Land west of Chapel Balk, Hemingbrough, North Yorkshire. Archaeological Evaluation by Trial Trenching

In 2016, Eight Trial Trenches were excavated measuring 25m x 2m, covering a total of c. 400m� and evenly spread across the northern part of the Proposed Development Area (5-40-16: maparcha1-526631 - trenches 1-8). Eight trenches measuring 40m x 2m were located and levelled using a Trimble GPS Rover. The trenches were positioned to assess anomalies highlighted in the results of the Geophysical and also areas thought to be devoid of archaeological activity. The trenches were numbered 9-15, to continue on from the first phase of evaluation undertaken in 2016. Once positioned the trenches were excavated using a mechanical excavator, fitted with a wide toothless bucket operating under close archaeological supervision. In each trench, soils were removed down to the perceived archaeological horizon. The exposed surfaces were cleaned appropriately, and any subsequent excavation was carried out by hand. All excavation and recording were carried out in line with the approved Specifications in 2016 and 2025. The results of the trial trenching has confirmed the site's archaeological potential with features of a Roman date being present in five of the eight trenches excavated, with the focus of activity being in the northern and eastern regions of the site. The site appears to have been utilised between the 1st and 4th centuries AD with a sizable assemblage of pottery recovered. The site is likely to have Roman military connections and it's position close to the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Derwent being important. Further archaeological work has the potential to place the wider application site within its wider Roman landscape and will allow a full record of the archaeological features to be made prior to development.