What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess the potential for subsurface archaeological remains at a proposed industrial estate site.

June 11, 2026Open Access

M42 Junction 10, Dordon, Warwickshire: Archaeological Evaluation Report

Key Points

To assess the potential for subsurface archaeological remains at a proposed industrial estate site.
Conducted trial trenching evaluation between September 13 and November 3, 2021.
Excavated 118 trenches across the development area to identify archaeological features.
Documented features including ridge and furrow and Roman remains in specific trenches.
16 out of 118 trenches contained archaeological features, including Roman enclosure ditches (Trenches 98-101).
Ridge and furrow features present in 55 trenches indicate agricultural use during medieval times.
Evidence of post-Medieval barn walls found, suggesting potential for further insights into historical farming practices.

Abstract

An archaeological trial trenching evaluation at the site of a proposed industrial estate and lorry park, to the west of Dordon, Warwickshire. AOC Archaeology Group conducted the evaluation between the 13th of September and the 3rd of November 2021. The works were undertaken to assess the potential for the survival of sub-surface archaeological remains within the site that may be affected by the proposed development. The evaluation comprised the excavation of 118 trenches across the development area. A total of 118 trenches were excavated as part of this phase of evaluation works. Of the trenches excavated, 16 were found to contain archaeological features (Trenches 12-13, 23-24, 26, 34, 41, 56-57, 64, 74, 98-101, and 116). A total of 55 trenches contained the remains of ridge and furrows. Of the remaining trenches, 26 were found to have no evidence of archaeological features or deposits. An area of surviving Roman archaeology, consisting of enclosure ditches was present at the top of the hill within Trenches 98-101. The pottery found suggests activity dates from the early to mid 1st century through to the second century AD. Although no direct settlement features were present, domestic pottery and a lead spindle whorl suggested al settlement was nearby. Medieval features are limited, only represented by two ditches, although residual medieval material was present throughout the subsoil and plough soil. Tapped slag was found in a single ditch which probably represents a single dumping of smelted iron waste from nearby iron production. The site contained extensive evidence of ridge and furrow features indicating that it was within cultivated, open fields and utilised for agriculture in the medieval and post medieval period. The walls of a post-Medieval barn, named 'Leisure Barn' on the historic maps, were found near the centre of the site and may have the potential to reveal further information on more recent agricultural practice. The evaluation identified disturbance in the southern part of the site associated with modern interventions of drainage of various kinds Similar disturbance was identified across the western portion of the site and the evaluation results also indicated the possibility that the construction of the adjacent motorway has reduced ground levels in this area.

M42 Junction 10, Dordon, Warwickshire: Archaeological Evaluation Report

Key Points

Abstract

Cite This Study