Land at Abbey House, Mitford, Northumberland: An Archaeological Investigation

This proposed the excavation of one trench over the suspected footprint of the structure shown in the 1842 tithe map, with a second T-shaped trench across the attached yard. Two 1m squared hand-dug test pits were proposed within the yard. Trenches 2 and Test Pit 2 were excavated as per the dimensions and positions set out in the WSI. Trench 1 was broadly in line with the proposed position but was extended to allow a greater area of the stone floor surface in it to be exposed. As a result of the increased sample metreage of Trench 1, with agreement with Historic England, Test Pit 1 was not excavated. Three distinct chronological phases of activity were uncovered at the Site comprising Phase 1: colluvial deposits; Phase 2: medieval / post-medieval construction and demolition remain including ground preparation layers, possible stone walls and stone surfaces; Phase 3: modern made ground, topsoil and turf layers.