Ruskin College, Old Headington, Oxford

Oxford Archaeology undertook a two-stage field evaluation within the Headington grounds of Ruskin College on behalf of the College prior to determination of an application for redevelopment. This took the form of a magnetometer survey followed by the excavation of 12 trial trenches to investigate the impact areas of the proposed development. The geophysical survey produced limited results although the trenches identified remains of early Iron Age, Roman and medieval/post-medieval date. The Roman remains were restricted to Trench 9 although these are consistent with previous discoveries along the western fringe of the College grounds suggesting occupation along a raised finger of land. The Roman pottery assemblages also imply the close proximity of a mortarium production site. Significant domestic charred cereal remains were recorded from the excavated Roman feature.
Medieval remains were more limited although a 12th or early 13th century cow burial was encountered by Stoke House within the eastern portion of the site. No significant remains were encountered within the listed crinkle-crankle walled garden.