The archaeological monitoring and recording programme comprised the observation by a competent archaeologist of all intrusive groundworks associated with the proposed development, including the removal of redundant services and machine excavation of new foundation and service trenches. Four distinct areas were monitored. Records were maintained in accordance with CA Technical Manual 1: Fieldwork Recording Manual. No archaeological features or deposits were identified during the groundworks. Deposits were assessed for their palaeoenvironmental potential in accordance with CA Technical Manual 2: The Taking and Processing of Environmental and Other Samples from Archaeological Sites. No deposits were identified that required sampling. CA has made arrangements with Oxfordshire Museums Service for the deposition of the documentary project archive under accession number OXCMS:2024.16. No finds were recovered during the fieldwork and therefore a Transfer of Title document from the legal landowner will not be required. A digital archive will also be prepared and deposited with the Archaeology Data Service (ADS). The archives (museum and digital) will be prepared and deposited in accordance with the Oxfordshire Museums Service guidelines (OMS 2021), the Standard and guidance for the creation, compilation, transfer and deposition of archaeological archives (CIfA 2020); Archaeological Archives: A Guide to Best Practice in Creation, Compilation, Transfer and Curation (AAF 2011); Standard and Guide to Best Practice for Archaeological Archiving in Europe: EAC Guidelines 1 (EAC 2019); and Toolkit for Selecting Archaeological Archives (CIfA/HE 2022), and the ADS Guidelines for Depositors (ADS 2021). Between 15 May and 7 June 2024, Cotswold Archaeology carried out a programme of archaeological monitoring and recording during groundworks at Bloxham CoE Primary School, Bloxham, Oxfordshire. The archaeological monitoring and recording identified several layers of modern levelling and made ground deposits underneath tarmac and paved surfaces in most areas of groundworks, indicating the extensive ground disturbance caused by previous development phases within the Site. A possible colluvial layer was identified in the central portion of the Site. No features or deposits of archaeological interest were identified in any of the areas of monitored groundworks, and no artefactual material pre-dating the modern period was recovered.
Alex Foley (Mon,) studied this question.