Data from Archaeological Recording at Fosse Way, Hunningham, Warwickshire, 2020-2023 (HS2 Phase One)
High Speed Two Ltd., MOLA Headland Infrastructure, Headland Archaeology Ltd, Wessex Archaeology, AOC Archaeology Group, Connect Archaeology, 2024. https://doi.org/10.5284/1125948. 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: 5644
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1125948
- How to cite using this DOI
Overview
Headland
The general aims of the mitigation of Fosse Way were the following:
- To expose surviving archaeology at the mitigation areas through the application of an archaeologically controlled topsoil strip using plant equipped with a toothless bucket;
- To archaeologically excavate and record all significant archaeological features within the mitigation areas, in order to clarify the nature, date, extent and survival of any remains revealed and thus contribute to understanding of their heritage significance;
- To obtain dating and environmental evidence (where possible) through the retrieval of artefactual and ecofactual evidence;
- To carry out post-excavation assessment of the recovered material.
The mitigation will provide a permanent archaeological record for the purposes of contributing to specific GWSI: HERDS Specific Objectives:
- KC15: 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?
- KC16: Investigate the degree of continuity that existed between Late Bronze Age and Iron Age communities in terms of population, mobility and subsistence strategies.
- KC21: Assess the evidence for regional and cultural distinctiveness along the length of the route in the Romano-British period, with particular regard to the different settlement types encountered along the route.
- KC47: Test and develop geophysical survey methodologies.
Re-Use Value Statement - Headland
Further study of the material and stratigraphy revealed from across the mitigation areas will reveal more about the mitigation areas, as well as how it fits into a wider archaeological context at a local and national level.
Further detailed interrogation of the contextual and stratigraphic data gathered will allow for the exploration of form, scale, material culture and dating within the mitigation areas, in contrast to other similar sites along the HS2 route and beyond. Full analysis of stratigraphic relationships, combined with refined artefactual and ecofactual phasing, will allow for the creation of a timeline of the mitigation areas, and a study of changes in form and layout. More in-depth contextual studies of local, regional and national sites will allow the opportunity to build a more accurate picture of how the form of Areas 1 and 2 fits in with the contemporary landscape of each area. This would aid current research objectives in refining site sequences and typologies.
Further analysis is recommended for the trackway apparent in Area 2 and its relation to the settlement. Comparison with other sites in the region might allow an insight into how this may have connected to the Roman road network.
It is also recommended that the data gathered during the pre- and post-strip geophysical survey be compared in detail to the archaeological results to identify the differences between these three sources of data and identify any repercussions for future geophysical survey methodology.
A proportion of archaeobotanical samples (15%) are recommended to be taken to full analysis. These samples are indicated in the appendices. Refined taxonomic identification and quantification for these samples will provide greater detail on the economy, local environment and settlement activities. Further novel information can also be gained by stable isotope analysis of cereal grains and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of indeterminate charred matter.
Recommendations for further work on the artefactual material include full recording of any material that the reporting schedule did not allow at this stage. The finds should also be viewed against stratigraphic information to establish any patterns of stratigraphic or spatial distribution. Illustrated analysis reports should be produced for any mitigation publication. Further work should be undertaken on the Iron Age and Roman pottery, metalwork (including conservation), coarse stone, ceramic building material, fired clay and industrial waste. No further work is recommended for the lithics, Bronze Age pottery or post-medieval to modern finds.
Connect
The main aims of the mitigation works at Mitigation Area 3 were:
- To expose surviving archaeology in the mitigation area through the application of an archaeologically controlled topsoil strip using plant equipped with a toothless bucket;
- To archaeologically excavate and record all significant archaeological features within the mitigation area, in order to clarify the nature, date, extent and survival of any remains revealed and thus contribute to understanding of their heritage significance;
- The mitigation will provide a permanent archaeological record for the purposes of contributing to specific GWSI: HERDS Specific Objectives;
- To obtain dating and environmental evidence (where possible) through retrieval of artefactual and ecofactual evidence from archaeological features;
- To determine (via metal detector survey) whether metallic artefacts contemporary with settlement activity are present in the ploughsoil, and examine whether distribution of metallic finds offers any information about zoning of activity;
- To examine whether the character of settlement activity can be identified;
- To examine potential zoning of types of activity during different phases of occupation;
- To confirm whether two, or more, phases of settlement activity are present; to examine the environment and economy of the settlement through recovery of palaeoenvironmental and ecofactual information;
- To carry out post-excavation assessment and analysis of recovered material;
- and to publish the results of the excavation to bring the findings into the public and academic domain;
- To provide a secure chronological framework for the settlement activity through recovery of finds, supplemented by scientific dating.
The following specific objectives were outlined in the Generic Written Scheme of Investigation:
- An 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?
- Investigate the degree of continuity that existed between Late Bronze Age and Iron Age communities in terms of population, mobility and subsistence strategies.
The GWSI: HERDS also set out specific objectives for Community Engagement (CE):
- Marking and communicating the changes to landscapes and environment;
- Identifying and sharing our stories; meeting the challenge of inspiring the next generation;
- Accessible information and knowledge sharing;
- and contribute to the process and facilitation of audience project creation.
Re-Use Value Statement - Connect
The pottery assemblage is too small and abraded to clarify whether activity relates to both the Middle and Late Iron Age. The size of the pottery assemblage and its rural character make it worthwhile considering a more detailed consideration of its regional setting with comparison between the published pottery assemblages of other sites in the area. As the interpretation of the site suggest it was short lived, further analysis may to contribute to the GWSI: Herds research objectives, particularly if there is consideration of other results in the locality. Illustration of the rim sherds would potentially contribute to the knowledge base of local M-LIA pottery types.
There may be merit in comparing the remains encountered in Mitigation Area 3 with those in Areas 1 and 2 (once those works have taken place). The results of the trial trenching work in at Area 1 suggest they are broadly contemporary and while previously identified remains at Area 2 post-date the settlement activity at Area 3, earlier remains could be identified during the mitigation phase as suggested by the geophysics interpretation. Incorporating the results of the mitigation works at Mitigation Area 3 with the larger data sets anticipated from those excavations may enhance the contribute to the GWSI: Herds research objectives.
