Highlights of the 2000 Season
The work in 1998 and 1999 had established that Mellor had been the site of a large Iron Age Hillfort. The objectives for this season were therefore to gain a fuller understading of the internal features, further investigate the defensive system and if possible to evaluate the origins of the site.In 2000 season the tree which had prevented further excavation in Trench 1 was cut down to allow excavation to reveal a full section of the inner defensive ditch (now permanently kept open) It was revealed to be an impressive metres wide and 2.1 metres deep, with a solid slab of Bedrock at the bottom.
Another area focused on continued excavation of Trench 3 which had been covered and partly back filled at the end of the 1999 season. At the West end was found a post hole and a cluster of five Flint Flakes. The large area at the East end revealed complex archaeology with features dating from Mesolithic to Romano British. Shallow intercutting ditches and a narrow gulley were found to contain Roman Samian Ware but also much earlier Flints.
Flat pieces of sandstone held verically in place may have formed the post hole of a temporary structure. It is thought that this could possible have had a light timber frame draped with skins, which would be held down in the slot by the rocks. See Pre Iron Age Structures Mellor
The hunt for the continuation of the defensive ditch to the South were unsuccessful.Trench 11 was put in where Geophysics indicated anonomolies in the corner of the field South of the car park.Unfortunately these turned out to be a natural Geological Feature, as confirmed by a visit from two geologists, Fred Broadhurst and Morven Simpson. Trench 12 and Trench 13 were opened up in the car park with a JCB but also without success.
Read the full 2000 UMAU Archaeological Report