Excavations at Deansway, Worcester 1988-89

In 1988 and 1989 large areas in the centre of Worcester were excavated, in advance of the construction of a shopping centre, providing a unique opportunity to examine the development of the city. Although little prehistoric evidence was recovered, the project identified the remains of a Roman small town, with most intense occupation between the 2nd and 4th century. The evidence indicated that ironworking and livestock were two staples of the town's economy. Medieval discoveries included Anglo-Saxon defences, evidence of Anglo-Norman lime-burning and metalworking, and the first complete plan of an 11th- or 12th-century stone hall uncovered in Worcester. A later medieval bronze foundry was also recorded. This substantial and well-presented report publishes descriptions of the archaeological remains, with a full chronological synthesis, and numerous specialist finds reports on pottery, building materials, ironworking residues, metalwork, jewellery, glass, coins, inscriptions, worked stone, bone and antler tools, human skeletal remains and other environmental remains. Many of the features and finds are illustrated.