In 2013 and 2014, Oxford Archaeology carried out an excavation along the route of the Bexhill to Hastings link road for Hochtief Vinci JV. The fieldwork, which involved archaeologists from all three of OA’s offices and was assisted by members of the Hastings Area Archaeological Research Group, became one of OA’s largest and most significant projects.
Multiple teams uncovered evidence of national importance. Over 100 flint scatters, the earliest dated to the Late Upper Palaeolithic, the latest Neolithic, and many others dating to the late Mesolithic, were recorded. Prehistoric burnt mounds were also uncovered.
Excavations on a Roman bloomery revealed furnaces, a large slag heap, ore-roasting platforms, and evidence for structures. Two of the furnaces appear to be unique within the Weald and possibly in Britain.
Post-excavation assessment of the sites, finds and environmental evidence is now under way. Updates will be posted here in due course, but in the meantime, click on the links below for previous news stories about the project.
Bexhill-Hastings Link Road discoveries to feature in CBA conference on the Mesolithic
Finds from Bexhill-Hastings link road on display
Flint scatters and other prehistoric discoveries beneath Bexhill-Hastings link road
