| Title: |
Archaeological Evaluation at West Road, Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire |
| Series: |
Oxford Archaeological Unit unpublished report series
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| Downloads: |
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oxfordar1-507171_189437.pdf (3 MB)
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| Licence Type: |
ADS Terms of Use and Access
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| DOI |
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| Publication Type: |
Report (in Series)
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| Abstract: |
SAWR18
A total of 19 trenches measuring 50m x 1.8m were targeted on the archaeological features
and blank areas identified by the geophysical survey (Fig. 2). This represents a 3% sample of the site.
The trenches were excavated using a 13‐tonne machine fitted with a flat, toothless
bucket. Machining continued in spits down to the top of the undisturbed natural geology.
Once archaeological deposits were exposed, excavation continued by hand.
The excavation methodology was previously set out in the WSI (OA 2018) and need
not be repeated here in detail. All identified features were cleaned and samples were
excavated to resolve the principle aims of the evaluation.
SAWR21
This investigation comprised the excavation of four trial trenches (Trenches 20–23),
each measuring 25m by 5m (500m2 in total). This represents a 3% sample of the 5.7ha
development area, expanding upon the 3% previously investigated (Trenches 1–19; OA
2018). The trench layout in relation to the previous phase of works and geophysical
survey results is shown in Figure 2.
All work was conducted in accordance with the CIfA’s Code of Conduct (CIfA 2014b)
and Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Field Evaluation (CIfA 2014a).
All fieldwork was undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the OA Fieldwork
Manual (Wilkinson 1992) and the revised OA fieldwork manual (OA forthcoming).
Further guidance was provided to all excavators in the form of the OA ‘Fieldwork Crib
Sheets’ – a companion guide to the Fieldwork Manual (OA 1992). These were issued
ahead of formal publication of the revised Fieldwork Manual (OA forthcoming).
The trenches were generally located in accordance with the WSI (OA 2020), though
the location of Trench 20 was repositioned approximately 2m to the north-west due
to the presence of a large topsoil heap that partially covered the trench location.
However, it was still targeted on the same geophysical anomaly and did not affect the
aims of the investigation.
A summary of OA’s general approach to excavation and recording was detailed in the
written scheme of investigation for this phase of work and shall not be repeated here.
The site-specific methodology was as follows:
i. Service plans were checked before work commenced on site and before
trenching, and the footprint of each trench was scanned by a qualified and
experienced operator using a CAT and Genny with a valid calibration certificate.
ii. All machine excavation took place under the supervision of a suitably qualified
and experienced archaeologist.
iii. Trial trenches were excavated by a mechanical excavator to the depth of
geological horizons or to the upper interface of archaeological features or
deposits, whichever was encountered first. A toothless ditching bucket with a
minimum bucket width of 1.8m was used to excavate the trenches in spits no
greater than 0.1m thick.
iv. Spoil was stored alongside trenches. Topsoil, subsoil and hand-excavated
archaeological deposits were kept separate during excavation to allow for
sequential backfilling. The trenches were backfilled once approval had been
received from Alison Tinniswood.
v. The top of the first archaeological deposit was cleared by machine, then
cleaned by hand. Exposed surfaces were cleaned by trowel and hoe, as
necessary, in order to clarify revealed features and deposits.
vi. All features were investigated and recorded to provide an accurate evaluation
of archaeological remains. All relationships between features or deposits were
investigated and recorded. Excavation characterised the full archaeological
sequence down to undisturbed natural deposits, and any apparently natural
features (such as tree-throw holes) were investigated to establish their
character.
vii. All excavation of archaeological deposits was carried out by hand.
viii. |
| Author: |
L Sparks
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| Publisher: |
Oxford Archaeology
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| Year of Publication: |
2019
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| Locations: |
| Country: |
England |
| Parish: |
Sawbridgeworth |
| County: |
Hertfordshire |
| District: |
East Hertfordshire |
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Grid Reference: 547840, 215448 (Easting, Northing)
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| Subjects / Periods: |
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| Identifiers: |
| OASIS Id: |
oxfordar1-507171 |
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| Source: |
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| Relations: |
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| Created Date: |
07 Jul 2023 |
