Series: Archaeological Research Services unpublished report series

In November 2015 Archaeological Research Services Ltd was commissioned by Wardens and PCC St. Mary's to undertake an archaeological strip, map and sample excavation at St. Mary's Church, Acton, Cheshire during groundworks associated with the construction of an extension in the churchyard. The excavation took place on 5th November 2015, comprising a single trench off the northern isle of the church that measured c.5x3m. Removal of stone paving slabs and a section of the modern tarmac pathway immediately adjacent to the church revealed a shallow depth of sandy levelling material overlying the natural substrate. Stone blocks were set within the substrate acting as supports for the paving slabs and a brick-built, stone-capped manhole was also observed along the line of an active drainage trench. No significant archaeological features or deposits were encountered, although part of a brick-built and partially stone-capped crypt was observed underlying a modern pathway at the northern extent of the trench which will not be impacted upon by development. A watching brief was due to take place during the excavation of a new drainage line running northwards from the church towards the Alms Houses at the north of the churchyard. This was later deemed unnecessary when it became clear that the intended drainage system followed the line of an existing service trench and excavations would only be taking place through previously excavated and backfilled ground.

Archaeological Research Services Ltd was commissioned by Hope Construction Materials Ltd to undertake a programme of archaeological evaluation trenching on the site of the proposed redevelopment of the present Freightliner Rail Services scrapyard site at Dagenham Dock Station in London. The site had previously been the subject of a desk based assessment (Eadie 2014) and geoarchaeological coring with subsequent assessment of pollen and plant macrofossils (Howard and McLellan 2015). Two archaeological evaluation trenches were mechanically excavated under archaeological supervision. A stratigraphic sequence was excavated through the made ground, alluvial deposits and peat to the underlying Late Glacial Shepperton Gravels. No archaeological remains were encountered during the evaluation trenching. Well-preserved palaeoenvironmental remains were present, as implied by the borehole results, and well-preserved timbers were encountered within the peat and include remains of yew and oak. A detailed palaeoenvironmental assessment was undertaken on a sediment borehole. Pollen and botanical macrofossils were analysed, samples were taken from diatom and invertebrate remains however poor preservation prevented further analysis of these remains. A sequence of radiocarbon dates was obtained, the sediments date from the Late Mesolithic to the Early Bronze Age. The pollen and botanical macrofossil sequence records a Neolithic alder carr environment with an unusual presence of yew trees. During the Bronze Age the environment transitioned to a much drier and more open meadow and mixed woodland environment.

A watching brief at Minster Church of England Primary school monitoring ground-works associated with a new school building and a netball court.

Strip, map and record at 102-112 Arundel Street, Sheffield, following the demolition of modern structures prior to the re-development of the site. The original site development in the mid 19th century containing three rows of back-to-back houses and a small grinding shop. Remnants of the former dwellings were identified within the center of the site, consisting of small brick-built cellars.

Historic building assessment of the former Waggon and Horses public house and house number 145 Cross Street. Both buildings contain structures dating to late 18th century with later extension dating from the mid to late 19th century through to the mid 20th century

In February 2014 Archaeological Research Services Ltd. was commissioned by Mr. and Mrs. Holmes of 16 Mill End Lane, Alrewas to undertake an archaeological watching brief at 16 Mill End Lane, Alrewas, Staffordshire. Planning permission was granted by Lichfield District Council (13/00424/FUL) for the conversion of a Grade II Listed 17th century timber framed barn to form a new kitchen and bedroom on condition that the archaeological watching brief took place. The archaeological watching brief identified a single pit feature in trench 5 which contained a large quantity of broken 19th and 20th centuries pottery, coal, glass, brick and one example of butchered cattle bone. It has been interpreted as a refuse pit. The reduction of the interior surface identified an additional spread of broken 19th and 20th centuries pottery, glass and modern building debris within a backfill deposit overlying the natural substratum. This material is probably associated with a period of ground levelling prior to the laying of the paved floor which was removed prior to any ground-works. A brick-lined structure was identified directly inside the entrance to the barn running north-south for a length of 3.5m and at a width of 1.4m. Interpreted as a vehicle inspection pit this feature relates to one of the previous uses of the barn as a garage prior to the levelling up of the floor and the laying of the paving slabs. A post hole was also uncovered, but the small size of the slot does not suggest that the post was structural in the same way as the much larger structural timbers that make up the original frame of the barn. No further earth-fast timbers or slots were found during the interior strip, making it difficult to interpret how, if at all, the post might be attributed to the development of the building

Watching Brief at proposed kitchen extension of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 220 Mansfield Road, Derby. Planning application DER/11/08/01571/PRI

In January 2019 Archaeological Research Services Ltd was commissioned to undertake a historic building recording in order to discharge a condition of planning permission granted by Ribble Valley Borough Council (planning application number 3/2018/00191) for proposed alterations and extensions to enlarge two existing retail units, subdivision of existing living accommodation and extension to the rear to create four apartments at 3 King Street, Clitheroe, Ribble Valley, Lancashire, BB7 2EL (NGR SD 74315 41910). The historic building recording of 3 King Street, Clitheroe has been conducted to Historic England Level 2 standard. This report outlines and discusses the programme of on-site historic building recording work carried out and includes a descriptive and a photographic survey record. The programme of work has investigated the core buildings of the property and provided information relating to the history of the building and its development. Number 3 King Street is a 19th century town centre property built for a combination of residential and commercial use. The present built structure on the site housed two individual shops, living quarters and the remains of a purpose-built Victorian photographer's studio. Remnants of other Victorian fittings were recorded below mid-20th and late 20th century alterations. Of particular note were the 19th century fireplace, staircase, floor tiles and other interior features, as well as features relating to the photographic and commercial functions of the remaining building. The structural history of the building was assessed to include the following construction phases. ◆ Phase 1 – c.1870. Construction of the principal street front building incorporating a single shop front. To the rear was a single storied service range with the yard having additional stone outbuildings, likely comprising a washhouse and earth closet/W.C. ◆ Phase 2 – c.1880. The rear range is altered and extended to incorporate a first floor photography studio. More of the domestic space is allocated for business requirements, including a rear reception room (likely a dining room) becoming a waiting room for the studio and a front room becoming a second shop. ◆ Phase 3 – c.1930. Hargreaves of Clitheroe photographers occupy the premises at least until the end of the First World War. After this the premises was updated, including the front first floor windows and fire places. ◆ Phase 4 – c.1960. More piecemeal alteration continued throughout the mid20th century. This included partition walls to isolate the living quarters from the shop premises.

In September 2015, Archaeological Research Services Ltd was commissioned by Mr. Gerry Matthews to undertake an archaeological watching brief at 36 - 38 Mill Street, Clowne, Derbyshire for the groundworks of a single story detached dwelling. The surrounding area has medieval activity, and it was thought that there may have been potential for medieval archaeology within the area of excavation. The groundworks uncovered no surviving archaeological remains.

In November 2012 Archaeological Research Services Ltd were commissioned to undertake an archaeological watching brief at 7 Castrum Court, Rocester, Staffordshire. The monitoring was carried out prior to the extension of the dwelling.