| Abstract: |
An archaeological evaluation was undertaken at Church Farm, Elmbridge Lane, Elmbridge,
Worcestershire (NGR SO 9009 6743). It was commissioned by Robert and Caroline Needham in
association with a proposed extension to a barn originally constructed in 2016. Planning permission
was granted subject to a programme of archaeological works.
The Archaeology and Planning Advisor to Wychavon District Council considered that the development
had the potential to impact upon heritage assets. The site is within an area of Late Iron Age and
Roman activity, indicated by numerous metal-detecting finds dating to these periods, and also lies on
the postulated route of a Roman road.
One evaluation trench was excavated over the postulated alignment of a Roman road at Church
Farm, Elmbridge Lane, Elmbridge, Worcestershire. A combination of documentary and aerial
photographic evidence suggests that Elmbridge lies on the route of the road which ran between the
Roman settlements at Droitwich and Stourbridge. A significant number of recorded findspots of items,
particularly coins, dating from the late Iron Age to the Roman period in the area of the present site
indicates the potential for below ground archaeological features and deposits.
Two thin bands of stones and gravel were recorded at the eastern end of the trench. They were
aligned approximately north to south across a c 3.50m wide area, in parallel with Elmbridge Lane to
the east. They were sealed by the subsoil and lay within the surface of the natural mudstone. The
origin of these layers is unclear and there were no finds recovered in association. Whilst they were
moderately compact and distinct, there was no indication of defined structure or surface to indicate a
deliberately laid metalled road, nor were any defined wheel ruts present.
The gravels could represent a very degraded section of Roman road, although this is not a definite
interpretation. Ridge and furrow has been recorded within the fields around Elmbridge, but none is
known within this field, and no defined furrows were revealed across the rest of the trench. The gravel
bands were also sealed by the subsoil, which precludes their being medieval furrows. The gravels
may be of natural origin. Although no superficial deposits are recorded by the British Geological
Survey in the immediate area, sand and gravel is noted to the west (BGS 2021), which could extend
into the present site.
No other features, structures, layers, deposits or horizons, nor artefacts of any archaeological
significance were identified. |
