In the Shadow of the Tor (Bodmin Moor) | S14E13 | Time Team

Time Team Classics・2 minutes read

A scientific investigation on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall uncovers the appeal of prehistoric settlements in an inhospitable area with extensive human history, identifying Bronze Age houses and ancient structures that hint at ceremonial purposes. Various findings like hearths, pottery, and environmental samples provide insights into the area's evolution over thousands of years, with unexpected discoveries like Roman glass challenging previous assumptions.

Insights

  • The archaeological investigation on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall has unearthed evidence of extensive prehistoric settlements, including at least 200 settlements and 1,500 individual houses, shedding light on the area's rich human history and past appeal.
  • The discovery of a Neolithic cairn, Roman glass, Bronze Age pottery, and a broken flint piece suggests a continuous habitation spanning thousands of years, showcasing the evolution of land use, habitat, and human activity in the region, with potential ceremonial structures indicating a deep connection to the landscape.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall?

    Bodmin Moor in Cornwall holds a stone house that has existed for 5,000 years, once a desirable location in pre-history. The area, now harsh and inhospitable, is undergoing a three-day scientific investigation to uncover the reasons behind its past appeal and current state. Cornwall's landscape features rugged tours shaped by harsh weather over millennia, witnessing extensive human history. Recent archaeological surveys have identified numerous prehistoric settlements, including at least 200 settlements and 1,500 individual houses. The team aims to excavate and accurately date these structures to understand their purpose, potentially shedding light on the area's rich history.

  • What are archaeologists trying to determine about the structures near Roche Tor?

    Archaeologists are working to differentiate between original walls, rubble, and stones near Roche Tor to determine the layout of Bronze Age buildings. They are aiming to excavate and accurately date these structures to understand whether they were houses or livestock pens, potentially uncovering the purpose of these ancient constructions. Geophysicists are also searching for signs of burning in the buildings to identify hearths, which are crucial for interpreting the settlement's function and the daily lives of its inhabitants.

  • What environmental samples are being collected in Bodmin Moor?

    Environmental samples, including pollen, plant macro fossils, and soil phosphate, are being collected in Bodmin Moor to analyze the prehistoric landscape and climate. By studying these samples, researchers hope to gain insights into the environmental conditions that existed during the time when the settlements were inhabited. This analysis can provide valuable information about the resources available to the ancient inhabitants and how they interacted with their surroundings.

  • What significant structures have been discovered in Bodmin Moor?

    In Bodmin Moor, a Neolithic cairn built 6,000 years ago stands out as a significant structure, pointing east and believed to be unique in Britain. Additionally, Roman glass found in a house circle trench suggests an unexpected Roman presence in the area, potentially challenging previous assumptions about the region's history. These discoveries highlight the diverse and complex history of Bodmin Moor, showcasing the layers of human activity and settlement that have shaped the landscape over thousands of years.

  • What do the findings in Bodmin Moor reveal about human habitation?

    The findings in Bodmin Moor, including hearths, Bronze Age pottery, and broken flint pieces, confirm the presence of human habitation spanning thousands of years. Dung beetles found in the landscape indicate grazing animals in the area for 5,000 years, suggesting a long history of human-animal interaction. The discovery of Bronze Age pottery, decorated pieces, and a broken flint piece hint at early Neolithic settlements dating back 6,000 years, showcasing the continuity of human presence and activity in the region. These findings paint a rich picture of the long-standing relationship between humans and the landscape of Bodmin Moor.

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Summary

00:00

"Bodmin Moor Stone House: Uncovering Prehistoric Secrets"

  • Bodmin Moor in Cornwall has a stone house that has been present for 5,000 years, once a sought-after neighborhood in pre-history.
  • The area is now inhospitable, prompting a three-day scientific investigation to uncover the reasons behind its past appeal and current state.
  • Cornwall's landscape features craggy tours sculpted by harsh weather over thousands of years, witnessing extensive human history.
  • A recent archaeological survey identified numerous prehistoric settlements, including at least 200 settlements and 1,500 individual houses.
  • The team aims to excavate and determine whether the structures were houses or livestock pens, dating them accurately to understand their purpose.
  • The settlement lies near Roche Tor, potentially a Bronze Age settlement, suggesting a hive of activity despite the harsh conditions.
  • Archaeologists are working to piece together previous excavations by Dorothy Dudley in the 1940s to understand the history of the area.
  • The team is digging into the structures, trying to differentiate between original walls, rubble, and stones to determine the layout of Bronze Age buildings.
  • Geophysicists are searching for signs of burning in the buildings to identify hearths, crucial for interpreting the settlement's function.
  • Environmental samples are being collected to analyze pollen, plant macro fossils, and soil phosphate to understand the prehistoric landscape and climate.

16:09

Early British settlers excavate round houses, find surprises.

  • Britain's earliest settlers are excavating and analyzing results, finding areas of enhancement that coincide with round houses.
  • The enhancement is believed to be due to burning, suggesting the round houses were lived in.
  • Excavation disturbance by Dorothy Dudley raises concerns about the accuracy of findings.
  • Permission is sought to dig a round house that hasn't been previously disturbed for potential dates and hearths.
  • Radiocarbon dating is planned for potential dates, with a large stone possibly indicating a hearth.
  • Environmental examination of buried soils aims to understand landscape changes over the last ten thousand years.
  • Radiocarbon dating on organic remains aids in dating findings.
  • A Neolithic cairn, built 6000 years ago, is a significant structure pointing east and believed to be unique in Britain.
  • Roman glass found in a house circle trench suggests unexpected Roman presence, potentially altering previous assumptions.
  • The landscape's evolution from Mesolithic to Neolithic and Bronze Age periods is traced, showing changes in land use and habitat.

31:38

Ancient village and structures discovered on moor

  • Ian discovered a hearth, indicating human habitation on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall.
  • The team is investigating Bronze Age houses and a stone bank that predates them by 2,000 years.
  • Radiocarbon dating from charcoal in a half submerged in water is attempted but proves inconclusive.
  • Phil's trench reveals a complex Neolithic bank, impacted by World War II tank activity.
  • Dung beetles found in the landscape indicate grazing animals in the area for 5,000 years.
  • A hearth and Bronze Age pottery confirm the presence of a Bronze Age village on the site.
  • Phosphate levels in soil indicate high human activity in certain areas, possibly sacred spaces.
  • Bronze Age pottery, including decorated pieces, suggests a contemporary village on the site.
  • A broken flint piece hints at early Neolithic settlement, dating back 6,000 years.
  • Excavation of a monumental structure reveals a sophisticated relationship with the landscape, possibly used for ceremonial purposes.
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