Cow Lane, East Ilsley, West Berkshire: Archaeological Monitoring and Recording on Water Mains Replacement Works

The archaeological monitoring and recording site works were carried out successfully between the 1st July and 15th August 2025 in accordance with the approved WSI. Archaeological contexts (layers, cut features, fills, structures) were given unique numbers and all recording was undertaken on pro forma record sheets that conformed to accepted archaeological standards. All stratigraphic relationships were recorded. Artefacts were recorded according to Site and context. Photographs and measured sketch plans drawn on the pro forma record sheets and GPS survey of the monitored trenches were produced during the archaeological monitoring and recording. Three brick structures were identified, all located within the centre or western side of the historic core of East Ilsley. The first, a wall, likely dated to no later than the early 19th century and was associated with a dwelling shown on 1839 tithe mapping. The second, another wall, likely dated to the mid- to late 19th century and was associated with a farm building under Church ownership shown on 19th century tithe and OS mapping. The third was a brick culvert likely associated with the infilling of the northern half of the village pond during the mid-20th century. Samples of the bricks from these structures were taken and recorded but were not retained. Made ground deposits of 19th or 20th century date were also identified, as was a possible early 19th or earlier earthen road surface or buried soil. Thick layers of Coombe deposits, a form of river terrace and Head deposit, underlaid the archaeological remains. No deposits suitable for environmental sampling were identified.