WESTHAMPNETT doth the Ice Age to the RomansOREWORD The route of the A27 Westhampnett Bypass has proved exceptionally rich in archaeological remains, mainly of the prehistoric and Roman periods. No fewer than 5 major sites were revealed by an archacological evaluation carried out in November 1991, and these sites were subsequently fully excavated between January and March 1992 in advance of road construction, ‘The project has demonstrated the enormous impact which the current roadbuilding scheme can have upon archaeological and cultural heritage. English Heritage works closely with the Department of Transport (which provides some of the funds necessary to record and publish archaeological sites), and local authorities to preserve sites of archaeological interest, wherever possible. We are greatly encouraged by our developing links with the Department and its acceptance that archaeology be taken into consideration during earliest stages of planning a new road. AS an increasing number of roads are due to be biilt in this decade, we regard this early planning as an essential method for ensuring that important archaeological sites are (if possible) preserved or recorded in advance of their destruction, ‘The results of the Westhampnett Bypass excavations will be published after archaeologists have carried out a detailed study on their findings, but they will undoubtably provide exciting new evidence for the development and use of this part of the Chichester floodplain. As one of the responsibilities of English Heritage is to encourage a wider understanding and enjoyment of the historic environment, we are pleased to be able to support the production of this booklet, which presents, in advance of the final publication, some of the most important and lunexpected results unearthed by the archaeologists earlier this year. DAVID WILSON Chairman, Ancient Monuments Advisory CommitteeWESTHAMPNETT from the Ice Age to the Romans ntroduction In ten busy weeks between January and March 1992, a team of 70 people excavated 5 main areas along the line of the new A27 Westhampnett Bypass outside Chichester. This booklet looks at why the excavations were carried out, how, and what they will tell us about 10,000 years of history from the end of the Ice Age to the Roman Period. A. Excnonting am Irom Age burial 4 Exewontion of an tr Wo ne reconstr and added a bag ‘cremated bone and oferings of frat and floes Yow cae see piture ofthe burial as excneta later on