Archaeological Desk-based Assessment of Severn Trent Water Queniborough to South Croxton Pipeline, Leicestershire

In April 2007, ARCUS were commissioned by Severn Trent Water to conduct a desk- based assessment along the course of a proposed new pumping station and rising main pipeline between Queniborough and South Croxton, Leicestershire (SK 65145 to SK 68590 10245). The assessment comprised a walk-over survey, along with documentary and cartographic research. The assessment indicates that there are 17 known or potential archaeological sites within a search area extending for 500m on either side of the pipeline route. The sites range in date from the Roman period through to the 20th century and include potential settlement sites, individual find-spots and a former First World War airfield. The majority of the proposed pipeline route adheres to the course of the existing pipeline and follows the route of a public footpath through fields between the two villages. Most of the archaeological sites are located away from the route and will not be affected. However, four sites have the potential to be impacted by the pipeline; detailed design of the route should therefore avoid the archaeological sites where possible. Mitigation proposals have been outlined for specific sites along the route.