Archaeological Evaluation at Wyck Hill Farm Racing Stables, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire

A total of 9 evaluation trenches measuring c30m long by c1.80m wide were excavated across the proposed site of the Wyck Hill Farm down to the natural geology. The excavations were performed using a 9 tonne mechanical excavator equipped with a toothless ditching bucket, all under direct archaeological supervision The primary aim of the archaeological evaluation was to determine the archaeological potential in the area of the proposed development area, more specifically to investigate the nature and date of anomalies identified during the preceding geophysical survey (SUMO 2025). A total of nine trenches were excavated, within four of which were observed cut features (Trenches 3, 4, 5, and 9). These features varied in character, including a 20th century rubbish pit 3/04, a small, sub-oval pit with limited evidence of firing 4/04, a possible sub-circular pit 5/05, and a curvilinear feature 9/04. Crucially, no artefactual evidence was observed within any of the features, with the exception of the modern items from rubbish pit 3/04. The lack of diagnostic archaeological material suggests that the geophysical anomalies did not represent significant, preserved archaeological remains related to the broader prehistoric activity evidenced in the wider surrounding area. The results indicate that the majority of the linear and discrete geophysical responses were associated with changes in the natural geology, and is supported by the observed variation in the natural deposit itself, which shifted in colour, depth, density and composition across the site. The limited features encountered were interpreted as either recent activity or of a natural origin. Furthermore, whilst the results of the geophysical survey identified the presence of ridge and furrow at the site, traces of such features were not visible during this stage of archaeological evaluation.