Archaeological Strip, Map and Sample Report, Tyrells End Cottage, Tyrells End, Eversholt, Milton Keynes, MK17 9DS

The archaeological strip, map and sample involved the mechanical excavation under supervision of an area measuring approximately 62 square meters. An approximate 0.5m boundary was left between the extant cottage and the excavation area to prevent undermining of the foundations which are likely to be extremely shallow. Where necessary, surfaces were hand cleaned for examination and recording and deposits observed were recorded on standard pro-forma recording sheets. A digital colour photographic record was also maintained, some of which is reproduced in the report as plates 1 - 6 Appendix 1. All work was carried out according to the agreed Written Schemes of Investigation and in accordance with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) standards and guidance for archaeological excavation. All work was undertaken by James Roberts and Michael Blake. The excavation revealed an intact subsoil sealed below the floors of the 20th century lean to and outbuildings. Concrete foundations <106> associated with these structures truncated the natural geology. A single archaeological feature was present, a rubbish pit in the south-eastern corner of the excavation area. The presence of readily datable Bovril jars indicate that the rubbish pit was in use sometime between 1889 and 1913. No other archaeological features were present within the excavation area. The lack of features was not due to truncation which was limited to the brick wall foundations <106> and is rather an indication that no physical features were present in this area. It is likely that any earlier rubbish pits associated with the original dwelling were located further away from the house.