Data from a Metal Detecting Survey at Ellesborough Road Hospital, Wendover Green Tunnel, Buckinghamshire, April 2019 (HS2 Phase One)
High Speed Two Ltd., INFRA Archaeology, 2025. https://doi.org/10.5284/1135490. How to cite using this DOI
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This work is licensed under a The Open Government Licence (OGL).
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Resource identifiers
- ADS Collection: 4679
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1135490
- How to cite using this DOI
Introduction
This collection comprises images and spreadsheets from a metal detecting survey carried out by INFRA Archaeology in April 2019 at Ellesborough Road Hospital, Wendover Green Tunnel, Buckinghamshire.
Project Summary
The aims of the survey were to:
- Locate, map, recover and identify any metal finds within the topsoil of the site;
- Determine the nature, date, condition, state of preservation of said finds;
- Determine the likely range, quality and quantity of artefactual remains present;
- Suggest measures, if appropriate and feasible, for further archaeological investigation to mitigate identified significant impacts.
The survey also sought to contribute to the delivery of the following GWSI: HERDS Specific Objectives:
- 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.
- KC35: Investigate the impacts on rural communities of social and economic shocks in the mid-14th century and thereafter and their contribution to settlement desertion.
- KC45: The conflicts of the 20th century define the history of modern Britain and the world: how can we achieve a greater understanding of the significance of sites associated with conflict to local communities along the route?
- KC48: Methods of using digital technology and social media to engage with public, communities and volunteers should be explored in a manner that enables parties to contribute to research and interpretation as well as enabling easy access to knowledge and ultimately archives.
Re-Use Value Statement
The metal detecting survey recorded a total 1424 metal finds spanning from the Roman period through to the early 20th century. Of interest were the number of nails dating to the Roman and medieval periods, indicating some form of structures within the environs of the site. Additionally, iron tools such as awls were recovered, one of which was dated to the medieval period. Many of the recorded small industrial tools would have been utilised throughout the medieval and post-medieval periods and it is therefore difficult to provide more accurate dating.
Two early medieval brooches were recorded at opposite ends of the Site, towards the north and south. Several coat buttons were recovered derived from the uniforms of the Buckingham and Bedfordshire Militia. These included s with their insignias in addition to the more common large, plain pewter buttons. Many furniture fittings were recovered, especially small keyhole plates that would have been found on small storage boxes. These are difficult to date accurately as their use covers a large time span.
No further work or research needs to be undertaken on the artefacts themselves, however, the results should be incorporated into any future works or research interests.
