LAND WEST OF ELM GROVE, EBRINGTON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE. NGR: SP (centred) ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION

Transcription

1 LAND WEST OF ELM GROVE, EBRINGTON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE. NGR: SP (centred) ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION Report No. 640 May q

2 LAND WEST OF ELM GROVE, EBRINGTON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE. NGR: SP (centred) ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION May 2009 Report No. 640 Quality Assurance This Document has been compiled and authorised in accordance with AMS s Quality Procedures (BS EN ISO 9001: 2000) Author: A. Hood Date: 6 th May 2009 Approved: R. King QA Checked: D. King This report has been compiled with all reasonable skill care and attention to detail within the terms of the project as specified by the client and within the general terms and conditions of Archaeological Management Services Ltd trading as Foundations Archaeology but no explicit warranty is provided for information and opinions stated. AMS Ltd accepts no responsibility whatsoever to third parties to whom this report or any part thereof is made known. Any such party relies on this report at their own risk. Copyright of this document is retained by AMS Ltd, but unlimited licence to reproduce it in whole or part is granted to the client and/or their agents and/or assignees on payment of invoice.

3 CONTENTS Summary Glossary of Archaeological Terms and Abbreviations 1 INTRODUCTION 2 PROJECT BACKGROUND 3 AIMS 4 METHODOLOGY 5 RESULTS 6 CONCLUSIONS 7 BIBLIOGRAPHY 8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Appendix 1: Appendix 2: Appendix 3: The Stratigraphic Data The Pottery Finds List FIGURE LIST Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3: Figure 4: Figure 5: Figure 6: Figure 7: Site Location Proposed Trench Locations Final Trench Locations with Features in Relation to Geophysical Anomalies Trenches 1 and 3 Plans Trenches 4 and 5 Plans Trenches 1 and 3 Sections Trenches 4 and 5 Sections

4 SUMMARY In April 2009 Foundations Archaeology undertook a programme of archaeological evaluation on land west of Elm Grove, Ebrington, Gloucestershire (NGR: SP centred). The project was commissioned by The Historic Environment Consultancy, in advance of a proposed residential development (Application Reference 09/00135/FUL). The evaluation required the excavation and recording of five trenches across the proposed development area. The current works revealed variable preservation of Archaeological Remains within the proposed development site. These comprised a series of Roman 2 nd 3 rd century AD ditched fields and enclosures, which were situated close to the focus of potentially high status settlement. A number of ephemeral features, which included gullies and a possible posthole, along with evidence for metal working, were also present. A later Roman cemetery, which post-dated some of the fields and enclosures, was also identified. A total of five graves, which included at least four inhumations, were located within the investigated areas. Although poorly dated, at least two of the graves were cut into the top of earlier features, with one grave associated with a terminus post quem of 3 rd 4 th century AD. The presence of a stone-built cist and a lead coffin in two of the graves indicated the potential for high status burials, and an inhumation with copper-stained bone represented evidence for funerary attire. It is probable that the Roman archaeological activity was related to the known villa site located to the south of the current study area. A single probable furrow constituted limited evidence for post-roman archaeological activity.

5 GLOSSARY OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS Archaeological Remains Archaeology any trace or sign of the previous existence of the thing in question. Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act For the purpose of this project, archaeology is taken to mean the study of past human societies through their material remains from prehistoric times to the modern era. No rigid upper date limit has been set, but AD 1900 is used as a general cut-off point. CBM Ceramic Building Material. Clavicle Collar bone. Imbrex Medieval Natural NGR OD OS Roman Tegula Roofing tile generally associated with the Roman period. The period between AD1066 and AD1500. In archaeological terms this refers to the undisturbed natural geology of a site, in this case Middle Lias limestone, which forms the northern escarpment of the Cotswold hills. National Grid Reference from the Ordnance Survey Grid. Ordnance datum; used to express a given height above sea-level. (AOD Above Ordnance Datum). Ordnance Survey. The period traditionally dated AD 43 until AD 410. Roofing tile generally associated with the Roman period.

6 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 This report presents the findings of an archaeological evaluation undertaken by Foundations Archaeology during April 2009 on land west of Elm Grove, Ebrington, Gloucestershire (NGR: SP centred). The project was commissioned by The Historic Environment Consultancy. 1.2 The project was undertaken in accordance with the Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) prepared by Foundations Archaeology (2009), based upon the standard brief issued by the Gloucestershire County Archaeological Service. The fieldwork was undertaken in accordance with IfA Standards and Guidance on Archaeological Evaluation (1994, revised 2001) and Archaeological Guidance Paper 4: Archaeological Evaluation: (guidelines) issued by English Heritage (London Region). 1.3 This report constitutes the results of the archaeological works. The code of conduct of the Institute for Archaeologists was adhered to throughout. 2 PROJECT BACKGROUND 2.1 The study area comprised part of the eastern extent of an arable field. It was bounded to the east by Elm Grove and to the south by the rear gardens to residential properties fronting onto Elm Grove. Planning permission has been applied for from Cotswold District Council to allow the construction of nine new dwellings (Application Reference 09/00135/FUL). 2.2 The site sloped from approximately 104m OD at the northwest to approximately 98m OD at the southeast. The underlying solid geology comprised Middle Lias limestone, forming the northern escarpment of the Cotswold Hills. 2.3 A desk based assessment was prepared for the site by The Historic Environment Consultancy in February The assessment highlighted that the site was of high archaeological potential. The results of the assessment are summarised below. 2.4 The area has produced a small number of Prehistoric finds comprising an Iron Age gold coin, five sherds of Iron Age pottery and several Neolithic/Bronze Age flints. A number of worked flints were also recovered during excavations for the development of the New Road/Elm Grove area. Excavations at Home Farm, approximately 480m to the southwest of the site in , revealed possible prehistoric features, three worked flints and a possible sherd of early Bronze Age pottery. 2.5 A Roman villa, Scheduled Ancient Monument 399, is located approximately 140m south of the development site. A small part of the villa was excavated in the 1950s-60s, revealing tessellated pavements and a bath complex, other rooms and a latrine with associated drainage. Steps in one of the baths were faced with imported marble. It is suggested that the villa stood on an artificial

7 platform in the surrounding sloping terrain. Part of the platform is thought to be present beneath 1 New Road. An evaluation, carried out at 1 New Road, located a hollow in the subsoil containing limestone rubble and abraded Roman building debris (brick and tile). No domestic debris was recovered, which possibly suggests the area was not occupied during the Roman period. A further watching brief on the site revealed large quantities of Roman brick within Medieval ploughsoils. 2.6 A small number of isolated finds of Roman coins have been made in the Ebrington area. Further finds of Roman pottery have been made in Ebrington, especially in the vicinity of Harrowby House, approximately 550m west of the site, where stone walls, hearths, post holes and ditches were recorded, along with roof tiles, pottery, coins and glass. Sherds of Roman pottery were found in the topsoil during excavations adjacent to the churchyard of St Eadburga. 2.7 Further sherds of Romano British pottery and pieces of Romano British CBM were recovered during excavations at Home Farm (approximately 480m SW of site). These were present at the interface between the ploughsoil and natural clay, which suggested their origin in truncated overlying deposits. 2.8 The Fosse Way, the Roman road linking Exeter to Lincoln, is located 4km to the east of the site. 2.9 A Saxon cemetery is located in a field approximately 180m to the north of the site. Excavations in the early 19th century revealed 20 inhumations with associated grave goods. Further work in the mid 19th century revealed further forty-eight burials, some of which were accompanied by weapons and jewellery A Norman church is present, potentially on the site of an earlier Saxon church, approximately 240m to the west of the site. The church has a 13th century chancel and the floor is made up of tiles from the Roman villa Investigations at 1 New Road (120m south of site) have produced evidence for Medieval ploughsoils containing Roman brick, suggesting importation of soil in order to level natural hollows in the ground. An evaluation at the northern end of New Road, prior to the construction of Elm Grove, revealed the truncated remains of ridge and furrow cultivation, with a small number of flints and ceramic building material fragments occurring in the furrows, which were located approximately 100m south of the Elm Grove site Approximately 340m south of the site, a system of earthworks represents the location of a watermill and mill race. No excavation has been carried out on this area, although it is thought that the mill is Medieval, although its close proximity to the Roman villa may suggest otherwise Ebrington Hall and Harrowby House, both grade II listed, are situated approximately 550m west-southwest of the site, and were both built around the turn of the fourteenth century. Excavations in the grounds of Harrowby House have revealed a number of Medieval finds including an axe head,

8 bronze and pewter tableware and lead tokens. Sherds of Medieval pottery were found in the topsoil during excavations adjacent to the churchyard of St Eadburga. Evidence for ridge and furrow cultivation, along with plough scars, was revealed in excavations at Home Farm (approximately 480m SW of site). It is considered that Medieval Ebrington was surrounded by outwoods, furze and woods, with farm houses situated centrally to the village with cottages and gardens making up the remainder of the settlement A Medieval or Post-medieval hollow-way has been discovered via analysis of earthworks approximately 380m west of the site. The hollow way runs northeast-southwest with a sharp bend to the northwest at its southern end There are no Post-medieval features known in the immediate vicinity of the site. Some distance west, The Summer House (listed, grade II), in the grounds of Ebrington Hall was built in the early 18th century overlooking a contemporary ornamental fishpond A Post-medieval pit was discovered in excavations at 52 Ebrington, approximately 550m west of the site, along with a late Medieval or Postmedieval structure Nelson (1975) describes pre-enclosure (pre 1813) Ebrington as following 'the pattern of common grazing on the hill-tops, cultivated furlongs round the villages, and cow pastures and hams near the streams' New Road was constructed at some point between 1923 and 1955, cutting into the field containing the site. More recently, Elm Grove was constructed in A geophysical survey of the site was carried out in March 2009 by Archaeological Surveys. The survey identified a number of positive linear and discrete anomalies, which appeared to be indicative of archaeological activity The main archaeological potential of the site was therefore for the presence of Roman and Medieval finds. This did not prejudice the evaluation against features and finds relating to other periods. 3 AIMS 3.1 The aims of the archaeological evaluation were to gather high quality data from the direct observation of archaeological deposits, in order to provide sufficient information to establish the nature, extent, preservation and potential of any surviving archaeological remains. In turn, this would allow informed planning decisions to be taken regarding the archaeological provision for the areas affected by the proposed development. 3.2 These aims were achieved through pursuit of the following specific objectives:

9 i) To define and identify the nature of archaeological deposits on site, and date these where possible; ii) To attempt to characterise the nature of the archaeological sequence and recover as much information as possible about the spatial patterning of features present on the site; iii) To recover a well dated stratigraphic sequence and recover coherent artefact, ecofact and environmental samples; iv) To determine the potential of the site to provide palaeoenvironmental and/or economic evidence and the forms in which such evidence may be present. 4 METHODOLOGY 4.1 The WSI required the excavation of five 20m by 1.8m trenches, which constituted a total excavation area of 180m². The trenches were located across the study area, targeted on geophysical anomalies. In the event, it was only possible to excavate 1.6m wide trenches and the southwest end of Trench 3 was extended in order to clarify the nature of feature [1020]. The trenches, as excavated, provided a total excavation area of 187m². All amendments to the proposed trenches were agreed, on site, with the representatives of the County Archaeological Service and the Historic Environment Consultancy. The final trench locations are shown in Figure Non-significant overburden was removed, under constant archaeological supervision, to the top of the archaeological deposits or the underlying natural deposits, whichever was encountered first. This was achieved through the use of a 360º tracked mechanical excavator with a toothless grading bucket. Thereafter, all of the trenches were cleaned by hand and subsequent excavation was conducted manually. Spoil tips were visually scanned for finds. 4.3 Where probable graves were identified, they were partially investigated, recorded and backfilled under archaeological supervision. All inhumations were left in-situ. Due to the occurrence of multiple graves within Trench 5, an area of colluvium/fill (1067) was not fully investigated. It is possible that features, including further graves, could be located within or below this context. 4.4 All excavation and recording work was undertaken in accordance with the WSI and the Foundations Archaeology Technical Manual 3: Excavation Manual.

10 5 RESULTS 5.1 The excavated trenches revealed a sequence of features cut into the top of natural deposits, which comprised orange/brown limestone brash. A full stratigraphic description of all contexts identified in the course of the project is listed in Appendix 1. A summary discussion is given below. 5.2 A total of 15 ditches (which included four re-cuts), two gullies, one furrow base, a possible posthole, five graves and four undefined cuts were present within the trenches. 5.3 Most of the ditches were aligned northeast - southwest/northwest - southeast, however, subtle variations to this general alignment were noted, in particular, the five parallel ditches in Trench 1 ([1008], [1011], [1014], [1016] and [1018]), were set on a north-northeast - south-southwest alignment. 5.4 The ditches probably represented fields and/or enclosures, with re-cuts [1014], [1076], [1077] and [1050] providing evidence for fairly intensive landscape management. The variations in ditch alignment indicated a potential for multiple phases of landscape layout to be present within the study area. 5.5 Gullies [1024] and [1037], along with possible posthole [1026] hinted at other types of activity, although the nature, spatial distribution and function of these features was unclear. 5.6 The ditches and gullies yielded an assorted artefactual assemblage, which included pottery, fired clay, CBM (including tegula and imbrex), bone, vitrified material (slag?), metal artefacts and glass. The recovered pottery suggested a 2 nd century AD date for most of the ditches, with ditch [1039] and subsequent re-cut [1077] representing later 2 nd or 3 rd century AD activity. 5.7 The relatively large quantity and variety of artefacts within the ditches and gullies strongly suggested that the site was close to the focus of settlement activity. The occurrence of samian wares and specialist pottery wares, in the form of mortaria, along with ceramic tegula and imbrex roofing tiles, indicated that the settlement was potentially high status and was probably related to the Roman villa site, which is located approximately 140m south of the current study area. 5.8 Evidence for metal working was present in the form of a total of 1639g of probable slag, which was recovered from 10 contexts, along with three fragments of partly vitrified fired clay from fill (1012), which possibly represented furnace or oven lining. 5.9 A total of five graves, which were generally laid out on a northwest southeast/northeast southwest alignment, were present within the investigation area. The graves contained at least four inhumations, with grave [1063] containing a probable sealed lead coffin (1064). Pottery, recovered from grave back fills, provided a terminus post quem of 2 nd century AD for grave [1020] and 3 rd 4 th century AD for grave [1070]. The occurrence of

11 probable hobnails within grave [1070], along with the lead coffin (1064) in grave [1063] is entirely consistent with a Roman date Graves [1020] and [1059] were cut into the top of earlier features. This, along with the 3 rd 4 th century AD terminus post quem for grave [1070] indicates that some of the burial activity post-dates part of the earlier fields and enclosures. It is therefore probable that the graves present within Trenches 3 and 5 represent part of a later Roman cemetery A green stain, on the right clavicle of inhumation (1046), was probably caused by chemical leaching associated with the disintegration of a copper or bronze artefact, possibly a brooch, and, as such represented evidence for funerary attire. Lead coffin (1064) and stone-built cist (1021) may have been associated with fairly high status individuals Probable furrow [1052] represented limited evidence for post-roman archaeological activity within the investigation area Variable levels of preservation were present within the trenches. Numerous features, including graves [1045] and [1020] were located directly below the ploughsoil and had, presumably, suffered a degree of plough truncation. In contrast, in Trench 5, numerous archaeological deposits, including graves, had been sealed and protected by a possible colluvial or dumped layer (1067) The previous geophysical survey (Archaeological Surveys, 2009) generally identified deeper cut/larger features. Numerous shallow features, which included graves and gullies, were not indicated. The geophysical survey also failed to indicate the presence of a stone-built cist and a lead coffin, with associated iron straps. A number of potential features, which included a discrete feature in Trench 1 and a discrete feature and a northwest-southeast aligned ditch in Trench 3, were not present within the excavated trenches. 6 CONCLUSIONS 6.1 The evaluation works have revealed variable preservation of Archaeological Remains within the proposed development site. These comprised a series of Roman 2 nd 3 rd century AD ditched fields and enclosures, which were situated close to the focus of potentially high status settlement. A number of ephemeral features, which included gullies and a possible posthole, along with evidence for metal working, were also present. 6.2 A later Roman cemetery, which post-dated some of the fields and enclosures, was also identified. A total of five graves, which included at least four inhumations, were located within the investigated areas. Although poorly dated, at least two of the graves were cut into the top of earlier features, with one grave associated with a terminus post quem of 3 rd 4 th century AD. The presence of a stone-built cist and a lead coffin in two of the graves indicated the potential for high status burials, and an inhumation with copper-stained bone represented evidence for funerary attire.

12 6.3 It is probable that the Roman archaeological activity was related to the known villa site located to the south of the current study area. 6.4 A single probable furrow constituted limited evidence for post-roman archaeological activity. 6.5 The archive is currently held at the offices of Foundations Archaeology, but will be deposited within 12 months with the Corinium Museum in Cirencester. A short note will be submitted for publication in the Transactions of the Bristol and Gloucester Archaeological Society and an OASIS form will also be submitted to ADS. 7 BIBLIOGRAPHY Archaeological Surveys Land West of Elm Grove, Ebrington, Gloucestershire: Archaeo-geophysical Survey. Unpublished. Foundations Archaeology Land West of Elm Grove, Ebrington: Archaeological Evaluation: Written Scheme of Investigation. Unpublished. Institute for Archaeologists (revised 2001). Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Evaluation. Unpublished. 8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Foundations Archaeology would like to thank Dr. Peter Wardle and Colin Lacey of The Historic Environment Consultancy and Charles Parry of Gloucestershire County Council for their help during the course of this project.

13 APPENDIX 1: The Stratigraphic Data CXT L(m) W(m) D(m) DESCRIPTION CUTS/LATER THAN CUT BY/EARLIER THAN 1000 na na na Ploughsoil surface finds. Comprised 2nd - 4th century Roman pottery, CBM and a probable Roman coin. na na 1001 na na 0.5 Trench 1 ploughsoil; mid brown clay silt, which contained occasional modern artefacts, along with Roman pottery, Natural deposits (nat) na CBM and bone. and archaeological 1002 na na 0.5 Trench 2 ploughsoil; mid brown clay silt, which contained CBM and bone. Nat. na 1003 na na 0.39 Trench 3 ploughsoil; mid brown clay silt, which contained occasional modern artefacts, along with 2nd - 4th century Natural deposits and na features. Roman pottery, CBM and bone. archaeological 1004 na na 0.55 Trench 4 ploughsoil; mid brown clay silt, which contained CBM and Roman pottery. Natural deposits and na features. archaeological 1005 na na 0.5 Trench 5 ploughsoil; mid brown clay silt. Natural deposits, na archaeological features features. and [1006] Northwest - southeast aligned linear cut with shallow, sloping sides and a flat base. Contained fill Nat Fill of cut [1006]; light brown silt clay, which contained vitrified material (slag?). Nat [1008] Northeast - southwest aligned ditch with a sloping, irregular profile. Contained fills 1009 and Nat Primary fill of ditch [1008]; grey/brown clay, which contained rare charcoal flecks, along with bone. Nat Secondary fill of ditch [1008]; brown clay silt, which contained frequent charcoal flecks, along with 2nd+ century Roman pottery, CBM, bone, vitrified material (slag?) and a metal artefact. [1011] Northeast - southwest aligned ditch with a sloping, irregular profile. Contained fills 1012 and Nat Primary fill of ditch [1011]; light brown silt clay, which contained occasional stones, along with 2nd century Roman pottery, Nat bone, vitrified material (slag?) and an iron object. Secondary fill of ditch [1011]; dark grey/brown silt clay, which contained frequent charcoal flecks, along with 2nd century Roman pottery, CBM, bone and vitrified material (slag?).

14 CXT L(m) W(m) D(m) DESCRIPTION CUTS/LATER THAN CUT BY/EARLIER THAN [1014] Northeast - southwest aligned ditch with sloping sides and a narrow, flat base. Contained fill [1016]/ Fill of ditch [1014]; light grey/brown clay silt, which contained occasional stones and rare charcoal flecks, along with nd century Roman pottery, CBM and vitrified material (slag?). [1016]? Base of a truncated feature (ditch?) with a narrow, flat base. Contained fill Nat. [1014]/ ? Fill of feature [1016]; mottled orange/brown clay silt. Nat [1018] Northeast - southwest aligned ditch with sloping sides and a rounded base. Contained fill Nat Fill of ditch [1018]; light brown/grey silt clay, which contained occasional charcoal flecks, CBM, bone, an iron nail, Nat vitrified material (slag?), a fragment of glass and 2nd+ century Roman pottery. [1020] ? Sub-oval, northeast - southwest aligned grave cut. Not excavated. Contained stone-built cist 1021, inhumation [1030]/ and fill Associated with fill 1073 at southeast Northeast - southwest aligned, stone-built cist, which comprised two parallel lines of beige and pink, limestone?? 1003 blocks. Individual stones measured up to 0.34m X 0.19m X 0.17m, with no evidence for facing/shaping. Drystone construction, up to two courses in depth. Situated within grave cut [1020] and contained probable inhumation 1022 and grave backfill ? Partially fragmented human skull, which was situated on its side, facing northwest. Contained within cist 1021.? Only partially excavated. Probably represented an inhumation burial with head to the southwest. Grave [1020] backfill; mid brown clay silt, which contained rare charcoal flecks, along with 2nd+ century Roman pottery [1024] Northeast - southwest aligned linear gully with a shallow, sloping profile. Dissipated at northeast. Contained Nat fill (1025) Fill of gully [1024]; grey/brown solid clay silt, which contained occasional charcoal flecks, frequent stone, 2nd Nat century Roman pottery and an iron object. [1026] Sub-circular possible posthole with a shallow, rounded profile. Contained fill Situated at base of cut [1028]. Nat. [1028]/ Fill of possible posthole [1026]; light grey clay sand. Nat. [1028]/1029 [1028] Northwest - southeast aligned cut with a sloping profile. Turned to a northeast - southwest alignment at south. [1026]/ Contained fill Fill of cut [1028]; mottled grey/brown/orange clay silt, which contained occasional charcoal, frequent stone, [1026]/ CBM, bone and vitrified material (slag?).

15 CXT L(m) W(m) D(m) DESCRIPTION CUTS/LATER THAN CUT BY/EARLIER THAN [1030] Northeast - southwest aligned ditch with a rounded profile. Contained fill Nat. [1020] Fill of ditch [1030]; mottled grey/brown/orange clay silt, which contained occasional limestone fragments, along with Nat. [1020] 2nd century Roman pottery and bone void 1033 void [1034] Northwest - southeast aligned ditch with a vertical southwest edge and a flat base. Contained fill Nat. [1076]/1036 Fill of ditch [1034]; mottled orange/brown clay silt, which contained occasional charcoal flecks, along with Roman pottery. Nat. [1076]/ Fill of ditch [1076]; grey/brown clay silt, which contained occasional charcoal flecks and frequent stone, along with [1034]/ nd century Roman pottery, bone and two iron objects. [1037] Northwest - southeast aligned gully with a shallow, flat profile. Contained fill Nat Fill of gully [1037]; grey clay silt, which contained frequent stone, along with 2nd century Roman pottery and CBM. Nat [1039] Northwest - southeast aligned ditch with a rounded profile. Contained fills 1040 and Nat. [1077]/ Primary fill of ditch [1039]; mottled orange/brown silt clay, which contained occasional stone, along with 2nd century Nat Roman pottery and bone Secondary fill of ditch [1039]; orange/grey silt clay, which contained frequent charcoal flecks and occasional stone, along 1040 [1077]/1042 with late 2nd - 3rd century Roman pottery, CBM, bone and vitrified material (slag?) Fill of ditch [1077]; mottled orange/grey clay silt, which contained frequent stone and occasional charcoal flecks, along [1039]/ with late 2nd century Roman pottery, bone and three iron objects. [1043] Northeast - southwest aligned ditch with a 'V' shaped profile. Contained fill Nat Fill of ditch [1043]; dark brown clay silt, which contained occasional charcoal flecks and bone. Nat [1045] Sub-oval, northeast - southwest aligned grave cut. Not excavated. Contained inhumation 1046 and fill Nat Stratigraphic relationship with ditch [1077] not defined ? Partially exposed inhumation with head to the southwest. Green stained right clavicle, probably represented Nat evidence for copper/bronze grave goods/attire. Contained within grave [1045]. Grave [1045] backfill; mid brown clay silt, which contained rare stone, along with late 1st - early 2nd century Roman pottery

16 CXT L(m) W(m) D(m) DESCRIPTION CUTS/LATER THAN CUT BY/EARLIER THAN [1048] Northeast - southwest aligned ditch with a rounded profile. Contained fill Nat. [1050]/1051 Fill of ditch [1048]; light brown/yellow silt clay, which contained occasional charcoal flecks and occasional stone, along Nat. [1050]/1051 with bone and an iron object. [1050] Northeast - southwest aligned ditch with a rounded profile. Contained fill [1048]/1049 [1052]/1053 Fill of ditch [1050]; dark brown/orange silt clay, which contained occasional charcoal flecks, along with vitrified material [1048]/1049 [1052]/1053 (slag?). [1052] Northeast - southwest aligned linear cut with a wide, shallow and irregular profile. Probable furrow, which truncated [1050]/ top of ditches [1048] and [1050] Fill of furrow [1052]; beige/brown sand silt, which contained bone. [1050]/ [1054] Northeast - southwest aligned ditch with sloping sides and a flat base. Contained fill Nat Fill of ditch [1054]; mottled brown/orange clay silt, which contained occasional charcoal flecks and occasional stone, Nat along with 2nd+ century Roman pottery, CBM, bone and vitrified material (slag?). [1056] Northeast - southwest aligned cut with a sloping profile. Probably equivalent to ditch [1054]. Contained fill Nat Fill of cut [1056]; light grey/brown clay silt, which contained occasional charcoal flecks and occasional stone, along Nat with 2nd century Roman pottery, bone and CBM ? Partially exposed inhumation with head to the northwest. Contained within grave [1059]. [1068]/ [1059] Sub-oval, northwest - southeast aligned grave cut. Not excavated. Contained inhumation 1058 and fill [1068]/ Grave [1059] backfill; grey/brown clay silt, which contained occasional charcoal flecks [1061] Northeast - southwest aligned cut with a shallow, irregular profile. Only partially investigated. Contained fill Nat Fill of cut [1061]; light grey/brown silt clay, which contained rare charcoal flecks, along with Roman pottery and bone. Nat [1063] Sub-square/rectangular, northeast - southwest aligned probable grave cut. Not excavated. Contained probable coffin 1064/65/75 and fill Partially exposed probable lead coffin. Comprised two vertical sides and a partially collapsed lid. Associated? 1066 with iron retaining straps 1065 and Appeared to be a sealed burial within grave cut [1063] In-situ iron retaining strap associated with probable lead coffin Equivalent to 1075.? Grave [1063] backfill; mottled dark brown/beige soft clay silt, which contained rare charcoal flecks. 1064/65/

17 CXT L(m) W(m) D(m) DESCRIPTION CUTS/LATER THAN CUT BY/EARLIER THAN Possible colluvial or dumped layer; orange/brown sand silt, which contained occasional charcoal flecks. Only partially [1068]/1069, 1074, 1005 investigated. [1063]/64/65/75/66, [1070]/71/72 [1068] Northeast - southwest aligned cut. Only partially investigated. Contained fill Nat. [1059]/58/ Fill of cut [1068]; light brown/grey clay silt. Nat. [1059]/58/60 [1070] ? Sub-oval, northwest - southeast aligned grave cut. Not excavated. Contained inhumation 1071 and fill ? Partially exposed inhumation. Supine position, with head (not exposed) to northwest. Two iron objects located? 1072 near the feet were probably hobnails. Contained within grave [1070] ? Grave [1070] backfill; beige/brown clay silt, which contained 3rd+ century Roman pottery.? ? Fill associated with southeast edge of grave [1020]; mid brown clay silt, which contained frequent charcoal flecks.? ? Deposit; mottled orange/brown silt sand. No cultural material.? [1063], [1070] Broken and fragmented, vertically set iron retaining strap associated with probable lead coffin Equivalent to ? 1066 [1076] Northwest - southeast aligned ditch with sloping sides and a narrow base. Contained fill [1034]/ [1077] Northwest - southeast aligned ditch with sloping sides and a flat, irregular base. Contained fill [1039]/

18 APPENDIX 2: The Pottery By Jane Timby 1 Introduction 1.1 The archaeological work resulted in the recovery of a moderately small assemblage of 226 sherds weighing 3.75 kg. In addition there were three fragments of fired clay and eight fragments of ceramic building material (CBM). 1.2 The complete assemblage dates to the Roman period. 1.3 Pottery was recovered from 17 recorded features with an additional 30 sherds, 13% of the group, recovered from the ploughsoil. 1.4 The pottery was in moderately good condition with an overall average sherd weight of 16.6 g, fairly typical of rubbish material. Details of surface finish in terms of slip or colour-coat or burnishing had been preserved. 1.5 For the purposes of the assessment the assemblage was scanned to determine the forms and fabrics present and the likely date of the pieces. These were quantified by sherd count and weight for each context. The resulting data is summarised in Table No associated work in terms of library research has been carried out in conjunction with the assessment to look for local parallels for the material, or to consider it in its local context. 2 Composition 2.1 The assemblage has quite a limited repertoire of wares but does include a small quantity of continental and regional imports alongside more locally made types. 2.2 Continental imports are limited to samian tableware of which there are eight pieces from Central Gaulish kilns and one from South Gaul. Forms include one decorated bowl Dr 37, and cups Dr 27 and Dr Amongst the regional imports are two pieces of Mancetter-Hartshill mortaria, two Oxfordshire white ware mortaria, one piece of Oxfordshire colour-coated ware Young (1977) form C45, two sherds of Savernake and a quantity of Dorset black burnished ware. 2.4 Dorset black burnished ware (BB1) accounted for 20% of the assemblage by sherd count. Vessels include mainly jars but also a single flat-rim bowl and two plain walled, beaded rim dishes. The jars are variously decorated with acute or oblique burnished line lattice. 2.5 The local wares include mainly oxidised but some reduced Severn Valley wares, a grey sandy ware, a grey ware with sparse grog and some shelly ware.

19 Severn Valley wares in particular account for 29% of the assemblage and vessels include tankards, jars and at least two colanders. 3 Site distribution 3.1 Most of the assemblage dates to the 2nd through to the late 3rd/4th century with the greatest emphasis on material of 2nd century currency. 3.2 Most of the individual contexts contained quite small groups of material with the largest assemblages coming from ditch 1011 with 63 sherds and ditch 1039 with 47 sherds leaving just 86 sherds distributed across the other 15 features. 3.3 Most of the ditches appear to be 2nd-century date, apparent later ones being ditch 1039 and re-cut 1077 which are later 2nd or 3rd century. 3.4 Of the three graves investigated with pottery, grave 1020 had just five sherds, all of which were quite fragmentary and with no diagnostic traits. The grave could thus date to any time after the 2nd century. Grave 1070 had a single BB1 jar sherd with an oblique lattice indicating a later 3rd or 4th-century date at the earliest. Grave 1045 had a tiny fragment of South Gaulish samian which may easily be redeposited in the backfill. 4 Fired clay and ceramic building material 4.1 A small quantity (three fragments) of fired clay was recovered from ditch The fragments were vitrified on one face suggesting furnace or oven lining. 4.2 Eight pieces of ceramic building material were also recovered from three contexts; ditches 1018, 1076 and Most pieces were quite small and fragmentary but at least three pieces of imbrex (roofing tile) could be identified. 5 Potential and further work 5.1 The recovered assemblage demonstrates occupation at the site from the 2nd century and probably continuing into the at least the early 4th century. Only a small number of later sherds were present and these came from the ploughsoil. 5.2 Although only nine sherds of samian were recovered these do in effect contribute nearly 4% to the overall assemblage. In addition the presence of specialist wares in the form of mortaria would indicate a potentially higher status assemblage completely in keeping with a villa establishment. 5.3 The assemblage is probably too small to warrant more than just a summary note if the excavation is to be published but, if further work is undertaken at the site, should be added to any subsequent reporting. Reference: Young, C J, 1977 Oxfordshire Roman pottery, BAR 43, Oxford

20 Table 1: Pottery Summary Feat Cont Type Sam BB1 OXF SVW other Tot No Tot Wt Date FC ploughsoil C2-C ploughsoil Roman ploughsoil C3-C ploughsoil Roman ditch C ditch C ditch C ditch C ditch C grave C gully C ditch C ditch Roman gully C ditch C ditch late C2- C grave C1-eC ditch C ditch C cut Roman grave C ditch C ditch lc2+ Tr ploughsoil C2 TOTAL

21 APPENDIX 3: Finds List CONTEXT DESCRIPTION WEIGHT(g) 1000 CBM X5 (incl. tegula X1) SMALL FIND 2: probable Roman coin CBM X bone X CBM X bone X bone X CBM X CBM X vitrified material(slag?) X bone X CBM X bone X vitrified material(slag?) X SMALL FIND 1: fragment of a metal disc (25mm dia) with 2 hook/clasp - possible brooch or button 1012 bone X vitrified material(slag?) X iron object X CBM X bone X vitrified material(slag?) X CBM X vitrified material(slag?) X CBM X8 (incl. tegula X1) bone X SMALL FIND 3: blue/green glass rim fragment iron nail X vitrified material(slag?) X iron object X CBM X bone X1 (left in-situ)? 1029 vitrified material(slag?) X bone X bone X iron object X CBM X bone X CBM X bone X vitrified material(slag?) X bone X iron object X bone X10 321

22 CONTEXT DESCRIPTION WEIGHT(g) 1049 iron object bone X1 (left in-situ)? 1051 vitrified material(slag?) X bone X CBM X bone X vitrified material(slag?) X CBM X bone X bone X6 48

23 SP Crown Copyright Reproduced under licence AL523064A FIGURE 1: Site Location

24 0m 50m 1:1250 Crown Copyright Reproduced under licence AL523064A FIGURE 2: Proposed Trench Locations

25 TR 2 TR 1 TR 3 TR 4 0m 10m 1:200 GEOPHYSICAL ANOMALY ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURE/ DEPOSIT GRAVE TR 5 FIGURE 3: Final Trench Locations with Features in Relation to Geophysical Anomalies

26 TRENCH m m m [1018] m [1016] [1014] m m m m [1011] m m [1008] m GREEN (COPPER?) STAIN (1047) m m [1006] m [1026] m (top of 1026), m (bottom of 1026) (1046) [1045] [1077] m m m [1024] [1028] m m m TRENCH 3 [1076] m m [1037] [1034] m 0m 1:20 1m 0m 4m [1077] m 1: m [1039] m m [1045] [1077] (1021) (1023) TEST SONDAGE m (1073) NATURAL DEPOSITS m m m m (1022) (1023) m CHARCOAL (1021) [1020] m m m [1020] [1030] FIGURE 4: Trenches 1 and 3 Plans ALL HEIGHTS (OD) BASED ON DATA SUPPLIED BY THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT CONSULTANCY

27 143.12m m TRENCH 4 [1068] m (1069) (1067) [1052] m [1050] m NATURAL DEPOSITS (1069) [1059] m [1048] m (1058) m [1043] m (1069) (1060) m m m m m [1054] VERTICAL SIDE (1075) LID m (1064) (1065) m m m (1066) VERTICAL SIDE (1074) [1063] m m (1074) 0m 1:100 4m m (1067) (1072) Fe OBJECTS (HOBNAILS?) (1071) m MACHINE STEP (1074) [1070] 0m 1m TRENCH 5 1: m m m m m m NATURAL DEPOSITS (1069) m [1068] [1059] (1067) m [1063] m (1074) [1070] (1062) m [1061] NATURAL DEPOSITS [1056] m m FIGURE 5: Trenches 4 and 5 Plans ALL HEIGHTS (OD) BASED ON DATA SUPPLIED BY THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT CONSULTANCY

28 SOUTHEAST FACING SECTION [1006] NORTH-NORTHEAST FACING SECTION [1008] SOUTH-SOUTHWEST FACING SECTION [1011] SW m (1007) [1006] NE ESE m CHARCOAL (1009) (1010) (1009) WNW WNW m CHARCOAL (1013) (1012) ESE [1008] [1011] NORTH-NORTHEAST FACING SECTION [1014] and [1016] SOUTH-SOUTHWEST FACING SECTION [1018] NORTHEAST FACING SECTION [1024] ESE m m CHARCOAL WNW WNW ESE m SE (1025) [1024] NW (1015) [1014] CBM (1019) [1014] (1017) [1016] CHARCOAL [1018] SOUTHWEST FACING SECTION [1026] NORTHWEST FACING SECTION [1028] SOUTHWEST FACING SECTION [1030] NORTHWEST FACING SECTION [1034] NW m m SE [1026] (1027) [1028] 0m 0.5m NE (1029) BONE SW NW m (1003) SE NE m (1036) (1003) SW 1:10 (1035) (1031) [1076] [1034] [1030] SOUTHEAST FACING SECTION [1037] NORTHWEST FACING SECTION [1039] SW m (1038) NE NE m SW [1037] (1003) (1042) CHARCOAL [1077] 0m 1:20 1m (1041) [1077] (1040) FIGURE 6: Trenches 1 and 3 Sections ALL HEIGHTS (OD) BASED ON DATA SUPPLIED BY THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT CONSULTANCY [1039]

29 SOUTHWEST FACING SECTION [1043] SOUTHWEST FACING SECTION [1048], [1050] and [1052] (1004) NW m (1004) SE NW m (1044) CHARCOAL [1043] SE [1052] (1053) CHARCOAL (1051) [1050] (1049) [1048] BONE SOUTHWEST FACING SECTION [1054] SOUTHWEST FACING SECTION [1056] SOUTHWEST FACING SECTION [1059] and [1068] NW m (1004) SE NW m CHARCOAL (1057) SE NW m [1068] (1069) [1059] (1060) SE (1055) CHARCOAL [1056] [1054] SOUTHWEST FACING SECTION [1061] SOUTH FACING SECTION [1063] NW m SE (1062) (1005) [1061] m W E (1067) (1065) (1066) (1064) [1063] (1074) 0m 1m 1:20 FIGURE 7: Tenches 4 and 5 Sections ALL HEIGHTS (OD) BASED ON DATA SUPPLIED BY THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT CONSULTANCY