This digital archive comprises images, site records, reports, spreadsheets and cad data from archaeological mitigation works comprising a strip map and record excavation covering 0.32 hectares centred on NGR 168850, 042150, at Tolgus, Redruth, Cornwall. The works were undertaken in order to mitigate Condition 3 of planning permission PA12/09717 granted by Cornwall County Council for the demolition of farm buildings, and the erection of 370 dwellings, along with associated access and utility arrangements. The work was undertaken by Wessex Archaeology between 12th and 26th October 2020.

The excavation of two areas (WA Site Code 229820) located numerous intercutting boundary features comprising ditches and hedgerows likely representing post-medieval Cornish hedges. Backfill material and an 'n' shaped feature of indeterminate function within Area A, in addition to a cess pit and associated drainage gully in Area B, are believed to relate to mining activity undertaken across the site in the 19th century.

A ring ditch within the north-eastern corner of Area B has been provisionally dated to the Bronze Age. Occurrences of stone rubble confined to the western portion of the ring ditch may indicate the presence of an associated cairn, which, when considered in conjunction with the presence of two entrances and lack of structural postholes, may suggest that the ring ditch was associated with a monument. A pit feature to the west and posthole within its northern entrance are believed to be associated with the ring ditch.

Finds typically comprised pottery sherds of post-medieval date, with Bronze Age sherds located within the ring ditch and pit feature to the west. Post-medieval glass and clay pipes were also among the assemblage. The results of the excavation conform to the historical background of the site and, in part, to the earlier geophysical survey which indicated the presence of numerous ditches, across the site. The majority of these ditch features clearly relate to post-medieval boundaries, some of which are the likely remains of Cornish hedges. Despite anomalies pertaining to the presence of a circular ditch within Area A no such feature was identified within this area of the site. Instead, a ring ditch and associated pit and posthole evidencing earlier activity was located within Area B. The function of the ring ditch remains uncertain, though the lack of postholes and the depth of the feature suggest the ring ditch acted as an enclosure as opposed to a roundhouse. The presence of two possible entrances adds weight to this conclusion, with increased volumes of stone rubble present within its western extent possibly representing the presence of an earlier cairn in the immediate vicinity. The ring ditch, whilst not detected during the geophysical survey of the area, may represent that recorded as cropmarks believed to give the field named 'Part of Ring Croft' on the 1841 Tithe Map its name.

Wessex Archaeology was subsequently commissioned by Cornwall Council and Treveth Developments LLP, to undertake a further archaeological evaluation covering 5.7 hectares centred on NGR 168974, 042073, at Tolgus, Redruth, Cornwall.

The excavation (WA Site Code 229821) of 16 Trenches, located numerous boundary features comprising ditches and hedgerows, likely representing post-medieval Cornish Hedges. Debris material within Trench 16, is believed to relate to mining activity undertaken across the site in the 19th century.

Within Trench 13 evidence of possibly Neolithic or Bronze Age activity was identified. Occurrences of stone rubble throughout the ditch may be unexplained but is of note due to the finding of a similar deposit of stone within the ring ditch excavated during an earlier archaeological excavation. Within Trench 14 evidence of possibly Iron Age activity was identified, albeit in a residual context. These possibly Neolithic to Iron Age features indicate there may have been some activity in the area during this period.

Finds typically comprised pottery sherds of post-medieval date, with prehistoric sherds located within ditches.