Excavations along the M25: prehistoric and medieval sites in south-east Buckinghamshire

This report describes the results of excavations undertaken at five sites (Ponds 2, 3 and 4, Slade Oak
Lane and Pelham Widening) along the M25 in Buckinghamshire between Junctions 16 and 17 (to the
east of Gerrards Cross and Chalfont St Giles). The excavations were undertaken prior to Phase 1 of
the construction work by Skanska Balfour Beatty to widen the motorway. Further sites excavated
prior to the Phase 1 construction work which lay within Hertfordshire are described in a separate report.
Alongside small quantities of often residual worked flint, the excavations revealed features dating
from a wide range of periods. The earliest was an isolated pit associated with Beaker pottery at Pond
2. Small groups of middle Bronze Age features were found in several different areas: pits at Pond 2,
Pond 4 and Slade Oak Lane, and also gullies defining three sides of a rectangular structure or small
enclosure in a different area at Slade Oak Lane. Later activity is represented by a middle Iron Age
enclosure associated with evidence for iron smelting, and a medieval enclosure (11th-13th century)
which contained the remains of two structures, at Slade Oak Lane.
Oxford Archaeology Excavations along the M25
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