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Romano-British menu
AD 43 to 410 |
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Courtyard House Settlement
Courtyard houses are only found in the far west of Cornwall. They
consist of a large open courtyard defined by a massive drystone wall
with structures built around the perimeter. Usually a large round or
oval dwelling-house faces the entrance and lean-to structures occupy
the walls along either side. These ‘long rooms’ are sometimes
sub-divided and are interpreted as stores, barns and byres. They
seem to be a peculiarly localised response to changes taking place
during the Romano-British period. |
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Salt Making Site
Quantities of coarsely made local pottery eroding from a cliff on
the Lizard were the first indications of a Romano-British salt
making industry in Cornwall. The salt was obtained by evaporation of
sea water in shallow pans set above a flue. Since the initial
discovery at Trebarveth a number of other similar sites have been
recognised on the Lizard, for instance above Ebber Rocks to the
north of Black Head, but not, to date, in other parts of the county. |
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Many of the larger enclosures and hillforts are abandoned during the
first century AD, as Roman legions consolidate their
hold on southern Britain, and march westwards to establish the
fortress at Exeter. Cornwall is incorporated into this new
administrative area or 'civitas' but there are few observable
impacts on the everyday lives of the common people.
Only two military forts are known, Nanstallon west of Bodmin, on the
River Camel and Restormel overlooking the River Fowey. Their
positions at the navigable limits of these two rivers may indicate
that troops and trade moved predominantly by sea, and helps to
explain the lack of fortlets and marching camps.
Most smaller settlements and 'rounds' continue to be occupied and
new settlements develop. Excavations indicate that the natives were
able to enjoy a range of goods imported from the continent as well
as from distant parts of Britain.
Though remaining essentially Celtic in character Cornish society
changed during the 350 years of the Roman occupation. A monetary
economy is established, and trading links consolidated and
extended. Finds of high quality decorative pottery, coin hoards and
expensive high status metalwork suggest that, though unsophisticated
by Roman provincial standards, Cornwall is by no means impoverished. |
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