A Hint of Exeter's Hinterland and Port: A New Large Aisled Hall Building at Wessex Close, Topsham, Devon

Abstract

ABSTRACTA large aisled hall building excavated at Topsham, near Exeter, Devon, dates to the late second and third centuries a.d. and would have been used simultaneously for domestic accommodation, crop processing, fish sauce making, industrial activities and storage. Its large size is unique in the hinterland of Roman Exeter and this is almost certainly due to its prime position next to both the Exe estuary and the Roman road between Topsham and Exeter. The issues raised in regard to the relationship between Exeter and its hinterland are discussed.