St. Hilda's College, Front of College Redevelopment, Cowley Place, Oxford, OX4 1DY, Report on an archaeological evaluation

A four trench evaluation in the front of the college alongside the River Cherwell. Remains of medieval and post-medieval date were recorded including a 17th century pit in the area of the access road and stone culvert, on the slopes to the river in the vicinity of the early 20th century boathouse. Several undated pits of possible Saxon or prehistoric origin were also noted within the area of the car park to the south of the main St. Hilda's building Phase 1 Four evaluation trenches were excavated on the site between 17.07.17 and 27.07.17. The archaeological remains of at least post-medieval and modern date may be impacted by the redevelopment. The impact risk of the site concerns the proposed construction of a basement on the area of higher ground within the college access road and car park. Within the trenches excavated in this area were recorded several pits of indeterminate date, a large deep 17th century pit and several natural treeboles. On the lawn area sloping towards the River Cherwell a stone lined culvert of post-medieval/ modern date was recorded, probably associated with the former school building in the area of the existing Milham ford building. Phase 2 A total of four evaluation trenches were excavated and recorded but no archaeological remains were encountered, therefore, it is anticipated that no further work is required and any future Planning Application for the site will not be subject to any archaeological conditions.