| Abstract: |
Border Archaeology was instructed by South East Water to undertake Archaeological Observation of engineering groundworks in respect of the proposed Staplecross to Iden: Field 12 Mains Renewal Scheme (East Sussex). The programme of archaeological observation was carried out on a section of the Staplecross to Iden: Field 12 Mains Renewal Scheme, which comprised monitoring of the topsoil strip and subsequent trenching for the insertion of a water pipeline, which extended for about 1km across a series of fields from a connection point on the A268 (Rye Road) to the W of Bowlers Town to another connection point on the N fringes of the village of Playden, just outside the historic town of Rye. Natural substrata were encountered at a relatively shallow depth across the majority of the pipeline route, on average between 0.20 and 0.30m below existing ground level, although it was encountered at a greater depth in Field 4 (at between 0.45-0.75m BGL) where the pipeline crossed an existing watercourse. Post-medieval and modern drainage features and furrows were encountered in several of the fields crossed by the pipeline works. Three linear ditches of unknown date and function were recorded in Fields 2, 3 and 9; however, no artefactual evidence was recovered from the fills of these features. It should also be noted that, due to the safety constraints of deep excavation (which extended to a depth of 2m in places), information remains limited. The site did however prove geologically informative with colluvial deposits being encountered. The paucity of significant archaeological features or deposits may be a reflection of the continued and intensive agricultural practices being undertaken within the area. However, this should not be seen necessarily to reflect the archaeological potential of the area, which has shown evidence for extensive activity from the Bronze Age through to the Late Medieval period. A considerable number of post-medieval and modern drainage features, furrows, plough scars, and tree-throws were encountered in several of the fields traversed by the pipeline works. No finds were recovered from any of these agricultural features, although some of the ceramic field drains were horseshoe-shaped and date between the mid-18th to mid-19th century.
Whilst no significant archaeological features were encountered, three colluvial deposits were identified in Trench 003. Deposit (003008) was found to have accumulated within a natural depression; the palaeoenvironmental profile producing little of interpretative value. Deposits (003009) and (003010), on the other hand contained significant waterlogged plant remains, an incisor tooth of a sheep or goat, and indeterminate slag (common in post-medieval field spreading activities). The results of the palaeoenvironmental analysis suggests that these two deposits formed in a probable waterlain depression, such as a pond feature, surrounded by damp open grassland with occasional disturbed ground, possibly associated with post-medieval agricultural activity.
The results of this archaeological observation reflect only an absence of archaeology within the designated pipeline route. It is possible that archaeology exists outside of the 3m - 6m wide area explored along the route and thus the archaeological potential of the general area surrounding the Field 12 Mains Renewal Scheme should not be discounted. |
