Archaeological evaluation at Market Street, Ledbury, Herefordshire

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken in June 2021 at Market St, Ledbury, Herefordshire (NGR SO 370876 237632). This comprised three evaluation trenches. The project was commissioned by Eades Properties Ltd, in advance of a proposed residential development. A planning application has been submitted to Hereford County Council the Curator has requested that the site be archaeologically evaluated. The site is situated just outside the historic core of the town, on the western side. No previous archaeological work has been undertaken. Historic mapping shows the site as having been an orchard in 1886, with Market Street being constructed sometime before 1905. Three trenches were excavated across the site. Archaeological features were only present in one of the three trenches. These features consisted of a post-medieval ditch containing residual medieval pottery, probably a result of manuring processes. This was truncated by a early 20th century timber lined vehicle inspection pit. A number of automobile garages are known to have been present along Market Street in the first half of the 20th century and the artefacts recovered include rubber gaskets and battery components. The features are of local significance at best. Three trenches were excavated across the site but archaeological features were only present in one of the three trenches. These features consisted of a post-medieval ditch containing residual and abraded medieval pottery. This was truncated by an early 20th century timber lined pit, probably a vehicle inspection pit. Several automobile garages are known to have been present along Market Street in the first half of the 20th century and the artefacts recovered include rubber gaskets and battery components. The features are considered to be of local significance only. There was no evidence for the continuation of medieval occupation, as seen across the former cattle market, on the opposite side of Market Street.