A SUMMARY REPORT ON EXCAVATION AT MARNEL PARK (PHASE 2), POPLEY, BASINGSTOKE, 2018.

An archaeological excavation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in February 2018, at Marnel Park (Phase 2 area), Popley, Basingstoke. The excavation was targeted on a group of later prehistoric pits identified by evaluation. Excavation confirmed a single phase of Late Bronze Age /Early Iron Age activity, represented by a group of eight pits, some of which were intercutting. Three pit fills were notably rich in charcoal and charred plant remains, while others may represent backfill deposits. One pit contained quantities of fired clay, together with quern fragments and remains of pottery vessels which appeared to have been broken in situ. These finds appear to represent a structured deposit. A small assemblage of worked flint is largely redeposited. The Marnel Park (Phase 2) site has produced evidence of peripheral Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age activity around the excavated Marnel Park/Merton Rise Phase 1 site, to the south and west. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]