Prior to monitoring, a modern out-building in the northern part of the proposed planning area was demolished. Archaeological monitoring in the southern area revealed large concrete footings relating to the previous extensions. It was agreed that no archaeologist would need to be present during the breaking and removal of said concrete. Subsequently, continuous monitoring was carried out during the mechanical excavation of one L-shaped trench, measuring approximately 4.5m by 1m in its north-south extent, and turning towards east for an additional 3.6m by approximately 0.9m. Similarly, the removal of concrete slabs and footings in the northern area was not monitored. The excavation of footings for the northern extension, which covered an area of approximately 10.5m by 6.5m, were carried out under continuous archaeological monitoring; however, accessibility issues and the loose nature of the made ground deposits in this area resulted in limitations to the recording due to health additionally, adverse weather conditions and flooding from the immediately adjacent river resulted in rising water levels, which also limited the observation due to flooding of the excavation area. The aim of the archaeological monitoring was to identify and record evidence of medieval and post-medieval occupation in and around Mill Cottage. Despite heavy truncation in areas by modern extensions, evidence for these periods still exist in the form of deposits and features. Most notably, a pit in the south of the property, altough dating to the 17th century, contained residual sherds of Anglo-Saxon and other early medieval wares, confirming activity from these periods prior to construction of Mill Cottage. This could suggest that the grounds were linked to the priory or Augustinian Nunnery (County Sites and Monuments No. PRN 2321). The presence of post-medieval deposits are also present on the site and are possibly linked to the construction of the property.
Denis et al. (Mon,) studied this question.