Evaluation at Land off Maypole Close, Clutton, Bath and North-East Somerset

Avon Archaeology Limited were commissioned to undertake a programme of Archaeological Evaluation by trial trenching on a parcel of land to the north of Maypole Close, Clutton, Somerset. The evaluation, as laid out in the WSI, was intended to comprise thirteen 30 x 1.8m Trenches; however, due to a public right of way crossing one of the trenches, the number was reduced to twelve. Avon Archaeology Limited were commissioned by Freemantle Developments to undertake a programme of Archaeological Evaluation by trial trenching ahead of potential development of land to the north of Maypole Close, Clutton, Bath and North-East Somerset. The site comprises two connected fields, which at the time of the evaluation were under rough pasture. A total of 12 trenches measuring 30m x 1.8m were excavated across the site. The trenches were sited to target anomalies identified during a previous geophysical survey in addition to visible earthworks on the site. Two broad phases of archaeological activity, medieval and post-medieval, were identified during the evaluation. A trench was excavated spanning earthworks in the south-east corner of the western field, previously interpreted as a medieval house platform (HER PRN 66222), revealed a bank and associated ditch containing ceramics dating from between the 11th to 13th centuries. No associated structural remains were identified in the trench, although it is highly likely that the interpretation of the earthworks as a medieval house platform are correct. The earthworks therefore probably mark the northern extent of the medieval core of Clutton. A linear feature running through the eastern field had previously been interpreted as a holloway (HER PRN 66221). No evidence to support this was revealed during the evaluation, although a bank and ditch were recorded running along its posited line. No dating evidence was recovered from either the bank or ditch, although, based on associated stratigraphy, this feature may represent a medieval/early post-medieval field boundary or headland ridge. Post-medieval archaeology was dominated by activity related to coal extraction. Two pits, which may derive from coal extraction, were identified in addition to evidence for dumping of coal waste/tailings. The nature of the putative extraction pits is unclear, as it was not possible to excavate either to depth. They may represent small scale extraction, coal prospecting , or the top of bell pits, or could simply reflect unrelated pits infilled with coal industry waste. No dating evidence was recovered from either pit, although a coin dated 1754 was recovered from the upper levels of coal waste/tailing deposit. Interestingly, this is the same date at which the HER records cessation of activity at the nearby Greyfriars Wood site (HER PRN 62898). A number of other undated features, interpreted as possible agricultural features, were also recorded and are likely to represent medieval or post-medieval activity.