:
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/gruesome-discovery-incredibly-rare-roman-3323630
It is similar to the Guardian article Andy posted, but there are a couple more photos of the site and a description of the piece of worked antler (shown in one of the pouches from this year's finds).
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Ipplepen Dig 2019 by AngieLake on Monday, 16 September 2019
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I actually visited The Hub exhibition on Friday. Was unable to get to the field where they dug on Saturday, due to health probs. On mend now.
The life-sized cut-outs of the Romano-British people advertising the venue are still at the gates of the Methodist Church / Hub in the village today (Mon. 16th).
Just checked village magazine, the exhibition is open til Friday 20th for anyone interested.
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New finds beef up case for redrawing map of Roman empire by Andy B on Monday, 16 September 2019
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Dig at Ipplepen extends Roman realm of influence further south-west in UK than Exeter

The remains of a high-quality Romano-British butcher’s business and centre for crafts have been unearthed by archaeologists in Devon.

Experts believe the fourth-century abattoir was set up to prepare the best cuts of beef that were transported to customers miles away along a Roman road found at the site.

They suggest the butchers at Ipplepen, near Newton Abbot in south Devon, worked alongside a string of talented craftspeople specialising in deer antler, leather and textiles.

Previous digs at Ipplepen have unearthed Roman coins, a stretch of Roman road and the remnants of vessels from France and the Mediterranean once full of wine, olive oil and garum – fish sauce.

The site is significant because it has undermined the notion that ancient Rome’s influence had not stretched further south-west in the British Isles than Exeter, 20 miles to the north of Ipplepen.

During the latest dig, the focus has been on a spot away from what is thought to be the centre of the Ipplepen settlement. They did not find scraps of pottery that suggest homes but a ditch full of 1,700-year-old cattle bones.

The remains are mostly just the heads and feet of cattle – analysis suggests that cattle were raised locally and butchered when they were at the prime age for producing high-quality beef.
The remains of a high-quality Romano-British butcher’s business and centre for crafts have been unearthed by archaeologists in Devon.

Prof Stephen Rippon, from the University of Exeter, who is leading the archaeological work, said that if the cattle had been raised and slaughtered by peasant farmers nothing would have been left of them.

“They would have boiled down the bits that have been thrown away and made something like brawn out of them,” he said.

The age of the animals is another big clue. “The normal practice would have been to keep the cattle into old age, pulling ploughs and so on. Our cattle were one and a half to two years old – which fits in with the idea of this being professional beef production.

More at
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/sep/16/remains-of-ancient-butchers-beef-up-case-for-redrawing-map-of-roman-empire
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Re: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement (Open Day 14th September 2019) by AngieLake on Saturday, 14 September 2019
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Open Day for the annual Ipplepen dig today, 14th September. Unlike previous years, there is no parking at the site, though visitors can walk there. (A field close to previous years' excavations.)
Best to check out the info at the Hub, at the Methodist Church in the centre of the village. Visited on Friday 13th September and spent a while looking at the information boards and some exhibits (photos to be added later).
The excellent Roman coins expert who was due to be at the centre on Saturday is unfortunately unable to attend due to illness.
This is apparently the last year of the dig, because of funding, but at least they have established the edge of the settlement now.
Worth a visit, though I doubt I'll make it to the site, having been fighting an illness for two weeks.
If you have Facebook, look up Ipplepen Archaeology for photos of the site, and some finds.
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Re: The Ipplepen Dig - Torquay Museum exhibition in 2019 by AngieLake on Sunday, 30 December 2018
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Just reading the latest village magazine for January 2019, and sharing this news:

"Torquay Museum will be hosting a new exhibition in 2019 entitled IPPLEPEN - New Discoveries on the Edge of the Roman Empire - and they want to include local people's views on the research and excavations that have taken place since 2011. Please send any comments to: clare.howe@torquaymuseum.org.
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Re: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement by AngieLake on Tuesday, 11 December 2018
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A report in the December village magazine of a talk given to the Local History Group by Derek Gore:

"We had a very good attendence for our autumn talk at the Village Hall. Mr. Gore's theme was the Roman settlement of Devon and since he is an expert on all the recent research on the Roman invasion and the information from the latest archaeological finds it proved to be a very interesting evening. It was clear that the Romans moved on into Devon beyond Exeter because they were after valuable minerals. The Romans knew about these minerals because of existing trade between the Celtic tribes and mainland Europe so they were heading for coasts and river estuaries like the Dart and the Erme. They used ancient trackways crossing the Exe and the Teign and built wooden structures and forts. Even Exeter was all wood at this time, save for the bathhouse.
The route they followed took them by Ipplepen at the site of the recent excavations. According to Mr. Gore the settlement at Ipplepen seems to be unique in that it has the appearance of a village whereas at this time most of the Roman finds suggest impermanent forts and farmsteads. Of course there is the evidence of the Roman road at Ipplepen and the discovery of high status Simian pottery and amphora that can be dated. It seems the Roman soldiers could be ruthless but their very existence altered the local economy and agriculture and lead to increased trade with the rest of the Roman Empire." NB: I copied that accurately. The writer meant to say Samian pottery [or Ware], I think! (Don't think monkeys made pottery in those times...??!!)
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Re: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement (Excavations in progress July 2014) by ForestDaughter on Thursday, 04 October 2018
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Really enjoyed seeing your photos and write-up, Angie. Well documented and very interesting. Although I'm not too far away in East Devon I don't drive and have become too disabled to travel far on public transport, so it's lovely to see the latest on the site. Thank you. :)
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    Re: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement (Excavations in progress Summer 2018) by AngieLake on Thursday, 04 October 2018
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    Thank you Forest Daughter, kind of you to say so. I get lots of enjoyment too, seeing sites on Meg P that I'd never get to. It's a great resource.
    [ Reply to This ]

Re: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement (Excavations in 2018) by AngieLake on Saturday, 15 September 2018
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ADMINS: Have just submitted a load of photos from the display in the village as I wasn't able to make it to Open Day.
Have deliberately posted them from 'back-to-front' for display, so that the one showing what they've found this year [my Ipp Display K1], will be at the top when they're entered on site page.
Thus, the pics of artefacts from/ and of sites in the area in this year's display should be at the bottom when entered on site page.
Thanks.
There are some great photos of the site on their facebook page:
https://en-gb.facebook.com/IpplepenArchaeology/
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Re: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement (Excavations in August and Sept 2018) by AngieLake on Wednesday, 29 August 2018
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Searching for more info on the 2018 dig, I came across these photos on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ipplepencommunityhub
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Re: Ipplepen Archaeology Project (Excavations in August and September 2018) by AngieLake on Tuesday, 07 August 2018
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An advert in the local magazine confirms the Open Day this year as being Saturday 8th September, from 10:30am to 3:30pm.
Archaeologists and other experts available for info will be from the University of Exeter, the British Museum, the Portable Antiquities Scheme, Torbay Museum, and Devon County Council.
The event will include displays including artefacts from the site, and re-enactors, with refreshments also available.
Access to the open day will be signposted from Ipplepen village and the main A381 road.

Meanwhile, you can keep up to date with progress of the excavation from the very start by visiting the project's Information Centre at the Community Hub at the Methodist Church in Ipplepen village. It will be open weekdays between Tuesday 21st August and Friday 14th September, 10:00am - 4:00pm.
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    Re: Ipplepen Archaeology Project (Excavations in August and September 2018) by AngieLake on Thursday, 06 September 2018
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    Just a reminder about the Ipplepen Open Day on Sat. 8th Sept, if anyone is passing this way during their late summer hols.
    I found lots of info and photos on Facebook Ipplepen Archaeology:
    https://www.facebook.com/IpplepenArchaeology/
    There is also a local TV interview footage on site.
    (Missed that as I was away earlier in week.)
    Weather this Saturday is given as light cloud, with temp of 17 degs.
    [ Reply to This ]

Re: Ipplepen Excavation 2018 by AngieLake on Thursday, 19 April 2018
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A notice in the village magazine reads:
Applications are invited for places on the 2018 Ipplepen Excavation. Details can be found on the project website:
http://humanities.exeter.ac.uk/archaeology/fieldwork/ipplepen/fieldschool/.

Application forms should be sent to Professor Stephen Rippon (s.j.rippon@ex.ac.uk), or posted to him at The Archaeology Department, University of Exeter, Laver Building, North Park Road, EXETER, EX4 4QE by
Friday 11th May 2018.

The dig will run from Monday 20th August to Thursday 13th September, with the Open Day pencilled in for
Saturday September 8th.

You can follow the project on its Facebook page:
Ipplepen Archaeology.
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Re: Ipplepen Archaeology Project - 2017 Finds-Processing workshops by AngieLake on Monday, 02 October 2017
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An advert in the Ipplepen parish magazine reads:

Ipplepen Excavation

A series of workshops will be held at the Hub on 3rd, 17th and 31st October to process some of the finds from the Ipplepen excavation.
Everyone is welcome to get involved - please contact Chris Smart.
(c.j.smart@ex.ac.uk) for further details.

(http:/humanities.exeter.ac.uk/archaeology/research/projects/understandinglandscapes/activities/ipplepen/peworkshop/)
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Re: Ipplepen 2017 Dig - Rare Roman-Style Glazed Pottery cup found by AngieLake on Thursday, 13 July 2017
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This piece of glazed pottery found at this year's dig at Ipplepen has been featured twice today on South West News programme Spotlight (BBC). It isn't available at the moment, but this link should take anyone interested to the web site:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08xct52

We were told that it is the only piece found west of Wiltshire and neither has any been found in Exeter, a well-known Roman city of the time.
Initially the archaeologists thought it was more modern, but it appears that this type was made in the Roman fashion at a site west of London, around present-day Staines. It proves that Ipplepen was quite a prosperous settlement in Romano-British times and someone was rich enough to afford a cup like this, although a travelling Roman could have brought it here from London.
It will probably be on display at Torquay Museum at a future date.
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Re: Ipplepen Iron Age & Roman Settlement (Excavations in June 2017) by AngieLake on Monday, 03 July 2017
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Dig Director Professor Stephen Rippon of Exeter University made this report for The Ipplepen Magazine (July 2017) at the halfway point of the 2017 dig:

"This year we have opened up three trenches in order to explore the south-western part of the site. All three trenches have plenty of interesting features, including part of a circular 'round house' similar to those that we found in 2016. There are also a large number of pits and ditches, and even by the end of the first week we have a nice collection of Roman pottery sherds including some from 'amphora' (large storage jars containing wine or olive oil). Some pieces of mortaria (bowls for grinding up food) similarly indicate that the early occupants of Ipplepen had acquired a taste for Roman-style cooking!

Please note that the Dig was on private land which is now no longer accessible to the public.

The HLF-funded 'Understanding Landscapes' project webpage is now up and running - (http://www.exeter.ac.uk/understandinglandscapes) where details will be posted of future events including the test pitting survey."
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement by Anonymous on Sunday, 25 June 2017
can i ask why do people bang on about "roman" when a site is clearly st least 100-200 years before the roman settled or did whatever they did ?
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Ipplepen Archaeology Project (Excavations in progress June 2017) by AngieLake on Sunday, 18 June 2017
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Don't forget to check out the latest findings at this fascinating annual dig in Ipplepen, Devon.
The Hub, at the Methodist Hall in the village has a display and information Mon-Fri, 10.00am to 4.00pm.
Public Open Day this year at the site itself is Sunday next, 25th June, 2017. Open to the public from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
The project's daily blog:
http://ipplepen.exeter.ac.uk/
General info, on Webpage:
http://humanities.exeter.ac.uk/archaeology/fieldwork/ipplepen/
Enquiries: Dr Chris Smart by email: c.j.smart@exeter.ac.uk
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    Re: Ipplepen Archaeology Project (Excavations in progress June 2017) by AngieLake on Saturday, 24 June 2017
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    Remember this interesting dig has its open day on Sunday!
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      Re: Ipplepen Archaeology Project (Excavations in progress June 2017) by AngieLake on Sunday, 25 June 2017
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      Another great Open Day at Ipplepen, I hope others managed to visit.
      I have several photos which I'll endeavor to post up soon, once I've got the hang of the new system on my Windows 10, and 'new' camera ... !
      (Steep learning curve for this silver surfer!)

      Many thanks to Danielle Wootton and the team for all their hard work.
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Re: Ipplepen Dig gets new funding by AngieLake on Friday, 07 April 2017
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http://www.devonlive.com/ipplepen-archaeological-dig-gets-270-000-funding-to-help-reveal-more-of-its-roman-history/story-30256736-detail/story.html
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Re: The Ipplepen Dig - Talk Weds 29 March 2017 by AngieLake on Saturday, 25 March 2017
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From the parish magazine:
The Ipplepen Project
The Ipplepen Dig 2017. Ipplepen Village Hall. Wednesday 29 March at 7.30pm.

Project Director Stephen Rippon's talk will give an overview of the exciting discoveries from 2016 - including the chance to see some of the finds - and outline his hopes for this year's dig, which will take place from Monday 5th to Friday 30th June.

Last year's excavation revealed a sequence of occupation stretching from the Middle of the pre-Roman Iron Age (c.300 BC, around 2,300 years ago) through to the post-Roman period (the 5th century AD). Several circular 'roundhouses' were excavated, along with a deep pit that may have been for storing grain, several possible wells, and a possible trackway. Although most of the pottery from the Roman period was made locally, some of it came from as far afield as France, the Rhineland, and the Mediterranean.

Over the cold dark days of winter the University has been quietly working away on some of the finds: you can read about the Middle Iron Age cremation, a reconstructed Roman pot, and the latest radiocarbon dates on their blog: http://ipplepen.exeter.ac.uk/

Applications to take part as a volunteer are now open: please download an application form from the Ipplepen Project webpage- http://humanities.exeter.ac.uk/archaeology/fieldwork/ipplepen/fieldschool/ (see 'How to Apply') and send it to Professor Stephen Rippon at s.j.rippon@ex.ac.uk (Department of Archaeology, University of Exeter, North Park Road, EXETER, EX4 4QE) by Friday 10th March. Professor Rippon will talk about what volunteering involves and how volunteers can help with the excavations. A small number of places will be held back and made available after Professor Rippon's talk.

Angie adds: (Regarding the application closing date): I'm so sorry I didn't put this up before, but when I first got the magazine my computer was playing up and has since been replaced. Have been busy, and it slipped my mind.
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Re: Ipplepen Archaeological Project (News report of 2016 Open Day) by AngieLake on Friday, 15 July 2016
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A report from local newspaper online:
http://www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/annual-open-day-at-ipplepen-s-romano-british-settlement-proves-a-hit-with-the-crowds/story-29516246-detail/story.html
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Re: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement (Excavations in progress July 2014) by Anonymous on Monday, 11 July 2016
Any DNA results from skeletons found here ?
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Re: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement (Visit to 2016 dig open day) by AngieLake on Sunday, 26 June 2016
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I visited the dig on its Open Day on Saturday 25th June, the first time since 2013 (see earlier photos), and had a very enjoyable afternoon.
There was an amazing turn-out of people who'd come to see what progress was being made at this extensive site. (In 2013 - from memory - the field was some way from where we watched the excavations in progress today.)
There were constant queues for the guided tours of the trenches and knowledgeable young students explaining to groups of approx 20 what we were looking at. It wasn't always possible to catch what our young girl was saying, unfortunately, but no doubt someone will fill in more details when I get around to posting up my photos.
There was an intriguing deep pit that one young woman was working in, and a shallow curve of postholes in another area, where one could imagine quite a large round house once stood. At the end of that long trench a student had found a cremation burial. The guide also mentioned the findings of a 'well', from what I think I heard, it was quite a deep shaft, which made me wonder if it was indeed a well, or whether it was one of those shafts where votive deposits had been found. (This wasn't included in our tour, btw.)
(Maybe I've just been doing too much reading about Celtic Sanctuaries!)
The ground is very hard in this area, mostly shale, which must have made it quite difficult for the original settlers to dig their holes. There were many of all shapes, often rectangular, etc. No doubt there will be a summary at the end of the 2016 project when we find out the details.
On the Open Day there were around 20 people continually excavating while we walked around the perimeter.

Around the edges of the adjoining field area were many stalls, with interesting displays, i.e.: how Roman coins were made (good speaker here and constantly surrounded by visitors), and the 'Finds Tent' with actual items from this year's dig (including amphora remains, pieces of pot, lumps of clay from the wall of a round house, pieces of a Samian ware bowl, and what looked like half a quern stone), which we had to queue for, but once inside the tent were able to touch and ask any questions about (though the quern stone was wrapped up).. even a tray of sieved shale-y material, which was already very small and which the archaeologists have to examine for tiny 'foreign' pieces, like seeds, clay, or metal, etc.
There was a good poster-information display with layouts of previous years' digs. There was a stall with artefacts found in other sites, and samples of weapons from that era, also a stall showing how horses were harnessed in Roman times, with a horse skull for effect. Some re-enactors were dressed in Celtic / Iron Age clothing and surrounded by every-day artefacts and giving answers to visitors' questions. Roman re-enactors were giving interesting lectures on battle techniques (I found the demonstration of the benefits of the curved Roman shields fascinating.)
Though the event had '3.30pm' closing time, it must have run on quite late, especially in the finds tent, as it was well past 4pm when I left the site.
I'll put up some relative photos as time permits.
Thanks to the Exeter University team for an interesting day.
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    Re: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement (Visit to 2016 dig open day) by Andy B on Wednesday, 29 June 2016
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    Excellent photos and write-up - thanks Angie.
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      Re: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement (Visit to 2016 dig open day) by AngieLake on Wednesday, 29 June 2016
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      Thanks Andy (bows and curtseys!), it was a pleasure. I actually live in Ipplepen now, so thought I'd better make sure it was done properly!
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Re: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement (Excavations in progress June 2016) by AngieLake on Tuesday, 07 June 2016
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Here is the link for the 2016 blog
http://ipplepen.exeter.ac.uk/category/2016
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    Re: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement (Excavations in progress June 2016) by AngieLake on Saturday, 25 June 2016
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    OPEN DAY 25th JUNE:
    Don't forget to visit this site if you are in the Ipplepen area (between Newton Abbot and Totnes). It is open until 3.30pm.
    Sorry I didn't put up this alert earlier but have been away.
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Re: Ipplepen Iron Age & Roman Settlements (Excavations June 2016) by AngieLake on Saturday, 04 June 2016
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From Ipplepen Local History Group news, John Marsh writes:

Return of the Dig
We are pleased to report that the Exeter University Archaeological Department is returning to Ipplepen this summer to resume their dig. As you all probably know the finds so far have been of national importance and are leading to a reappraisal of Roman activity in Devon. The dig will take place between the 6th June and July 1st and there will be an Open Day on Saturday June 25th.

Of course one of the most significant finds so far has been the stretch of Roman road. It got me thinking about some of the documents that we have in our archive. Prior to Arthur French, Reg Honeywill was a wonderful recorder of all things relating to Ipplepen and we have his immaculate handwritten accounts from the 1930s and '40s. In one of his pieces Reg wrote confidently about an ancient track way coming from Exeter which passed through Sandygate into what is now Kingsteignton and then crossed the [river] Teign in the area known as Hackney marshes. The track way then crossed over Wolborough Hill into Abbotskerswell passing through Dainton on its way to Totnes via Combefishacre. The stretch of Roman road just outside Ipplepen would certainly tie in with this route and I am just left wondering where Reg got his information from all those years ago.

AGM July 4th
If you want to know more about the Romans and Ipplepen please come along to our AGM in the village hall on July 4th at 7.30pm. Simon Hughes from AC Archaeology will be there talking about the finds at the Health Centre during the recent excavations and some of the material uncovered by archaeologists during the course of the building of the Kingskerswell by-pass. [The brand-new S.Devon link road joining Newton Abbot to Torquay.] Simon is not connected with Exeter University but he may be confirming some Roman presence in Ipplepen whilst telling us a lot about the medieval priory."
(From The Ipplepen Magazine, June 2016)

Also, news from Ipplepen Community HUB, at the Methodist Church in the middle of the village:
"The Dig is back for June.
Exeter University archaeologists are back exploring the Ipplepen site. There will be an information stand at the Hub and the Dig Open Day is on Saturday 25th June."
(NB: I think info can be accessed before that?):
"From Tues 6th June - the Dig is back, searching for Ipplepen's earliest residents."
Contact: ipplepenhub@gmail.com or phone 01803 814100
More details at or ipplepen.wix.com/ipplepen-hub
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    Re: Ipplepen Iron Age & Roman Settlements (Excavations June 2016) by Dulcie on Tuesday, 07 June 2016
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    Please note that we of Dumnonika (Iron Age group) will be at Ipplepen's Open Day again this year. Do come and see us and talk to us about the Iron Age British of Dumnonia around 50BC-50AD.
    - Dulcie
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      Re: Ipplepen Iron Age & Roman Settlements (Excavations June 2016) by AngieLake on Tuesday, 07 June 2016
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      Thanks for that Dulcie, will do. I missed it last year.
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Re: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement (Open Day for Public this Saturday 25th July) by AngieLake on Wednesday, 22 July 2015
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I heard something on the radio this morning about a Roman jar being discovered at Ipplepen, and checked out the local newspaper website which has further information on this, and details of the open day this weekend.
It didn't seem to be very well advertised, and my friend in Ipplepen hadn't told me it was on, so maybe even the villagers aren't aware?

From the Herald Express:

"You are invited to a Roman town in South Devon

By Herald Express | Posted: July 22, 2015

Excavating the Roman amphora at Ipplepen

VIEW GALLERY

MEMBERS of the public invited to Ipplepen excavation Open Day on Saturday, July 25

An archaeological dig in a rural Devon village is yielding more ancient secrets.

Last year experts working on a major field study at Ipplepen, Devon, excavated a Roman road, complete with ancient wheel ruts and potholes.

Now they have uncovered new insights into how the community lived, through the discovery of new archaeological features and pottery, such as a continental food storage jug that would have travelled across Europe before it was used at the site.

The team uncovered a large fragment of storage jar, known as an amphora, buried under the surface of the Roman road. The jar was made on the continent and originally contained food such as olive oil or wine.

Danielle Wootton, the Devon Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme, based at the University of Exeter's Archaeology Department said: "It's amazing to think the amphora has travelled hundreds of miles across land and sea to end up under our Roman road at Ipplepen. The amphora had lots of 2,000 year old fractures, so we had to lift it very carefully. As you can imagine, it was a relief when we got it out in one piece."

On Saturday 25th July members of the public will have the opportunity to see the results of this year's archaeological finds at the Ipplepen site between 10am and 4pm. In addition to guided site tours, there will be Roman re-enactors, hands-on activities, bush-craft demonstrations, Sam Moorhead from the British Museum with Roman coins from the excavation, a finds identification stall and refreshments available from Hunter's brewery. The event will be signposted from the A381 at Ipplepen.

The archaeological dig, involving experts, students, and local participants, is run by the University of Exeter and is now in its fifth season. Ipplepen has been featured on the BBC 'Digging for Britain' programme several times and is due to be filmed again this year. This nationally important excavation site is supported by the Portable Antiquities Scheme, the British Museum and Devon County Council."

The Roman road revealed last summer forms part of the largest known Romano-British activity in Devon outside of Exeter. A significant number of Roman coin finds, the Roman road and a geophysical survey highlighted the importance of this extensive site and its potential to explore the relationship between the Roman empire and Britain's population at the time, specifically in the West Country. Previous field studies have revealed an Iron Age ring ditch enclosure and further Romano-British features, along with glimpses of evidence for even earlier Bronze Age and Neolithic activity.

This year, the team of archaeologists are already discovering new information about the site.

Danielle said: "We knew we had a Roman road but previously had no signs of Romano-British occupation to go along with it which was puzzling. So we've been searching for evidence of a settlement in our new trenches, looking for archaeological features- and we are finally seeing evidence for this which is brilliant news."

Professor Stephen Rippon, also from the University of Exeter's Archaeology department commented: "One of the new trenches this year is indicating that there are small structures which could be small rural ho

Read the rest of this post...
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Re: Ipplepen Romano-British settlement latest excavation news by AngieLake on Tuesday, 10 February 2015
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Exciting news tonight about the '15 skeletons discovered outside of Ipplepen'.

"Archaeologists found the ancient skeletons on the current archaeological dig in Ipplepen of a major Romano-British settlement in Devon and now the best preserved Roman cemetery in the county."

Read more: http://www.torquayheraldexpress.co.uk/15-skeletons-South-Devon/story-26001905-detail/story.html#ixzz3ROAMKjMN
Follow us: @TQHeraldExpress on Twitter | theheraldexpress on Facebook

This was also featured in 'Digging for Britain' presented by Dr Alice Roberts on BBC 4 tonight, and on our local BBC 1 Spotlight TV news in the SW of England.
In both programmes Danielle Wooton, the Devon Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme, based at the University of Exeter's Archaeology Dept described the findings.
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Re: Ipplepen Iron Age Settlement (Excavations in progress July 2014) by AngieLake on Wednesday, 16 July 2014
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The excavations have started again at Ipplepen. A daily blog has begun on their website:
http://blogs.exeter.ac.uk/ipplepenblog/

... and a friend told me that there is an Open Day on Sunday 20th.
Maybe they've mentioned this on their Facebook page?

This will be much earlier than last year, when it was held in August after a longer period of digging.

Taking a quick browse through last week's notes I see they've located a Roman road and lots of pieces of pottery.

If the forecast for heavy rain and thunder and lightning is accurate for Saturday, the site might be rather muddy!
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