1116108. Cite this using datacite

Title:

Evaluation at Abingdon Twelve Acre Drive

Series:

Oxford Archaeological Unit unpublished report series

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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.

Licence Type:

ADS Terms of Use and Access

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5284/1116108

Publication Type:

Report (in Series)

Abstract:

The evaluation comprised the excavation of 84 trenches each measuring 30m by 1.8m. All works were undertaken in accordance with the WSI (OA 2022). The trenches were lain out as shown in Figure 2 using a GPS with sub-15mm accuracy. The initial trench layout proposed 90 trenches including nine trenches in two fields located to the south-east. These nine trenches were excluded from the evaluation as the area has been removed from the proposed development site. Trenches 80-84, originally proposed with the excluded area, were relocated to the central field to help define the extent of exposed archaeology in this area. The southern end of Trench 44 was moved 15m to the east from the original layout to avoid a modern trackway. Trench 81 was extended partially to the south at its southwest end. The trenches were excavated using a 14t tracked 360° excavator fitted with a toothless bucket under the direct supervision of an archaeologist. Spoil was stored adjacent to, but at a safe distance from, the trench edges. Machining continued in even spits down to the top of the undisturbed natural geology. Once archaeological deposits were exposed, further excavation continued by hand. The exposed surface was sufficiently cleaned to establish the presence/absence of archaeological remains. All exposed archaeological features were investigated. Ditches that crossed multiple trenches were excavated in a least one trench. All features and deposits were issued with unique context numbers, and context recording was in accordance with established best practice and the OA field manual. Bulk finds were collected by context. Digital photos were taken of any archaeological features, deposits, trenches, and the evaluation work in general, and plans were produced using a GPS with sub-15mm accuracy. Sections of features were drawn at scales 1:20 and 1:10 where appropriate. The absolute height (m OD) of all principal strata and features, and the section datum lines, shall be calculated, and indicated on the drawings. Upon completion of the works and in agreement with Steven Weaver, Planning Archaeologist for OCC, the trenches were backfilled with the arisings in reverse order of excavation. Oxford Archaeology were commissioned by Bellway Homes Ltd to undertake an archaeological evaluation at the site of a proposed development to the north-east of Abingdon, Oxfordshire. The work comprised the excavation of 84 trenches and was carried out between 20th September and 14th October 2022. The trial trenching demonstrated that the site was largely devoid of archaeological activity. However, a small assemblage of residual worked flint provides evidence for a very limited presence during the early prehistoric period. Otherwise, the main focus of activity was a well-defined area of middle to late Iron Age features recorded towards the south-west edge of the site. This comprised a series of rectilinear ditches accompanied by a small number of pits containing burnt material. To the south-east of this focus, several parallel ditches were tentatively dated to the Roman period. No further activity was recorded in association with these ditches and they have been interpreted as either part of trackway or a broader field system. No significant activity was recorded from the post-Roman period and it is likely that the site was only used for agricultural purposes during this time.

Author:

Daniel Pond
Mark Dodd

Publisher:

Oxford Archaeology

Year of Publication:

2022

Locations:

District:	Vale of White Horse
Parish:	Radley
Country:	England
County:	Oxfordshire

Grid Reference: 450899, 199349 (Easting, Northing)

Subjects / Periods:

DITCH (Monument Type England)

PIT (Monument Type England)

IRON AGE DITCH (Tag)

NEOLITHIC LITHIC IMPLEMENT (Tag)

CERAMIC (Object England)

LATE IRON AGE SHERD (Tag)

TREE THROW (Monument Type England)

UNCERTAIN TREE THROW (Tag)

MIDDLE IRON AGE SHERD (Tag)

POST HOLE (Monument Type England)

LITHIC IMPLEMENT (Object England)

ANIMAL REMAINS (Object England)

UNCERTAIN PIT (Tag)

ROMAN DITCH (Tag)

EVALUATION (Event)

UNCERTAIN POST HOLE (Tag)

SHERD (Object England)

IRON AGE ANIMAL REMAINS (Tag)

UNCERTAIN DITCH (Tag)

MEDIEVAL DITCH (Tag)

MEDIEVAL CERAMIC (Tag)

ROMAN SHERD (Tag)

IRON AGE (Historic England Periods)

LATE IRON AGE (Historic England Periods)

ROMAN (Historic England Periods)

MEDIEVAL (Historic England Periods)

MIDDLE IRON AGE (Historic England Periods)

NEOLITHIC (Historic England Periods)

UNCERTAIN (Historic England Periods)

Identifiers:

OASIS Id:

oxfordar1-515490

Source:

OASIS (OASIS)

Relations:

Created Date:

30 Nov 2023