Ep 7. Iron-Age Market, Helford

Time Team season 9 episode 7, titled "Iron-Age Market, Helford," focuses on the excavation of an Iron Age market in Helford, Cornwall. The episode opens with Tony Robinson and the team introducing the site and the project at hand. The team is tasked with uncovering an Iron Age market that was once thought to be one of the most important trading centers in the country.

The team begins by conducting a geophysical survey of the site, which reveals a wealth of detail about the layout of the former market. They identify several circular structures that are believed to be the remains of market stalls, as well as a rectangular structure that is thought to be a trading hall.

The team then starts their excavation, focusing initially on one of the circular structures. They quickly hit upon the remains of an ancient oven, which they believe was used to bake bread or other goods for sale at the market. The excavation also reveals evidence of metal-working activities, with several iron objects and slag found near the oven.

As the team continues to dig, they uncover more evidence of the market's use as a trading center. They find numerous pottery fragments that suggest the market was a hub for imports from across the Roman Empire, as well as several coins from the period.

The team also uncovers evidence of the market's role as a meeting place and social hub for the local Iron Age community. They find a large circular structure that they believe was used for communal gatherings, as well as a number of post holes that suggest the presence of a large wooden building nearby.

Throughout the episode, Tony and the team provide fascinating insights into the history and culture of the Iron Age, and the valuable role that markets like this played in the lives of ancient communities. They also discuss the challenges of excavating such a complex and multi-layered site, and the importance of combining the latest scientific techniques with traditional excavation methods.

Overall, the episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of Cornwall and the wider Iron Age world, and showcases the knowledge, dedication, and hard work of the Time Team as they uncover the secrets of this ancient market.