Pightle Cottage, 65 Wood End Lane, Pertenhall, Bedfordshire: Archaeological Watching Brief

The archaeological watching brief took place on 15th and 16th February 2024. It covered works by the building contractor to excavate foundation trenches and remove old patios and concrete footings adjoining the rear of the existing building. The foundation trenches were all 0.5-1.2m wide and up to c. 1m deep. The trenches were excavated to formation level by a mechanical excavator fitted with a flat-edged bucket, operated by an experienced driver under close archaeological supervision. Monitoring was carried out by experienced Albion Archaeology staff Planning permission (23/02001/FUL) was granted by Bedford Borough Council for side and rear extensions at Pightle Cottage, 65 Wood End Lane, Pertenhall, Bedfordshire (TL 08494 66023). The council's Principal Archaeological Officer (PAO) advised that the proposed development lay within the postulated extent of the medieval settlement of Wood End, and that groundworks associated with the proposed development could potentially impact such archaeological remains. Accordingly, the PAO recommended a planning condition requiring an archaeological mitigation strategy. Albion Archaeology was commissioned to carry out the fieldwork required by the mitigation strategy. This took place on 15th and 16th February 2024 and entailed monitoring the excavation of foundation trenches and the removal of old patios and concrete footings adjoining the rear of the existing building. Undisturbed geological deposits were encountered across the site at a depth of c. 0.8m. The only archaeological feature observed was a pond just north of Pightle Cottage, which correlates with OS map data and dates back to at least the 19th century. While the base of the pond was not reached, it is likely that this extensive feature destroyed any earlier archaeological remains within its footprint.