Trial Trench at Hunley Manor, Brotton

Two trenches each measuring 10m by 2m were excavated in the northern part of the site. These trenches were positioned to investigate extant earthworks within the part of the site with the perceived highest archaeological potential. Each trench was excavated by a JCB 3CX, fitted with a toothless bucket, under direct archaeological supervision. Topsoil and subsoil was excavated in level spits until the first archaeological or undisturbed natural was reached. The resultant surfaces and sections were then inspected for the presence of archaeological remains. Where deep features were encountered further machine excavation was employed to facilitate prompt investigation. Shallower features were subject to hand excavation of 10% by length with each section measuring not less than 1m in length. All excavated deposits were subject to a full written drawn and photographic record. Hand drawn sections were produced at a scale of 1:10 or 1:20 where appropriate, with a full length section of each trench produced, and hand drawn plans were produced a t a scale of 1:50. The photographic record included 35mm black and white negatives and colour digital images. Each trench was surveyed using a Trimble Geodimeter total station and fixed in relation to nearby permanent structures and the national grid. A height above Ordnance Datum was established for the site through a pre-existing survey point provided by ECUS. All investigations were undertaken in accordance with recognised professional standards (Institute for Archaeologists 2008) and ASWYAS methodologies (ASWYAS 2012). The archaeological features identified within the two trial trenches is significant in that it suggests that medieval remains do continue southwards into the proposed development area. Any archaeological remains in this area are important for the understanding of the development and form of the medieval village of Brotton. The limited scope of the trial trench investigation precludes any firm interpretation of the archaeology of the medieval village and begs further archaeological investigation.