Evaluation at Queen Charlton Lane, Whitchurch, Bath & North-East Somerset

Archaeological evaluation of five 30m trenches targeting specific geophysical anomalies. Five evaluation trenches measuring 30m x 2m were sited to investigate anomalies identified during a previous geophysical survey. Two phases of significant archaeological activity were identified, both in the south-east corner of the site, within Trenches 1 & 2. Both trenches contained features and deposits of later Romano-British date, while Trench 2 also contained evidence of activity dating to the Neolithic period. Deposits containing diagnostic Neolithic ceramics were recorded in Trench 2. The nature of any Neolithic activity in this area is unclear, as the deposits were ill-defined and truncated by later Roman activity. The artefacts are indicative of occupation in the immediate area of Trench 2. The core of Romano-British activity was recorded in Trench 1, although ditches of comparable date were also recorded in Trench 2. In Trench 1 ditches, a probable surface and rubble spreads almost certainly indicates the presence occupation and the possibility of a building nearby. The majority of the associated finds material from these features and deposits indicate a 3rd - 4th century AD date; however, the evaluation indicates the potential for multiple phases of Romano-British of activity.