News by Levels · Level 2 · Student worksheet

Old Wells Show Two Ways to Collect Water

In this lesson: Compare construction methods and identify evidence of long-term use.

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

Five wooden wells were discovered near Southampton before a modern pipeline project. Four are thought to be from the Iron Age. A fifth is Roman.

The earlier builders used hollow tree trunks. Roman builders lined a rectangular pit with planks and stakes. Both designs collected spring water.

Pottery suggests people used the water source over many centuries. Researchers are still examining the finds.

Source: UCL Archaeology South-East; Petersfield Online, 2026-11-05. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2026/nov/ancient-water-source-found-during-modern-pipeline-excavations

Read and practise

1. How were the two well designs different?

   1. Both used only hollow tree trunks.
   2. The earlier wells used planks; the Roman well used a tree trunk.
   3. The earlier wells used tree trunks; the Roman well used planks and stakes.

2. What supports the idea that people used this source over many centuries?

   1. The pottery
   2. The shape of the modern pipeline
   3. The number of researchers

Your turn

Explain one difference and one similarity between the earlier wells and the Roman well.

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/hampshire-wooden-wells-iron-age-roman-november-2026/level-2/