Ancient artefacts discovered during excavation for new Southern Water sewage schemeÂ

EXCAVATIONS to create a new sewage scheme for Southern Water have uncovered remarkable artefacts dating back thousands of years.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Oct 2018, 10:38 BST
Updated 16th Oct 2018, 11:45 BST
Henry Callender inspects some of the findings. Picture: Southern WaterHenry Callender inspects some of the findings. Picture: Southern Water
Henry Callender inspects some of the findings. Picture: Southern Water

Archaeology South-East has been digging up items dating back as far as 3500BC in Chichester.

The work is taking place ahead of the construction of a major new wastewater main being installed by Southern Water.

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Archaeology South-East project manager Jim Stevenson said: '˜Southern Water's new water main scheme presented a unique opportunity to investigate what was essentially a 10km long transect across the hinterland of Chichester, enabling archaeologists to gain a keyhole-like view of patterns of human settlement and industry spanning late prehistory to the present day.

'˜This selection of finds are just a few of the many that were found during the excavations.'

Among the discoveries were Neotholic materials such as an antler pick, waste from flint knapping, meals and charred plant material.

Large deposits of Roman pottery were also found. 

Southern Water project manager David Winterburn said: '˜These archaeological finds are absolutely fascinating and it's unsurprising really given the history of Chichester.

'˜Excavations and surveying work often play a big part of our capital schemes where investing to upgrade or improve the water network in any given area.'

Related topics:Southern WaterChichester