Sonning Eye Quarry, Northern Extension, Caversham, Oxfordshire

Between the 19th December 2003 and 23rd January 2004 Oxford Archaeology (OA) undertook an archaeological field evalaution on land at Sonning Eye Quarry, Caversham, Oxfordshire on behalf of John Samueals, Archaeological Consultants. The evaluation demonstrated that there was a preserved sequence of alluvial and peat deposits on the site, which overlay an ancient palaeochannel. Evidence for pre-historic activity was recovered, including a flint assemblage which suggested a low intensity usage of the site from Mesolithic through to Brinze Age. In addition a number of features were identified near the boundary between an apparent island of free draining sands and surrounding wet land. The features were excavated into surviving ancient ground surfaces and included a pre-Christian Grave of Iron Age or later date, ditches and post holes. In the margins of the peat to the west of the site, evidence for timbers and possible stabilisation of the wet ground was recorded.