Archaeological Evaluation at 49 Winchcombe Road, Sedgeberrow, Worcestershire

Two trenches were laid out on the site in positions designed to test the archaeological potential of the footprint of the proposed extension. Initial excavation of the trenches (removal of topsoil and subsoil) was carried out using a mechanical excavator fitted with a toothless bucket and under archaeological supervision. Subsequent cleaning of the trench was undertaken by hand. Context recording was undertaken using context sheets and other pro-forma recording sheets and photographs were taken with a Nikon D3200 SLR camera. Plans and sections of trenches and features were drawn on permatrace at 1:10 and 1:50 scales. On completion of excavation, trenches were reinstated by replacing the excavated material. Following excavation all context sheets were checked and cross referenced. Artefacts were washed and analysed with reference to the Worcestershire Ceramics database. Two post holes were recorded cutting the alluvium and gravels beneath. Sections were excavated across these they were found to contain a loose silty clay with frequent charcoal and fragments of ceramic building material. A fragment of brick was recovered from one and it is thought that these are relatively modern features likely to represent the line of a former fence. A former field boundary is shown in this location on Ordnance Survey maps surveyed prior to the construction of the houses.