Evaluation at Land North-East of Rosedene, Main Street, Thistleton, Rutland

Two trenches were excavated, each measuring 1.8m wide and 20m in length. Trenches were located within the footprint of the proposed dwelling in accordance with the directions laid out in the Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) and approved by the curatorial archaeologist. A record was made of extant features and any factors, such as previous or current land use, that might have affected the survival or condition of archaeological remains. The most recent deposits were removed mechanically, using a 360� tracked excavator fitted with a toothless ditching bucket. All mechanical excavation was undertaken under archaeological supervision. Mechanical excavation was discontinued when archaeological deposits were exposed, or when undisturbed natural deposits were revealed. Exposed surfaces, both vertical and horizontal, were then cleaned by hand to define the archaeological remains, prior to the part-excavation of features and deposits of potential archaeological origin, to ascertain character, extent and date. Excavated features were recorded through drawn plans and sections at a scale of 1:20. This record was augmented by colour photographs and written context records on pro forma recording sheets. All trenches and reference points used in planning were located by survey grade GPS. The trial trenching revealed natural limestone bedrock with sandstone inclusions overlain by sequences of levelling and dumped deposits in both trenches, and a possible small extraction/quarry pit in the eastern part of one trench; all deposits were sealed by topsoil.