Data from a Trial Trenching at Turweston, Buckinghamshire, 2019-2021 (HS2 Phase One)
High Speed Two Ltd., Connect Archaeology, 2025. https://doi.org/10.5284/1125925. 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: 4614
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1125925
- How to cite using this DOI
Introduction
This collection comprises image, report, site record and spreadsheet data from Trial Trenching Work at Turweston, Buckinghamshire. The work was undertaken by Connect Archaeology between 2019-2021.
Project Summary
A trial trench evaluation was carried out in a single parcel of land (measuring 25.124 hectares) at Turweston, Buckinghamshire between the 21st November and 18th December 2019. The works were undertaken by Connect Archaeology for Fusion-JV on behalf of High Speed Two (HS2) Limited. The lands evaluation formed part of the enabling works for the HS2 rail link Phase One.
Previous remote sensing surveys carried out in 2013, 2017 and 2018 identified features including earth works, cropmarks, cut features, ridge and furrow formations, a field boundary and a number of anomalous features of potential archaeological interest. A total of 56 trenches were excavated to target these anomalies and to test otherwise clear areas within the site.
The full aims and objectives of the evaluation are outlined within the Location Specific Written Scheme of Investigation for Trial Trenching at Turweston. In summary, they were to confirm the presence/absence, extent and depth of any surviving archaeological remains, as well as to determine the nature, date, condition and state of preservation of any archaeological remains. Where appropriate and feasible, the evaluation aims to suggest measures for further archaeological investigation to mitigate identified significant impacts, and the works were intended to contribute to the delivery of the identified GWSI:HERDS specific objectives.
Of the total 56 trenches excavated, 13 contained archaeological features, furrows or linear features. The archaeological features were dominated by agricultural furrows in the south of the site, these respected existing field boundaries but it was not able to assign a date to these furrows. Four pits were also identified in south; these contained 13 natural, and two artefactual, lithic flakes (Neolithic/Bronze Age) and possibly represent prehistoric waste pits. A pit and linear feature in Trench 7 produced a total of 42 pieces of Roman pottery dated to between 2nd-4th century AD. It is possible that the linear could form part of a structure or a possible drain associated with an unidentified structure. Trench 31B revealed a number of pits, one returned a minute fragment of Post Medieval oxidised ware, a second pit also contained a sherd of post medieval pottery, whilst a third pit contained a sherd of medieval pottery.
Re-Use Value Statement
The dataset contributes to the overall HERDS objectives of Phase One of the 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 digital archive and reports may prove valuable for any future development in the surrounding area.
