Series: CS Archaeology unpublished report series

This consisted of a watching brief close to a complex of know cropmarks and Viking burials. Proved negative for archaeology.

This report has been written in response to a condition placed on planning consent by Harrogate Borough Council (App. No. 6.100.2007.B.FUL) for an archaeological watching brief. A large proportion of the proposed development area (PDA) has been subject to modern disturbance. However archaeological deposits were identified and some of these were able to be accurately dated. These deposits relate to the town's 19th century water cistern and were marked by coursed sandstone walls abutted by an impervious deposit of red clay. Dating of this structure was provided by a deliberately deposited coin (George III, 1813). The foundation trenches extended down to c.1 m below the present surface and no artefacts and contexts earlier than the 19th century were encountered. This absence of any artefacts pre-dating the 1800s probably indicates that the present ground surface has increased in height during the course of the last 200 years. Indeed the PDA had probably been cleared for the construction of the 1813 structure which proved to be the town's Georgian water cistern and associated buildings. This report has recorded a series of early 19th century structural features, there are no further recommendations.

Record of a small farmstead at the eastern end of the historic settlement of Hatfield.

An archaeological recording brief was undertaken during the excavation of an 'L' shaped foundation trench within the Proposed Development Area (PDA). The excavations revealed the underlying sandstone natural just 0.2m below the surface with three rock-cut features: two parallel gulleys; a post hole with substantial packing stones. The post hole has been dated to the Norman Period (late 11th/early 13th centuries). The two gullies contained Post Medieval pottery however appeared to relate to relatively recent historical disturbance. The post hole probably relates to the early Spofforth Castle or later Manor House.

This represents a pre-determination evaluation for Scheduled Monument Consent. This relates to the proposed development of an extension to 4 Low Forge , Wortley, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, which lies within the Low Forge Scheduled Monument (No. 34714). The evaluation featured relatively undisturbed deposits. The lower deposits featured a medieval slag heap, which probably relates to a water powered bloomery. The slag heap was then overlaid by 17th century charcoal deposits that were, in turn, overlain by 19th century and modern levelling deposits. No further site work is recommended but further analysis of the slag and charcoal samples is recommended to provide a fuller and more definitive understanding of the site.

A pair of linear trial trenches were excavated in the rear plot of 71 Forest Lane, within the settlement of Kirklevington (HER 244). Trench 1 picked up an undated ditch (HER 8330) which ran parallel to Forest Lane. Trench 2 picked up buried ridge and furrow (HER 8331) earthworks. There were no other significant finds or features of archaeological interest.

Building Appraisal of a building complex to the rear of 8-9 Hall Gate, that are proposed to be demolished for the erection of a two storey offices. Results revealed two 19th century buildings: an office and a workshop. These had been heavily modified and little in terms of original fixtures or fittings remained. The report recommends a watching brief in order to record further building features and to record potential cellars across the Proposed Development Area

WATCHING BRIEF DURING SITE REDUCTION WORKS FOR THE CONTRUCTION OF STABLES AND A MENAGE WEST OF BRAEMAR HOUSE. LARGELY NEGATIVE, BECAUSE THEREDUCTION WORKS MERELEY TRUNCATED THE FORMER PLOUGH SOIL, A SHERD OF PROBABLY RB POTTERY WAS RECOVERD

Planning Consent has been given subject to archaeological conditions, for the conversion of Ackworth Hall's farm buildings to provide ancillary accommodation for the present owners. The PDA consists of a series of historic farm buildings, part of an isolated farmstead west of High Ackworth, West Yorkshire. The historic farm buildings historically consisted of an L shaped building range, set around a rectangular farmyard. The farm buildings included: a threshing barn: stables/cow house; a pigsty with poultry house; an extension to the stables/cow house and a small lean-to shed abutting the main range. The barn survives largely in its original form but was re-roofed during the 19th century. The single storey stables/cow house was extensively remodelled during the late 20th century resulting in a general loss of historic features. A number of the buildings did survive up until last year (2007) relatively unmodified. This report records the existing buildings (extant 2008) and reconstructs as far as possible, the recently demolished buildings, through a series of historic digital photographs. The watching brief recorded a range of archaeological artefacts and deposits which has complemented our archaeological knowledge of Ackworth Old Hall.