Excavations at Abergavenny, 1962-69: I, Prehistoric and Roman finds

Rescue and research excavations in the town have yielded much new information. At Flannel Street a two-period Roman ditch, although non military in profile, may relate to a fort annexe or perhaps a vicus. The finds throw light on the little-known fort of Gobannium, which must have been in occupation at least as early as AD 60, possibly even by 47. A reduction of garrison may be indicated c 150, when the Flannel Street ditch was filled and a new building erected. The coarse wares are compared with those of the Usk garrison currently being excavated. Prehistoric material, not meaningfully stratified, includes Neolithic flints, ?Mortlake ware and some EIA pottery. A bronze loop-shanked triskele pendant is described and set in its late EIA/early RB context. Medieval and post-medieval finds will be described in a later issue.