| Title: |
Evaluation at Bexhill, Mount View Street, East Sussex |
| Series: |
Oxford Archaeological Unit unpublished report series
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| Downloads: |
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oxfordar1-516735_212530.pdf (9 MB)
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Download
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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: |
A total of 16 trenches, measuring 30m x 1.8m were excavated across the site representing a 5% sample of the proposed development area. The trenches were laid out to target the geophysical anomalies previously identified and to test the ‘blank’ areas of the site.
The trenches were excavated using a mechanical excavator fitted with a toothless ditching bucket under the direct supervision of an archaeologist. Spoil was stored adjacent to but at a safe distance from the trench edges. Trenches and the upcast spoil were scanned with a metal detector.
Only one trench (TR11) was moved from its original proposed position due to the proximity of the tree canopy. All other trenches were excavated at their proposed positions as set out with a GPS.
Sampling and excavation of features were as outlined within the WSI (WSP 2023) and
trenches were backfilled following sign-off from the County Archaeologist. In February 2023 Oxford Archaeology was commissioned by Kier on behalf of the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to undertake a first phase of archaeological evaluation at land off Mount View Street, Bexhill, East Sussex.
The aim of the evaluation was to determine the presence and significance of any archaeological remains that may be found in the areas of proposed impacts. This phase of evaluation consisted of 16 trenches targeted on geophysical features and to test blank areas of the site, representing a 5% sample of the proposed development area.
The evaluation revealed a series of shallow undated ditches on differing alignments as well as four pits with evidence of burning. The trenches supported the results of the previous geophysical survey, as well as revealing ditches and pits that were not identified within the survey.
Only one small fragment of potential pottery was found within a ditch within Trench 8, along with two worked flints within Trench 10, which were tentatively dated as prehistoric. Evidence of charcoal filled pits within the area have previously been interpreted a charcoal production dating from the Iron Age to Saxon periods.
The site sits within a wider landscape of multi-phase activity dating from the Late Bronze Age to the early medieval period. The activities on the site appear to represent a small coaxial fieldsystem or enclosure ditches of potential prehistoric date. The four pits are potentially associated with charcoal production and provide further evidence of woodland management from the late Iron Age onwards. |
| Author: |
Katherine Webster
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| Publisher: |
Oxford Archaeology
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| Year of Publication: |
2023
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| Locations: |
| Country: |
England |
| County: |
East Sussex |
| District: |
Rother |
| Parish: |
Rother, unparished area |
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Grid Reference: 574798, 108900 (Easting, Northing)
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| Subjects / Periods: |
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PIT
(Monument Type England)
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DITCH
(Monument Type England)
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EVALUATION
(Event)
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UNCERTAIN RIDGE AND FURROW
(Tag)
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SHERD
(Object England)
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LATER PREHISTORIC SHERD
(Tag)
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UNCERTAIN DITCH
(Tag)
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UNCERTAIN GULLY
(Tag)
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GULLY
(Monument Type England)
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RIDGE AND FURROW
(Monument Type England)
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UNCERTAIN PIT
(Tag)
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LATER PREHISTORIC DITCH
(Tag)
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LATER PREHISTORIC
(Historic England Periods)
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UNCERTAIN
(Historic England Periods)
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| Identifiers: |
| OASIS Id: |
oxfordar1-516735 |
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| Source: |
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| Relations: |
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| Created Date: |
16 Aug 2023 |
