Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Orion Heritage Ltd, on behalf of Redrow Homes Ltd, to undertake a programme of archaeological evaluation trenching across a 4.8 ha parcel of land south of Bedworth Road, centred at NGR 438278, 286692. The evaluation was undertaken as a part of residential development. The evaluation comprised the excavation, investigation and recording of 36 evaluation trenches (4% sample). Furrows were widespread across the evaluation area; their position and alignment matched the results of an earlier geophysical survey. Other features comprised a small number of gullies and a pit. None of these were datable, although some pre-dated the cultivation furrows. These other features had not been detected by the geophysical survey. A layer of modern debris in one trench in the north of the evaluation area matches an area of probable made ground detected by the geophysical survey, and is thought to relate to the construction of nearby housing. The finds assemblage from the evaluation was very small and post-medieval in date; it comprised ceramic building material, clay tobacco pipe and fired clay. One environmental sample was taken, it did not contain any environmental material of significance, and no plant remains diagnostic of any particular period were recovered. The evaluation was successful in meeting its aims and objectives. Overall, the results complement the findings of the geophysical survey and evidence from historic maps in indicating the evaluation area has a long-established use as cultivated land serving the village of Bulkington. No clear evidence of any earlier function was identified.
A Shepherd (Wed,) studied this question.