Local Archaeology

Bronze Age Settlement (Bicester)

Between November 2013 and January 2014, archaeologists excavated the site of what is now the Tesco Superstore in Bicester; in doing so, they discovered the foundations of at least seven Bronze Age buildings, and evidence of a now-dry watercourse. They also found three graves, containing cremated remains. Postholes around the site indicated the presence of stock enclosures or settlement boundaries. Roman and Post-Medieval features were also identified.

Sadly, these discoveries were not deemed to be of enough importance for the authorities to consider them deserving of protection.

The Stoke Lyne Hoard (Stoke Lyne)

Back in September 2016, a metal detectorist unearthed 1,690 Roman coins, which dated back to the 3rd century AD. As of 2022, it was the largest coin hoard in Oxfordshire County Council's collection.

The coins had been placed inside a large clay vessel, and buried near Stoke Lyne (presumably for safekeeping). We can only speculate as to why the owner never returned to collect his fortune.

Flint Hand-Axes (Wolvercote)

These flint hand-axes were made by Neanderthal hunters living near Wolvercote (roughly 10 miles from Bicester) approximately 340,000 - 300,000 years ago. The remains of mammoths and other animals were also found nearby, some of which showed evidence of being killed and butchered by these early humans.

Source: Museum of Natural History/University of Oxford.

Roman Mill-Stones (Oddington)

During the 1970's, two mill-stones were unearthed near Oddington, close to the site of a possible Roman camp within the parish. The date of the stones is contemporary with the time of the camp's occupation.

Joseph's Stone (Otmoor)

"There, in the lonely centre of Otmoor, lies all that is left of a landmark of somewhat scriptural phraecology. It has fallen into two, possibly three pieces. The base of the stone is considerably wider than the upper part: reconstructed, it seems to have been not more than eight feet high, with two rough indentations bearing a certain resemblance to steps. They are at the edge of the stone on one side, the first between three and four feet from the ground, the second a foot higher. The appearance of the steps may have given rise to a statement that the stone was erected as an aid to a rider who should be unwisely dismounted in a land so barren of handy stone blocks, and so destitute of gates and fences, as was Otmoor before the days of its enclosure. A more likely reason for it's whereabouts can be found by anyone who will picture the situation of a traveller across the moor on a winter's afternoon a hundred years ago. The land is flat, the stone stood high. Once at this great primitive signpost, he would know that if he walked straight on for about a mile - either north, south, east or west - he would arrive safely at one of the townships. If you let your fancy turn to an even earlier date, might not the stone have been the mooring place for the official fowler or fisher, or perhaps the meeting place of the primeval 'Moor-Court'? Or, if you wish to be of your century, plain and prosaic, then you may declare that 'Joseph's Stone' is nothing more than a strictly utilitarian stone post, against which cattle may rub themselves. It seems a pity that no society undertakes the small business of re-erecting the stone. It may be of no real archaeological value, but in that case, the collection of so much mystery round no nucleus at all surely deserves a standing monument."

~ Oxford Times, 9th August 1902.

Sadly, only one small fragment of the stone now remains. 

Ancient Settlements (Ardley)

Between August and November 2022, Cotswold Archaeology carried out excavations at Symmetry Park near Ardley; amongst their findings were features dating back to the Iron Age, Romano-British period, and Medieval/Post-Medieval periods. There were also earthworks, which were representative of a shrunken medieval village.

The full report can be downloaded here: https://reports.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk/

Image sources: Cotswold Archaeology.

Late Iron Age/Early Roman Settlement (Bretch Hill, Banbury)

Back in 2017, Headland Archaeology carried out excavations at Bretch Hill, Banbury; their findings included the identification of a late Iron Age/early Roman settlement, including animal enclosures, evidence of dwellings and pottery.

Roman Burials (Bicester) 

One of two Roman burials found near Howes Lane, Bicester, back in 2019.

Source and more info: https://cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk/life-in-the-hinterland-of-roman-alchester/

Saxon Settlement (Bicester)

Between 1999 - 2002, Wessex Archaeology carried out excavations on land behind The King's Arms Hotel (Bicester), prior to development; their findings included the foundations of three buildings dating back to the 6th - 7th centuries, and five other timber-framed dwellings from the late Saxon Period. They also found plenty of medieval artefacts on the site, which was subsequently renamed as Saxon Court.

The town expanded rapidly from this relatively small settlement, originally established by settlers from the Germanic region of mainland Europe.

The full report (and the source of the images below) can be downloaded and read for free here: https://www.oxoniensia.org/volumes/2002/harding.pdf

Roman Coin Hoard (roughly 6 miles from Bicester)

This small hoard of 17 coins was discovered by a metal detectorist about 6 miles from Bicester in the 1980's (although they declined to divulge the exact location); they mostly date from the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius Mauseus Caurasius - better known simply as Caurasius, or by Augustus (a name he chose for himself) - who ruled from 286 - 293 AD. He was assassinated in Britain by his former finance minister, Allectus, who succeeded him as Emperor for three years.

Source and full report: https://www.britnumsoc.org/publications/Digital%20BNJ/pdfs/1982_BNJ_52_3.pdf