Archaeological Evaluation Report for Cleobury Mortimer STW Relocation

Archaeological evaluation, comprising 4 trenches measuring 50m long x 1.8m wide, were excavated within the confines of the proposed c1.6ha development (Drawing 02). The trenches were excavated by a JCB, fitted with a toothless ditching bucket to the top of the natural substrate. No trenches exceeded 1m in depth. All intrusive works were supervised by a suitably experienced archaeologist. Archaeological deposits and features were recorded according to accepted professional standards. Sufficient data was recorded to allow for a full characterisation of contexts and their relationships to be made and allow for future studies to query and compare the dataset with confidence. Archaeological contexts were recorded and numbered individually on pro-forma context sheets with all relevant data such as drawings, photographic images, finds, environmental samples, height values and any other information cross-referenced. A further, more general record of the work comprising descriptions and discussions of the archaeology was maintained as appropriate. 4.2.6 A complete digital photographic record of the work was kept. All images were taken using a camera with a suitable megapixel resolution. The photographic record is regarded as part of the site archive and digital files will be appropriately filed, saved, labelled and cross-referenced in relation to a site-specific photography register. Changes to Methodology: On Site, a contractor, working on behalf of the National Grid were excavating a 1.2m wide, by 0.75m deep trench along the eastern and northern boundaries of the Site to install cable ducting for the re-routing of overhead lines. Due to the proximity of this excavation it was also recorded. A short section in the centre of Trench 1, c2m long, remained un-excavated to avoid removal of a crossing land drain, instead the trench was extended to the south for the additional meterage. Trenches 2, 3 and 4 had to be re-orientated and shortened due to the top of the slope at the southern ends of the trenches and the overhead line exclusion area set out at the northern ends of the trenches. The stratigraphic sequence of the Site remained consistent across all excavated trenches, with a possible exception of Trench 3. The ubiquitous topsoil comprised a firm and friable, mid- to dark, reddish-brown, clayey silt with no inclusions and notably sterile (001, 100, 200, 300 & 400). The topsoil sealed overlay a firm, mid-brownish-red, silty clay subsoil, which contained no inclusions (002, 101, 201, 301 & 401). The subsoil is largely interpreted as a relic ploughsoil / colluvium eroded from the top of the slope towards the base. The subsoil in turn sealed the firm, red and green clay natural substrate with rare clasts of eroded Clee Sandstone Formation (003, 102, 202, 302 & 402). The natural substrate was present between 0.4-0.62m below ground level. No archaeological features or deposits were recorded. Anecdotally, from finds recovered by the farmer, it is understood the main area of activity between the village centre and the river lies further west.