Rear of 9 & 11 College Place, St Albans, Hertfordshire

The Project Design stipulated a requirement for two evaluation trenches within the proposed development area. However, due to the presence of multiple live services and general space constraints, it was only possible to excavate one trench. This amendment to the approved Project Design was approved by the archaeological advisor to St Albans City and District Council. Non-significant overburden was removed, under constant archaeological supervision, to the top of archaeological remains, or the underlying natural deposits, whichever was encountered first. This was achieved through use of a 360� mechanical excavator, which was equipped with a toothless ditching bucket. Features and spoil tips were visually scanned for finds. Due to the presence of deep and potentially unstable sections, it was not possible to fully excavate feature [107]. The evaluation revealed natural substrates situated beneath probable Post-medieval - Modern made ground. Part of a substantial quarry or refuse pit was present, cut into the top of the natural. Finds from the fill of the pit included ceramic tile and animal bone, as well as 13 - 14th century pottery, which suggested a later Medieval date for the feature. There were no other archaeological features or finds within the trench.