Series: AD Archaeology Ltd unpublished report series

The magnetometer survey was carried out using a Bartington Grad 601-2 fluxgate gradiometer, which scanned and stored all magnetic data. The sample interval was set at 0.25m and the traverse interval at 1m using a north-south traverse direction in a zigzag scheme. The data was then downloaded onto a laptop computer on site for assessment, and later processed on a PC. No anomalies of likely archaeological origin were identified other than ones associated with a former ridge and furrow system in the western end of Area 1. The survey detected strong magnetic disturbance associated with twentieth century and later activity. These include the levelling of a former water course that ran across the Area 1 and the construction of a small pumping station. Several ill-defined areas of positive anomalies are likely to relate to natural features or debris within the topsoil. The survey encountered very strong magnetic disturbance throughout area 2 presumably from modern activity across this area when a SUDS pond, pipework and access track were laid, and also from the neighbouring railway line and its construction.

Documentary and cartographic search for desk top assessment Desk top assessment prior to extension to residential care home. Site falls within area of medieval civil settlement

Cartographic and documentary research, HER search and site visit Desk top assessment within former extent of Monkwearmouth medieval village. Likely to lead to evaluation trenches if development proceeds.

4 trenches 2 - 15m x 1.8m 2 - 10m x 1.8m The most significant archaeological features encountered during the evaluation were two sections of ditch in Trenches 2 and 3. Projecting the line of the two sections suggest that this is probably one continuous feature running northeast-southwest across the development site. Both sections dug through this feature produced sherds of green-glazed pottery of medieval date from secure contexts within the middle fill of the feature; as such a probable medieval date can be surmised. This feature therefore clearly pre-dates the construction of the current Beauclerc House and the walled gardens, though its alignment roughly parallel to the main road through the village to the north of the walled garden suggests that this may also follow the route of a medieval feature. Whilst the ditch itself is not immediately suggestive of a settlement in itself, and probably represents a boundary demarcation, the presence of pottery within its fill suggests relatively close proximity to a settlement. The well preserved and unabraded nature of the pottery and its position securely within the fill of a cut-feature also suggests it was not moved onto the site through ploughing. A gully found in Trench 2 immediately to the north of the ditch does not have any direct relationship to the ditch and no dating evidence was produced from the section dug through the feature. However its alignment closely matches that of the ditch and the similarity of the material filling the gully to that of the ditch suggests that this is also likely to be a feature of medieval date.

Trial trenching in advance of housing development. Phase 1 trenches prior to determination located probable prehistoric features forming a sub-circular structure. Fragmentary remains of mining houses and features associated with waggonway also located. Sub-circular feature located which is likely to represent a prehistoric structure. Fragmentary remains of mining houses located and also features relating to a waggonway

Evaluation trenching subsequent to geophysics. No significant archaeological features located. A series of post-medieval field boundaries were located. No significant archaeological features located

Evaluation trenching subsequent to geophysical survey. Targetted trenching and sample trenching Pit alignment was located in one trench, a strip and record would be required to establish its course through the site and investigate these features

Evaluation trenching subsequent to geophysical survey No significant archaeological features were located.

Trial trenching in advance of retail unit, subsequent to an earlier desk top assessment Trial trenching produced no medieval features or artefacts relating to Monkwearmouth medieval village, which is thought to lie in the vicinity of the development. Fragmentary remains of late post-medieval buildings were located