Archaeological monitoring and recording at No. 136 Wedgewood Cottage, East Ogwell, Devon

A programme of archaeological monitoring and recording was carried out by Oakford Archaeology in October 2025 at No.146 Wedgewood Cottage, East Ogwell, Devon. The works consisted of an initial ground reduction measuring 17.5m long, 10.3m wide and to a depth of 0.3m. The new foundations were subsequently excavated from the reduced level measuring 16m long, 0.7m wide and to a maximum depth of 0.6m. In addition, two abortive soakaways were excavated to the south and west of the main excavations with each measuring approximately 1.6-2m long, 0.7m wide and up to 1.8m deep. The property was originally part of a wider farmhouse complex, perhaps an agricultural workers cottage rather than a separate farmhouse. The building became a separate property sometime in the mid-19th century and it is possible therefore that the extensive landscaping exposed by the works to the south and southeast of the building dates to this period. The rear of the plot may have functioned as a market garden at this period providing fresh produce for the property. The cess pit to the southeast of the main house is of a simple dry-stone wall construction with two late 19th or early 20th century salt-glazed pipes built into its walling. In addition, two sherds of 19th-20th century transfer printed pottery were recovered from its infilling suggesting it is Victorian in date and may have served both the main house and outbuildings. Finally, the pottery assemblage recovered from the site is minimal and dates from the 17th -20th century, with the majority of the material dating from the 18th century onwards nothing of significance was found