EAA 39

Extensive excavations of the Early Saxon cemetery and part of the associated settlement revealed evidence of early Prehistoric occupation on the hill top, dating from the Mesolithic to the Early Bronze Age. The Earlier Neolithic was represented by pits and other subsoil features, many of them in groups, rich in pottery and lithic material. Post-built structures were associated with two of these groups and successive, brief periods of occupation are indicated. The later Neolithic and Early Bronze Age were represented by isolated subsoil features, with pottery, but little or no lithic material. Concentrations of lithic material and sherds lay away from the features. To the north of the excavated area are two ring-ditches and a barrow, probably of Bronze Age date. The artefacts are analysed in detail, and microwear analysis on flint from one pit group provides interesting information for its original use. The results are interpreted with great thoroughness and there is useful discussion of post-depositional issues, especially the impact of ploughing and erosion on prehistoric pits. The conclusions describe the environment, economy and land use and place the site in its local and regional context. They also assess the importance of the information retrieved from Spong Hill, which has provided a useful sample of prehistoric occupation in central Norfolk.