Archaeological Evaluation at Land North and South of Lychgate Lane, Aston Flamville, Leicestershire

A Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) was prepared by Worcestershire Archaeology during Summer 2024 (WA 2024). Fieldwork was undertaken between 24th March 2025 to 25th April 2025. The proposed development is divided between two areas, a northern area, extending across 12.73ha. and a southern area, extending across c.28.56ha. Cumulatively the development area encloses c.41.32ha. of land and includes 8 fields which contain 132no. 30m x 1.8m trenches, Fields 1 - 3 were located within the northern area and the fields in the southern were designated Fields 4 - 8. The footprint of the trenches excavated, extended across a total area of 7128 square meters and represented a sample size of 1.73% coverage. The trench locations were determined by targeting of the location geophysical anomalies of archaeological potential and apparent 'blank' areas. Some micro-movement of trenches or excavation disqualification occurred due to factors such as public access routes, buried and overhead services, and ecological considerations. Figures 2 - 3 indicate the location of the trenches on the site. The specific trench numbers for each field are listed below: Field 1: Trenches 1-14 Field 2: Trenches 15-32 Field 3: Trenches 33-44 Field 4: Trenches 45, 47-55 Field 5: Trenches 56-91 Field 6: Trenches 92-101 Field 7: Trenches 102-126 Field 8: Trenches 127-132 Trench 46 and the western half of 47 were removed from the scheme following approval from Richard Smalley at RPG Group Ltd and William Kelly, Planning Archaeologist at Leicestershire County Council (the Curator). Trench 48 was rotated slightly to avoid the protected grass margin around Field 4. During excavation, deposits considered not to be archaeologically significant were removed under constant archaeological supervision using a 360� tracked excavator, equipped with a toothless bucket. Subsequent excavation was undertaken by hand. Clean surfaces were inspected, and selected deposits were excavated to retrieve artefactual material and environmental samples, as well as to determine their nature. Deposits were recorded according to standard Worcestershire Archaeology practice (WA 2012) and trench and feature locations were surveyed using a GNSS device with an accuracy limit set at <0.04m. On completion of excavation, trenches were reinstated by replacing the excavated material. All fieldwork records were checked and cross-referenced. Analysis was undertaken through a combination of structural, artefactual and environmental evidence, allied to the information derived from other sources. The project archive is currently held at the offices of Worcestershire Archaeology. Subject to the agreement of the landowner it is anticipated that the final archive will be deposited at Leicestershire Museum. The archaeological evaluation at Aston Flamville largely supported the geophysical survey results, revealing evidence of both prehistoric and Roman activity, alongside extensive medieval ridge and furrow and a post-medieval field system. While the evaluation broadly aligned with the geophysics, it also uncovered notable features not detected by the survey. This discrepancy might be due to the natural redeposition of fills following abandonment, potentially during the Roman period. Iron Age and Roman activity at Aston Flamville primarily centred on the relatively flat land at the foot of higher ground to the north, adjacent to the M69 and on the higher ridge next to Lychgate Lane. This positioning likely indicates an emphasis on agricultural practices during these periods. This interpretation is further supported by the analysis of charcoal fragments, which, despite being mostly too small for species identification, were revealed as diffuse porous wood with solitary poresa type common to smaller trees found in woodland margins and hedgerows.