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Rampion works discovers dark secret

By: Matthew White 07/06/2018 E.ON

General Windfarms

Human remains dating back to the 11th century were found during excavation work on the South Downs for the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, with the body showing signs of a traumatic death.

Archaeologists from Archaeology South East, UCL, working on behalf of the Rampion project, uncovered the remains of the adult male aged 25 to 35 years in a well-cut grave in chalk bedrock on the south-western side of Truleigh Hill, north of Shoreham-by Sea.

The 1,000-year-old remains, thought to be an execution killing of around 1010-1025 AD, were found by archaeologists when surveying the route for the onshore cable which now carries power from the 400MW wind farm.

The skeleton was recovered intact with the exception of missing a few small bones from the hands and feet. He was laid facing upwards with his arms at his side in an east west alignment, with no sign of a coffin.

The skeleton’s age was established by radiocarbon dating which indicated death before the Norman Conquest. Further analysis revealed signs of a physically active life ending violently with cuts to the neck.

Jim Stevenson, Project Manager for Archaeology South East, said: “Specialist osteological assessment and radiocarbon dating has revealed that the skeleton is most likely to be an execution burial of the later Anglo Saxon period of around 1010-1025 AD. Most significantly two cut marks made by a sharp blade or knife were found at the mid length of the neck, which would have proved fatal for the individual.”

Chris Tomlinson, Development and Stakeholder Manager for the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, said: “We have been very intrigued by this unexpected Saxon discovery and it’s been fascinating to learn so much from the radiocarbon dating research and analysis about this person and how they met their end.”

The isolated burial was found along the ancient route of the South Downs Way in an area of known prehistoric graves recorded in the West Sussex Historic Environment Record.

“Throughout consultation and construction, we have continued to work closely with the South Downs National Park Authority and West Sussex County Council to make sure all onshore activity is carried out in a responsible way,” added Chris Tomlinson.

Elizabeth Gent, Project Manager for the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “We are working very closely with Rampion and their contractors to ensure that the scheme causes minimal impact in the protected landscape of the South Downs National Park, taking account of the rich cultural heritage and important habitats. We are pleased to see this partnership working and the excellent care being taken in dealing with such important archaeological finds.”

A full report of archaeology uncovered during construction including a complete analysis of the burial remains and other relics found along the cable route is due to be published by Archaeology South East in 2019-2020.

Rampion are holding an archaeology event at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on Tuesday 12th June at 7pm.

A number of archaeological finds uncovered during construction will be on display including the vertebrae from the Saxon skeleton showing cut marks, as well as a selection of prehistoric, Roman and medieval pottery and various flint tools.

The event is free to attend and speakers from the wind farm, environmental consultants RSK, Wessex Archaeology and Archaeology South-East will be present.

A few months ago all 116 MHI Vestas V112-3.45MW turbines began delivering power to the grid, helping to contribute more power to the UK’s growing renewables fleet. The wind farm is due to be completed later this year and will provide enough electricity to supply almost 347,000 homes a year, equivalent to around half the homes in Sussex.

The 400MW Rampion Offshore Wind Farm is located 13km off the Sussex coast and is owned by E.ON, Canadian energy infrastructure company Enbridge and a consortium comprising of the Green Investment Group, Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund 5 and the Universities Superannuation Scheme.

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Rampion works discovers dark secret

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