| Abstract: |
A total of 16 hand dug test pits (HDP), five Window Samples (WS) and seven Cable Percussion boreholes (CP) were observed across the entire area of investigative works, all of which were excavated at their designated locations outlined in the Proposed Ground Investigation Phase 2 site plan. An archaeologist was required to monitor a minimum of eight Hand Dug Test pits, all five Window Samples and four Cable Percussion boreholes in accordance with the Written Scheme of Investigation. These were specifically chosen to cover a representative spread across the full length of the scheme. This consisted the monitoring of HDP 02, HDP 04, HDP 06, HDP 08, HDP 09, HDP 12, HDP 13 and HDP 15 (Figure 1), WS1, WS2, WS3, WS5, WS6 (Figures 2 and 3).The Hand Dug Test Pits varied in length between 1.00m-2.00m x 0.50m down to a depth of 1.20m. Once excavated, the trenches were recorded using digital photography and notes were taken of the sequence of deposits.Window Sample Boreholes WS2, WS5 and WS6 reached the maximum depth of 5.20m below ground level, whereas WS1 and WS3 did not reach maximum depth due to obstructions and voids.The four hand Cable Percussion Boreholes were monitored. However, the extremely wet condition of the soils extracted meant an interpretation of the deposit model could not be gained.Notes were recorded onto YAT proforma recording sheets and photographs were taken using a 12 megapixel digital camera. It is clear that the Hand Dug Test Pits revealed a relatively modern sequence of deposition, possibly related to the construction of the extant buildings. It is possible that this overlays a post-medieval to modern phase of ground make up, which was visible as a dark homogenous soil at the very base of some of the interventions, reinforced by the phasing of soil horizons that were more substantially visible at a watching brief to the south of the proposed flood alleviation scheme (Johnson 2018). This would suggest the dark homogenous deposit may have been associated with ground raising and a possible earlier phase of flood defences but there is insufficient evidence to confirm this.The window samples were too broadly dispersed to quantify a credible archaeological deposit model across the full stretch of the scheme. Despite the obstructions encountered within WS1, WS3 and the cancellation of WS4, there does appear to be a consistency of possible river silts associated with the flooding of the River Ouse that appear to have accumulated overtime. These silts were approximately between 2.60m down to the maximum depth of 5.20m. |
