Data from Trial Trenching at Drayton Lane, Drayton Bassett, Lichfield, Staffordshire, 2017-2023 (HS2 Phase One)
High Speed Two Ltd., AOC Archaeology Group, Connect Archaeology, 2024. https://doi.org/10.5284/1122122. 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: 5615
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1122122
- How to cite using this DOI
Introduction
This collection comprises reports, images, spreadsheets, GIS files, and site records from trial trenching undertaken by Connect Archaeology at Drayton Lane, Staffordshire in June 2017.
Project Summary
Archaeological trial trenching at Drayton Lane, Staffordshire, was undertaken by Connect Archaeology in June 2017. A total of 14 trenches were excavated during the archaeological evaluation. These were planned to identify the location, extent, survival and significance of known and potential heritage assets related to field systems within the site, prior to the commencement of ecological mitigation works.
The objective of the investigation is to gain information about the archaeological resource in order to support an assessment of its character, extent, knowledge value and ability to contribute to Specific Objectives.
The aims of the trial trenching were to:
- Locate, characterise and record any remains relating to the field system identified and recorded in the HER within the site;
- Identify and characterise any remains relating to the former medieval deer park with the survey boundaries;
- Identify the presence/absence of Neolithic and Bronze Age Monuments;
- Assess the extent and nature of archaeological remains within the survey boundaries;
- Characterise the nature of any archaeological remains within the survey boundaries;
- Assess the significance of any archaeological remains within the survey boundaries;
- Assess the change to the significance of the identified heritage assets as a result of the detailed design;
- Suggest measures, if appropriate and feasible for further archaeological investigation to mitigate identified significant impacts;
- and contribute to the delivery of GWSI: HERDS Specific objectives.
The specific objectives of the trial trenching were:
- Does a lack of visibility of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments reflect genuine area distinctiveness, or is this due to variation in geology or investigative techniques?
- What is the evidence for pre-Iron Age phases of enclosure at the margins of the Trent Valley, and to what extent were Iron Age and Romano British Field systems and settlement influenced by earlier structuring of the landscape?
- 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?
- Undertake research and investigation into medieval manorial complexes. What was their origin, development and impact on the landscape?
Re-Use Value Statement
The evaluation met its primary objective; to determine, as far as reasonably possible, the nature of the archaeological resource within the Site, prior to commencement of ecological mitigation works.
No archaeological features, other than a single field drain in Trench 1, were present indicating the Site has low potential for the presence of sub-surface archaeological remains. Given the historic use of the western part of the Site for arable cultivation, it is likely that any archaeological remains have been adversely affected by this activity; should they have been present to begin with. Similarly no archaeological features were noted in the eastern part of the site which is currently used for pasture. There is no potential for further archaeological works at this Site. There are no results of consequence which contribute to the wider historical context of the Drayton Lane area. Due to the lack of archaeological features present at this Site there will be no recommendation for formal publication of the results from this Site.
