Waterloo Fields, Polvarth Road, St Mawes, Cornwall: Results of an Archaeological Assessment and a Geophysical Survey

This report presents the results of an archaeological assessment and a geophysical survey that were carried out by South West Archaeology Ltd. (SWARCH) for a proposed residential development at Waterloo Fields, Polvarth Road, St Mawes, Cornwall. The desk-based research and the archaeological assessment were carried out in accordance with the relevant guidance and in line with the SWARCH HIA methodology. The geophysical survey was carried out in accordance with best practice and in line with CIfA guidance. It followed the guidance that is outlined in: Geophysical Survey in Archaeological Field Evaluation (English Heritage 2008); Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Geophysical Survey (CIfA 2014); and EAC Guidelines for the Use of Geophysics in Archaeology: Questions to Ask and Points to Consider (Europae Archaeologiae Consilium/European Archaeological Council 2016). The geophysical survey identified nine groups of anomalies that comprised c.55 anomalies. This included a mixture of linear ditch and/or bank features that are associated with phases of the existing and the historic field system and possible pits and/or tree throws. The geophysical survey also identified evidence for agricultural activity and anomalies that are associated with metallic debris and ground disturbance. The anomalies cannot, at this stage, be dated, though they are likely to pre-date the mid-19th century field layout; indeed, historic mapping indicates that the field layout has not changed for almost 200 years. The results of the geophysical survey would suggest that the archaeological potential of the site is moderate. The identified features are likely to relate to historic phases of field system that are tentatively suggested as being medieval and post medieval in date, though some features may relate to prehistoric settlement activity and they may be associated with prehistoric settlement activity and with prehistoric funerary activity that is evident within the wider landscape. Any development of the site is likely to encounter and destroy the buried archaeological resource (should it be present). A further programme of archaeological works, commencing with targeted evaluation trenching, would help to validate and clarify the results of the geophysical survey.