The Defences of the Lower City: Excavations at the Park and West Parade 1970-2 and a Discussion of Other Sites Excavated Up to 1994

Edited by Michael J. Jones. With contributions by Marion Archibald, Joanna Bird, T. F. C. Blagg, Hilary Cool, Margaret J. Darling, Brenda M. Dickinson, Katherine F. Hartley, Julian Henderson, Sarah Jennings, Christine Jones, J. R. Magilton, Jenny Mann, G. C. Morgan, Jennifer Price, Valerie Rigby, David Roffe, Sally Scott, D. F. Williams and Jane Young. Volume concerned principally with two large scale excavations which took place on the line of the western defences of the lower walled Roman city. The discoveries are set into the context of other evidence that has emerged for the lower circuit. Timber structures from the early second century predated the construction of the defences. The earliest fortifications, consisting of a wall, sand and clay rampart and contemporary ditch, were being built towards the end of the second century and the rampart was subsequently extended and interval towers added. Major refurbishment took place during the fourth century. Reoccupation of an urban nature did not occur in this area before the eleventh century, with the remains of yards to the rear of properties further east being found. Finds include an important assemblage of Roman pottery, plus medieval pottery groups, animal bones and other medieval material. A critical study is included of both earlier and more recent discoveries of remains of the lower defences, while the sequence and its significance are discussed in detail. A synthesis of the evidence for the Roman defensive system is put forward, to compare with both the upper circuit and with other sites. The medieval evidence is set against documentary sources.