| Abstract: |
Fifty-four trial trenches were machine excavated at the Site in April / May 2018. All machine excavated trenches measured approximately 30m x 1.8m with the exception of four trenches. Trenches 34, 48, and 50 were extended by 2m, 3m and 2.6m respectively to reveal archaeological features. Trench 49 was shortened by 6.6m to avoid extant hedges. Eight trenches were repositioned prior to machine excavation by several metres with some of the trenches orientation changed due to a public footpath located to the south within the Site; Trenches 16, 21, 23, 24, 38, 40, 41 and 54 An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in April and May 2018 at Crondall Lane, Farnham. Fifty four trenches were excavated. Archaeological features (of predominantly modern date) were identified during the trial trench evaluation in nineteen trenches; Trenches 11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 23, 24, 25, 28, 30, 31, 32, 34, 36, 39, 47, 48, 49 and 51. An unexcavated isolated small pit containing an assemblage of charcoal and burnt bone remains and potsherds was identified within Trench 21. The pit is likely to resemble a cremation dating to the prehistoric period. A single shallow isolated pit containing the articulated skeletal remains of a small pony (Equus callabus) was found in Trench 39 dating to the post-medieval / modern period. A possible former ditch system found in Trenches 23, 24, 25 is likely to be associated with the existing historic field boundaries found at the Site. Forty-four postholes were identified during the trial trench evaluation; all are likely to date to the modern period. Square cut and circular postholes were found at the Site. Based on their frequent intermittent positioning but also their projected alignments, morphology and fill characteristics and dating evidence, the postholes are likely to form part of an extensive network of Second World War tactical obstacles such as barbed wire entanglements erected during important anti-invasion defence works. If the features are associated with a network of Second World War tactical obstacles, similar to those found at Church Crookham during recent investigations, and this seems likely, then they are located on Line A of the GHQ (General Headquarters) line of defences constructed from 1940 as a response to the threat of a German invasion in World War II and will contribute further to our understanding of homeland defence during the Battle of Britain in 1940. |
