Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd unpublished report series

Archaeological evaluation of a sample of the cropmarks and a Desk-based Assessment

Headland Archaeology was commissioned to carry out an archaeological watching brief during groundworks relating to the redevelopment of 1-11 Main St, Brampton, Cumbria. No archaeologically significant features or deposits were encountered.

The work was undertaken by a team of up to seven people over a five week period (plus 2 weeks for timber recording). Week 1 involved the uncovering of the vessel using a 360 degree mechanical excavator with a 1.5 metre wide flat edged bucket. Machine access to the site was determined by the width of the existing track between the canal bank and the garages; minimum width is 4 metres. All spoil was managed and formed into a bank towards the rear of the site. Once the full extent of the vessel was established, the timbers were cleaned by hand and a full survey both in section and in plan was completed and tied into the National Grid using the existing datum points established during earlier work. Upon the completion of the plan, a series of photographs, both oblique and vertical were taken. Upon the completion of all recording in situ, the vessel was dismantled. This endeavoured to dismantle the vessel components in order starting with the frames. The subsequent removal of the frames resulted in the exposure of the hog, deadwoods and outer hull planking which enabled a complete survey of the planking sequence. In addition to the uncovering of the vessel, the ground within the area of the new quay was cleared to expose any archaeological remains likely to be impacted on by the piling work. Subsequent features were then cleaned and recorded using the standard recording and sampling procedures of Headland Archaeology Ltd. A photographic archive comprising digital and colour transparency images was also compiled. Previous site investigation had revealed evidence of a wooden canal vessel and earlier quay structures within the vicinity of the proposed quay. The excavation, undertaken as mitigation, succeeded in establishing the full extent of the vessel and the presence of further redundant quay structure shown on historic maps. The vessel measured 66ft in length and 11ft in width and has been identified as a vessel type commonly known as a scow, employed to convey coal to Edinburgh. Further fragmentary remains of the stone quay structure uncovered during previous site investigations were uncovered within the footprint of the new quay together with other timber structures.

Seven trial trenches were excavated. Walls thought to be medieval in date, along with potentially associated cut features, represented a group of at least three separate medieval buildings, as well as a demolition spread. [Au(adp)]

The work was carried out over two periods. Phase 1 comprised an archaeological evaluation when two test pits were excavated in December 2004 with a JCB 3CX mechanical excavator within the grassed area, to the east of the surrounding the buildings of the Old Coating and Blending Works. Phase 2 comprised an archaeological watching brief of the excavation of a large pit for the insertion of a manhole just outside the nothwest corner of the site in October 2007. No archaeological features were uncovered.

Headland Archaeology was commissioned by Landmark Fenit Ltd to undertake an archaeological evaluation at the Former Trumans Brewery, Grey Eagle Street, London (NGR: 53374 18202) in advance of a proposed housing development. The evaluation comprised 6 m of linear trial trenching within the yard area of the former brewery. Two walls of a 19th century building were encountered directly beneath the concrete and hardcore. These truncated a garden soil deposit containing domestic and industrial waste including pottery dating from the Roman to post-medieval periods. Beneath this was a mixed layer of 18th 19th century garden soil and redeposited brick earth overlying brick earth natural.

The work was undertaken by a team of two over a two day period. A total of six trenches were excavated on a North-South axis across the site, under archaeological supervision, using a JCB excavator. The western half of the area under evaluation was subject to inundation and pooling as a result of trapped groundwater. Upon excavation of Trench 1 a continuous stream of water was noted entering the trench at the north end immediately in front of the previous stone quay wall. The subsequent flooding of the trench and the conditions noted in the west of the evaluation meant that the area was not accessible for investigation. The old ropewalk, used until recently as garages, has since been demolished and the whole development area has been cleared and levelled with a layer of gravel hardcore. The south bank has now been modified and extended northwards from the previous stone wall of the canal bank into the canal basin with the introduction of a new piled and shuttered quay in preparation for the new development. It must be noted that Trench 1 was subject to continuous inundation from ground water entering the trench at the northern end from in front of the previous stone quay. The scope of the present report outlines the results of the archaeological assessment of those areas not accessible during the first phase of evaluation undertaken in February 2004. The report is intended to inform South Glen Developments, Historic Scotland and Edinburgh City Council as Planning Authority on the likely impact that the proposed development may have on features of archaeological significance relating to the development of the south bank at Leamington Wharf. Six trenches were excavated in the eastern half of the development. Due to flooding, no investigations were possible in the western half of the evaluation area. The evaluation revealed evidence for the development of the south bank of Leamington Wharf dating from the late 19th century including the location of an early stone quay wall, the remains of the old ropewalk and other possible structures.

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken during groundwork's for a new house. No remains that were indicative of a street frontage were encountered. Walls were exposed, with a possible date to the medieval period, although there were little finds to provide solid dating evidence. The walls were consistent with plot boundary walls. No further work was recommended. [AIP]