More information : (TQ 1391 1206) Roman Temple (G.S.) (site of) (T.I.) (1) Roman temple Chanctonbury Ring excavated 1909. Finds of 1st and 2nd c. in Lewes Museum. (2-3) A separate shrine may be seen in the curious pear-shaped structure 67ft S of the square temple, but perhaps it is misunderstood. (4) Heavy concentrations of Ro brick and tile fragments and pink mortar, containing crushed tile, are much in evidence in two restricted areas within Chanctonbury IA hillfort at TQ 1393 1206 and TQ 1391 1203, which agree with the sites as shown on Mitchell's plan (Authy 3), but no foundation remains are exposed. (5) Three areas inside the hillfort (TQ 11 SW 1) were excavated in advance of tree-planting and the hard-packed chalk floor of one corner of the temple was uncovered. Much Roman pottery was found including many small vessels, presumably votive, including one intact vessel 4cm high. Pottery and coins suggest use of the temple throughout the Roman period, but mainly in the 3rd and 4th centuries. (6)
See TQ 11 SE 1 for summary of 1977 excavation results. These demonstrate that the temple was an integral part of the hillfort/enclosure during the Roman period, although there is no evidence of continuity of use of the site between the Early Iron Age and the early Roman period. (7) |