| Abstract: |
Building survey:
A measured survey with elevations, plan and cross-section by D&H Surveys of
Chippenham was provided by the client. The ground-floor plan was incomplete, as
at the time the northern end of the building was inaccessible to surveyors. This part
of the barn was added to the survey by Cotswold Archaeology, in addition to
elevation details which were obscured at the time of the orignal survey.
Photographic coverage, both inside and out, was achieved using high-resolution
digital photography at 18Mpx.
Readily-available historical background data was consulted, but more detailed
documentary work was not required by the project brief.
Excavation:
The fieldwork followed the methodology set out within the WSI (CA 2013). The
location of the excavation area was agreed with Rachel Foster (WC), informed by
the results of the archaeological evaluation (CA 2003). An excavation area
measuring approximately 56m by 30m was set out on OS National Grid (NGR) coordinates
using Leica GPS and surveyed in accordance with CA Technical Manual
4: Survey Manual. The excavation area was scanned for live services by trained CA
staff using CAT and Genny equipment in accordance with the CA Safe System of
Work for avoiding underground services. Excavation:
An archaeological strip, map and sample excavation was undertaken by Cotswold
Archaeology between July and August 2014 at Manor Farm, Urchfont, Devizes, Wiltshire.
The excavation area was located in the east of the development area, targeted on
prehistoric features identified in a previous evaluation of the site.
The excavation identified structural evidence for utilisation of the site during the prehistoric,
Roman and medieval/post-medieval periods. Mesolithic and Neolithic worked flint was also
identified as residual finds indicating at least an intermittent presence at the site during these
times, though no features could be assigned to these periods.
Features including an early prehistoric ditch (that had been cut by a Late Bronze Age pit), a
Late Bronze Age ‘work area’, Roman ditches and Medieval/post-medieval ditches were
identified. Modern disturbance was recorded across site. The features are indicative of the
land having been enclosed and helped to drain, but evidence for houses was absent. The
most convincing suggestion for nearby occupation was the recovery of sherds representing
at least twelve Late Bronze pottery vessels in five different fabrics.
Building recording:
In June 2015 Cotswold Archaeology was commissioned by Redcliffe Homes Ltd to carry out
a programme of Historic Building Recording of a brick-built agricultural building, in mitigation
of its demolition as part of a new housing development. An Historic England Level 2/3
record was required. This was achieved by annotating the measured survey provided by the
client, and carrying out a photographic survey. A short descriptive report was required to
complete the record and this comprises that report.
The building was constructed between 1886 and 1900, as part of the already-existing Manor
Farm, and is thought to have been built as a stable with a hayloft over, with openings only on
the east, and a loading window in the south gable. At some point in the 20th century, three
new windows were inserted in the west elevation, the interior was refitted, probably to
accomodate sheep, and a dormered loading-door was inserted in the western roof-slope. At
a later date, some of the concrete byre walls were removed, and stud and plasterboard walls
erected, to divide the structure into three unequal rooms. The building was extended to north
and west, although these extensions have recently been demolished. A door inserted in the
north gable-end led to the northern extension. There was never any internal communication
with the western extension. |
