California Farm, Archaeological Evaluation of Land south of Horseclose Lane, Stockton on Tees

A programme of linear trial trenching was achieved within Area 1 and 2, by trenching 3% of all available land with a 1% contingency, 20067 sqm, to be trenched: 200 no. 50m x 2m trenches. They targeted features identified by the geophysical survey (Magnitude 2022), while remaining trenches targeted 'blank' areas to test their archaeological potential. Trenches have been located to avoid the location of known services. The trenches were mechanically excavated using two 13t excavators fitted with a toothless bucket, to the top of demonstrable archaeological or natural deposits, whichever is encountered first. All machine excavation was conducted whilst under the constant direction of an archaeologist. The results of this initial phase of evaluation helped determine if further archaeological mitigation work is required Most anomalies shown on the geophysics seem to relate to agriculture features and the prevalent drainage system. Furrows and linear features linked to agricultural practices were observed, often filled with very similar fills and of consistent dimensions. Area 1 showed signs of historical human occupation. Trench 3 contained three archaeological features, including a subcircular feature which could have been the foundation for a structure. Trench 13 had a linear feature within a distinct deposit containing strong traces of burning. Trench 15 contained two post-holes, and Trench 20 featured a possible ditch. Area 2 had limited archaeological evidence: Trench 4, 26, 33, and 55 revealed a number of very shallow linears possibly linked to agricultural practices.