55 Mabledon Avenue, Ashford, Kent TN24 8BN - Archaeological and geoarchaeological evaluation report

Four trenches were machine excavated within the proposed development area, with two geoarchaeological test pits excavated at the ends of trenches 2 and 4. Excavation was undertaken using a 20-tonne mechanical excavator fitted with a flat-bladed ditching bucket. Trench positions were amended from the proposed positions specified in the written scheme of investigation due to the identification of an area of asbestos containing material (ACM) located within the north corner of the site. Consequently, trench 1 was shortened to a length of approximately 15m, and an additional 15m long trench (trench 3) was added to the north-east of trench 2. Both trench 2 and 4 measured approximately 30m in length and each trench measured 1.8-2.2m in width. Four evaluation trenches were excavated, each measuring approximately 15-30m in length by 1.8-2.2m wide. Underlying bedrock geology was not exposed. Instead, superficial geological deposits of alluvial clays, silts and sands was exposed in each trench, although mainly at depth. Alluvium was exposed at a depth range of 0.55-1.40m below modern ground level. Modern features and substantial deposits of made ground were recorded within each trench, with no pre-modern archaeology identified. Following recording of the evaluation trenches, two geoarchaeological test pits (GTP) were excavated in trenches 2 and 4. The test pits revealed a sequence of superficial alluvial layers represented by probable floodplain sediments from overbank flooding and sands, identified beneath a substantial thickness of made ground. A possible channel may have identified within GTP 1, represented by the blue-grey deposits seen at 1.10-2.50m depth. Deposits of gravel were sieved on site for ecofacts and artefacts but no such remains were identified. However the possibility remains that the lower gravels could be of some significance. The evaluation has revealed a low potential for buried archaeological remains and geoarchaeological remains within the proposed development area, with no significant archaeological features or geoarchaeological deposits identified by the evaluation.