Archaeological Monitoring Report: Bishopgate, Norwich, NR1 4AA

The archaeological investigation monitored all areas of below-ground disturbance. Monitoring was required for two section of pipeline trench and connections. Where possible, the excavation was hand dug so as to reduce excessive vibrations and increase the ability of identifying discreet or shallow archaeological remains. Mechanical excavation was only required for the removal of the highway surface. All intrusive works were monitored by a suitably experienced archaeologist, Dalcour Maclaren grade Senior or above, who was provided with the time to highlight any potential archaeological features or deposits. Archaeological deposits and features were recorded according to accepted professional standards. Sufficient data was recorded to allow for a full characterisation of contexts and their relationships to be made and allow for future studies to query and compare the dataset with confidence. Archaeological contexts were recorded and numbered individually on pro-forma context sheets with all relevant data such as drawings, photographic images, finds, environmental samples, height values and any other information cross-referenced. A further, more general record of the work comprising descriptions and discussions of the archaeology was maintained as appropriate. A complete digital photographic record of the work was kept. All images were taken using a camera with a suitable megapixel resolution. The photographic record is regarded as part of the site archive and digital files will be appropriately filed, saved, labelled and cross-referenced in relation to a site-specific photography register. The archive will be retained by Dalcour Maclaren or the Client until it can be deposited with Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service. The excavation comprised two trenches, situated to the north and south of the Bishopgate wall. Trench 1 exposed a stratigraphic sequence comprising a loose dark brown sandy silt of topsoil which overlay a darker brown layer of the same composition, whilst Trench 2 exposed a layer of heavily truncated mid-dark brown clay silt, overlain by a tarmac and bedding layer, associated with the road. Truncation of the sequence was observed as a result of installation of modern services. The works exposed a relatively consistent stratigraphic sequence associated with the redevelopment of The Great Hospital area and the adjacent road. No archaeologically significant features were encountered during the works. Due to the absence of archaeological features and significant finds, the results of the archaeological monitoring and recording contribute little to the archaeological narrative of the area. The work is not considered to add to the thematic areas proposed in the East of England Research Framework. Dalcour Maclaren do not make any recommendations for further reporting.