ARCUS was commissioned by CgMs Consulting to undertake an archaeological evaluation in the area of a proposed extension to the shale quarry at Hope, Derbyshire. Planning permission existed for the proposal, and archaeological works were undertaken in parallel with a review of the planning permission under the Environment Act. The current phase of archaeological works were required in order to evaluate the first-phase extension area for the shale quarry. A total of thirteen evaluation trenches were excavated in an area, consisting of four fields, that is currently used as pasture. Each trench measured 20m by 1.8m and was located on the basis of the results of a geophysical survey undertaken by GSB Prospection in 2003. Many of the anomalies detected were identified during the field evaluation and were related to ridge and furrow within the area, along with drainage features. Changes in the location of field boundaries within the area were seen in Trenches 6 and 10. In Trench 6 a linear feature was interpreted as a former boundary marker, probably a hedge or tree line, and in Trench 10 a pair of sub-circular features were interpreted as marking the former location of stone gateposts. An area of burning was identified within Trench 3. The deposit appeared sub- rectangular in plan, but was highly irregular in profile, suggesting a natural origin rather an anthropogenic one. The stratigraphy identified within the evaluation trenches was indicative of past land use. The northernmost field contained a greater depth of subsoil due to the lack of ploughing in that field. The remaining fields had been ploughed until more recently, resulting in a higher degree of erosion. This was most noticeable in the area of the southernmost field where no subsoil was present. This would have an adverse effect upon the survival of any archaeological deposits. This was confirmed by the results of both the geophysical survey and the field evaluation. No deposits or material of archaeological significance were identified by the field evaluation. A sub-circular mound was located in the southwest corner of the area. A machine- assisted sondage was excavated from the centre of the mound, through to the west edge. The exposed section contained a mixed deposit of redeposited topsoil and natural clay of recent origin. No deposits of archaeological significance were identified within, or underlying the mound.
Sean Bell (Thu,) studied this question.