Data from a Trial Trenching at Windmill Hill, Warwickshire, 2018-2022 (HS2 Phase One)
High Speed Two Ltd., Connect Archaeology, 2025. https://doi.org/10.5284/1133012. 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: 4613
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1133012
- How to cite using this DOI
Introduction
This collection comprises images, spreadsheets, text data and site records from a trial trench evaluation carried out at Windmill Hill Ladbroke Cutting, Warwickshire located c. 1km east of the village of Ladbroke. The works were undertaken by Connect Archaeology for Fusion-JV on behalf of High Speed Two Limited. The lands evaluated formed part of the enabling works for the HS2 rail link Phase One.
Project Summary
An earlier geophysical survey of the land revealed several linear anomalies which were interpreted as a small enclosure and a track/drove way. There was also an extensive area of ridge-and-furrow cultivation across the northern part of the site. A total of 24 trenches were excavated to target these anomalies and to test otherwise clear areas within the site.
The full objectives of the evaluation were outlined in the Location Specific Written Scheme of Investigation for trial trenching at Lower Boddington and Windmill Hill Northamptonshire and Warwickshire. In summary they were to confirm the presence/absence, extent, and depth of any surviving archaeological or alluvial remains within the site. In addition to this to determine the nature, range, quality, and significance of the archaeological remains. Depending on the results of the evaluation measures were suggested to mitigate identified significant impacts. The works were also intended to contribute to the delivery of the identified GWSI:HERDS specific objectives.
The results of the evaluation broadly confirmed the interpretations from the geophysical survey, archaeological remains included the evidence of the fringe of 2nd-4th Century Roman settlement which was focus to the south-east beyond the site boundary. A sherd of 13th century pottery was recovered from a ditch feature indicating that there was medieval activity here also. The ridge-and-furrow cultivation, and later ploughing activity had heavily truncated the earlier features and it is unlikely that any significant archaeological features survive across the site.
Re-Use Value Statement
Although the results of the evaluation indicated a site with low archaeological potential and low significance the dataset is of value. The data set contributes to the overall HERDS objectives of Phase One of the High Speed Two (HS2) development. The components the data set include site photography, scans of the original paper archive and the reports produced as part of the deliverables for the project. The inclusion of this information allows the archive to be revisited should this be necessary. The dataset also forms an important part of the HS2 development and further work and may contribute to future contextualisation of the archaeological and historical remains across the entirety of the development.
The data set is also valuable as it contains the results of periphery activity relating to a possible Roman settlement was identified to the south of the site. Although this is not impacted on by the current development, any future developments in the near vicinity will benefit from having access to the digital archive and reports produced for the evaluation at Windmill Hill.
