Leeds Valley Park Phase 3 Archaeological Ecavation - Post-Excavation Assessment Report

The project consisted of three phases of archaeological investigation. The first phase occurred in 2001 and consisted of two evaluations in Sites 1 and 2. Site 1 involved 5 trial trenches over several linear anomalies which had been identified by a previous geophysical survey. Site 2 involved the opening of 10 trial trenches and 3 larger areas again to find anomalies recorded by the geophysical survey. The second phase consisted of a watching brief on Site 2 (referred to as site 2a). This watching brief was to determine the extent of archaeological features across the site. The third phase consisted of an open area excavation in Site 2 due to the previously discovered evidence of prehistoric activity. The evaluation in Site 1 determined that the anomalies identified in the geophysical survey were primarily natural variations in the underlying sandstone geology. The two features identified in one trench were both determined as being modern. Due to the lack of identified archaeological features it was determined that no further work was required in this area. The evaluation in Site 2 identified features dating from the early Neolithic, Bronze Age, Romano-British and Medieval/ Post-Medieval. This warranted the further investigations of site 2 in 2002 and 2006. During this a Neolithic Pit containing an assemblage of Grimston ware. The Bronze Age features included barrow ring ditches alongside associated cremation pits. A 2nd to 3rd century AD rectilinear field system was also identified with the remains of an oven/ kiln being present.