Data from a Trial Trenching at Nash Lee, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire, 2020-2021 (HS2 Phase One)
High Speed Two Ltd., INFRA Archaeology, 2025. https://doi.org/10.5284/1135507. How to cite using this DOI
Data copyright © High Speed Two Ltd. unless otherwise stated
This work is licensed under a The Open Government Licence (OGL).
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Resource identifiers
- ADS Collection: 4334
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1135507
- How to cite using this DOI
Introduction
This collection includes text, images, spreadsheets, GIS data and site records from a trial trenching carried out by INFRA Archaeology at Nash Lee, Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire during March and April 2020.
Project Summary
The trial trenching was required to help clarify the location, extent, survival and significance of any heritage assets in the vicinity of the Site. The aims of the trial trenching were to:
- Confirm the presence/absence, extent and depth of any surviving archaeological remains within the Site.
- Determine the nature, date, condition, state of preservation, complexity and significance of any archaeological remains.
- Determine the likely range, quality and quantity of artefactual and environmental evidence present.
- Suggest measures, if appropriate and feasible, for further archaeological investigation to mitigate identified significant impacts.
The evaluation will contribute to addressing the following specific GWSI: Historic Environment Research and Delivery Strategy (HERDS) objectives:
- KC5: Identifying settlement location and developing models for settlement patterns for the Mesolithic, Neolithic and Early Bronze Age.
- KC15: Can we identify regional patterns in the form and location of Late Bronze Age and Iron Age settlements across the route, and are there associated differences in landscape organisation and enclosure?
- KC19: The Romano-British period saw the beginning of a more established infrastructure network. Can we investigate the development of these routes, trackways and roads and the influence they had on landscape change?
- KC21 Assess the evidence for regional and cultural distinctiveness along the length of the route in the Romano-British period, with particular regard to the different settlement types encountered along the route.
- KC23: Identify evidence for late Roman occupation and attempt to identify any continuity in settlement patterns between the end of the Romano-British period and the Early Medieval period.
- KC28: Establish the relationship between the Romano-British small town at Flee Marston, its rural hinterland and wider networks of communication and settlement,
- KC40: Identify patterns of change within medieval rural settlement from the 11th to mid-14th century.
- KC47: Test and develop geophysical survey methodologies.
- KC49: Ground truth and develop multispectral and LiDAR prospection techniques.
Re-Use Value Statement
The results of the Trial Trench Evaluation on Land to the North of Nash Lee add some context to the known Iron Age find site (MBC7930) to the southwest of Site. The presence of a Middle Iron Age trackway and possible associated enclosure and a Middle to Late Iron Age enclosure with infant burial demonstrate established activity in the area over a prolonged period.
It is recommended that further work be undertaken on the Site to explore the Iron Age activity, and investigate the moderate potential for archaeology relating to medieval or post-medieval agriculture. The results of the evaluation of the Site will be incorporated into the results of any further work and disseminated in accordance with the Employer policy as instructed.
The data collected from this evaluation would be beneficial to wider investigations into Middle to Late Iron Age settlement activity in the region, and offers a unique insight into infant burial.
