Summary of 2002 Projects

LAND TO THE REAR OF PAYNES MEADOW, WHITMINSTER, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
NGR: SO 776 084

A desk-based assessment revealed that it is probable that this area was utilised for agricultural purposes from at least the medieval period onwards. However, it cannot be discounted that earthworks in the area of the study relate to structural remains, perhaps dating from the medieval period, as nearby excavations have revealed traces of occupation from that period. There is little modern disturbance on the site so if archaeology exists it is likely to be in situ and well preserved. It is possible that applying geophysical techniques to the area of the survey would enable more information to be obtained and this further assessment could determine what, if any, level of trial trenching is needed to establish the nature, value and potential of the archaeological resource.

Wainwright, J., Land to the Rear of Paynes Meadow, Whitminster, Gloucestershire, A Report on an Archaeological Desk-based Assessment, January 2002, Marches Archaeology Series 224

HARVEY WHITE ENGINEERING COMPANY, OLDBURY ROAD, TEWKESBURY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
NGR: SO 894 327

An evaluation consisted of the excavation of four trenches which produced significant Roman and medieval archaeological remains. Two Roman pits and a soil horizon were excavated, one of the pits dating from the 2nd century AD The pottery suggests a Roman not native settlement on the site. Medieval pits and garden soils dating from the 13th to 14th centuries were also excavated. These medieval features are associated with the backlands of burgage plots fronting onto High Street which was in existence by the mid thirteenth century. Several large late medieval and post-medieval pits have truncated earlier features and deposits leaving only the bases of Roman and medieval deep cut features and islands of stratified archaeology.
It is likely that the top 700mm or so of material will consist of post-medieval cultivation soils or pit fills. Below 700mm medieval deposits, if they survive, will be reached. It is probable that Roman remains would not be encountered for about 900mm or until 14.10m O.D. was reached. In order to maintain a buffer above significant archaeological levels it is considered that any ground works deeper than 400mm could impact on the archaeology.

Wainwright, J., Harvey White Engineering Company, Oldbury Road, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, A Report on an Archaeological Evaluation, March 2002, Marches Archaeology Series 230

LAND ADJACENT TO ROSE COTTAGE, STOKE ROAD, BISHOP'S CLEEVE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
NGR: SO 9555 2760

An archaeological evaluation uncovered no significant archaeological features or deposits. A post-medieval watercourse or pond in the southern portion of the site was investigated.

During the 19th century the ground surface was built up and alterations to the watercourse/pond may also have been made at this time. The natural blue lias clay was seen in the north western part of the site. Here the natural had been cut away or scarped and a post-medieval mortar surface was laid. From the 19th century onwards the site was under cultivation.

If any archaeologically significant deposits or features had existed in the areas of the trenches, they would have been removed by the post-medieval features which were seen in the excavation.

Wainwright, J., Land adjacent to Rose Cottage, Stoke Road, Bishop's Cleeve, Gloucestershire, A Report on an Archaeological Evaluation, April 2002, Marches Archaeology Series 231

MANOR HALL, WITHINGTON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
NGR: SP 031 151

A desk-based assessment and field inspection revealed the richness of the area in prehistoric and Roman sites, but identified no known archaeological sites within the development area. The proximity to a Roman villa and another Roman site, and its suitability for occupation in the prehistoric periods made it possible that so far unknown archaeological deposits exist on the site. The aerial photographs and a very slight earthwork visible on the site suggest that there may be buried archaeological features.

Kenney, J., Manor Hall, Withington, Gloucestershire, A Report on an Archaeological Desk-based Assessment, November 2002, Marches Archaeology Series 263