Series: Northern Archaeological Associates unpublished report series

SY99 - Two trial trenches were opened at the southern side of the courtyard behind 17-19 Skeldergate. Both trenches were 3.5m by 2.5m with this being done to allow the trenches to fit between existing services. Both Trenches were excavated to a depth of 1.5m or until substantial structural remains were uncovered. A mini excavator was used to remove the hard-core and modern ground make-up material. Once pre-19th century deposits were uncovered further excavation was carried out by hand. For the building survey access was only gained to number 18 Skeldergate. SY00 - Following the demolition of 17-19 Skeldergate an approximately 30m x 8m area where the buildings used to be was excavated. Material from the 19th and 20th century were removed by mechanical excavator under archaeological supervision. Once pre-19th century deposits were uncovered further excavation was carried out by hand down to formation level. Bulk environmental samples were taken during both SY99 and SY00. SY99 - Within both trenches deposits were identified including structural components. Late medieval stratigraphy was identified immediately below late 18th and 19th century structures and deposits. None of the encountered deposits were waterlogged although based off previous work at 14 Skeldergate it is possible that such deposits will be encountered around 6.5 - 7m O.D. A small assemblage of ceramics, faunal remains and environmental evidence was recovered. Faunal preservation was good however only a limited amount of carbonised material was recovered. The building survey determined that 18 Skeldergate was the oldest of the buildings, late 18th to early 19th century. It has however been heavily altered both internally and externally. None of the buildings were of merit. SY00 - The excavations uncovered the rear portions of medieval buildings that had formerly fronted onto Skeldergate. Due to post medieval cellaring in number 18 no archaeological remains were discovered from that area and the relationship between the deposits in numbers 17 and 19 could not be determined. Within number 17 four medieval tile hearths were identified with dated ceramic evidence to the early 13th-14th century. A silver penny of the type introduced by Edward I was found in the secondary fill of a late medieval/ early post medieval pit (this has been dated as possibly being from the reign of Edward III).

Archaeological evaluation to rear of property, which lies within of a former medieval burgage plot. A single hand-excavated trial pit revealed sandstone paving at approximately 0.35m below the present ground level, with earlier paving and a sandstone feature below. It was unclear if these represented floor surfaces and a wall, but they were likely to relate to buildings recorded on 19th and earlier 20th century cartography. While no medieval features or deposits were recorded, it is possible that features such as cess/rubbish pits and possible structures associated with the medieval burgage plot survive beneath the sandstone feature or within areas of the site not sampled by the evaluation trench.

A fieldwalking programme was undertaken in concert with a geophysical survey as part of an evaluation in advance of construction of a new motorway. The programme of work was based upon the results of a desk-based assessment. Ten fields were walked, and the presence of one previously known site of possible prehistoric date was confirmed. Four further probable prehistoric sites, and a previously unknown major Roman site were located. Pottery recovered suggested that the Roman site dated to the late 1st century AD, and geophysical survey showed the site to be a fort. [Au(abr)]

A scheme of archaeological monitoring was undetaken in conjunction with Geotechnical Investigation works along the eastern stretch of the A66, from Bowes to Scotch Corner, as part of an assessment to inform proposed upgrades to the existing carriageway. Only seven of the 74 trial pits excavated for Geotechnical Investigations exposed archaeological remains. This may be considered a surprisingly sparse result considering the historical importance of the trans-Pennine corridor and the prevalence of known archaeological sites distributed along the A66. Aside from ephemeral remnants of the 19th-century South Durham & Lancashire Union Railway in TP BB6 and the impressive ridge and furrow earthworks recorded to the west of Low Broats Farm (TP BB8/BB9, Plate 2), all further archaeological remains were encountered along the stretch from Stephen Bank to Carkin Moor. Unfortunately, no finds were recovered to date these features and the small footprint of the trial pits (2m wide by 2.5–4m in length) precluded confident interpretation.