| Abstract: |
Demolition of Holmcroft was undertaken prior to the watching brief. The subsequent groundworks comprised ground reduction in the areas of proposed new build (Phase 1), which was to be followed by piling works (Phase 2) and excavation of service trenches (Phase 3). Following discussions between Steve Weaver of CgMs Consulting and Steve Membury, the Archaeological Advisor to Somerset County Council, it was agreed that an archaeologist would only need to be present during Phase 1 of the groundworks. The groundworks were undertaken by a mechanical excavator fitted with a toothless grading bucket working under the constant supervision of an experienced archaeologist.
On the discovery of archaeological deposits, the ground reduction methodology was revised. The areas containing archaeological deposits (Areas 1 and 2) were stripped to the top of natural or archaeological deposits, whichever was encountered first, and any significant archaeological deposits and/or features were manually cleaned, investigated and recorded in accordance with the Written Scheme of Investigation. Thereafter, following the agreement of Steve Membury, the areas were reduced to formation level.
Archaeological mitigation in Area 2 was slightly different as formation level was the same as the top of the archaeological horizon. It was agreed by Steve Membury, following discussions with Steve Weaver, that the pile locations within Area 2 were to be excavated, in addition to sections strategically placed in order to gain an understanding of the archaeological sequence. As much as possible of the archaeology was to be left in-situ. Archaeological deposits were identified in Areas 1 and 2. The archaeological horizon was not exposed in Area 3 or at the western end of Area 1 and modern layers could still mask further archaeological deposits and/or features. The earliest dated deposits on site were of 11th-13th century, which were present in Areas 1 and 2. A series of inter-cutting pits were present in Area 1. These pits were indicative of backland activity associated with buildings that may have stood on the street frontage. In Area 2 a series of layers, and what could have been cobbled surfaces, were present.
Deposits and features dating to the 13th-15th centuries were sparse. Pit [137] in Area 1 and layer (203) in Area 2 contained both sherds of 11th -13th centuries and 13th-15th centuries. It is possible that these two deposits belong to the 11th-13th century period and that the later pottery is just ‘background noise’ from activity of this period in the vicinity.
Archaeological features and deposits from the 16th-18th centuries were present in Areas 1 and 2. A large anomalous pit and rubble spread, probably dating to the early part of this period, were present in Area 1. Part of a stone-built structure was present in Area 2, associated with a stone-built well, drain and surface. A boundary wall, of a later phase, was bonded to the northern side of the structure. This small complex cut through the earlier 11th-13th century deposits and surfaces. The tithe map of 1843 illustrates a precursor building to Holmcroft which could represent this building.
The results of the watching brief would suggest a good archaeological potential for the remainder of the site and within the immediate vicinity of the study area. |
