Land North of Ancroft Memorial Hall, Ancroft, Northumberland: archaeological evaluation

A total of 5no. 10m x 2m trenches were excavated across the site. The trenches were positioned to target potential continuations of features identified in previous works adjacent to the site, and as a standard trench array. A tracked 360-degree mechanical excavator fitted with a wide toothless ditching bucket was used to remove topsoil and subsequent material in spits of no more than 0.2m. All machine excavation was directed by CFA's on-site supervisor and was carried out under constant archaeological supervision. Topsoil and subsoil were stockpiled adjacent to the trenches. Trenches were located and planned using a Trimble R580 GPS unit which allows for precise position capture and RTK level precision. The same equipment was used to establish levels above Ordnance Datum for the areas of archaeological investigation. All excavation and on-site recording was carried out according to CIfA standards, standard CFA procedures and the WSI, principally by drawing, by photography and by completing standard CFA record forms. The stratigraphy of all excavated areas was recorded whether significant archaeological deposits were identified or not. Samples of all features of archaeological interest were hand excavated in an archaeologically controlled and stratigraphic manner in order to establish their likely date, nature, extent, and condition. The complete stratigraphic sequence, down to natural geological deposits, was excavated. Inter-relationships and intersections between features were investigated. Spoil heaps were scanned for ferrous and non-ferrous metal artefacts using a metal detector capable of making this discrimination and operated by a capable metal detectorist. Modern (c. 20th century onward) artefacts were noted but not retained. The archaeological trench evaluation successfully evaluated the potential for surviving archaeological remains at the Site. Archaeological features, although undated, were recorded in trenches 2 and 3 in the form of two ditches, both on an east to west orientation. These ditches, which match the orientation of a similar feature recorded in previous excavations to the west of the Site, are perhaps representative of furrows related to former field systems associated with the adjacent deserted medieval village of Ancroft. No evidence for any structural activity or other remains that could be attributed to the deserted village were recorded. Trenches 4 and 5 to the east of the existing buildings found levels of truncation and made ground likely associated with post-medieval building works in this area. Several discrete modern animal inhumations suggested that family pets had also been buried in this location in the recent past.