| Title: |
Trial Trench at Land East of Pond Hall Farm, Stour Close, Harwich |
| Series: |
Wardell Armstrong Archaeology unpublished report series
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| Downloads: |
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wardella2-506901_189598.pdf (33 MB)
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| Biblio Note |
This report was uploaded to the OASIS system by the named Publisher. The report has not been reviewed by the relevant HER. The report has been transferred into the ADS Library for public access and to facilitate future research.
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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: |
The archaeological evaluation was undertaken following the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Standard and Guidance for archaeological field evaluation (2020a), and in accordance with the WA fieldwork manual (2020).
The fieldwork programme was followed by an assessment of the data as set out in the Standard and Guidance for archaeological field evaluation (CIfA 2020a) and the Standard and Guidance for the collection, documentation, conservation and research of archaeological materials (CIfA 2020b).
The evaluation comprised the excavation of seventy-two trenches across the proposed development area. Three trenches – denoted as Trench 141, 149 and 156 – were excavated on the during the preceding trial-trench evaluation on the site in 2019 (Hicks 2019).
The majority of the trenches excavated during the current phase of investigation measured 30.00m in length and 1.80m in width, while four of the trenches measured 50.00m by 1.80m (Trenches 87, 125, 127 and 151). Following advice from Teresa O’Connor, both Trench 99 and 125 were extended to investigate palaeochannel [1078] and palaeochannel [1019] respectively. The trenches were placed using a random grid array, but also targeting areas of particular interest identified during the previous geophysical survey on the site (Bell et al 2019). The trenches were, however, located with due regard to the location of services and taking into consideration ecological/arboricultural constraints. The trenches and features were surveyed using an RTK GPS (Leica GS14/CS15) with an accuracy/error of <1cm. The trial-trenches represent a 3% sample of the overall site.
Deposits considered not to be significant were removed by a 360˚ tracked mechanical excavator with a toothless ditching bucket, under close archaeological supervision. All possible features or deposits were inspected, and selected deposits were excavated by hand to retrieve artefactual material and environmental samples. Once completed all features were recorded according to the WA standard procedure as set out in the Excavation Manual (WA 2020). On completion, the evaluation trenches were reinstated by replacing the excavated material.
The general aims of these investigations were:
• To determine the presence or absence of buried archaeological remains within the specified targeted areas of the Site;
• To determine the character, date, extent and distribution of any archaeological deposits revealed as well as their potential significance;
• To determine levels of disturbance to any archaeological deposits from later building and landscaping activities;
• To determine the likely impact on any archaeological deposits present from the consented scheme; and
• To disseminate the results of the fieldwork through an appropriate level of recording.
The specific research topics highlighted with the project brief (O’Connor 2018):
• The potential for palaeoenvironmental deposits;
• The mapping of former creeks and drains;
• The identification of potential industrial activity in the former wetland areas; and
• The identification of associated settlement on higher/drier ground. The archaeological work was undertaken over thirteen days between the 21st of February and the 9th March 2022, and comprised the excavation of seventy-two trenches. The trenches were placed using a random grid array, but also targeting areas of particular interest identified during the previous geophysical survey on the site (Bell et al 2019).
Archaeological features were encountered within twenty-four of the trenches investigated. A small number of Saxon and post-medieval features were encountered, in addition to numerous modern field drains and pits. A former palaeochannel system was also identified in the western portion of the site, and within areas or relative elevation in the south. |
| Author: |
Liam Podbury
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| Publisher: |
Wardell Armstrong Consulting Group
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| Year of Publication: |
2022
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| Locations: |
| Parish: |
Ramsey and Parkeston |
| County: |
Essex |
| Country: |
England |
| District: |
Tendring |
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Grid Reference: 622477, 230999 (Easting, Northing)
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| Identifiers: |
| OASIS Id: |
wardella2-506901 |
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| Source: |
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| Created Date: |
16 Aug 2023 |
