Dig at Roman site unveils new discoveries

New discoveries have been made during the latest excavation at a Roman site.

The Culver Archaeological Project team has been digging at Bridge Farm, Barcombe Mills, near Lewes.

Among this year's discoveries are possible rows of shallow postholes and a possible timber-lined well.

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A spokesman for The Culver Archaeological Project said: "It has been another brilliant year at Bridge Farm with almost perfect digging conditions after a very wet first week.

"This has allowed new features to be investigated plus further excavation of some of the deeper pits commenced in 2023.

"Surface trowelling has revealed several possible rows of shallow postholes suggesting the location of rectangular structures.

"Work is still under way to safely excavate what is believed to be a timber-lined well. This has required serious work to create a stepped excavation by hand to allow access to the timbers which are two metres below the trench surface.

"Regular pumping is also required as the feature extends below the permanent waterline; the waterlogged environment having protected the timbers and some leather shoe fragments for nearly two millennia."

An open day at the site will be held on July 13.

From 10am to noon, archaeological team members will give tours of the excavation site.

There will also be a display of Roman artefacts found during this year’s dig, as well as selected pieces from past explorations including whole Roman pottery vessels from Britain and the continent, tiles, brooches, coins and unique 1,800-year-old roof timbers.

The finds team will be on hand to talk about the discoveries and commemorative mugs and T-shirts will be available for a donation.

More information can be found at www.culverproject.co.uk.

So far, the team said, the project has attracted  more than 80 volunteers and visiting students.

Later this year there will be an exclusive exhibition featuring artefacts and display boards explaining the Bridge Farm site at Worthing Museum.

This will run from September 21 until January 12 next year.