| Abstract: |
Hand Excavation of one trial pit measuring 1.5m x 1.5m, excavated to a depth of 1.3m. The evaluation has established that a substantial depth of relatively modern and post-medieval material lies below the ground surface at the rear of 17 St Peters Road, Cirencester. Although no in-situ Romano-British deposits, which can be directly associated with the scheduled monument of Corinium, were identified as part of the
investigation, the presence of re-deposited material of this date highlights the fact that in-situ remains may be present in the vicinity of the site, and are very likely within the bounds of the property itself. The results of the evaluation, however, suggest that these probably lie at a substantial depth below the existing ground surface, certainly beyond 2m from the present ground surface.
The evidence gathered during the investigation at the rear of 17 St Peters Road, add to the enigma that appears to be prevalent in archaeological investigations previously undertaken in this part of Cirencester. Numerous investigations have shown that the
level of Post Roman deposits can occur as little as 0.16m below the ground surface, evidenced by the ‘dark earth’ encountered at 9 St Peter’s Road (GHER 32693). While Roman demolition layers were encountered at 0.8m at no.18 St Peters Road (GHER
30465). The story for this site at the rear of 17 St Peters Road, appears to be significantly different, in that there is a significant build-up of modern and late post medieval deposits. It is possible that this area was the lowest point of the Victorian development of Ashcroft Villas, and has therefore been subjected to periodic dumping to raise the levels to bring them in line with the rest of the street. |
