Animal bones: [contribution to the article 'Prehistoric, Roman and post-Roman discoveries in South Somerset: The archaeology of the Ilchester to Barrington Gas Pipeline 2005-6' by M Brett, and A. Mudd]

Archaeological investigations ahead of the construction of a natural gas pipeline between Ilchester and Barrington in Somerset in 2006 examined a range of previously undiscovered prehistoric and Roman sites. Of particular interest was a group at Netherfield Farm, South Petherton that included an Early Neolithic causewayed enclosure, a Middle Neolithic long enclosure and an earlier Bronze Age open enclosure. Assemblages of pottery, flint and charred remains from, in particular, the long enclosure enabled a detailed chronological model of this monument, and a wider discussion of this and the other features of the complex. The re-occupation of the site of the causewayed enclosure in the 5th or 6th century AD, through until the 7th/8th century, was established through radiocarbon dating of the artefact-poor features. Parts of Roman settlements were examined near Compton Durville, Coat, Barrington and Ilchester giving new insights into the density, dating and character of rural settlement in the area at this time.