Border Archaeology unpublished report series

Desk-top survey and metal detector survey carried out by Border Archaeology in February 1999, prior to construction of a farmhouse. The aim of the desk-top survey was to research and outline any historical data concerning the proposed area of works. The metal detector survey was intended to pick up artefacts related to the battle of Pilleth. Neither of the survey areas revealed metal artefacts relating to the battle (Border Archaeology, 1999).

Watching brief carried out by Border Archaeology in May 1999, at rear of property. A number of foundation trenches were excavated, revealing little of archaeological interest. A large amount of C19/20th pottery was recovered. A flint end-scraper was also found (PRN 70734) (Border Archaeology, 1999).

Evaluation, within the defences of Clyro Roman fort as defined by Jarrett in 1964, on land owned by Boatside Farm by Border Archaeology in 1999. The programme of work included the excavation of 12 evaluation trenches of varying size. Evaluation demonstrated that this area would appear to be outside the fort (Nash, G, 1999, 107).

A watching brief ahead of development work at site in hope of identifying the remains of Hay Castle outer defences, thought to lie near the site. Work identified 19th / 20th Century refuse dump (PRN 86826). Nothing else of archaeological interest was discovered. (Border Archaelogy, 1999e)

Border Archaeology Ltd was commissioned by Huramic Limited of Westgate Lawns, Salop Street, Bridgenorth, Shropshire WV16 4QX to undertake a programme of archaeological work at the former William Southorn and Co. Tobacco Pipeworks, Legge's Hill, Broseley, Shropshire. The development lies within an archaeological sensitive area, known as the site of the early 19th century William Southorn and Co. Tobacco Pipeworks (established in 1823). It is thought that this factory was the first purpose-built clay tobacco pipe works in Britain. The factory is thought to have converted to a toy factory, probably during the latter half of the 19th century. The results of the archaeological work programme proved to be favourable inasmuch that a number of walls dating to the William Southorn and Co. Tobacco Pipeworks building phase were present. The walls were shown to have internal and external faces due to the type of rendering applied to each face. Within the external area, to the south and east, were large quantities of clay pipe stems and bowls dating to the 19th and 20th centuries; many were decorated with standardised designs including 'birds-of-prey talons' and oak leaves. Also present was a large quantity of saga material, possible associated with the near by kilns. Incorporated into the underside of the large blocks of broken concrete (dating to the late 20th century) were many thousands of pipe clay dolls legs (a number were retrieved). The dolls legs date from the late 19th century and were probably an important secondary produce to the clay pipe industry in Broseley. Located within the initial area of archaeological investigation were the remains of a substantial concrete stanchion base. This phase of archaeological investigation consolidated any features and structures that were encountered during the earth (and concrete) removal. These features were duly recorded. All other features and structures were preserved in situ.

Border Archaeology was commissioned to undertake archaeological work at No. 15 Ashcroft Gardens, Cirencester, GL7 1RD Gloucestershire.The purpose of this test pit evaluation was to assess the nature of archaeological remains and to indicate any mitigation requirements following the evaluation. Of the two trenches excavated, trench 2 revealed substantial archaeological remains including a large stone wall. This wall and its associated deposits can be considered as highly significant to the Roman fabric of Cirencester; especially when considering that Roman bath house and a series of private dwellings with mosaics were found within a 50m radius of the trench.

No significant archaeological deposits, features or structures were recorded within this evaluation programme, with the exception of a substantial sandstone wall belonging to the northern section of the 19th century walled garden. This wall is present on several 19th century Ordnance Survey maps and marks the first building phase of the walled garden. Within the same trench numerous pieces of glass were found. It transpires that from a personal account of Mr de Winton that up until the mid 20th century, three Victorian green houses were present within this part of the walled garden; two used for the growing of vegetables and a grape vine.

A desk-based assessment undertaken by Border Archaeology forming part of project PRN 64004. Documentary, cartographic and pictorial sources, and aerial and ground-based photographic records were consulted at the Regional SMR in Welshpool, and NMR in Aberystwyth. Previously recorded post-medieval pastoral agricultural activity (PRN 8117) and quarrying (PRNs 22764 & 22765) were noted. From old editions of OS maps the development of Esgairdraenllwyn farmstead (PRN 85880) was seen, and the addition of a road (PRN 85875), three nurseries or plantations (PRNs 85876-8) and a chapel (PRN 85879) were recognised. Evidence of Bronze Age ritual and funerary activity (eg PRNs 1866 & 1867), and an early boundary earthwork known as Crugyn Bank Dyke (PRN 1882) were present in the surrounding landscape, but lay outside the area of the road improvement scheme (Border Archaeology, 2001a, pp5-6).

Border Archaeology was commissioned by Roger Casey Assoc, Carmarthen on behalf of Anglo Define Ltd to carry out an archaeological observation of two trenches in Roman Road, Llangunnor prior to a mains drainage system being laid for a residential development. The two trenches excavated revealed no significant archaeological remains. CN based on BA 2002 Further archaeological observations were carried out on open-cut trenching from Nov 2002 until Feb 2003 (Border Arch Report No 2003-06-01). The trench measured 97.76m on the south-west and north-east facing sections and varied in width from 0.60m to 0.69m. The depth varied from 1.30m to 1.72m below existing ground level. The trench revealed evidence of a fragmented cobbled surface in two deposits underlying the present tarmacadam road surface and associated sub-base material. CN based on BA 2003