Groundworks comprised machine excavation of footings for a new conservatory and extension, both to the existing farmhouse, footings for a new garage extension to an existing barn, footings to the north side of an existing barn relating to a new annexe and new services. Foundation trenches measured up to 1.00m deep and 0.80m wide, and the service trenches measured 0.50-0.70m deep and 0.30m wide. A new sewage plant utilised the location of an existing septic tank which was grubbed-out to accommodate the new system and did not extend beyond the dimensions of the existing pit, with dimensions of 2.60m by 2.90m and 2.50m deep. An archaeologist was on Site to monitor all specified groundworks with the aim of identifying and recording any archaeological remains present. Previous discoveries of Saxon and medieval settlement nearby meant that the groundworks at Poles Farm offered an opportunity to investigate this part of the village for similar remains and to help trace the farm's historic development. The wider area is also known to contain evidence of prehistoric and Roman activity, indicating potential for earlier occupation. In practice, however, the monitored works were limited to areas of previous disturbance caused by former structures and a septic tank, or to places where natural deposits lay directly beneath garden soils and recently laid surfaces. Consequently, no archaeological features or artefacts were identified. Given the restricted extent of the groundworks, the results are not considered representative of the wider archaeological potential of the historic farmstead. No evidence of disturbance from livestock or machinery was observed, suggesting both historic and recent scouring of the surface.
Cheryl Green (Wed,) studied this question.