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Dredged Up from the Past – Issue 10 – Archaeological Finds Reporting Service Newsletter

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:49:28 GMT

Welcome to Issue 10 of Dredged Up, the popular newsletter of the BMAPA/TCE/EH Protocol Implementation Service. October marked the beginning of the new Protocol year and the 2010-2011 annual report was published in December. You can download it, and all Protocol annual reports from: http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/marine/bmapa/docs.html This year’s report contains all the wharf reports produced during the 2010-2011 Protocol reporting year, as well as two interesting case studies on other industry protocols that have developed out of the BMAPA/TCE/EH experience and another on faunal remains from the seabed.

Renewing The Past - Newsletter 3

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:56:05 GMT

Welcome to the third issue of Renewing the Past, the Offshore Renewables Protocol Newsletter. The first year of the Offshore Renewables Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries (ORPAD) has now ended. This month you will see new additions to the website, including guidance notes for Nominated Contacts and Site Champions, which you can find by checking the ORPAD webpages: http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/marine/tcerenewables

Time Team - Groby Hall, Leicestershire

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:32:40 GMT

In April 2010 an archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at the site of a Norman motte and bailey castle and medieval manorial site at Groby Old Hall (NGR 452396 307624; Scheduled Ancient Monument 17066). The castle motte incorporates a rare substantial internal Norman stone building. The site was subsequently re-used as the location for a medieval manorial complex, one of the most extensive in Leicestershire. Extant and below-ground ruins of this manor survive to the south of the motte, some incorporated into the buildings of Groby Old Hall. The present Hall, built in stone, was extended in brick in the late 15th century. An evaluation comprising eight trenches demonstrated a complex sequence of buildings on the Site. Initially, the focus of occupation was likely to have been the defensive motte, keep and bailey ditch in the northern part of the Site. This early castle was built by Hugh de Grantmesnil in the late 11th century, and may have been slighted by Henry II in 1176 after a siege. The evaluation by Time Team, and excavations in the 1960s under the auspices of the Ministry of Works, indicate that the motte was built around the lower part of the stone keep.

Time Team - Tottiford, Dartmoor, Devon

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:17:51 GMT

In August 2010 an archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at the site of Tottiford Reservoir, Dartmoor National Park, Devon (NGR 281100, 083150). Lower than usual water levels in 2009 had led to the identification of a previously unknown stone circle, as well as two stone alignments and a number of possible cairns. An evaluation comprising twelve trenches provided an opportunity to investigate these features. A combination of evaluation and geophysical survey confirmed the presence of the stone circle, estimated to be around 25m in diameter and to have contained between nine and 18 stones. The Tottiford stone circle brings the total of free-standing stone circles on Dartmoor to 15. No suitable dating material was obtained for this feature, although a concentration of probable later Mesolithic worked flint was found within the circle. A north-west – south-east aligned double stone row appeared to be aligned towards a raised mound which lay to the south-west of the circle. Its alignment and situation in the river valley are unusual. A radiocarbon date of 4590-4450 cal. BC was obtained from a fragment of charred hazelnut shell found within the deliberate backfill of one of the stone settings. This is thought to pre-date the feature itself as a fragment of late prehistoric pottery was also obtained from the sample.

Time Team - Llancaiach Fawr, Gwent

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:52:48 GMT

In June 2010 an archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at the site of Llancaiach Fawr Manor and grounds (National Grid Reference (NGR) 311361 196618), Cadw listed building reference number 13562 – Grade 1. The present Manor House is known to be predominantly of 16th century date, and was built for the Pritchard (ap Richard) family, but is thought to occupy the site of an earlier manorial complex. Previous archaeological work on the Site, including geophysical survey and trial trenching, had located a large rectilinear ditch or ‘moat’ to the east of the Manor House, as well as other features such as a cobbled surface and possible buried walling. A series of earthworks, also to the east of the House, were surveyed by the RCAHMW in the 1970s, but are no longer visible; their location currently lies under a car park. The Time Team evaluation, comprising eight trenches, found no conclusive evidence of any medieval structure (or associated activity) thought to have occupied the Site prior to the current Manor House, although one fragment of medieval roof tile was recovered in a later deposit. Activity in the vicinity of the house was predominantly post-medieval and modern, associated with the use of the Manor as a farm and later as a private house. Examples include a cobbled yard and path, made-ground and animal burials.

Time Team - Castor, Cambridgeshire

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:30:46 GMT

In June 2010 an archaeological evaluation comprising the excavation of five trenches and a geophysical survey was undertaken by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ around St Kyneburga’s Church, Castor, near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire (NGR 512468.94, 298527.97) to investigate the remains of an extensive complex of Roman buildings. These buildings were first investigated in the 1820s by antiquarian Edmund Artis, and the buildings were interpreted as a single unified structure, subsequently termed a Praetorium. Several other investigations into the Praetorium of Castor took place following the publication of Artis’s work in 1828 in an attempt to refine the complex’s layout. Time Team’s work aimed to clarify the layout of the Praetorium and to phase the development of the buildings. In this the evaluation was only partially successful. Four of the five trenches were positioned in areas which had been previously excavated, and there proved to be a lack of stratified dateable artefacts which could be used to phase the different elements of the building complex. Furthermore, due to the small size of the trenches it was unclear whether the building remains in fact represented a single unified structure or a series of detached buildings. What was clear, however, was that substantial building remains still survive in and around the church of St Kyneburga, and that the work by Edmund Artis in the 1820s had produced very accurate plans and records for the time.

Time Team - Les Gellettes, Jersey

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:23:41 GMT

In May 2010 an archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Channel 4’s Time Team at the site of the German 2nd Battery of mixed anti-aircraft battalion 364 to the south of Les Gellettes on the island of Jersey, centred on X:38458.40, Y:68062.53. The Battery was constructed following the Occupation of the island in July 1940 and contained six 88mm and three 20mm anti-aircraft guns, just a small percentage of the 165 anti-aircraft guns recorded on the island by November 1944. The evaluation aimed to identify the character, date, condition and extent of both the surviving earthworks and extant remains within the Battery and the underlying archaeological remains, following the post-war reclamation of the site and its return to agriculture.

Time Team - Mont Orgueil, Jersey

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:07:09 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Videotext Communications Ltd to undertake a programme of archaeological recording and post-excavation work on an archaeological evaluation undertaken by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at the site of Mont Orgueil Castle, Gorey, St Martin (Registered Historic Building MNO181), on the Island of Jersey (co-ordinates X 426857.9877156724, Y 5427937.523178127). The evaluation, comprising eight trenches, uncovered part of the medieval northern defences of the Castle as well as identifying some possible prehistoric activity. The work was carried out from 18th-21st May 2010. A trench by the foot of the Grand Battery indicated that the northern curtain wall survives to some height alongside the north wall of the Grand Battery. It also identified remnants of defensive towers to the west of this which, although identified in the 1930s, have since been hidden by vegetation. Ground penetrating radar survey suggested a previously unknown tower base within the area of the Grand Battery. As well as two interventions across the defensive ditch known to lie at the base of the granite outcrop on which the Castle sits, the evaluation also identified a second defensive ditch running across the area to the north-west of the Castle known as the Castle Green.

Time Team - Buck Mill, Somerset

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:56:18 GMT

In April 2010 an archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at Buck Mill, Stoke Trister, near Wincanton, Somerset (NGR 374590 128228) to investigate the site of a watermill recorded in Domesday Book (1086). The programme of works also investigated the standing remains of a post-medieval mill building and earthworks indicative of water management. Examination of the Domesday reference, other documentary evidence and watercourse earthworks identified two possible locations for mills pre-dating the post-medieval mill remains. Excavation, however, proved unsuccessful in identifying any structural remains relating to these putative early mills, although this could be due to the insubstantial nature of wooden mill buildings in the early medieval period. Evaluation trenches located within the area of the putative early mills did, however, identify a water course (leat) apparently unrelated to the post-medieval mill, and a single sherd of medieval pottery.

Time Team - High Ham, Somerset

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:55:45 GMT

In March and April 2010 an archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at the Langport Ranges, High Ham Somerset (NGR 342287 129500) to investigate the site of the High Ham Roman Villa. The site had been excavated in 1861 by W.W. Munckton and C. Fry, who left relatively detailed plans of their discoveries, including a number of detailed paintings of the exposed mosaics, although their results were never published. No subsequent investigations of the Site were undertaken until a limited fieldwalking exercise in the 1990s. Then in 2008 a geophysical survey revealed the layout of the villa complex, and Time Team’s programme of works aimed to investigate a number of the resulting geophysical anomalies while clarifying the details and chronology of the villa. The evaluation was successful in its stated aims in providing a detailed geophysical plan of the wider area around the villa, identifying that it was a much larger complex than initially thought, and by identifying at least two phases of villa construction. The earliest phase is potentially dated on artefactual evidence to the late 2nd to early 3rd centuries AD, but remains slightly ambiguous as only a few short stretches of walling were assigned to the phase (and therefore no coherent overall plan), and no direct dating for these was obtained.

Medieval Windsor - booklet

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:04:43 GMT

The Trust for Wessex Archaeology’s excavations on the riverside sites in Reading were the only large scale investigations into inland waterfronts to have been carried out thus far. This booklet summarises the history of Windsor and the excavations that were being carried out. This booklet was published in 1987.

Reading Abbey Waterfront - booklet

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:04:14 GMT

This booklet, first published in 1986, is a summary of the history of Reading and the archaeological excavations undertaken by The Trust for Wessex Archaeology. It was compiled by The Trust for Wessex Archaeology and Reading Museum and Art Gallery. Water transport was of vital importance to the medieval economy. Road transport was slow, unreliable and expensive. Goods might be damaged in transit or could easily fall off the back of a cart; road travel was in any case a hazardous business. It made a lot of sense to deliver materials by boat wherever possible. The comparative efficiency of water transport is easy to forget in this modern age of motorways, railways and air travel. Reading was a small settlement before the Norman conquest and lay at the crossroads of the main east-west route from London to Bristol and the less direct route from Southampton to Oxford. In 1121 Henry I founded an abbey in Reading just to the east of the earlier pre-conquest settlement. The Abbey was situated on a spur of gravel between the rivers Thames and Kennet. The Thames flowed to the north of the town, but between the river and the Abbey were low-lying meadows which are liable to flooding even today. The Kennet, passing to the south side of the Abbey, was not subject to flooding and consequently the monastic buildings were allowed to extend down to the banks of the river. The importance of this waterway was quickly realised.

Reading Abbey Rediscovered - booklet

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:55:40 GMT

Reading Abbey was founded by Henry I in 1121 'for the salvation of my soul, and the souls of King William, my father, and of King William, my brother, and Queen Maud, my wife, and all my ancestors and successors.' The hope of salvation was a common motive for endowing monasteries with money and land in the early middle ages, but such royal patronage was sufficient to make Reading one of the richest and most important religious houses in England, with possessions not only in Berkshire but as far a field as Herefordshire and Scotland. The Trust for Wessex Archaeology and Reading Museum & Art Gallery compiled this booklet following excavations in the early 1980s as a summary of that work and the Abbey’s history. This booklet was published in 1983.

Monkey Marsh Lock - booklet

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:52:42 GMT

The Kennet and Avon Canal restoration programme, started in the early 1960s, culminated with the grand canal re-opening by Her Majesty the Queen on 8th August 1990 at Devizes. Passing through some of southern England's most beautiful valleys from Bristol to Reading the 'Sleeping Beauty' gradually declined between the wars, and was closed to traffic in 1951. In 1955 popular opposition prevented the canal's complete abandonment and in 1962 the newly-formed Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, a Registered Charity, began the largest civil engineering project ever undertaken by volunteers. Much of the canal had become dry and reverted to scrub; aquatic wildlife had virtually disappeared. The canal's 87 miles (140 km) included 86 derelict locks, 344 rotting lock gates, leaking canal bed, crumbling aqueducts, abandoned pumping stations, wharves, bridges, buildings and the unique flight of 29 locks at Devizes which had fallen into total disrepair. Of the 86 derelict locks, one, Monkey Marsh, on the Kennet navigation, was rebuilt as a replica of an 1830's turf-sided lock. The rebuild began in March 1988 under a job creation scheme organised and funded through the Berkshire Consortium consisting of Berkshire County Council, Newbury District Council, Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and British Waterways. The main construction work was completed by mid-July 1990, just in time to ensure the re-linking of Reading to Newbury by water as part of the whole canal re-opening programme. Now the Kennet and Avon Canal is re-opened to navigation, we hope that many people will enjoy using this waterway, exploring on foot or by boat the remarkable engineering triumphs achieved over the last 40 years, not the least the complete rebuild of Monkey Marsh lock. We hope that you will enjoy this account of our endeavours, published in 1991.

Roads to the Past - booklet

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:02:48 GMT

This booklet reviews the major phases in the development of man's settlement and activity on the chalk downland hilltop. The downland is bisected by Easton Lane as it leads eastwards from Winchester towards the Hampshire countryside. This booklet reveals something of the remarkable discoveries made by archaeologists who spent many months unravelling the intricate and puzzling evidence of earlier occupation on this exposed hill. The remains cover a more or less continuous timespan of about 3700 years from 3500BC to 200AD. The archaeological excavations were carried out prior to the construction of a large interchange on a section of the M3 motorway. The work was done over two seasons, lasting a total of twelve months. The first season, of six months duration, was directed by Peter Fasham in 1976-77. The second season, also of six months duration, was jointly directed by Richard Whinney and Peter Fasham in 1982-83. This booklet was published in 1985.

Westhampnett - booklet

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:31:49 GMT

The route of the A27 Westhampnett Bypass has proved exceptionally rich in archaeological remains, mainly of the prehistoric and Roman periods. No fewer than 5 major sites were revealed by an archaeological evaluation carried out in November 1991, and these sites were subsequently fully excavated between January and March 1992 in advance of road construction. The project demonstrated the enormous impact which road building schemes can have upon archaeological and cultural heritage. English Heritage worked closely with the Department of Transport and local authorities to preserve sites of archaeological interest, wherever possible. One of the responsibilities of both English Heritage and Wessex Archaeology is to encourage a wider understanding and enjoyment of the historic environment. This booklet presents some of the most important and unexpected results unearthed by the archaeologists as part of this project. This booklet was published in 1992.

The Past in the Pipeline - booklet

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:40:23 GMT

In 1985 Esso Petroleum Company, Limited built the Midline Pipeline, to connect its refinery at Fawley, near Southampton, with another pipeline and oil terminals in the English Midlands. The line was needed to improve supplies of oil and petroleum products to the Midlands area. Constructing it was a challenging project, which involved digging a trench 130 miles (220 km) long. At the planning stage Esso had to take many considerations into account. One of the most important was to minimise the impact of construction, not only on the communities, but also on the environment and national heritage of the live counties through which it passed. After consultation with the local authorities involved, it became clear that the project offered a remarkable opportunity to carry out an archaeological study. This would not be the more familiar archaeological "dig", excavating an area where there was good reason to expect to find historic relics. Instead, this would be a case of "linear archaeology" - a " dig" crossing right through the English heartland, where unsuspected discoveries might be turned up during the construction work. Esso agreed to engage Wessex Archaeology as consultants to the construction team. Members of WA would work with the team, monitor any artefacts found and record their positions for more detailed future investigation. If it became apparent that a new, archaeologically important site had been discovered, WA staff would be on hand to advise the best way to preserve this valuable heritage for the future. As you will see in the pages that follow, this initiative proved to be extremely worthwhile. At least two important new archaeological sites were intercepted by the pipeline and many interesting artefacts were discovered. There were of course long stretches where nothing significant was unearthed, but thanks to the high level of cooperation between the pipeline builders and the professional WA archaeologists, whenever ancient relics were discovered nothing went unrecorded or lost. Similarly, this co-operation and expertise enabled construction work to go ahead safely, efficiently and on schedule. This booklet was produced in 1986.

The Past in Progress - Thames Valley Park - booklet

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:56:37 GMT

Thames Valley Business Park lies on the southern bank of the Thames just below its confluence with the Kennet. Both valleys have produced a rich variety of archaeological sites and finds of all periods. The potential for important new discoveries during the construction of the Park prompted a programme of selective excavation in advance of the groundworks and observation of the contractors' operations. The story revealed by this work involves the activities of bands of hunters and gatherers 10,000 years ago, the first farmers of 6,000 years ago, and the settlements of the native population and their Roman conquerors almost 2,000 years ago. This booklet was published in 1989.

Twyford Down - booklet

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:49:38 GMT

The need to carry out archaeological investigations in advance of new road construction was recognised in the 1960s. The Department of Transport recognises that rescue archaeology is essential to the preservation and recording of our heritage where important sites cannot be avoided. Archaeology is just one of the aspects that are considered during the planning of road schemes. The landscape through which a road will pass and inevitably alter is not, as many people assume, a sole product of nature; it is very much man-made. It is a development from the effects of all the past activities that happened across it. Archaeology, which is the study of Man's past through the analysis of his material culture, includes the study of the past landscape. By using archaeology the story of a landscape's development can be unravelled - a still developing story in which a new road is the most recent chapter. The M3 took many years to complete but throughout its construction archaeologists were given the opportunity to examine the remains of our past prior to their removal. This was extremely valuable in building up knowledge of the past by enabling the preservation of irreplacable information through the examination of sites and the compilation of a detailed record. This booklet (produced in 1992) summarises the results of the work carried out to examine the final section of the M3 between Bar End and Compton near Winchester in Hampshire.

Protocol for Reporting Finds of Archaeological Interest - Annual Report to BMAPA 2010-11

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:13:55 GMT

Every Licence Area is studied intensively prior to the granting of a licence to dredge, in order to protect our submerged heritage. Despite this, it was recognised that artefacts are still likely to be present in dredged loads. In August 2005 Wessex Archaeology (WA) drafted the Protocol, on behalf of English Heritage (EH) and the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA), to protect these finds and the sites of archaeological importance that they may signify. In 2009 The Crown Estate (TCE) joined BMAPA as a funding partner, recognising the Protocol's role as an efficient and effective mitigation option to preserve our heritage. BMAPA member companies have committed voluntarily to implement the Protocol across all existing operations, encompassing wharves, vessels and production licence areas. Under the Protocol, finds recognised within dredged loads, at wharves or on the seabed are reported to a Site Champion and then to a designated Nominated Contact who reports them to the curator. To expedite this process a Protocol Implementation Service run by WA was set up. WA is alerted to each new find through the dedicated reporting website of the Protocol Implementation Service.

Kingsmere Estate - Teachers Pack

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:43:07 GMT

The Kingmere Estate Teachers Pack was produced by Wessex Archaeology’s Access & Learning team, it was funded by the Countryside Properties. It is part of a set including a Leaflet and a 6 Poster Display.

Kingsmere Estate - Display

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:41:07 GMT

The Kingmere Estate 6 Poster Display was produced by Wessex Archaeology’s Access & Learning team, it was funded by the Countryside Properties. It is part of a set including a Leaflet and a Teachers Pack.

Kingsmere Estate - Leaflet

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:35:39 GMT

The Kingmere Estate leaflet was produced by Wessex Archaeology’s Access & Learning team, it was funded by the Countryside Properties. It is part of a set including 6 Display posters and a Teachers Pack.

Outer Hebrides Coastal Community Marine Archaeology Pilot Project Poster

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:40:44 GMT

The Outer Hebrides have been occupied for thousands of years and they contain a rich prehistoric and historic legacy. Much of the past remains are focussed around the coastal edges, under the sea and in lochs. Due to rising sea-levels and the power of the sea, coastal and marine archaeology is at risk of being lost. This project aims to enhance the archaeological records of the Outer Hebrides, with special focus on coastal and marine areas. The project aims to enable local people to share knowledge, develop research, inform management plans, and enjoy the rich coastal and marine heritage of the Outer Hebrides. Find out more at http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/alba

Renewing the Past - Newsletter 2

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:39:08 GMT

Welcome to the second issue of the Renewing the Past, the Offshore Renewables Protocol newsletter. In the past months, the Implementation Service team has travelled extensively, promoting the Protocol to developers across the country. Currently (early August), meetings with Nominated Contacts are complete and the next round of site staff awareness is underway. Find out more about the Offshore Renewables Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries: http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/marine/tcerenewables

Dredged Up from the Past – Issue 9 – Archaeological Finds Reporting Service Newsletter

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 07:33:48 GMT

Welcome to Issue 9 of Dredged Up, the newsletter of the BMAPA/TCE/EH Protocol Implementation Service. We are delighted to announce that funding through a joint partnership between BMAPA, The Crown Estate and English Heritage has been provided to continue the Awareness Programme for the next 18 months. The programme includes awareness visits to wharves and 3 further issues of the newsletter. Several visits have already taken place. Find out more about the BMAPA project: http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/marine/bmapa/index.html

Fingringhoe and Middlewick Ranges, Colchester

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:55:24 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Landmarc Support Services on behalf of Defence Estates to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment (DBA) and monument condition survey of Fingringhoe and Middlewick Ranges and Friday Wood Dry Training Area (DTA). The site covers a total area of approximately 1,521 hectares. The project has been undertaken in accordance with the Project Brief (Defence Estates 2008) and Written Scheme of Investigation (Wessex Archaeology 2008). Fieldwork was undertaken between the 18th and 22nd February 2008. Find out more at http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/essex/fingringhoe-middlewick-ranges

Marine Alliance for Science & Technology Scotland - WA poster

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 07:50:38 GMT

This is a poster that Wessex Archaeology’s Edinburgh Office presented at the Marine Alliance for Science & Technology Scotland (MASTS) Annual meeting. For more information about MASTS visit: http://www.masts.ac.uk/ For more information about Wessex Archaeology Edinburgh visit: http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/office/edinburgh

Charles Street Dorchester-Onsite Information

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:17:58 GMT

Wessex Archaeology is currently excavating a site at Charles Street, Dorchester which is situated within the Roman city walls of Durnovaria. This is a set of information panel which are being updated each week on the site hoadings. Their purpose is to let the general public know what is happening behind the screens.

Scottish Marine Historic Environment - Data Audit

Wed, 25 May 2011 12:09:27 GMT

Wessex Archaeology (WA) was commissioned by Historic Scotland (HS) to provide a rapid study concerning the availability of data for enhancement of the Historic Environment Record (HER) with regard to the coastal and marine environment. The limits of the study area were constrained to the south-east and south-west by Scottish Waters as defined in the Scottish Adjacent Waters Boundaries Order 1999 and to the north-east and north-west by the UK Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The aim of the project was to identify significant existing datasets, assess their value for cultural heritage purposes and to make a series of recommendations for enhancement of the marine HER. The project is intended to inform and support both the work of Historic Scotland to safeguard the coastal and marine environment, and the role of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) in the enhancement of its coastal and marine records.

Time Team - Norman Cross

Tue, 24 May 2011 12:55:04 GMT

In July 2009 an archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at the site of Norman Cross Camp (NGR 516191 291183, SAM 364539), the first specially constructed prisoner of war camp for the internment of those captured in the Napoleonic Wars of 1793-1815. The camp was opened in 1797, and remained open until 1814. The majority of the buildings were demolished or sold at auction in 1816. An evaluation comprising nine trenches confirmed the basic layout of the prisoner of war internment centre and provided some detail of its construction and use. A possible Romano-British pit was also located. Evidence suggests that the camp was constructed directly upon the subsoil, creating a buried soil horizon. Further earlier archaeological features may therefore survive beneath the later camp structures.

Time Team - Bedford Purlieus

Mon, 23 May 2011 10:05:01 GMT

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ within Bedford Purlieus Wood, Thornhaugh, near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire (NGR 504525 299984) to investigate a series of Roman remains first identified at the beginning of the 19th century. The site is located in an area rich in Roman archaeology, lying to the west of the town of Durobrivae (modern Water Newton), and with numerous sites and find spots of Roman date in the vicinity. In 2005 and 2007 Northamptonshire Archaeology (NA) carried out an earthwork survey and evaluation within the wood which identified a north-south range of buildings bordering the western side of a possible courtyard enclosed on the northern side by an earthen bank. The survey also identified a series of large quarry pits immediately to the west of the north-south range and a second enclosure some 130m further west. A LiDAR survey of the Site by the Forestry Commission, following on from NA’s work, revealed an extensive complex of remains and quarry pits.

Time Team - Litlington

Mon, 23 May 2011 10:01:53 GMT

In October 2009 an archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at the site within the village of Litlington in Cambridgeshire. This explored three distinct areas (NGRs 531174 242553, 531250 242452 and 531458 242188) on the south-western edge of the village, with the aim of locating the ‘Litlington villa’ identified and excavated by the Reverend W. Clack in the 1820s, and a nearby Roman walled cemetery known as ‘Heaven’s Walls’, found during quarrying, also in the 1820s. Nothing now survives from Clack’s excavations; his records were lost and the finds sold. Further small excavations over the 19th and early 20th century found further evidence of the ‘villa’, and a recent evaluation by the Cambridge Archaeological Unit just to the east of the presumed villa site found a quantity of Romano-British ceramic building material and wall plaster.

Time Team - Westminster

Mon, 23 May 2011 09:58:39 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Videotext Communications Ltd to carry out archaeological recording and post-excavation analysis on an archaeological evaluation by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ on the Northern Green of Westminster Abbey, London Borough of Westminster, centred on NGR 530050 179530. The Northern Green, lying adjacent to the nave, is part of a World Heritage Site encompassing Westminster Abbey, Westminster Palace (the Houses of Parliament) and St Margaret’s Church. In the winter of 1869/70, groundworks were undertaken by Henry Poole, the Abbey mason, on the north side of the Abbey. They revealed a re-used Roman stone sarcophagus, other medieval burials and a series of wall footings forming an Lshaped structure considered to represent several different phases of construction and a number of separate buildings. These perhaps includied a mid 13th century sacristy ordered by Henry III and various prebendal houses and tenements known to have stood on the site from the mid 16th century until their demolition in 1737.

Time Team - Sutton Courtenay

Mon, 23 May 2011 09:55:01 GMT

In June 2009 an archaeological excavation was undertaken by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at the scheduled site of Drayton, commonly referred to as Sutton Courtenay (NGR 448733, 193671). Substantial and significant prehistoric and Anglo-Saxon remains are known from the near vicinity. Part of the Drayton Cursus runs through the Site, and there are a number of Bronze Age ring ditches and enclosures in the area. Previous archaeological work has revealed extensive Anglo-Saxon settlement remains, including both sunken feature buildings (SFBs) and timber-built halls. The excavation, comprising four trenches, confirmed the location of several features previously identified from aerial photographs, but also demonstrated the limitations of both aerial photographs and geophysical survey data in the precise identification of features.

Time Team - Lincoln's Inn

Mon, 23 May 2011 09:50:45 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Videotext Communications Ltd. To undertake the post-excavation recording and assessment of an evaluation in Lincoln’s Inn, in central London. Lincoln’s Inn is one of four of the London Inns of Court which developed as establishments to study law. There is documentary evidence for Lincoln’s Inn from 1422 but the Site is believed to have been in use by apprentices long before. Lincoln’s Inn Fields developed from three fields between 1629 and 1638; prior to this the fields were used as pasture and occupation. More recently, underground tank and air raid shelters were constructed in 1940. It was anticipated that the investigations would help to clarify the origins and development of the Law Courts in medieval and post-medieval/modern times. It was also hoped that evidence for earlier activity relating to Saxon and Romano-British periods might also be encountered. Lincoln’s Inn Fields is located close to the known eastern boundary of Middle Saxon London and the western boundary of Roman London.

Time Team - Piercebridge

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:35:11 GMT

In June and July 2009 an archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at the site of Piercebridge, County Durham (NGR 421004 515725), in several areas in and around the Roman fort (Scheduled Ancient Monument numbers 23638, 23771) which underlies the present village. Through a targeted evaluation comprising six trenches, as well as further exploration in the River Tees, this project was able to contribute to the ongoing aims of the Piercebridge Project. The evaluation located a previously unknown area of activity to the north-west of the fort, dating to the 2nd century AD, although the precise nature of the activity in this area was not conclusive. The types of domestic refuse recovered would be consistent with civilian settlement, although a large area of cobbling could imply a more official or military structure. The alignment of features in this area differed from that of the fort, and suggests that activity here pre-dated the construction of the fort in the mid 3rd century AD.

Time Team - Hopton Castle

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:32:12 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Videotext Communications Ltd to undertake a programme of archaeological recording and post-excavation work on an archaeological evaluation undertaken by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at the site of Hopton Castle, Shropshire (Scheduled Ancient Monument 106648; NGR 336667 277930). The evaluation, comprising seven trenches, identified three major phases of activity on the Site: medieval, early post-medieval and mid 17th century, involving a siege during the Civil War, in 1644. The work was carried out on the 2nd - 5th June 2009. As well as reviewing what was previously known about the upstanding remains of the medieval tower house, the evaluation also found evidence for the medieval moat and curtain wall. A large cellared building and a stone-built tower were also identified within the confines of the bailey. The dating for these remains uncertain, but they were likely to have been of medieval origin, but still standing during the Civil War siege.

Time Team - Baliscate, Isle of Mull

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:28:55 GMT

In May 2009 an archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at the site of Baliscate (Coille Creag A’Chait), 1km south of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Argyll, Scotland (centred on NGR 149677 754068), in order to investigate a recently discovered early Celtic Christian chapel and possible associated cemetery within a square stone enclosure. The Site was discovered in March 2008, and following initial identification, the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) carried out a survey of the remains in October 2008. Time Team’s work was able to confirm that the Site was a chapel, which consisted of a timber phase with at least one associated burial. The burial produced a radiocarbon date of 610-690 cal. AD, placing it potentially within the lifetime of St. Adomnán, the ninth Abbot of Iona and biographer of St. Columba. The timber phase was replaced by a stone phase with an associated leacht, a stone structure at the eastern end of the chapel. Similar structures have been observed on Iona and at Celtic Christian sites in Ireland, and this would once have held an upstanding stone cross. A fragment of the stone cross was recovered from the demolition material overlying the leacht and is considered to date to the 8th century AD.

Time Team Governors Green

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:26:07 GMT

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken in May 2009 by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at Governor’s Green in Portsmouth to investigate the remains of a 13th century medieval hospital known as ‘Domus Dei’ and the remains of the 16th century Governor’s House that replaced the hospital (centred on NGR 463317 99212). All the buildings within the complex except for the church were demolished in 1826. The church, now the Royal Garrison Church, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM 138). Extensive research had been previously undertaken by Dominic Fontana of the University of Portsmouth into the layout of the buildings of the hospital complex and the Governor’s House, involving analysis of the cartographic evidence and parchmarks visible on aerial photographs.

Time Team - Burford Priory

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:22:56 GMT

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken in April 2009 by Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ at Burford Priory in Oxfordshire (NGR 424950 212330), to investigate the remains of the medieval Hospital of St John the Evangelist, rebuilt as a grand house after the Dissolution, but still incorporating some medieval elements. The evaluation, involving shovel test pitting, geophysical survey, and evaluation trenching, formed part of an ongoing investigation into the history of the Site by the current landowners. Evaluation trenching in the Kitchen Garden, to the south-west of the present building, revealed a group of slight, enigmatic features which could be interpreted as the remains of a late Saxon or early medieval timber-framed building, or alternatively as garden features; no firm dating evidence was recovered. The stone-built foundations of a possible post-medieval belvedere were also found. Other features in this area were interpreted as further post-medieval and modern garden features.

Springhead Quarter, Ebbsfleet, Kent

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:15:44 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by CgMs Consulting on behalf of Land Securities plc to undertake an archaeological evaluation prior to development of land situated on the south bank of the River Thames between Swanscombe and Northfleet and centered on National Grid Reference 562900 17300. The total area of investigation measured 17ha. The investigation was divided into two parts: trial excavation of test pits and selected sieving for the identification of Pleistocene deposits and Palaeolithic artefacts and ecofacts, and extensive trial trenching for the assessment of survival and significance of Holocene remains. Both parts of the field investigation were undertaken concurrently between 10th November and 2nd December 2003.

Dredged Up from the Past – Issue 8 – Archaeological Finds Reporting Service Newsletter

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:25:28 GMT

Welcome to Issue 8 of Dredged Up, the popular newsletter of the BMAPA/TCE/EH Protocol Implementation Service. This is the last newsletter from our current MALSF funding. We hope that Dredged Up will continue and are exploring other avenues of funding. Once again, there has been an array of exciting finds reported through the Protocol. The 2009-2010 project year ended in September, and we have already had many finds reported for the new year. Plus we have the 2009-2010 Finds Awards on page 3. The BMAPA Seminar was held in October 2010, with some fascinating guest speakers and a revealing round-table discussion in the afternoon. The full report can be found on page 7.

Truckle Hill 2010 Interim Report

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:35:14 GMT

Wessex Archaeology, with the support of Wiltshire Council Archaeology Service, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Association for Roman Archaeology, undertook a fourth season of a continuing archaeological excavation and outreach programme to provide more information about the sequence of buildings which lie beneath a recently discovered Roman bath-house at Truckle Hill, North Wraxall, Wiltshire, centred on Ordnance Survey NGR 383700 176240. As in previous years the success of the project has owed much to the support of the landowner and, especially, the large number of enthusiastic and very competent volunteer excavators it has attracted.

The Crown Estate: Model Clauses for Archaeological Written Schemes of Investigation

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:42:45 GMT

The Crown Estate recognises the importance of dealing with the historic environment where it may be affected by offshore renewables and their associated infrastructure. In the course of developing applications, the archaeological heritage has to be addressed through the process of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), to include the identification of mitigation measures where significant effects are anticipated. In terrestrial planning, mitigation measures have historically been secured through conditions requiring the implementation of a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI). The use of WSIs in this way has transferred successfully to the marine sphere and, in recent years, WSIs have become a common means of securing archaeological mitigation for marine development.

Renewing the Past - Newsletter 1

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 10:56:49 GMT

Welcome to the first issue of Renewing the Past, the Offshore Renewables Protocol newsletter. The Offshore Renewables Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries was created during 2010 with funding from The Crown Estate and with the support of Historic Scotland and English Heritage and a range of consultees/stakeholders. This newsletter provides a quick introduction to the Protocol and how it works.

The Crown Estate-Handouts

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:48:29 GMT

The Crown Estate owns around half the foreshore and nearly the entire seabed out to the 12 nautical mile limit, and has the rights to license areas up to 200 nautical miles offshore for renewable energy. It is anticipated that by 2020 approximately one third of all UK energy will be produced from offshore renewables. Following the success of the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA) Protocol for Reporting Finds of Archaeological Interest, The Crown Estate commissioned Wessex Archaeology to establish and implement a protocol for the offshore renewables industry.

Archaeological Discovery Form

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:42:31 GMT

Preliminary Record Form for discoveries on the Seabed/ on board / in intertidal zone / on land Protocols for Archaeological Discoveries (PADs) are systems of monitoring for unexpected or incidental finds relating to the historic environment, and have come into use predominantly in the marine sphere where construction tends to be a 24 hour operation, involving multiple vessels, where conventional watching briefs (routinely used in the terrestrial sector) are not cost effective. They are recommended in Historic Environment Guidance for the Offshore Renewable Energy Sector.

The Crown Estate: Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:39:11 GMT

This document is a protocol that will satisfy anticipated conditions relating to the reporting of archaeological discoveries across the offshore renewable energy industry, if followed correctly. Protocols for Archaeological Discoveries (PADs) are systems of monitoring for unexpected or incidental finds relating to the historic environment, and have come into use predominantly in the marine sphere where construction tends to be a 24 hour operation, involving multiple vessels, where conventional watching briefs (routinely used in the terrestrial sector) are not cost effective. They are recommended in Historic Environment Guidance for the Offshore Renewable Energy Sector.

Protocol for reporting finds of archaeological interest: Annual Report to BMAPA 2009-2010

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:44:06 GMT

Every licence area is studied intensively prior to the granting of a licence to dredge in order to protect our submerged heritage. Despite this, it was recognised that artefacts are still likely to be present in dredged loads. In August 2005 Wessex Archaeology (WA) drafted the Protocol, on behalf of English Heritage (EH) and the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA), to protect these finds and the sites of archaeological importance that they may signify. In 2009 The Crown Estate (TCE) joined BMAPA as a funding partner, recognising its role as an efficient and effective mitigation option to preserve our heritage. BMAPA member companies have committed voluntarily to implement the Protocol across all existing operations, encompassing wharves, vessels and production licence areas. Under the Protocol, finds recognised within dredged loads; at wharves or on the seabed are reported to a Site Champion and then to a designated Nominated Contact who reports it to the curator. To expedite this process a Protocol Implementation Service run by WA was set up and WA is alerted to each new find through the dedicated reporting website of the Protocol Implementation Service. The protocol covers the full range of possible artefacts. Some munitions may be of archaeological interest, such as cannon balls, which being inert are safe to report. However, the reporting of munitions is subordinate to the appropriate health and safety concerns as detailed in the BMAPA Guidance Note ‘Dealing with munitions in marine aggregates’. Artefacts relating to military aircraft are frequently reported and these are considered with regard to an Annex to the Protocol published in February 2008 (both are available online or from WA). WA is currently conducting some aspects of EH’s role through the Protocol Implementation Service, although only where a find is deemed to be non-contentious and is unlikely to result in the creation of an exclusion zone. Finds that require a higher level of curatorial involvement are referred to EH in the first instance. Details of all dredged finds are reported to: EH, BMAPA, TCE; the National Monuments Record (NMR) and the appropriate local Sites and Monuments Record (SMR); Historic Environment Record (HER) and the Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). All finds are also publicised on WA’s website and the good work done by BMAPA companies with regard to the Protocol is made accessible through various dissemination programmes, conducted both by WA and by other organisations. The Implementation Service has now completed its fifth year of operation and this annual report covers the period from 1st October 2009 to 30th September 2010.

Egley Road, Woking

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 11:01:48 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Lennon Planning Ltd on behalf of William Bocking to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment of lands west of Egley Road, Woking, Surrey to support a site representation made to the Woking Local Development Framework. The Site, centred at Grid Reference (NGR) 499507/156630, covers an approximate area of 17.7 hectares and lies under the jurisdiction of Woking Borough Council. At the time of writing, mixed use development of the Site is envisaged. A circular Study Area extending for 2km from the Site centre (1km for Listed Buildings) has been considered in order to provide an archaeological and historical context for interpretation. Human activity has been quantified across the Study Area from the early prehistoric period to the 20th century with an emphasis on medieval agriculture and associated dispersed settlement. Romanised settlement is also notable to the south-east of the Site at Beech Close. Assessment of the Site suggests that there has been a low level of previous ground intrusion, largely comprising land management activity associated with farming and horticulture.

Sweetzer's Piece - Mortimer

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:55:21 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned via Mark Leedale by Isignia Homes Ltd (the Client) to undertake a targeted archaeological watching brief during construction on land at Colt House, Sweetzer’s Piece, Mortimer, Berkshire (hereafter ‘the Site’) centred on NGR 464385 164690. The watching brief was undertaken as a condition of planning consent for the redevelopment of the Site to provide two detached residential properties with garages. The West Berkshire Council Archaeological Advisor (WBCAA) had advised that the Site had the potential to contain archaeological remains. A previous evaluation of one of the two proposed house plots on the Site had revealed a part of the buried Grim’s Bank where the bank and ditch had suffered considerable truncation from modern building and gardening work (Wessex Archaeology 2004). Consequently the WBCAA requested a better record of the nature of the bank and ditch elsewhere within the development by means of a targeted archaeological watching brief during construction. One trench was excavated along the projected line of Grim’s Bank, which revealed the ditch. The ditch was also observed and recorded in the foundation trenches excavated during construction of the proposed houses.

184-186 Fleet Street - London

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:48:07 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Macfarlanes on behalf of DC Thomson Publishers to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment of land comprising Nos.184-186 Fleet Street, EC4. The site covers an approximate area of 344 square metres centred on TQ 31250 81175. The Site lies on the north side of Fleet Street in an area between Roman Londinium to the east and the Saxon Lundenwic to the west around Covent Garden. The line of Fleet Street follows the line of a Romano-British/Saxon Road and is therefore significant in terms of trade and communication and urban development and expansion. The road would also have been important in serving the medieval churches and foundations located in the area, including St Dunstan in the West (situated immediately west of the present development site), St. Bride to the east and Whitefriars and the Carmelite friary at Temple to the south/south-east. There have been no previous archaeological investigations undertaken at the present development site. A number of archaeological excavations have however been undertaken in the vicinity and reflect a Romano-British, Saxon, medieval, and post-medieval presence. Investigated sites include the plot immediately adjacent at 180- 183 Fleet Street. Recovered deposits included medieval and post-medieval pits heavily disturbed as a result of modern basement excavation.

Kensington Palace Hotel - Kensington Road

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 10:36:58 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Environ UK Ltd to carry out an archaeological desk-based assessment on Kensington Palace Hotel, Kensington Road in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (hereafter referred to as the Site), centred on NGR 526050 179620. The assessment is required to accompany a planning application for alterations and additions to the existing building. There are 19 archaeological sites and findspots within a 500m square Study Area dating from the prehistoric through to the modern period. There is archaeological evidence from the early Mesolithic through to the Iron Age within the Study Area with a prehistoric site recorded at Vicarage House, Vicarage Gate to the north west of the Site. Other prehistoric finds have been recorded from the Study Area. Communication links, in the form of roads, were constructed probably from the Iron Age period with the line of Akeman Street running along the modern Kensington High Street which is presumed to join up with the Silchester to London Road during the Roman period.

Dredged Up from the Past – Issue 7 – Archaeological Finds Reporting Service Newsletter

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 07:58:55 GMT

Welcome to Issue 7 of Dredged Up, the popular newsletter of the Marine Aggregates Reporting Protocol. Since the last issue industry staff's vigilance has resulted in twenty-nine reports detailing forty-nine new finds. A selection of these finds are shown on page 2. On pages 6 and 7 you can read about two Marine Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (MALSF) funded projects. MALSF is a unique levy that funds various projects that help protect the seabed and raise awareness about how this is achieved. Our own Protocol Awareness programme is of course also funded by MALSF. In June we visited the continent to raise awareness of the Protocol among wharves handling aggregate dredged from UK waters (read more on page 8). Prior to this we translated the information packs for wharves and vessels into Dutch and French.

Sussex House, Crawley

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:42:55 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Peter Radmall Associates to produce a Desk-Based Assessment detailing the archaeological potential of land at Sussex House, Crawley, West Sussex centred on National Grid Reference 526744 136834. The Assessment was commissioned in support of an application for outline planning permission for the construction of a mixed-use scheme of residential apartments and offices, and will include two levels of parking including a basement. This Assessment presents the results of the synthesis of archaeological and historical information from a range of readily available, publicly accessible sources, and is intended to form a baseline report on the known and potential archaeological resource within the Site and a surrounding Study Area of 2km ². There are 44 archaeological sites and findspots recorded within a 1km radius of the Site ranging in date from the Palaeolithic to the post-medieval period. The vast majority of these sites are medieval, mostly related to ironworking which forms an important part of the heritage of the Borough. There are several areas of known medieval activity close to or immediately adjoining the Site.

Abbey Lane - Stratford

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:36:39 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by the London Borough of Newham Property and Design Consultancy to carry out an archaeological desk-based assessment of land at the Abbey Lane Children’s Centre in Abbey Lane (hereafter referred to as the Site) centred on NGR 538385 183490. The assessment is required to accompany a planning application for alterations and additions to the existing building. There are 39 archaeological sites and findspots within a 500m square Study Area dating from the prehistoric through to the modern period. There is archaeological evidence from the Neolithic and Bronze Age in the Study Area which infers local prehistoric presence. An Iron Age settlement is recorded from excavations at Stratford Market Depot to the north east of the Site typified by a complex of pits, postholes and ditches. Roman activity in the area is restricted to the London to Colchester Roman road which runs north west of the Study Area through the Lea Valley. Settlement evidence for the area is so far limited to areas adjacent to the road within Tower Hamlets.

Community Hall - Market Lavington

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:30:21 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by the Market Lavington Community Hall Management Trust to undertake an archaeological excavation of land at the village green, Market Lavington, Wiltshire, centred on NGR 401310 154120. A planning application has been submitted for the construction of a Community Hall, however to fund this development part of the green is to be sold off to a developer for the construction of housing. It is within the latter area that the excavation took place. This archaeological work was undertaken as a staged mitigation approach. Although no brief was issued, Wiltshire County Council’s Archaeology Section, archaeological advisors to the Local Planning Authority, recommended that initial archaeological works comprise an area extension to a trial trench excavated in 1995, equating to an area measuring 30 x 10m. The fieldwork was undertaken between 20th and 24th March 2006. Only two indisputably archaeological features were encountered during the excavation. These comprised a very irregular ditch, possibly representing a field boundary, of probable Saxon date in the south-west of the excavation area and a very substantial ditch of medieval date that continued beyond the north-eastern limit of excavation. The massive size of the medieval ditch, approximately 3.8m wide and 1.2m deep, suggests that this feature is likely to represent a substantial and important land or property division, possibly a settlement boundary, or a substantial moat around a contemporary building. The 1995 evaluation of this area identified the remains of a medieval masonry structure in the north-east of the village green, immediately adjacent to the western boundary of the churchyard, which could be associated with this feature. A small area of probable tree root disturbance, associated with a small assemblage of residual finds, was also sample excavated and recorded.

Bigley Farm - Alvediston

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:21:06 GMT

In March 2006 Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Mr. Dinely of Bigley Farm (also known as Bigley Buildings) to carry out an archaeological watching brief at Alvediston, Wiltshire, centred on National Grid Reference 397497 121580 (Figure 1). A total of eight archaeological features were recorded. Two features were similar pits of Romano-British date containing quantities of unworked burnt flint. The remaining six features were a sequence of undated parallel linear features located in the south of the Site. These were considered to be Drovers’ paths associated with the ‘Ox Drove,’ a trackway forming the southern boundary to the Site.

Commercial Centre - Emsworth

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 11:15:23 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Harebell Ltd (the Client), to undertake an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment on an area of land for a proposed commercial centre (the Site), at Emsworth, Hampshire, centred on NGR 474500 106500. This Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment and associated Phase 1 Ecology Survey (a separate report prepared by RPS) are prepared in advance of a planning application for a proposed development of commercial and light industrial units on land located to the west of Emsworth in Hampshire. The purpose of this report is to provide an appraisal of the archaeological potential of the land in accordance with national and local planning policy and guidance. This is achieved by a study of known archaeological sites and findspots within a study area, an assessment of cartographic evidence and a consideration of the historical background of Emsworth and the impact of previous land use. A site walkover provided an assessment of the current condition of the land and its archaeological and historical context. The evidence collated in this assessment concludes that the Site has no archaeological potential. Cartographic and documentary evidence suggests that the Site has always been used for agricultural purposes.

Chapel Road, Southampton

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:50:06 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Highwood Construction to carry out an archaeological field evaluation, comprising three machine excavated trenches, on land at The Deanery, Chapel Road, Southampton (NGR 442700 111550). The site lies within the south-west of the known extent of the nationally important mid-Saxon settlement of Hamwic. Following the issuing of a Written Scheme of Investigation for the evaluation, the fieldwork was undertaken between 6th and 10th February 2006. The natural soil sequence was similar in all three trenches. The lowest deposits recorded comprised the yellowish brown River Terrace Gravels, the surface of which lay at approximately 1.30m OD across the entire site. The Terrace Gravels were overlain by natural Brickearth deposits that varied in thickness; the surface of the Brickearth in the north of the site was at approximately 1.90m OD, compared with 1.60m OD in the south. The natural Brickearth sub-strata was cut by a number of pit like features; only two of these were sample excavated and very little dating evidence was recovered. However, both sample excavated features displayed a degree of regularity that suggested that they were shallow pits and were very similar in form to the Mid Saxon pits excavated during earlier work on the Site. These features were sealed below a subsoil layer of dark yellowish brown silty sand loam with common gravel and sparse charcoal inclusions. This subsoil may have been formed by arable cultivation following the depopulation of Hamwic, when the area reverted primarily to agriculture.

Grove Farm - Worcester

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:36:59 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by GL Hearn Limited on behalf of Tesco Stores Ltd to undertake an archaeological evaluation of land proposed for mixed commercial and light industrial development at Grove Farm, Worcester (the Site, centred on NGR 382200 254300). The Site lies on a gentle slope falling from c. 32m aOD at the western end to c.28m aOD at the eastern end and consists of agricultural land apportionments totalling c.19ha, of which approximately 11ha are proposed for development. Grove Farm, a Grade II Listed Building of eighteenth century date located within a moated enclosure probably dating to the fifteenth century, is located immediately beyond the eastern boundary of the Site. Cartographic analysis indicates that until recently large areas of the Site were set to orchard. A total of 38 evaluation trenches, representing a 3% sample of the area available for evaluation (c. 6ha), was excavated in the southern two thirds of the proposed development area, in accordance with a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) submitted to and approved by the Archaeological Officer for Worcester City Council. The northern third of the Site was unavailable for evaluation as it is currently under a conifer plantation. The evaluation was monitored by the City Archaeological Officer.

Kings Arms - Christchurch

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:26:08 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by South Dorset Developments Ltd (the Client) to undertake an archaeological evaluation on land to the rear of the King’s Arms Hotel, Christchurch, Dorset (the Site), located at NGR 415993 092765. The Written Scheme of Investigation allowed for the excavation of four evaluation trenches each 10 m in length. Four trenches were excavated, however due to discoveries on Site and advice following a Dorset County Council Monitoring visit, their layout and extents were altered. Archaeological features were present in two of these trenches, dating to the post-medieval and modern period and containing no material of archaeological significance. The area had previously been disturbed by levelling, specifically ground raising, and the canalization of the river, now known as the Mill Stream. The front, and supposed medieval street frontage, of the Site had been severely truncated by the insertion of modern services. The two trenches to the rear of the property were excavated to a depth of 2 m and encountered made ground deposits to their full depth. Trench 1 was extended to ascertain whether this sequence of made ground continued and this was found to be the case.

Defence Estates - Durrington

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:18:02 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Hyder Consulting (UK) Ltd (the Client) to undertake an archaeological evaluation of land at the former Defence Estates Head Quarters, High Street, Durrington, Wiltshire NGR 415400 144700, hereafter referred to as the Site. The Site is proposed for residential development with the western part of the area left as open space. Twelve trenches were excavated, varying between four and thirty metres long. Archaeological features were found in five of the trenches, in the north of the Site, two of these trenches were located in a paddock, the other three were located to the north of the trackway bisecting the field to the rear of the Red House. The recorded features consisted of pits and ditches primarily of Iron Age and Romano-British date. The same area of the Site was found to contain extensive deposits of colluvium, or hillwash, that was deposited between different periods of human activity on the Site.

Island Road, Sturry

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:00:37 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Mr D Minns, Prime Meridian (Client Agent) on behalf of First Grosvenor Properties Ltd (Client) to undertake an archaeological Desk-Based Assessment of a former petrol filling station, Island Road, Sturry, Kent (Site). The Site lies within the jurisdiction of Canterbury District Council centred on National Grid Reference (NGR) 617782/160427. A circular Study Area extending for 1km from the Site centre has been considered in order to provide a context for interpretation. This assessment has established that there are no sites recorded by the Kent SMR or Listed Buildings within the Site boundary. Human activity has been quantified across the Study Area from the early prehistoric period to the 20th century with an emphasis on the Romano-British period at Sturry and Medieval settlement at Sturry and Fordwich. Island Road which runs along the northern boundary of the Site represents the line of the Roman Road from Canterbury to Reculver. This part of Island Road has been realigned from the original path which would have crossed the railway line north-east to south-west, east of the Site. The Site is known through cartographic and photographic evidence to have been occupied by a garage from the early-mid 20th century. Prior to this date the plot was vacant. Previous ground intrusion at the Site is extensive as a result of excavation required for garage buildings, underground petrol and diesel tanks, sub-surface infrastructure and possible excavation along the southern boundary associated with railway building. Photographic evidence shows that the mid 20th century garage was located at the west of the Site, the pumps and subterranean tanks associate with the modern garage occupied the east of the Site.

Mill Lane, Sevenoaks

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:52:36 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Mr D Minns, Prime Meridian Architects (Client Agent) on behalf of Kitewood (Client) to undertake an archaeological deskbased assessment and investigate the timber structure within the roof of one of the outbuildings of a site at Greatness Mill, Mill Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent. The subsequent report is to provide a supporting document to accompany a planning application for residential development. The Site lies under the jurisdiction of Sevenoaks Borough Council centred on National Grid Reference (NGR) 553470, 156811. A circular Study Area extending for 1km from the Site centre has been considered in order to provide a context for interpretation. This assessment has established that there is one Listed Building within the Site (the Mill), there are no sites recorded by the Kent SMR within the Site boundary. Human activity has been quantified across the Study Area from the early prehistoric period to the 20th century with an absence of material from the Romano-British period. The Site is known through cartographic evidence to have been operational as a corn mill from the early 19th century. Ground floor walling of the extant mill can be dated typologically to the 18th century. Less specifically, milling activity is recorded in the Greatness area from the medieval period. As a result of 18th – 20th century ground interference, conditions for the survival of potential buried archaeological remains prior to this date are considered to be moderate. The potential for the survival of post 17th century deposits at the Site is considered to be high. Projected sub-surface deposits include evidence for the mill race and pond, associated buildings (e.g. Dwellings, storage and drying barns), features and finds associated with the operation of the mill and yard surfacing and furniture.

Aldermoor Road, Southampton

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:47:25 GMT

In June 2006 Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Mansell Partnership Housing to undertake an archaeological watching brief, during construction works, on land at Aldermoor Farm, Aldermoor Road, Southampton. The Site was approximately triangular in plan and was centred on National Grid Reference 439550 115750. The observations took place in July and August 2006. The Watching Brief was required as a condition of planning consent for residential development following the advice of the Heritage Conservation Unit, Southampton City Council. The Site sloped down from the north-west and west toward the south-east and showed a typical stratigraphy of poor topsoil on re-deposited gravel covering a natural deposit of brickearth. Several undated but probably modern tree holes were observed in section at the north of the Site but no features of archaeological significance were revealed. A Yugoslavian coin from the second half of the 20th century was recovered from the topsoil. Other pieces of modern pottery and glass were noted within and on the topsoil but not retained.

The Physical Evolution of the North Avon Levels

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 07:18:18 GMT

The construction of the new motorway links for the Second Severn Crossing and the resultant infill and developments which would come in their wake provided the opportunity for a comprehensive programme of archaeological desk-based research, auger survey, building recording, excavation, and palaeo-environmental work (The Second Severn Crossing English Approaches project). The defined area of study covered approximately 54 km², bounded respectively to the north and east by the M4 and M5 motorways, to the south by Bristol, and to the west by the Severn Estuary. This work was completed in 1994. The text that follows was drafted in 2001. It had already been subject to external academic refereeing pending submission to a journal (see editor’s introduction) and the referees’ comments, and those of its major contributors, have been largely incorporated. Financial constraints have meant that no new or additional work has been undertaken and no account has been taken of any archaeological (or sedimentary) work that has been undertaken since completion of the draft, or of any more recently obtained sea-level index points. We are confident that none of this will have substantially altered the arguments and conclusions presented here though some refinements at the detailed level have certainly been achieved. The only updating that has been undertaken has been in terms of bibliographic references (several cited ‘in prep’ and ‘forthcoming’ papers have been published in the interim) and the radiocarbon dates obtained as part of the project have been recalibrated using Oxcal 4.1.

Little Stubbings, Amesbury

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:08:39 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Mr P W K Moss (‘the Developer’) to carry out an archaeological watching brief during groundwork for extensions to the dwelling known as Little Stubbings. The house is located in West Amesbury, near Salisbury, Wiltshire. The Site is centred on Ordnance Survey NGR 414180 141525, and hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’. Planning permission has been granted by the local planning authority, Salisbury District Council. Archaeological conditions were applied to the Planning Consent (S/2005/2409) by the Local Authority on the advice of the Stonehenge Curatorial Unit, English Heritage, required that an archaeological watching brief be carried out during groundwork for the development, based on the advice of Ms A Chadburn, Inspector of Monuments. The Watching Brief was conducted over a six month period, the first phase covered the construction of an extension to the rear of the property, the second phase undertaken in 2007 covered the groundworks for the construction of soakaways to the rear of the property. Archaeological remains have been recorded in and around Amesbury and the small hamlet of West Amesbury dating to the late prehistoric, Anglo-Saxon, medieval and post-medieval periods. The Site is located adjacent to the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. The Avenue linking Stonehenge to the River Avon is visible on aerial photographs to the north of the Site and a projection of its course would suggest that it passes through the Little Stubbings Site.

Whitehall Road, Woodford

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:03:02 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by David Minns of Prime Meridian to undertake an archaeological Desk-based Assessment (DBA) of land proposed as the site of a residential development of 23 apartment buildings at 145 Whitehall Road and 79 Newlands Road, Woodford, London Borough of Redbridge (the Site). The Site lies on the western side of Whitehall Road at the north-west tip of Woodford parish. The Site is centred on NGR 540099 193470 and lies c. 54m aOD at the eastern end, falling to c.50m aOD at the western end. The Site consists of two residential buildings with land apportionments totalling c.0.24ha. The DBA comprises principally an appraisal of records held by the Greater London Sites and Monuments (GLSMR) record. It also assesses the cartographic evidence, the historical background of the Site and the impact of previous land use.

Clements Park, Southend-on-Sea

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:56:04 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by CgMs Consulting to undertake a six trench archaeological evaluation at Clements Park, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, centred on NGR 589231 188090. The site is located adjacent to previous areas of evaluation and excavation undertaken by Wessex Archaeology throughout 2005 under the previous site name of Fossett’s Farm. The evaluation was carried as a condition of planning permission granted by Southend Borough Council for a balancing pond facility (reference SOS/06/ 00536/FUL). Two of the six evaluation trenches contained archaeological features, although most contained geological anomalies and a number of simple land drains. The land drains including both ceramic pipe and shell-filled examples. Two undated ditches were uncovered during the evaluation and these have been interpreted as possible drainage or field boundary ditches. They were aligned north south, which mirrors the alignment of field ditches recorded to the west and south of the site in previous evaluations and excavation. It is likely therefore that these ditches form part of the same field system. The ditches were sealed below up to 0.6 m of topsoil and subsoil.

Station Road, Alresford

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:49:17 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Mr W M Airey (‘the Developer’) to carry out an archaeological watching brief during groundwork for a development to the rear of The Swan Hotel, Station Road, Alresford, Hampshire, centred on Ordnance Survey NGR 458820 132580, and hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’. Planning permission has been granted by the local planning authority, Winchester City Council and required that an archaeological watching brief be carried out during groundwork for the development as a condition of the planning permission (planning reference W04421/22) based on the advice of the Council’s Sites and Monuments Officer (SMO). The Watching Brief was conducted in two phases, the first phase was reported upon in June 2006 (Wessex Archaeology 62590.02) this report covers the second phase undertaken in 2007. The Watching Brief covered development to the rear of The Swan Hotel, formerly a tarmac car park. The work involved the removal of tarmac. Trenches, approximately 0.5m wide, followed the outline of the development plots with an additional trench, orientated north to south excavated in the centre for the construction of the foundations.

Kingsborough Manor, Sheppey

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:30:57 GMT

Land at Kingsborough Manor was investigated archaeologically by Wessex Archaeology as part of an ongoing programme of works prior to housing development. The site lies 1km from the shoreline on the north side of the Isle of Sheppey and 2km north-west of Eastchurch. The Stage 1 of the Phase 3 fieldwork was carried out from the end of July to the beginning of September 2007, and Stage 2 in February and March 2008. The strip, map and record area (Phase 3 Stage 1), which covered an area of 0.69ha centred on NGR 597380 172350, revealed a number of medieval ditches forming trackways and field boundaries, as well as a number of undated features including a nine-post structure. The main excavation area (Phase 3 Stage 2), which covered 0.25ha centred on NGR 597680 172220, some 300m to the east of Stage 1, revealed a section of the previously investigated, 120m diameter Middle-Late Bronze Age circular ditched enclosure, which appeared to have had no associated banks and no traces of any associated settlement. It also revealed a group of five medieval ditches and other features, which may have been used in stock control, and two parallel lines of undated ditches, 8m apart aligned north-west to south-east, of pre-modern date. Three evaluation trenches excavated immediately north-east of the main area revealed nothing of archaeological significance. Find out more at http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/kent/kingsborough-manor

Kingsborough Manor, Sheppey

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:22:13 GMT

Farmland at Kingsborough Manor was investigated archaeologically by Wessex Archaeology prior to further housing development. This was part of an ongoing programme of works. The site was centred on NGR 597380 172250 and was located 1km from the shoreline on the north side of the Isle of Sheppey and 2km north-west of Eastchurch. The site was a gently sloping field running down to the north towards the coast and to the east to a small dry valley. The sea was visible in the distance. Three areas were stripped of ploughsoil: a 40 by 40 metre square, an irregular area under what is to be plot 142 and the footprint of the road that will serve the estate. The road was generally ten metres wide although where planned to be cycle and footway it was only six metres wide. The ploughsoil was approximately 0.3 metres deep and its removal revealed natural silty clay on the west side of the site and hillwash predominantly on the lower eastern side of the site. The hillwash was not removed as it was to remain beneath the road construction. The archaeological features revealed included: Two Late Bronze Age ditches, Two Roman ditches. One respected a tree hole containing Saxon pottery, A Saxon ditch that contained a dump of shellfish, An undated ditch, Traces of thirteen tree holes, many of probable prehistoric date, Hillwash covering the lower slopes contained both Bronze Age and Saxon pottery The fieldwork discussed in this report was carried out in two phases, March to April and June 2006. Find out more at http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/kent/kingsborough-manor

Kingsborough Manor, Sheppey

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:13:55 GMT

Wessex Archaeology (WA) was commissioned by CgMs Consulting, acting on behalf of Jones Homes, to undertake an archaeological evaluation of land at Kingsborough Manor, Isle of Sheppey, Kent, which comprised Phase 2, Stage II of an ongoing high quality residential development centred on National Grid Reference 597500 172300. The evaluation took the form of a pattern of ninety evaluation trenches measuring on average two metres in width by thirty metres in length. A range of artefact and feature types identified across the evaluation area indicates a broad chronological utilisation of the area from the early prehistoric to Post-medieval periods. The presence of a probable pit within the upper layer of a stabilised erosion hollow indicated that an isolated early prehistoric presence on the Site may be identified. Occasional examples of a probable Bronze Age field system were identified in the north-west and southern areas of the Site. Further isolated examples of broadly northwest/ south-east aligned linear features across the main evaluation area may represent further surviving examples of this field system. These features were filled with and sealed by colluvial deposits. Isolated pits and utilised tree-bowls containing later-prehistoric pottery fragments, fired clay fragments and occasional heat affected flint also indicated a localised prehistoric presence within the evaluation area. Occasional Saxon pottery fragments inform of a proximity to Saxon settlement though none was identified during the evaluation. Find out more at http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/kent/kingsborough-manor

Kingsborough Manor, Sheppey

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:07:20 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Jones Homes (Southern) Ltd to conduct archaeological excavations on land associated with Phase 2 Stage 1 of an ongoing, lowdensity housing development. The Phase 2 Stage 1 site was located north east of Kingsborough Farm, Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey, Kent, and to the north west of Kingsborough Manor housing development Phase 1 (Fig. 1). Work was undertaken between July and September 2004 and was carried out as a condition of planning permission for the development granted by Swale District Council and pursuant to a specification issued by the Heritage Conservation Group of Kent County Council. This report provides a brief summary of the excavation results. The Site (NGR 597725 172394) comprised an area of land totalling approximately 15,759m² and was located to the north of Kingsborough Farm, 2km south-east of Minster and c. 1.25km to the north-west of the village of Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey. It occupies an elevated position on the Isle of Sheppey, close to the north eastern edge of a ridge extending east-west along the island, with commanding views to the north and east over the Thames and the Essex coast. Lying generally at c. 70m above Ordnance Datum (aOD) the central site area slopes down gradually to the north and west toward Marrowbone Hill. A Neolithic causewayed enclosure was identified in the eastern half of the Site. Consisting of three single circuit ditch segments, the causewayed enclosure extended south beyond the southern limit of excavation into a previously built up area of the Kingsborough Manor housing development. The third, northernmost segment marked the northern limit of the enclosure, which appears to have terminated just shortly in front of the natural break of slope. Though slight variations were evident in each of the excavated sections, a standard ditch profile and a common depositional sequence were recognisable throughout the feature. An excavated section cut through the southernmost segment revealed three phases of ditch in the form of a sequence of intercutting termini. Two posthole groups found within the southeastern area of the enclosure are assumed to relate to the use of the monument during the Neolithic. Find out more at http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/kent/kingsborough-manor

Kingsborough Manor, Sheppey

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 07:49:12 GMT

Wessex Archaeology has carried out a programme of archaeological work on land north-east of Kingsborough Farm, Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey, Kent, commissioned by Jones Homes (Southern) Ltd, in advance of the Kingsborough Manor development. This assessment report presents the results of the work, which comprised evaluation, excavation and watching brief monitoring, and includes proposals for post-excavation analyses and publication of the results. The site (NGR 5978 1722) comprised a total area of c. 8 hectares north-east of Kingsborough Farm, which lies 2km south-east of Minster and c. 1.25km north-west of Eastchurch. The site was a sub-rectangular block of land approximately 415m long and 180m wide and occupied an elevated position on the Isle of Sheppey, close to the southern edge of a ridge extending east-west along the island. The site has commanding views to the north and east and to the south over the River Swale and the north Kent coast. The archaeological work extended discoveries made on the site by Archaeology South-East in an initial evaluation and an excavation (Phase 1, Stage 1 excavation). This identified a large Early Neolithic (4000 – 3000 BC) Causewayed Enclosure in the southern part of the site. Only the second to be recorded in Kent (the other is in Ramsgate), this discovery is of regional and national archaeological importance. The excavation also revealed part of the circuit of a Late Bronze Age (1100 – 700 BC) enclosure north of the Causewayed enclosure, containing cremation or pyre refuse pits and post-holes, and Roman period features including a rectilinear enclosure, postholes and two cremations. Medieval ditches and undated features were also recorded. Find out more at http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/kent/kingsborough-manor

Argenta House, Argenta Way, London

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:11:02 GMT

Environ UK Ltd (the Client) commissioned Wessex Archaeology to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment of Argenta House, Argenta Way, NW10 (hereafter the Site) in the London Borough of Brent. The Site encompasses an area of just over 0.2 ha and is centred on NGR 519710/184217. There is a considerable body of archaeological statute, planning guidance and policy potentially relevant to the Site, principal amongst which are the DoE’s Planning Policy Guidance Notes (PPG) 15 and 16. The study has involved consultation of the Greater London Sites and Monuments Record (GLSMR) and Brent Archive at Cricklewood Library for cartographic sources. The Study Area encompassed 1km2 around the centre of the Site. The sources consulted record a number of archaeological finds and sites within or proximitous to the Study Area.

High Street, Orpington, London

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:57:57 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Entec UK Ltd to undertake a watching brief on geotechnical pits at 79 High Street, Saint Mary Cray, centered on 547234 168138 (the Site). No archaeologically significant deposits or structures were noted during the watching brief. However undisturbed natural ground was observed below made-ground deposits across a large part of the Site, and Roman remains are known to have been observed on the Site during prior development. The report concludes that there is a potential for archaeological remains to exist within the eastern area of the Site.

Woodridge House, Sunning Dale

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:44:46 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Herring Homes Ltd to undertake an archaeological evaluation on land proposed for redevelopment at Woodridge House, Sunningdale, Berkshire (the Site). The Site is centred on NGR 493800 166450 (Figure 1). The evaluation comprised the excavation of a single trench, measuring 27m long by 2m wide and 1.2m deep. The object of the evaluation was to establish the location, nature and state of preservation of any archaeological remains on the Site, in particular the presence or absence of the Roman road known as the Devil’s Highway. No features of archaeological significance were detected in any part of the trench, with the ground in this area appearing to consist of made ground deposits to a depth in excess of 1.2m.

Cynergy Park, Sittingbourne

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:38:30 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Rokeagle Ltd (the Client) to undertake an archaeological field evaluation in advance of a programme of construction on the Cynergy Park site at Bobbing, Kent. The area comprised a roughly triangular portion of land measuring approximately 1.5 ha in extent, at the western end of a larger area centred on NGR 588850, 164700. Previous archaeological work in the surrounding areas had detected remains of Iron Age and Romano-British date to the north and north-east of the Site. The evaluation consisted of thirteen trenches measuring 30m in length and 2.2m wide, with one trench measuring 12m by 2.2m. The evaluation revealed archaeological features to be present in four of the trenches, concentrated in the north western corner of the Site. The features comprised two ditches of a probable Iron Age date and a small cluster of stake holes dated to the same period. Two ditches of a probable medieval date were also found.

Fulston Manor, Sittingbourne

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:32:42 GMT

From November 2004 to January 2005 Wessex Archaeology undertook the excavation of a small medieval farmstead at land at Fulston Manor, Sittingbourne, Kent, centred on NGR 590760 162720. The excavation was undertaken on behalf of David Wilson Homes prior to the residential development of the site. The archaeological project was undertaken as a condition of planning consent following the advice of the Heritage Conservation Group, Kent County Council. Prior to the excavation, geophysical survey and field evaluation identified features of medieval date, suggesting a settlement at Fulston Manor. The subsequent excavation confirmed the presence of archaeological features and deposits representing the remains of a small medieval farmstead established, used and abandoned between the 11th and early 14th centuries. Excavated features included a double ditched enclosure, a number of structures, a kiln and a number of pits. An assemblage of medieval pottery was recovered, along with other finds of ceramic building material, quern or millstones, and animal bones. Environmental sample recovered remains of hulled barley, free-threshing wheat, rye and garden pea. A small number of features and finds pre- and post-dating the medieval farmstead were also recorded, including a prehistoric ditch, residual Roman material, a late Roman or Saxon copper alloy pin and two pits, possibly of 16th century date.

Peckham High Street, London

Thu, 20 May 2010 12:01:25 GMT

WA Heritage was commissioned by Forge Architects to undertake an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment of a Site at 14 Peckham High Street, Peckham, SE15. The Site lies under the jurisdiction of Southwark Borough Council and is centred on National Grid Reference (NGR) 534008, 176683 covering an approximate area of 500 metres squared (0.05 hectares). Current outline proposals include adaptation and extension to the existing property for residential and commercial use with provision for amenity open space. Construction would involve the demolition of a single storey structure to the rear of the main 3 storey building and construction of a 2 and 3 storey extension in its place. The existing building incorporates a basement. Extension to or within the existing basement is not currently proposed. A circular Study Area extending for 750m from the Site centre has been considered in order to provide a context for interpretation. Listed Buildings are referenced within 200m of the Site. Archaeological and historical evidence within the Study Area reflects human presence from the early prehistoric period through to the present day with an emphasis on medieval and later activity. Historic settlement at Peckham originated in the Saxon period and would appear to have been concentrated east of the Site, east of the junction of modern Peckham High Street with Rye Lane. Cartographic study has shown that the Site footprint has been occupied by buildings from at least the late 18th century although the nature of this development does not become clear until the 1830’s. Since this time the Site has undergone several phases of alteration, from the mid 19th century this alteration is largely associated with its function as a public house.

Bakers Row, Stratford

Thu, 20 May 2010 11:54:37 GMT

WA Heritage was commissioned by Newham Borough Council to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment of land at Bridge Road Depot, Bakers Row, Stratford, E15 in advance of any future applications for planning permission. The Site lies under the jurisdiction of Newham Borough Council centred on National Grid Reference (NGR) 539093, 183547. The Site covers an area of approximately 1.9 hectares and lies within an Archaeological Priority Area immediately adjacent to the Scheduled Ancient Monument which defines the remains of Stratford Langthorne Abbey. A circular Study Area extending for 350m from the Site centre has been considered in order to provide an archaeological and historical context for interpretation. The Study Area represents a high level of recorded archaeology from the early prehistoric period to the 20th century, with an emphasis on evidence concerning the medieval development of Stratford Langthorne Abbey. During the medieval period, the Site lay within the Abbey walls in an area occupied by moats and the Abbey gardens in proximity to the Abbey gate and immediately north of an excavated structure interpreted as a guesthouse/lodge. The Site of a chapel dedicated to St Richard is also speculated in the vicinity. Excavations within the Site boundary may also suggest Post-medieval tanning activity. Cartographic analysis has shown that the Site has been subject to a high level of ground intrusion in the 19th and 20th centuries which may have impacted upon in situ archaeological remains.

Waylands, Croydon

Thu, 20 May 2010 11:40:24 GMT

Calford Seadon LLP on behalf of Hyde Housing Association commissioned Wessex Archaeology to undertake a cultural heritage desk-based assessment of land comprising the former site of Propeller House public house, the Waylands Centre and Redgates and Waddon Schools in the London Borough of Croydon, hereafter, the Site (Areas A and B). The Site covers an area of c. 3 hectares, centred on National Grid Reference (NGR) 531188/164370. Development proposals concerning the Site are currently undisclosed. A Study Area extending for 750m from the centre of the Site has been considered in order to provide an archaeological and historical context for interpretation. There is a moderate level of recorded archaeology within the Study Area. Prehistoric and Romano-British activity is recorded at several locations across the Study Area representative of small scale activity rather than occupation, activity includes residual evidence within Area A. On this basis it is considered that there is a low-moderate potential for the recovery of Prehistoric and Romano-British material within the Site footprint. To date there has been little archaeological evidence to quantify medieval activity in the wider locality and as such, it is considered that there is a low potential for the recovery of Medieval remains at the Site. Post-medieval and later activity is proven through evaluation within Area A and through cartographic analysis. There is a high potential for the recovery of Post-medieval and 18th/19th century features, particularly associated with the pre-existing Coldharbour House and associated with deposits previously recorded in Area A.

Waddon Way, Croydon

Wed, 12 May 2010 13:05:22 GMT

Calford Seadon LLP on behalf of Hyde Housing Association commissioned Wessex Archaeology to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment of land comprising the Waddon Youth Centre, Brightsparks Nursery, Hilton Community Centre and part of the Purley Way Playing Fields in the London Borough of Croydon, hereafter, the Site. The Site covers an area of c. 0.5 hectares, centred on National Grid Reference (NGR) 531188/ 164370. Outline plans concerning Site development are unknown at the time of writing. This report is prepared to inform the archaeological potential of the Site in advance of any future development of the Site. A Study Area extending for 750m from the centre of the Site has been considered in order to provide an archaeological and historical context for interpretation. The Site would appear to have been undeveloped until post-1975 when the extant Waddon Youth Centre was constructed. Prior to this the Site formed part of the Purley Playing Fields. Pre-19th century development in the area largely comprised agricultural and garden activity prior to the onset of Victorian suburbanisation. Previous impacts at the Site are limited to the construction of the extant buildings and associated ground level reduction.

Bramley Hill, Croydon

Wed, 12 May 2010 12:57:49 GMT

Calford Seadon LLP on behalf of Hyde Housing Association commissioned Wessex Archaeology to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment of land currently occupied by the Peter Sylvester Centre and associated car park at Bramley Hill in the London Borough of Croydon. The Site covers an area of c. 0.1 hectares, centred on National Grid Reference (NGR) 532228, 164616. Outline plans concerning Site development are unknown at the time of writing. This report is prepared to inform the archaeological potential of the Site in advance of any future development of the Site. A Study Area extending for 500m from the centre of the Site has been considered in order to provide an archaeological and historical context for interpretation. The Site would appear to have undeveloped until the late 19th century when a pre-dating residential property occupied a comparable footprint as extant today. Pre 19th century development in the area largely comprises agricultural and garden activity. The current building was constructed in the 1960’s/70’s. Evidence for prehistoric and Romano-British activity is recorded at several locations across the Study Area, comprising individual or small groups of stray and out of context finds. Firm evidence for occupation during these periods is limited. Given the documented occurrence of prehistoric and Romano-British activity in the area, it is considered that there is a low-moderate potential for the recovery of archaeological evidence from these dates within the Study Area.

High Street, Fording Bridge

Wed, 12 May 2010 12:51:28 GMT

Wessex Archaeology wasappointed by Tygwin Limited of Ringwood, Hampshire to carry out a programme of building recording at 8-10 High Street, Fordingbridge, Hampshire (hereafter referred to as the Site). The work was requested by the Conservation Officer in order to provide more information on the buildings in support of a proposed planning application. The building is Grade II Listed and is described as late 18th century-19th century with shop front. It is situated within the Fordingbridge Conservation Area. The preliminary proposals are to separate the existing single retail outlet on the ground floor of the main Listed Building into two separate units and to replace the garage in the north corner of the Site with a small single bedroom dwelling. Proposals include alterations to the rear of the main building particularly around the present staircase. The Conservation Officer requested more information on the date of the staircase in order to establish whether it was original.

Leicester Road, Rugby

Wed, 12 May 2010 12:44:23 GMT

Wessex Archaeology were commissioned by St Modwen Properties PLC, through their agents, The Barton Willmore Planning Partnership-Midlands, to carry out the phase 1 Building Assessment. This has been carried out in accordance with a Written Scheme of Investigation approved by the Warwickshire CC Planning Archaeologist. The site to which this assessment report relates - referred to as ‘Land at Leicester Road, Rugby’ – is situated to the north of Rugby town centre. The site is bounded to the south by the main railway line, immediately to the north-west of the station, and to the north by the River Avon. The site is approximately 33 hectares in area (450600,276400).

Boughton Road, Rugby

Wed, 12 May 2010 12:08:16 GMT

Wessex Archaeology were commissioned by St Modwen Properties PLC, through their agents, The Barton Willmore Planning Partnership-Midlands, to carry out the phase 1 Building Assessment. This has been carried out in accordance with a Written Scheme of Investigation approved by the Warwickshire CC Planning Archaeologist. The site to which this assessment report relates - referred to as ‘Land at Boughton Road, Rugby’ – is situated to the north of Rugby town centre. The site is bounded to the south by the River Avon and to the north by the Oxford Canal (450900,276800). To the west of the works the land has been redeveloped with a superstore. The main site access is from Boughton Road to the east.

Manor Road, Fishponds, Bristol

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:20:25 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Churchill Retirement Living Ltd. to conduct an archaeological watching brief at 41 Manor Road in Fishponds, Bristol, hereafter known as ‘the Site’. The Site comprises a parcel of land of c. 0.32 hectares centred on NGR 363244, 176052. The development comprises the demolition of existing buildings to allow the construction of warden controlled retirement apartments. The watching brief was conducted as part of a retrospective condition requested by the Archaeological Officer for Bristol City Council. It was conducted between the 14th and 17th January 2008, at which time existing buildings on site had been removed and approximately one third of the area had been terraced. The scope of works comprised the identification and recording of any surviving building foundations associated with the late eighteenth/ early nineteenth century building which formerly stood on the Site, and a general watching brief to cover all other available areas. Two wall foundations thought to be associated with the original late eighteenth/ early nineteenth century building were identified, though these were truncated, fragmentary and damaged. A further wall, on the same alignment, was identified in the east of the watching brief area. Fragments of sandstone paving slabs to the west and the remains of a hedge line to the east have been interpreted as garden features, removed whilst the house was still in use.

Avenue Road, St John's Wood

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:14:06 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned Swiss Cottage (38 & 40) Properties Limited to undertake an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment of a Site at 38 and 40 Avenue Road, St John’s Wood, London. The Site lies under the jurisdiction of Camden Borough Council and is centred on National Grid Reference (NGR) 527118, 183777, to the West of Primrose Hill. At present the Site comprises a house on plot 40 which incorporates a landscaped garden on plot 38. Development at the Site will necessitate the demolition of the current building and construction of two detached buildings with double basements. Ground intrusion across the Site is envisaged to facilitate the basements, foundations, infrastructure and a swimming pool on lower ground floor. Analysis carried out by Manhire Associates indicates that there has been prior ground intrusion, most probably basements, subsequently filled. The Site covers an approximate area of 25 by 35 metres. A circular Study Area extending for 1km from the Site centre has been considered in order to provide an archaeological and historical context for interpretation. There are no Scheduled Monuments within the Study Area and the Site is within the Elsworthy Conservation Area as defined in Camden Borough Council’s UDP. There are approximately 100 Listed Buildings within the Study Area; these are not dealt with in this report.

Farnham Lane, East Burnham

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:06:56 GMT

Summerleaze Limited commissioned Wessex Archaeology to undertake an archaeological desk based assessment in support of a review of Planning Conditions imposed upon Planning Consent granted in 1993 for the extraction of gravel on land to the west of East Burnham, Buckinghamshire (application area centred on NGR 495054/183788). Planning permission was granted for the extraction of aggregate in three phases of which Phase 1 has been completed. The original Phase 2 and Phase 3 have been changed around. This assessment has been produced as part of the ROMP process and covers Phase 2 (Leys Farm) previously entered in the planning process as Phase 3. The original Planning Permission attracted no archaeological planning conditions however through the ROMP process the original conditions are to be reviewed. As part of this review David Radford, Archaeological Officer, Buckinghamshire County Council has requested a desk based assessment. The original Environmental Statement submitted in September 2007 concluded that no archaeological sites, structures or features of significance were present within the consented area. A crop mark is located within the area and identified by the RCHME as a possible Neolithic long barrow or prehistoric enclosure however this assessment considers that the crop mark might be defining a palaeochannel leading to a swallow hole identified by the Site walkover.

Old Blandford Road, Salisbury

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:50:13 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Mr M Scratchley, Keen Construction Ltd (on behalf of Octave Homes West the Client) to carry out an archaeological desk-based assessment on a small triangular area of land sandwiched between the Old Blandford Road and Blandford Road, Salisbury (hereafter the ‘Site’). The Site is centered on National Grid Reference (NGR) 413410 128277. The planning proposal is a residential development of 14 properties within the Site, presently occupied by a lorry park. The Site is situated at approximately 85m above Ordnance Datum (aOD). The underlying geology comprises cretaceous chalk beneath alluvium. Due to the restricted nature of the Site a search area for sites and monuments records was reduced to 500m. The search returned no results within the Site Area and only two entries, one of which is on the periphery, within the Search Area. A further entry is located immediately beyond the Search Area and crop marks located to the south west may extend into the edge of the Search Area. The Site walkover revealed that the original topsoil and subsoil has been removed from the Site and appears to have been bulldozed to the edges to form screening bunds. The upper surface of the underlying chalk, exposed in places, has been covered with a layer of recycled hardcore consisting of gravel and brick fragments.

Great Maytham Hall, Rolvenden

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:40:45 GMT

WA Heritage, a specialist division of Wessex Archaeology, was commissioned by Huw Owen Architects on behalf of Sunley Group to carry out a landscape and building study of their property at Great Maytham Hall, Rolvenden, Kent (NGR TQ 84819 30620). The work was commissioned in order to provide a detailed understanding of the chronological development of the property, and to assess the relative significance of its component parts, in order to inform the preparation of development proposals for selected areas of the site. Great Maytham Hall lies between the settlements of Rolvenden and Rolvenden Layne, some 4km to the south-west of the small market town of Tenterden, in the gently undulating landscape of the eastern end of the Kentish Weald. Great Maytham Hall, which results from the extensive remodelling and enlargement of an 18th century house by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1909-10, is a Grade II* listed building, as is the contemporary gatehouse stable block at the entrance to the property from Maytham Road. An estate has existed at Maytham since the Saxon period, and a 44 hectare portion of this historic estate is listed Grade II on the EH Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.

Moorfields Quarter, Wolverhampton

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:28:30 GMT

A detailed Historic Landscape Characterisation Study of the All Saint’s and Blakenhall Community Development Area, recommended that consideration be given to the designation of the entire area of the former Sunbeam Motor Car Company’s Moorfield Works, together with adjacent industrial properties, as a conservation area (Wessex Archaeology, September 2005).

Turner Village Hospital, Colchester

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:22:55 GMT

Wessex Archaeology (London) was commissioned by Galliford Try Partnerships to undertake an archaeological field evaluation and watching brief on land at the former Turner Village Hospital, Mile End, Colchester, Essex. The Site comprises 9.7 ha of land some 2km to the north of Colchester town centre and is centred on National Grid Reference (NGR) 599565 226890. This report details the results of the evaluation which comprised the excavation of twenty trenches which took place from the 28th August to the 13th September 2007, and a watching brief on ground works associated with the demolition of the former hospital buildings which took place intermittently from the 22nd October to 22nd November 2007. The south, centre and northwest corner of the Site (Trenches 6-13 and 18-20) was characterised by a series of ditches and possible pits. Although many these features were not excavated the majority that were did not produce dateable material. A number of features contained fragments of pottery, brick and tiles dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. Probable field boundary ditches were observed to follow two different alignments; northeastsouthwest/ southeast-northwest and east-west, indicating a change in the layout/orientation of the field systems. Although palaeo-environmental evidence taken from Late Iron Age-Early Romano-British features excavated at the northern edges of the Site (Trenches 19 and 20) produced plant remains, “indicative of proximity to settlement and general domestic activities”, no direct evidence for settlement, such as habitations, middens or other structures was uncovered during the evaluation or watching brief. Fragmentary evidence for medieval activity, in the form of medieval pottery sherds and roof tiles came from three ditches discovered in Trenches 12, 13 and 18 in the south of the Site.

Folkestone Road, East Ham

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:15:57 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Newham Borough Council to undertake an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment of a council depot at Folkestone Road, East Ham, London in advance of any future application for planning permission. The Site covers an area of approximately 10.5 hectares under the jurisdiction of Newham Borough Council and is centred on National Grid Reference (NGR) 543666/183172. The purpose of the study is to gauge the archaeological potential of the Site and to establish as far as available information will allow, the extent of previous ground intrusion at the Site, therefore indicating the likelihood for the survival of archaeological remains. A circular Study Area extending for 500m from the Site centre has been considered in order to provide an archaeological and historical context for interpretation. The Site is situated within a designated Archaeological Priority Area, in proximity to a riverine environment in a Study Area which reflects a low level of prehistoric activity. A low potential exists for the recovery of related deposits in areas of the Site previously subjected to lower levels of ground intrusion. The Site occupied marshland/reclaimed agricultural land until the late 19th century and was situated away from historic settlement centres.

66 Highfield Road, Purley

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:29:11 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Tinos Homes Limited to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment at 66 Highfield Road (formerly known as ‘Red Stacks’) in Purley, in the London Borough of Croydon. The Site is centred on Ordnance Survey National Grid Reference (NGR) 531200, 162380 and covers an area of c. 0.2 hectares. At the time of writing, it is intended that the existing buildings will be demolished and 3 two-storey residential buildings with vehicular access and a provision for associated parking will be built. This assessment has been prepared in response to an archaeological condition attached to the planning consent (No. APP/L5240/A/07/2037718). A Study Area extending for 1km from the centre of the Site has been considered in order to provide an archaeological and historical context for interpretation. Extensive prehistoric remains relating to Neolithic and Bronze Age occupation are recorded within the Study Area. There are no known records of Iron Age finds, although there is evidence of occupation on high ground in the area. Antiquarian references have described a town at Woodcote, to the south west of the Site, dating to the Romano-British period, the remains of which are reported to have been destroyed in the 18th century. The majority of archaeology has been recorded to the south west of the Site, notably Anglo-Saxon funerary activity; an undated burial has been recorded within the vicinity of the Site itself. Woodcote may also have been the site of a deserted medieval village, though the location of any settlement is uncertain. Historic mapping indicates that the Site and the majority of the surrounding area were under agricultural use until 1913, after which a considerable amount of residential development was undertaken, including construction of the ‘Red Stacks’ house on the Site.

Coldharbour/Wrotham Road Gravesend

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:19:50 GMT

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Capital Enterprise Centres (Jersey) Ltd to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment of Land at Coldharbour Road/Wrotham Road, Gravesend, Kent (the Site). The Site, centred on Ordnance Survey National Grid Reference (NGR) 563990 171533, covers an area of c. 2.3 hectares. At the time of writing, commercial development of the Site is envisaged. A circular Study Area extending for 1km from the centre of the Site has been considered in order to provide an archaeological and historical context for interpretation. Extensive fieldwork undertaken over the past few decades in this area, including the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the A2 road widening scheme and the construction of commercial properties, has resulted in a substantial archaeological record for this area. The area has extensive prehistoric remains, which have been observed from aerial photographs and, more recently, excavated. There is evidence for prehistoric funerary activity, Iron Age and Romano-British settlement associated with Watling Street (A2) and medieval settlement to the south of the A2 road. No evidence for the Anglo-Saxon period has been recorded in this area. It has been noted from historic mapping that the Site prior to 1840s until today has been under agricultural practice, with no evidence for construction on the Site from this date. There are no Listed Buildings within the Study.