Phantassie Farm

NT57NE 227 5961 7688

NT 5961 7688 During evaluation of the A1 dual carriageway corridor, the remains of a later prehistoric settlement were discovered on Phantassie Farm, above the break of slope that leads down to the River Tyne valley, at between 55-60m above OD. The settlement was excavated from May to July 2002 in a trench measuring approximately 80 x 60m.

The main focus of the settlement occupied the E part of the trench and extended over an area c 60 x 30m. The sequence identified here fell into two main phases of construction with several sub-phases, each main phase succeeded by a period when occupation deposits accumulated. During the earlier phase, the main settlement occupied a platform defined by a massive stone wall-base, with posts set along it and possibly forming a palisade. There was a principal building, sub-rectangular in plan with bowed sides and of timber construction, and some less substantial outbuildings. Two small ditches curved around the southern side of the principal building, with posts set along the outer edge of the inner ditch.

In the later phase, the sub-rectangular structure was replaced by a large sub-circular or annular structure defined by substantial paving and post-holes. The perimeter wall or palisade remained in use, but the platform it defined became much more crowded with small, cellular buildings that may have been gradually tacked onto each other and to the principal building and its approach. Some of these smaller buildings may have been used for storage or industrial purposes.

The NW part of the site, separated from the main settlement area by outcropping bedrock, comprised a well-laid cobbled surface surrounded by rough walling, with a double line of post-holes defining a possible entrance from the S. The cobbles sealed a deep organic midden deposit that filled a large sub-rectangular hollow in the bedrock.

A rim sherd of 2nd-century samian ware was found at the base of the midden deposit. The large artefactual assemblage from across the site also includes copper-alloy penannular and fibula brooches, pins and a bracelet; fragments of 2nd-century Roman glass bangles; shale rough-outs and other objects; spindle whorls; whetstones and other coarse stone tools; and a large quantity of coarse pottery. (GUARD 1243)

Sponsor: Scottish Executive Department of Transport and Planning.

O Lelong 2002