Archaeological Monitoring & Recording at Bartlemas Farmhouse, Cowley Road, Oxford

The archaeological monitoring was carried out during the mechanical stripping of topsoil across the footprint area, which measured approximately 15m by 13m. Subsequently, a continuous foundation trench measuring between 0.7m and 1m in width was excavated within the footprint, to a depth varying between 0.45m and 1.8m. Associated drainage extending towards an existing foul sewer, located approximately 8m to the south-east of the new built, was also monitored. The archaeological monitoring at Bartlemas Farmhouse failed to reveal evidence related to the medieval Leper Hospital of St Bartholomew. The only feature revealed was a modern gully, apparently aligned with an existing footpath. The occurrence of post-medieval materials within the upper horizon of the modern subsoil may represent background rubbish that became incorporated into cultivated soils through historic manuring practices.