Monument record THS 063 - OUTLINE RECORD: Early Iron Age and Romna activity, Land Off, Church Road, Access Via Garden of 'The Firs' (BRIT) EVAL - (MOLA)

A trial trenching evaluation was undertaken. The first discernible phase within the site is attributed to the Early Iron Age and relates to a pit. The second phase of activity relates to the Roman period, and is represented by pitting and land division activity within the central and eastern portions of the area investigated. This phase is also the most dominant on the site. The most significant pit was heavily truncated but contained semi-articulated human remains. The remains are those of an adult, with fusion of the bones indicating that they were over twenty years old. Of significant interest was the presence of a well-preserved iron chain. The chain was a substantial length of almost half a metre and comprised alternate figure of eight and rectangular loops, with eight of each type in the chain. Roman entries in the SHER are sparse in the area so this assemblage and feature grouping is of interest. There is a Roman road through Thurston to the west and the evidence found on the site could relate to the peripheral activity of a roadside settlement. The third phase is represented by a single ditch. The projection of the ditch appears to align with the Tithe plan of 1839 and represents a former post medieval field division (S1).