Data from a Geoarchaeological Investigation at River Thame, Thame Valley Viaduct, Buckinghamshire, 2019-2022 (HS2 Phase One)
High Speed Two Ltd., MOLA Headland Infrastructure, 2025. https://doi.org/10.5284/1129121. 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: 4716
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1129121
- How to cite using this DOI
Introduction
This collection comprises of site records images, CAD data and an archive decision sheet from a geoarchaeological investigation carried out by MOLA Headland Infrastructure at the River Thame, Thame Valley Viaduct, Buckinghamshire during March 2019.
Project Summary
This High Speed 2 (HS2) Central Section, Phase One, Interim Geoarchaeological Borehole Investigation provides a summary of the results of the field evaluation to date. The Site comprises the floodplain of the River Thame to the west of Aylesbury. The aim of the investigation was to identify the presence, nature, date, extent, survival and significance of known or potential archaeological remains which may be affected by the proposed scheme, in order to inform, if required, an appropriate mitigation strategy aimed at reducing or removing any adverse effects.
The full scope of the works as outlined in the LWSI was to drill a transect of 26 boreholes, however land access for BH13 – BH26 was not available and so these boreholes were postponed until a later date and only BH01 – BH12 were drilled.
Twelve boreholes were successfully undertaken across the site area, drilling down through alluvial deposits to the underlying gravels and sands and/or the bedrock. Holocene alluvium was encountered in all of the boreholes at the site, ranging from 0.8m to 5.6m in thickness. The alluvium appears to be infilling a Late Pleistocene palaeochannel of the River Thame.
A geoarchaeological deposit model was created for the site, showing the buried topography of the Early Holocene surface and an isopach plot of the thickness of alluvium at the site.
The lowermost alluvial deposits in the deeper parts of the possible palaeochannel are somewhat organic and are of moderate-high palaeoenvironmental potential. Further assessment may contribute to understanding of past environmental conditions in the vicinity of the Site.
Re-Use Value Statement
This archive can be used independently and/or in in conjunction with the rest of HS2 datasets in order to inform the archaeological landscapes and periods unearthed on this route. This can also function as a guide to digital archiving for future infrastructure projects benefiting both the commercial sector and the research community.
There is no physical archive associated with this investigation.
