Archaeological Desk Based Assessment at 350-356 Old Kent Road, Borough of Southwark, London, SE1 5AA

Border Archaeology was instructed to carry out an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment with regard to the demolition of the existing buildings at 350-356 Old Kent Road, Borough of Southwark, London, SE1 5AA, and the construction of a c.7 storey residential apartment block. Border Archaeology was instructed to carry out an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment with regard to the demolition of the existing buildings at 350-356 Old Kent Road, Borough of Southwark, London, SE1 5AA, and the construction of a c.7 storey residential apartment block, the results of which can be briefly summarised thus: The archaeological potential of the site has been assessed in overall terms as High, with particular reference to encountering archaeological remains associated with prehistoric and Romano-British activity. This assessment reflects that the site is located within the Tier 1 APA of North Southwark and Roman Roads, which previous archaeological investigations have demonstrated to contain significant evidence of prehistoric remains associated with the underlying peat and gravel deposits recorded in this locality, as well as evidence of Romano-British roadside settlement associated with the important routeway of Watling Street. The peat deposits previously recorded in the surrounding vicinity have good potential for the preservation of organic remains (including waterlogged wood) which could shed light on human activity and environmental changes dating back to early prehistory. Previous excavations within the S portion of the site have identified stratified deposits of prehistoric date containing worked flint while investigations in the wider surrounding locality have similarly revealed considerable evidence of prehistoric activity, including enclosure ditches, gullies, lithic material and waterlogged wooden structures, particularly from the Bronze Age period. While no evidence of Romano-British activity was encountered during excavations within the site, these excavations were to the S portion of the site, rather than the N, in closer proximity to Old Kent Road which follows the course of the ancient routeway of Watling Street. As such, there is potential for evidence of the Roman road or associated roadside ditch features to be encountered in this area, as well as evidence for associated roadside occupation, agricultural features and several burials. Archaeological investigations elsewhere within the study area have revealed evidence of road surfaces which may predate Watling Street or were associated with a wider network of subsidiary routes connecting Londinium to other settlements within southern England. The site's potential in relation to the medieval period has been assessed as Low, reflecting the site's distance from the concentration of settlement along the Thames during this period and the limited activity suggested in the area by the paucity of the archaeological resource and available documentary records. While the route of Old Kent Road being utilised for pilgrimage indicates potential for deposits associated with this use, in addition to the site of a gallows and a bridge also being recorded in the study area, the lack of material of this date recorded in the area an of features indicative of land management suggests activity was very sparse or features have been largely destroyed by later development. The potential of the site in relation to the post-medieval period has been assessed as Moderate to High, reflecting that it is likely foundations and perhaps sections of wall associated with the terraces and outbuildings constructed within the site during the 19th century will be encountered, as well as building material and pottery of this date, as was encountered during previous excavations within its area.