Evaluation at Plot 90, Walworth Road, Andover

Thirty-five trial trenches, each measuring 30 m in length and 2 m wide, were excavated in level spits using a 360� excavator equipped with a toothless bucket, under the constant supervision and instruction of the monitoring archaeologist. Machine excavation proceeded until either the archaeological horizon or the natural geology was exposed. Where necessary, the base of the trench/surface of archaeological deposits were cleaned by hand. A sample of archaeological features and deposits was hand-excavated, sufficient to address the project aims. The evaluation also confirmed the linear anomalies identified by the geophysical survey. The uncovered archaeological features were largely linear in character, likely representing an extensive field system with possible contemporary trackways. A single large pit was investigated and was suggested to indicate quarrying activity. Other discrete features excavated were found to be natural in origin. Many features contained single fragments of worked flint, other dateable finds included a single sherd of Romano-British pottery and a small piece of 18th/19th century creamware, all of which reflect background activity rather than providing secure dates for features.