Abstract
OXFORD, like the Irish States (see NATURE of June 11, p. 1041), has made use of measures for the relief of unemployment to further archaeological studies. Voluntary labour from the Oxford and Wales camps of the Universities Council for Unemployed Camps has carried out excavations on Farington Clump during two seasons, proving it to be the site of the Adulterine Castles raised by Robert of Gloucester against King Stephen. In 1937, excavations were begun on a Romano -British and early Saxon cemetery site at Frilford. Here, under the direction of Dr. L. H. Dudley Buxton, members of a camp near Eynsham, consisting of ninety men from South Wales and twenty-five university men, worked daily on the Romano-British area. They located six graves and established the northwestern limits of the cemetery. A hoard of thirty coins made it possible to date the site with some precision. The Saxon area is of special interest, as it is one of the sites, rare in Britain, which was in continuous occupation during the period of Saxon penetration. Excavations are being continued at Frilford and on a site in the north of England. The men, some of whom have been out of work for years, showed a ready response, both technically and intellectually, to archaeological training, and their interest in the results was keen. The three weeks in camp produced a marked improvement in physique. Funds for the continuation of this work are urgently needed, especially as the applications from clubs for the unemployed are increasing. Contributions may be sent to the treasurer of the appeal, Mr. J. Kelly, 16 Charlbury Road, Oxford.
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Archæology and the Unemployed at Oxford. Nature 142, 425 (1938). https://doi.org/10.1038/142425c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/142425c0