HS2 Phase 2a Assessment Report on Archaeological Trial Trenching and Unstratified Survey

Trial trenching was undertaken in compliance with the Technical Standard Specification for historic environment investigations (HS2-HS2-EV-STD-000-000035) and the GWSI: HERDS (HS2-HS2-EV-STR-000-000015). Following the results of the geophysical surveys undertaken across the site, 10 trenches were positioned to target potential sub-surface anomalies and features, comprising one 50x1.8m and four 40x1.8m trenches and four 30x1.8m trenches. Trench TX28-35 was targeting two linear geophysical anomalies however was omitted from the works due to unsuitable ground conditions. Trench TX28-46 was also omitted and replaced by trenches TX28-51 and TX28-52 to achieve the specified percentage, and also target features identified within that area. The remaining trenches were set out in a random array to sample the site corridor. In summary, a total of 50 trenches were positioned across the proposed development area comprising both areas. This totalled 2638m2, representing a 1.7% sample designed to characterise the archaeological potential of the development area. All stake-out activities and groundworks monitoring were undertaken in compliance with the Phase 2a LS-WSI: Utilities TX28 Trial Trenching, including Unstratified Survey (UC46-NGT-UT-REP-000-00219). The trenches were excavated by a 360� tracked mechanical excavator with a 1.8m toothless ditching bucket under the close archaeological supervision of a Project Officer (Groundworks). Overburden (inclusive of topsoil and subsoil where necessary) was removed in c.200mm spits down to the first archaeological layer or the natural geological substrate, whichever was encountered first. All trenches were subsequently cleaned by hand and all potential archaeological features were investigated and recorded according to the Technical Standard Specification for historic environment investigations (HS2HS2EVSTD000000035). All trenches, archaeological features and deposits were digitally mapped using a Trimble R8 RTK GPS system in relation to the OSGB36 geoid model. The archaeology observed in the area to the east of the River Trent was predominantly characterised by post-medieval agricultural activity, consisting of field boundary ditches. The archaeology observed in the area west of the River Trent was predominately characterised by post-medieval ditches including field boundaries and drainage ditches. This includes evidence pertaining to the use of water meadows on the land to the immediate east of Hoomill Lane, on the bank of the River Trent. Ceramic building material including roof tiles, bricks and glass, as well as fragments of moulded sandstone stone mouldings were recovered from the in-fill of a former pond to the extreme northwest end of the site, in Trenches TX28-44 and TX52. Similar finds were recovered from cut features in Trenches TX28-43 and TX28-51. The material and associated pottery sherds date to the 16th - 17th century suggesting the demolished remains of a building was formerly located in the vicinity, supporting the results of the previous geophysical survey. The aim of this report is to present an assessment of the stratigraphic data and material archive that resulted from the archaeological trial trench evaluation and unstratified survey in order to address the aims and Specific Objectives set out in the Location Specific Written Scheme of Investigation (UC46-NGT-UT-REP-000-000219), and to establish recommendations for further analysis and future publication.