'Remarkably Intact' Medieval Road Discovered In Oxford
A remarkably well-preserved Medieval stone causeway, complete with horseshoes still resting on it, was discovered beneath a field in Oxford.
Photo: Oxford Archaeology
The cobbled road was constructed of rounded river pebbles, limestone and chalk rocks and it still has ruts in its surface made by cart wheels 500 years ago.
In medieval times, cobbled roads were built primarily to address the challenges of transportation and durability.
The use of rounded river pebbles, limestone, and chalk was a practical choice.
These materials were readily available and provided a sturdy surface capable of withstanding the wear and tear of daily use.
The rounded pebbles created a relatively smooth surface, while the limestone and chalk offered strength and stability.
The cobbling technique, which involved setting stones closely together, was designed to create a durable roadbed that could endure the weight of carts and horses over long periods.
Despite the wear and tear, evidenced by the ruts left by cart wheels, these roads were remarkably resilient.
The persistent marks of cart wheels on the surface serve as a testament to their enduring use and the bustling activity of medieval transportation.
The road was discovered during The Environment Agency's £120 million project in 2017 to reduce the risk of flooding for homes and businesses in the city.
As part of this effort, Oxford Archaeology spent three months examining the city's floodplain.
Their investigation uncovered evidence of Bronze and Iron Age settlements, as well as stone flints used by hunter-gatherers.
Among their discoveries was this causeway revealed in a field near Willow Walk.
Oxford Archaeology project manager Ben Ford said: “This was a totally unexpected find.
“There are a number of roundhouses suggesting a small settlement which probably extends under South Hinksey.”
The Environment Agency said any impact of the flood scheme on ancient remains would be minimised.
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