Title: |
Geoarchaeological Evaluation Report Former Highways Depot, London Road, Hassocks, West Sussex |
Series: |
Archaeology South East unpublished report series
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Downloads: |
archaeol6-113128_1.pdf (3 MB)
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Download
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Licence Type: |
ADS Terms of Use and Access
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DOI |
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Publication Type: |
Report (in Series)
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Abstract: |
ASE were commissioned by Matthew Homes Ltd to conduct a programme of geoarchaeological evaluation on the Former Highways Depot, London Road, Hassocks, West Sussex, in advance of proposed redevelopment. It was considered important to determine the limits of the alluvial sequence at this site given the documented presence of deep alluvial sequences with good organic preservation in the immediate locale. The work was undertaken on the 3rd October 2011. Four geoarchaeological test pits measuring 1x3m were excavated to a maximum of 3.1m depth to characterise the sub-surface sedimentary profile and assess sediments for palaeoenvironmental potential and deeply buried archaeology. The surface of the natural substrate varied in height from 34.53m OD in the north of the site to 36.02 OD in the south-east of the site. The test pits revealed an alluvial sequence across the site comprising high energy fluvial gravels at the base of a channel cut into the solid Weald Clay. The gravels were overlain by up to 1.85m of alluvium, the lower facies of which contained thin seams of mineralised organic matter. No archaeological remains or well-preserved organics were encountered but the site does hold potential for palaeoenvironmental analysis, however, all test pits deposits were deemed to have been contaminated by hydrocarbons on the basis of odour and appearance and it was therefore deemed unsafe to analyse any of the bulk samples taken. The work has demonstrated that stream side locales flanking the Weald can sit on substantial floodplains with far deeper and more extensive alluvial stratigraphy than would be supposed by the scale of the current drainage. |
Author: |
Matt Pope
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Publisher: |
Archaeology South-East
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Other Person/Org: |
Historic England (OASIS Reviewer)
West Sussex SMR (OASIS Reviewer)
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Year of Publication: |
2011
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Locations: |
Site: |
London Road, Hassocks, West Sussex |
County: |
West Sussex |
District: |
Mid Sussex |
Parish: |
HURSTPIERPOINT |
Country: |
England |
Grid Reference: 530236, 116282 (Easting, Northing)
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Subjects / Periods: |
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Identifiers: |
OASIS Id: |
archaeol6-113128 |
OBIB: |
2011263 |
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Source: |
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Relations: |
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Created Date: |
01 Feb 2018 |