Series: Fern Archaeology

An archaeological 'watching brief' was carried out on 24th and 30th November 2009 by Fern Archaeology during ground-works associated with a development at Chapel Lane, Langtoft, East Riding of Yorkshire. No archaeological features were identified, though the site's stratigraphic sequence was recorded. Of note is a late post-medieval (19th-20th century) 'yard' surface (C1003) and a layer (C1001) interpreted as a possible 'flood wash' deposit, derived perhaps from either the 'great flood' of 1657 or 1888. In addition, two sherds of medieval pottery (13th-14th century) were recovered, unstratified, during machining.

An archaeological watching brief was carried out. The kiln found was of regional, local and national importance as a probable 11th to 13th century medieval pottery furnace. [Au(adp)]

An archaeological watching brief was carried out at West Lilling Farm, by Fern Archaeology in June 2006, ahead of a small housing development. The wall-foundation trenches revealed two localised archaeological anomalies of late post-medieval date.

An archaeological recording brief was carried out by Fern Archaeology at Sherburn Church-of-England Primary School, St Hilda's Street, in the village of Sherburn, North Yorkshire. This was during ground-works for a new extension to the northern side of the existing building. The fieldwork took place in July-August 2010. Significant archaeology was found on the site at c. 0.65-1.10m below the modern surface. Two main phases of activity were recorded: an 'Iron Age' phase (Phase 2), and a late medieval phase (Phase 3). The quantity and good preservation of the pottery of both phases suggests in situ deposition rather than a residual presence. The 'Iron Age' occupation might be associated with locally known, late prehistoric 'ladder' settlement, as identified by the Landscape Research Centre (Powlesland 2003; pers. comm.). The late medieval evidence mostly comprised post-holes, which suggest at least one phase of building on the site by the 14th century. This was probably demolished at some point in the early post-medieval period. The finds mainly comprised pottery, seventy-three sherds in all; forty-six of which are of a calcite-tempered ware. Although direct parallels for this were not found during the assessment undertaken, the evidence overall favours an Iron Age date. In particular, the remains of a rare 'tankard' were found that may, by virtue of its unusual nature, have had a ritual function. For the late medieval period, a local pottery fabric is well represented, known as Staxton ware. Kilns producing this pottery were operating locally from the 13th century.