Ep 6. An Ermine Street Pub, Cheshunt

In season 9 episode 6 of Time Team, the team tackles the task of uncovering an ancient pub located on the historic Ermine Street in Cheshunt. The team is led by presenter Tony Robinson and supported by a group of archaeologists and specialists that includes Robin Bush, Carenza Lewis, Stewart Ainsworth, John Gater, and Phil Harding. The pub is believed to have been in operation during the Roman period, and the team is eager to explore its history and uncover what lies beneath the surface.

The team begins their investigation by conducting a ground-penetrating radar survey of the area to get a sense of the hidden structures and potential features underground. They discover a large rectangular feature that appears to be a wall, along with several smaller circular features that are likely post holes. These findings lead the team to believe that the pub was likely a timber building, which is typical of Roman-era structures.

As the excavation progresses, the team discovers evidence of Roman construction techniques and materials, including pieces of Roman brick and tile. They also uncover a possible Roman ditch, which may have served as a boundary for the pub.

The team's continued investigation of the circular features leads them to believe that they may be evidence of a Roman well or cesspit. After some careful excavation, they are able to confirm that one of the features is, in fact, a well. Further examination of the well reveals a wealth of artifacts, including coins, pottery fragments, and animal bones.

The team also explores a nearby area that appears to have been a Roman road, which may have led directly to the pub. Using magnetometry and resistivity surveys, they are able to map the road and determine its exact location. The road and pub likely served as a crucial stopping point for travelers, providing them with food, drink, and shelter during their journeys.

Throughout the excavation, the team encounters a number of challenges, including heavy rain and groundwater, which brings up the question of how the pub's owners would have dealt with similar issues. Despite these obstacles, the team is able to uncover a wealth of information about the pub's history, including its construction and day-to-day operations. Their findings shed new light on the importance of the Ermine Street and provide a fascinating glimpse into life during the Roman period in Cheshunt.

Overall, episode 6 of season 9 of Time Team, titled "An Ermine Street Pub, Cheshunt," offers a fascinating exploration of an ancient pub and its surrounding area, showcasing the team's skill in uncovering history and piecing together the past. With its engaging cast and expert investigation, the episode is sure to delight history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts alike.