Borras Quarry, Wrexham
Borras Quarry, which extracts sand and gravel, lies some 3.5km north-east of the centre of Wrexham. The discovery of a number of pits with evidence for in situ burning during soil stripping operations associated with the expansion of the Quarry, in the Spring of 2008, led to the detailed examination of a large area, revealing significant evidence for prehistoric and later activity. The excavations identified a range of features focusing on a number of pit groups, together with other outlying features. Since that initial discovery, we have returned to the site year after year to monitor the quarries expansion, and we continue to be amazed by the rich archaeology of the site.
Later phases of expansion have produced further archaeological discoveries and between 2009 and 2012, evidence from pottery and radiocarbon dates suggested two distinct phases of prehistoric activity, during the Neolithic and Bronze Age, as well as limited Early Medieval activity.
The Neolithic activity was characterised by several pit groups which included features filled with quantities of charcoal and fire-cracked stones (see right), indicating their use as earth ovens, as well as several obvious hearths. Although a number of post-holes were identified it was not possible to discern any definite structures. Several pits contained Peterborough Ware and radiocarbon dating suggests a period of activity between around 3600 BC and 2900 BC.
Between 2008 and the present we have found thousands of sherds of prehistoric pottery from the site, many of which have impressed or grooved decoration. To the left you can see the remians of an impressed and grooved decorated rim from the late Neolithic period.
A later phase of activity, during the Bronze Age, included a single cremation which had been placed within a small pit, but without any evidence for a container. The cremation has been dated to 1916–1748 cal. BC, while dates for an adjacent post-hole, together with several pits from elsewhere on the site indicate a range of activity between around 2200 and 1300 BC
During the 2015-2016 excavations, parts of a Romano-British field system were identified, associated with Roman pottery and a single coin, which suggested a broad date range of the second and third centuries AD, possibly extending into the fourth century. A fragment of a glass vessel was also identified (see right). The distribution of the Roman features and finds suggests that the main focus of activity may lie justoutside the extraction boundary for the Holt Estate, possibly a prosperous farming settlement, or a small villa, within the immediate vicinity.
A small number of discrete pits have also produced evidence for probable smithing activity during the Early Medieval period, although there is no indication of any associated structures or evidence for permanent settlement.
The discoveries at Borras have made a significant contribution to our knowledge of human activity in north-east Wales during the earlier prehistoric period in particular,as well as providing a rare glimpse into the centuries following the Roman withdrawal from Britain. Our work here is ongoing and we hope to make further disocveries to enhance our understanding of this superb site.
