Series: ADAS UK Ltd unpublished report series

In May and June 2019 ADAS carried out an archaeological watching brief for Kier Integrated Services and Clancy Docwra (KCD). These groundworks were for 13 geotechnical trial holes, to monitor ground conditions for a new sewerage scheme in advance of a new residential development south of Cirencester (NGR: SU 0243700212) The proposed works at Chesterton Farm lie within an area known for containing high concentrations of archaeological remains relating to Prehistoric and Roman activity, mostly in the form of cropmarks visible on aerial photographs. Although the trial pits were located within a rich archaeological area of potential no archaeological features or artefacts were identified during monitoring of the groundworks for the trial pits. The absence of archaeological features recorded during the archaeological monitoring of trial pits 1-13 may be attributed to the relatively limited impact of the groundworks. These results indicate that the monitoring methodology used was effective in ensuring that the development resulted in no harm to the historic environment resource.

In July 2019, ADAS carried out an archaeological watching brief for Bristol Water plc. The groundworks were for the repair of the Cheddar to Brent Knoll water pipeline on land at Brent Knoll, to the south of Bristol, Somerset (NGR: ST 34718 50995) as shown on Figure 1. A total of seven investigative trenches were dug. A linear cut feature [1004] from Trench 1 may be associated with the large cut feature [904] previously identified during excavations in 2013 (Wessex Archaeology 2013b) shown in Figure 3a. The feature identified in 2013 [904], was interpreted as a large Romano-British ditch (ibid). It is considered that cut [1004] found in Trench 1 is a continuation of this feature. In addition, the sherd of Romano-British pottery recovered from the lowermost fill of this feature (1005) further supports this theory. The loom weight recovered from Trench 5 also supports the Romano-British activity understood to have taken place in this area. Although Trench 7 was located only approximately 9 m to the east of the previous Area 7 excavation carried out in 2013 (Figure 2b), no trace of feature [704] was observed within the trench. This suggests that feature [704] terminates between the Area 7 excavation and Trench 7. The absence of a larger number, or more significant archaeological features recorded during the archaeological monitoring of the seven investigative trenches may be attributed to the relatively limited impact of the groundworks. These results indicate that the monitoring methodology used was effective in ensuring that harm to the historic environment resource was mitigated or avoided.

The project comprised archaeological monitoring of a new cable trench through Ealing Common (an archaeological priority area) from The Common to A406. The monitoring did not reveal any archaeological deposits along the length of the cable route.

Archaeological monitoring of ground works for the installation of new 11kV underground electricity cables and switch gear on Edwards Lane and Lordship Terrace in Stoke Newington, London. The monitoring reveled that the area had been severely truncated by previous services. No archaeological remains related to the former Medieval Manor of Stoke Newington were observed during the trench works.

Archaeological Monitoring of a 440V and 11kV 360m cable route on land at Floodgates Farm, Knepp Castle Estate, Horsham, West Sussex. No archaeological remains were found.

Archaeological monitoring and recording of permitted development works in an area known to contain a World War Two air raid shelter

Archaeological monitoring and recording of nine trial holes to locate a 132kv underground electricity cable prior to diversion works. No archaeological deposits were identified on the site.

Archaeological monitoring and recording was carried out on ground works for the installation of a new high voltage underground electricity cable at Poynings House, Poynings, Brighton, West Sussex. A deposit associated with a rubble dump was identified in the cable trench.

On 10th April 2019 ADAS carried out archaeological monitoring and recording for Kier Integrated Services and Clancy Docwra (KCD) of groundworks for repair a leaking water pipe located on High Street, Avebury, Wiltshire (NGR: SU 09951 69878) as shown on Figures 1-3. The works were undertaken within the Stonehenge, Avebury and associated Sites World Heritage Site. Initial consultation between the Client and Miss Rachel Foster, the local authority archaeologist for Wiltshire Archaeological Service indicated that the development may have the potential to impact upon unknown buried archaeological remains within the development area associated with the remains of the nearby Avebury Henge and Stone Circle Scheduled Monument (HE No. 1015546) located approximately 46 m to the east of the proposed works. It was recommended that archaeological monitoring should be carried out during the groundworks in order to identify, assess and record any unknown archaeological remains. No archaeological features, deposits or artefacts were observed during the archaeological monitoring. The absence of archaeological features recorded during the archaeological monitoring of Trench 1 can be attributed to the relatively limited ground impact of the groundworks, the location of the works within the existing carriageway and due to the impact of previous development, specifically the construction and installation of the existing water main. These results indicate that the monitoring methodology used was effective in ensuring that the development resulted in no harm to the historic environment resource.

Archaeological monitoring and recording of ground works during repair and maintenance works on an existing stop tap at 34 Burge Court and the replacement of inspection plates over water meters at Hanover Court. Although both locations were within the Corinium Roman Town Scheduled Monument, no archaeological features or artefacts were observed.