The archaeological evaluation involved the mechanical excavation of two 20m x 1.80m trial trenches. The renches were laid out vis DGPS survey as specified in the WSI. Where necessary, surfaces were hand cleaned for examination and recording and deposits observed were recorded on standard pro-forma recording sheets. Full context descriptions are provided in the trench summary which is presented in Appendix 1 of the report. A digital colour photographic record was maintained, some of which is reproduced in the report as plates 1-11 Appendix 2. All work was carried out by James Roberts according to the agreed Written Scheme of Investigation and in accordance with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) standards and guidance for archaeological evaluations. The evaluation identified a number of features across both trenches, the majority of which were modern service trenches carrying drainage pipes and a live land drain. The land drain at the south-western end of trench 1 appears to have been in use for a considerable time, possibly as an open ditch which was later recut, filled with brick rubble and sealed with redeposited natural. The dating evidence from the rubble fill indicates a late 17th century date onwards for the re-cut. However, given that the rubble fill was extremely mixed it is possible that it had been lying around for some time prior to its deposition and was in fact residual. A linear feature 204 present at the west-north-western end of trench 2 appeared to have a 90 degree return but was in fact two separate linear cuts 206. Despite the lack of a physical relationship, the similarity in dimensions and profile and the identical fills suggest that they are related. It is possible that their physical relationship has been truncated from above as only their very base survives. Modern earthenware's recovered from their fill indicates a date post 1800. The function of this feature is uncertain, and too little survived for adequate interpretation. The only other archaeological feature was an undated linear cut 210 which was on a north-south orientation. Despite the lack of datable finds the fill was very organic in nature and is likely to be very late, perhaps 18th or 19th century. In terms of function it may represent a property boundary, but given the lack of evidence for such divisions on the historic mapping it is more likely to have served as a drainage ditch. The evaluation fulfilled its aims with a high degree of confidence. The evidence for activity within the site is all Post-medieval and concurs with its generally undeveloped nature as seen on the historic mapping.
James Roberts (Wed,) studied this question.