Labdens House, Colliers End, Ware, Hertfordshire an Archaeological Evaluation

The evaluation comprised the excavation of five trenches, 1.80m wide and measuring between 5m and 15m long located across the proposed development area that measured c.3000m2. The trenches were placed to target the area of the footing of the proposed development. Deposits considered not to be significant were removed by a 360� tracked mechanical excavator with a toothless ditching bucket, under close archaeological supervision. All possible features or deposits were inspected, and selected deposits were excavated by hand to retrieve artefactual material and environmental samples. Once completed all features were recorded according to the WA standard procedure as set out in the Excavation Manual. Any finds encountered were to be retained on site and returned to the Bury St Edmunds office where they would be identified, quantified, and dated to period. In the event, no archaeological finds were made. On completion, the evaluation trenches were reinstated by replacing the excavated material. All trenches were devoid of archaeological features and pre-modern deposits. No finds were recovered, and no environmental samples were taken. The evaluation revealed that all pre-modern deposits which may have been present at the site have been completely truncated by post-medieval and modern construction activity at the site, and the ground level made up and levelled with layers of hardcore as foundation for tarmac and concrete surfaces associated with the recent use of the site as a lorry depot/workshop. The site has been evaluated as devoid of pre-modern archaeological remains, and no further investigation is considered to be required.