Discovery at Royal Wootton Bassett suggests history dates to Iron Age
Excavations reveal ancient agricultural settlement at Brynards Hill
Archaeologists have unearthed evidence of an Iron Age site in Royal Wootton Bassett at Brynards Hill, extending the town’s known history by a thousand years.
In the spring of 2025, a geophysical survey initiated by the Town Council revealed a man-made circular ditch feature at Brynards Hill located in Coronation Country Park.
Subsequent excavation by the Wiltshire Museum’s Archaeology Field Group in May has confirmed the presence of a circular bank and ditch enclosure.
The dig, which spanned three days and involved volunteers from RWB Academy and the local community, found pottery dating back to the late prehistoric period.
Wessex Archaeology has verified these findings, suggesting that rather than a defensive hillfort, the site was likely an Iron Age farming settlement.
This settlement comprised circular thatched huts secured within a ditch and bank, protected by a timber palisade.
Surrounding fields would have been utilised for farming, while the enclosure offered a safe haven for families and livestock during the night.
‘This is an exciting discovery that effectively pushes RWB's known history back a thousand years earlier than previously documented,’ said David Carson.