Archaeological Monitoring and Recording at Woodlands, Little Torrington, Great Torrington, Devon

The site was first visited on the 1st and 3rd July 2024 by Dr S. Walls MCIfA, who monitored the removal of the footings of the old extension and excavation of the new footings. A second phase of work was undertaken in October 2024 by E. Wapshott MCIfA, when the floor removal within the footprint of the listed building was archaeologically monitored. A final phase of work was undertaken in November 2024 by S. Stevens ACIfA to monitor the excavation of a service trench within the grounds. The various area of archaeological monitoring around the building highlighted the extensive 17th-19th century alterations and expansion on the farmstead and associated landscaping in and around the farmhouse and courtyard area. The floor removal within the footprint of the north end of the building highlighted earlier evidence of floor surfaces from the 17th century or possibly later medieval period. This suggests more complex phasing for the farmhouse building, perhaps most likely having evolved out of a detached block (or blocks) of medieval date, subsequently incorporated into a main range when it was formed. The buildings archaeology and archaeology of the cobbled floor (107) appears to suggest it is associated with the older 'freestone' fabric noted in the build to the 'north-west' end of this block of the building. This build was infilled and partially sat on made ground - deeper inside than out, this levelled the slope, as abuilding platform and was noted on the exterior during the earlier visit in July 2024. The style of this fabric is common in the medieval period in this region and well into the 17th century but isn't commonly seen on buildings later than 1650AD and is almost exclusively considered a medieval, late medieval or early modern form of build. Post-medieval pottery, of a style known as North Devon gravel-tempered ware (broadly dated to 1500-1800) was recovered beneath and within the depth of this floor and may even have been made at the Great Torrington pottery. More interestingly one piece of medieval coarseware was found beneath the cobbled drain and an etched bone pin were recovered from between cobbles in the floor. This finds evidence and the style of the closely packed split slates, suggests a date range of the 17th century or early 18th century date (c.1600-1750) for the floor. Where this earlier floor surface was damaged also appeared to align with the rebuild rubble on the 'north-east' corner of this block. The build-up of material over the historic cobbled floor and levelled limecrete floor respected the footprint of the room as it is now and therefore likely is broadly contemporary, or installed after this portion of the building was altered. Within this limecrete floor (101) was later glazed 18th century pottery, 19th century white refined earthenwares, nails, and some black wine bottle glass - suggesting a later 18th or early to mid-19th century date. The various historic floor surfaces were fully recorded before the space was hand excavated down to the required new level, so it could be rationalised with the extension.