A lecture by Andrew Fitzpatrick of Wessex Archaeology.
In late 2004 a metal detectorist chanced upon a major hoard of what turned out to be large Iron Age cauldrons on the edge of the village of Chisledon. It was a little while before the significance of the find was appreciated but Wessex Archaeology carried out a lengthy excavation, donating their time and expertise for free.
The cauldrons appear to mark the site of a large feast near the line of the ancient Ridgeway. It is speculated that they may have been buried as part of a ritual following a celebration to commemorate a high-society marriage, political alliance or an end to hostilities.
The find has been described by the British Museum (where the cauldrons are now undergoing conservation) as “unprecedented, not just nationally significant but of great interest too to many of their colleagues in Europe”.
A fuller account of the discovery appears in Issue 214 (January 2008) of Current Archaeology.
Dr Andrew Fitzpatrick is one of the senior staff of Wessex Archaeology, and oversaw the excavation of the cauldrons.
Booking: Recommended. Contact the Bookings Secretary on 01380 727369
http://www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk/events/index.php?Action=2&thID=353&prev=1
Something is not right. This message is just to keep things from messing up down the road