Romano-British Settlement and Industry on the Wetlands of the Severn Estuary

Abstract

A review of the post-glacial geology and geomorphology of the Severn Estuary provides a context for the description and evaluation of eight sites on the margins of the Severn upstream of the Rivers Avon and Wye where Romano-British occupation debris has been recovered. This evidence provides further confirmation of the extent of the reclamation and settlement of the wetlands of the Severn during the Roman period. In addition, all sites produced clear evidence of ironmaking, employing Forest of Dean ore, and one site produced indications of glassworking. In conjunction with a comparative study of the pottery assemblages from riverside and inland sites, the role of the river as a trade route is reviewed.