Johnstone, M. (2023). New Build Residential, Shortflatt Tower, Belsay, Northumberland. Archaeological Watching Brief. Archaeological Practice Ltd. https://doi.org/10.5284/1117704. Cite this using datacite

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Title:		 New Build Residential, Shortflatt Tower, Belsay, Northumberland. Archaeological Watching Brief
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Series:		 The Archaeological Practice unpublished report series
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thearcha2-520068_215684.pdf (6 MB) : Download
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https://doi.org/10.5284/1117704
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Publication Type:		 Report (in Series)
Abstract
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Abstract:		 The watching brief involved archaeological monitoring of the area subject to groundworks carried out for the purpose of constructing a new detached residential building. The monitoring process involved all ground disturbing work, including ground reduction and landscaping to create a level terrace upon an E-W and S-N incline with a 1 metre differential, from which a concrete foundation pad could be poured to support the new building. This process was monitored by an archaeologist to observe and record the presence or absence of any archaeological remains. The mechanical excavations were carried out by a “JCB 3CX Sitemaster”, a 7½ -tonne compact excavator utilizing a flat-bladed ditching bucket, but some finishing work utilized hand tools. Following the excavations, the watching brief area was recorded by measured survey, and digital photography and the stratigraphic make-up of the sub-surface levels reported upon. The photographic record of the monitoring was undertaken in high-resolution digital format with a minimum resolution of 14 megapixels. Photographs were taken of all archaeological and palaeoenvironmental features in addition to general site photography locating the individual features in their wider context. All areas of groundworks were located and tied to the National Grid at a scale of 1:2500 or greater. All archaeological features were to be located accurately within the specified area and their height also accurately recorded above Ordnance Datum. The same level of accuracy would be applied to measuring the respective heights of the top and base of excavations if features were discovered. The Field Investigation was carried out by means of an Archaeological Watching Brief; all work was undertaken in compliance with the Code of Conduct of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) (2021), the CIfA Standard and Guidance for Watching Briefs (2020a), Yorkshire, the Humber & the North East: a Regional Statement of Good Practice for Archaeology in the Development Process (2019), and the project Written Scheme of Investigation. The site lies immediately to the north-west of, and just beyond, the barmkin curtilage of Shortflatt Tower, a Grade I-listed building of 15th/16th-century date, now used as an exclusive hotel and weddings venue. The results of archaeological monitoring concluded that no significant finds or features of any kind were revealed by the current excavations in June 2023. Therefore, it is concluded that no significant remains of cultural heritage value were impacted by the works. The southern and eastern edges of the site had previously been cut-in to the highest point of a naturally occurring incline, creating a level terrace for the subsequent construction of a barn in the late-19th century, visible on Ordnance Survey mapping from 1896 onwards, now demolished. Additional landscaping of this area has occurred at the beginning of the 21st century to accommodate solar panels, although it was not possible to stratigraphically distinguish between these events. Nevertheless, these previous episodes of landscaping would appear to have truncated any potential archaeological layers or features down to the natural clay sub-soil across the site.
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Author:		 Marc Johnstone
Publisher
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Publisher:		 Archaeological Practice Ltd
Other Person/Org
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Other Person/Org:		 Northumberland HER (OASIS Reviewer)
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Year of Publication:		 2023
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Locations:
District: Northumberland
Parish: Belsay
Country: England
County: Northumberland
Grid Reference: 407859, 581053 (Easting, Northing)
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Subjects / Periods:
WATCHING BRIEF (Event)
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OASIS Id: thearcha2-520068
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Created Date:		 12 Feb 2024