All groundworks that had the potential to impact upon archaeological remains were conducted whilst under constant archaeological observation. In the event, it was agreed with the archaeological representative of Berkshire County Council that the groundworks for the sand school would not require monitoring, as these would comprise a mechanical vegetation strip, less than 0.20m in depth, with subsequent build-up. The mechanical excavation of the stable block foundation trench was undertaken by use of a tracked 360� excavator, which was equipped with a toothless grading bucket, whilst under constant archaeological observation. All potential archaeological features and deposits were subject to appropriate levels of investigation. The monitored groundworks excavations revealed the top of natural sand beneath subsoil and subsequent topsoil. No archaeological features or finds were present
Andrew Hood (Mon,) studied this question.