| Title: |
ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION REPORT: TRIAL TRENCHING ON LAND OFF DAVENTRY ROAD, BANBURY, OXFORDSHIRE |
| Series: |
Allen Archaeology Ltd unpublished report series
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| Downloads: |
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allenarc1-393414_209737.pdf (5 MB)
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| Biblio Note |
This report was uploaded to the OASIS system by the named Publisher. The report has been transferred into the ADS Library for public access and to facilitate future research.
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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: |
Allen Archaeology Limited was commissioned by Monte Blackburn Limited to undertake an archaeological evaluation by trial trenching, prior to determination of a planning application for a commercial development on land off Daventry Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire. The evaluation trenching comprised 49 no. 30m x 1.8m trenches. The evaluation trenching comprising 49 no. 30m x 1.8m trenches, demonstrated that there were no archaeologically significant deposits or features associated with the well-preserved ridge and furrow recorded in the central part of the proposed development area. The furrows were better defined as earthworks on the surface of the field than as cut features. An absence of medieval cultural material suggested that the ridge and furrow system as it currently exists originated in the post-medieval period, although it is possible that it was preceded by medieval agricultural activity. In two parts of the proposed development area, at the extreme northwest and southeast ends, in Trenches 3–7 and 45–49 respectively, deposits and features associated with Romano-British activity were recorded. The features are likely to be associated with agriculture, and predominantly comprise ditches for drainage and boundary demarcation. The assemblage of pottery and other cultural material suggested, however, that the features identified were in relatively proximity to habitation. There was some evidence in both areas that the occupation of the site took place in the 2nd century AD, with further activity in the mid-3rd century onwards, possibly after a hiatus. The evidence for two distinct phases of activity was stronger in the northwest part of the site. Evidence from limited plant macrofossils and animal bone suggested that the agriculture practised during the period was probably based on wheat, and on sheep or goat husbandry, possibly giving way to an increase in cattle. In the north of the proposed development area, civil engineering works associated with road construction and water management had resulted in considerable modern disturbance and accumulation of deposits, particularly in the northeast of the site. In some instances, the modern overburden was sufficiently deep that it was not fully removed during the evaluation, and so the possibility remains that further archaeologically significant material could survive below this. |
| Author: |
A Telford
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| Publisher: |
Allen Archaeology Ltd
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| Other Person/Org: |
Oxfordshire HER (OASIS Reviewer)
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| Year of Publication: |
2020
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| Locations: |
| Country: |
England |
| County: |
Oxfordshire |
| District: |
Cherwell |
| Parish: |
Banbury |
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Grid Reference: 447059, 242229 (Easting, Northing)
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| Subjects / Periods: |
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DITCH
(Monument Type England)
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ROMAN DITCH
(Tag)
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ROMAN PIT
(Tag)
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TRIAL TRENCH
(Event)
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ROMAN
(Historic England Periods)
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PIT
(Monument Type England)
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| Identifiers: |
| OASIS Id: |
allenarc1-393414 |
| Report id: |
AAL2020056 |
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| Source: |
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| Relations: |
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| Created Date: |
20 Oct 2023 |
