| Abstract: |
The excavation methodology was dictated by the presence of stratified deposits across much of the site, resulting in the site having to be mechanically stripped in stages. The initial site strip to the top of the subsoil removed modern deposits and identified the later moat fills as well as demolition deposits associated with the former farm. The uppermost moat fills contained much asbestos and were mechanically removed in accordance with appropriate health and safety procedures. Following recording of these remains, a second mechanical strip was undertaken. This reduced the ground level to the top of the natural substrate which was cut by features within and to the north of the moated area, including building foundations and surfacing. Ditches, pits and a pond were also revealed, and this was the level at which the moat was cut, although its uppermost (modern) fills were visible at the subsoil level. All machining was undertaken by mechanical excavator using a toothless grading bucket, under archaeological supervision. The archaeological features thus exposed were hand-excavated to the bottom of the archaeological stratigraphy. Up to 20% of each linear feature (other than the moat) was excavated by hand, and up to 50% of each pit or posthole, by area. Pre-modern structural remains were 100% excavated. Within the moat, modern infills were removed by machine under archaeological supervision. Sondages across the moat were then excavated by hand. Between July and November 2019, Cotswold Archaeology carried out an archaeological excavation at Cowfield Farm, Northway, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. The site was 0.76ha in extent and, prior to redevelopment, included the extant remains of a moat. The earliest discoveries were a few flints and a small assemblage of abraded Roman pottery and Roman coins, all residual. The earliest cut features belonged to a medieval farmstead, in use between the 12th/13th and mid 15th centuries. Documentary research undertaken as part of the project suggests this may have been on a manor belonging to Tewkesbury Abbey which passed into royal and then private hands following the dissolution. The remains included a rectilinear enclosure, ditched land plots and a possible sheepcote. No buildings were found, although it is possible that these were included within the enclosure and were built in a form that left no trace. By the mid 15th century, if not before, a rectangular moat was dug. The earlier enclosure may have remained in use, but the moat contained a stone or stone-founded building, presumed to have been the main residence, this located north of a wooden bridge, elements of which survived in situ and were dated by dendrochronological analysis to the mid to late 15th century. The southern part of the moat platform seems to have been an open area, perhaps for securing draught animals overnight, or an orchard or garden, although direct evidence for such uses was not found. Outside the moat was a large aisled building, possibly a cowshed, and 6 Cowfield Farm, Tewkesbury: Archaeological Excavation © Cotswold Archaeology documentary evidence suggests that the site may have been a vaccary (a site used for cattle farming). Some elements of the finds assemblage suggest that the inhabitants were of some means, and they were probably wealthier peasants. Notable amongst the finds is a book clasp indicative of literacy and likely to have been the property of one of the inhabitants, or of one of the abbey monks. During the mid 18th century, the medieval dwelling was replaced by a brick farmhouse which is shown on historic mapping, and which stood until a fire in 2004; the moat remained visible into the 21st century. Two kilns on site, one medieval, the other post-medieval, are of uncertain function. |
