This collection comprises a scanned paper archive (trench and context sheets, registers, drawings) and digital photos from a trial trench evaluation carried out by Archaeology Wales at West Ruislip Golf Course Soil Treatment Area in May 2022. Spreadsheets created during the post-excavation phase of the project are also included.

Project Summary

The evaluation forms part of Phase One of the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project, which was granted Royal Assent in 2017 as the High Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Act. Phase One runs 230 km from Euston Station in London to Curzon Street in Birmingham. This particular evaluation was preceded by two further phases of work within the direct confines of West Ruislip Golf Course; the first being undertaken by Connect Archaeology in September 2019, which identified no features or artefacts of archaeological significance; and the second by Archaeology Wales in 2020, which identified a wealth of features dating to the Late Mesolithic, Late Bronze Age and medieval periods.

The general aims and objectives of the project were:

• To determine the presence/absence of previously unknown archaeological assets in the evaluation areas by a programme of trial trench evaluation.
• To archaeologically excavate and record all significant archaeological features within the evaluation areas, in order to clarify the nature, date, extent and survival of any remains revealed and thus contribute to understanding of their heritage significance. The evaluation was to provide a permanent archaeological record for the purposes of contributing to specific GWSI: HERDS Specific Objectives (see below).
• To obtain dating and environmental evidence (where possible) through retrieval of artefactual and ecofactual evidence.
• To carry out post-excavation assessment and analysis of recovered material.

The evaluation was designed to address the following Knowledge Creation Objectives determined by CSJV ahead of two previous phases of work:

• KC5: Identify settlement location and developing models for settlement patterns for the Mesolithic, Neolithic and early Bronze Age.
• KC6: Understanding the evidence for change in the environment and management of the landscape for the Mesolithic and early Neolithic Periods.
• KC7: Exploring the degree of continuity that existed between Late Mesolithic and Neolithic communities in terms of population mobility and subsistence strategies.
• KC11: Does the high density of prehistoric settlement evidence in the Colne Valley reflect a genuine focus of activity or does it reflect a bias in the archaeological record?
• KC14: Identify sequences of environmental change for the Late Upper Palaeolithic- Early Mesolithic transition through investigation of sites in the Colne Valley and other locations along the route.
• KC34: Undertake research and investigation into medieval manorial complexes. What was their origin, development and impact on the landscape?
• KC35 Investigate the impacts on rural communities of social and economic shocks in the mid C14th and thereafter and their contribution to settlement desertion.
• KC40: Identify patterns of change within medieval rural settlement from 11th to mid- 14th century.

Re-Use Value Statement

Potential of this area of West Ruislip Golf Course is considered to be low, with only one feature recorded, which is likely a post medieval field boundary. The historic mapping and the presence of ridge and furrow suggest that the field boundary followed the alignment of an earlier medieval boundary.