Archaeological Monitoring Report for A47, Blofield, Norfolk

A scheme of archaeological monitoring was designed in order to satisfy the stated objectives of the project as set out under Section 3 above. The archaeological monitoring was undertaken during the removal of topsoil from the easement within the three identified areas. All intrusive works were monitored by a suitably experienced archaeologist and the client provided the archaeologist. Deposits were recorded according to accepted professional standards. Sufficient data was recorded to allow for a full characterisation of contexts and their relationships to be made and allow for future studies to query and compare the dataset with confidence. Contexts were recorded and numbered individually on pro-forma context sheets with all relevant data such as photographic images, height values and any other information cross-referenced. A further, more general record of the work comprising descriptions and discussions of the archaeology was maintained as appropriate. A complete digital photographic record of the work was kept. All images were taken using a camera with a suitable megapixel resolution. The photographic record is regarded as part of the site archive and digital files will be appropriately filed, saved, labelled and cross-referenced in relation to a site-specific photography register. All artefacts and archaeological material were retained on site and then processed and assessed according to professional standards as part of this report. No archaeological features or deposits were recorded during the works, however a small assemblage of residual finds was recovered from the topsoil / ploughsoil. The lithics assemblage represents isolated recoveries across the Areas, and therefore has limited interpretative value to the Site. The artefacts represent wider prehistoric activity in the area. The pottery assemblage largely comprises ceramics from the post-medieval to modern era with the exception of a small sherd of probable Roman date. Given the provenance and significance of the finds, little more can be said than noting their presence.