Helicopter Air Ops Gloucester Road, Almondsbury South Gloucestershire

Helicopter Air Ops Gloucester Road, Almondsbury

South Gloucestershire

Archaeological Evaluation

for BAE Systems Limited

CA Project: 5649

CA Report: 15133

December 2015

Helicopter Air Ops Gloucester Road, Almondsbury South Gloucestershire

Archaeological Evaluation

CA Project: 5649 CA Report: 15133

Document Control Grid Revision Date Author Checked by Status Reasons for Approved revision by A 16/12/15 G. Crees R. E. Young Final I. Barnes

This report is confidential to the client. Cotswold Archaeology accepts no responsibility or liability to any third party to whom this report, or any part of it, is made known. Any such party relies upon this report entirely at their own risk. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means without permission.

CONTENTS

SUMMARY ...... 2

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 3

2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND ...... 4

3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 5

4. METHODOLOGY ...... 6

5. RESULTS (FIGS 2-11) ...... 6

6. THE FINDS ...... 10

7. DISCUSSION ...... 11

9. CA PROJECT TEAM ...... 13

10. REFERENCES ...... 13

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS ...... 15 APPENDIX B: THE FINDS ...... 23 APPENDIX C: OASIS REPORT FORM ...... 24

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Fig. 1 Site location plan (1:25,000) Fig. 2 Trench location plan, showing archaeological features and geophysical survey results (1:2500) Fig. 3 Trenches 1 – 8 and 10, showing archaeological features and geophysical survey results (1:500) Fig. 4 Trenches 11 – 16, showing archaeological features and geophysical survey results (1:500) Fig. 5 Trenches 29 – 36 and 46 – 54, showing archaeological features and geophysical survey results (1:1000) Fig. 6 Trench 1: plan (1:200), section (1:20) and photograph Fig. 7 Trench 2: plan (1:200), section (1:20) and photograph Fig. 8 Trench 3: plan (1:200), sections (1:20) and photograph Fig. 9 Trench 11: section (1:20) and photograph Fig. 10 Trench 13: plan (1:200), section (1:20) and photograph Fig. 11 Trench 32: plan (1:200), section (1:20) and photograph

1 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

SUMMARY

Project Name: Helicopter Air Ops Location: Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire NGR: ST 6123 8374 Type: Evaluation Date: 3rd - 27th November 2015 Planning Reference: PT15/1438/F Location of Archive: To be deposited with Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery Site Code: HELI 15

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in November 2015 at Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire. Forty five trenches were excavated.

Features mostly comprising shallow undated ditches were recorded sealed below subsoil and alluvial deposits. One of the ditches contained two sherds of abraded Roman pottery that may be residual. A sparsity of finds evidence in general across the site suggests the features relate to agricultural activity perhaps within the hinterland of known Roman and/or medieval settlement in the vicinity, but outside the settlements themselves.

2 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 In November 2015 Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out an archaeological evaluation for BAE Systems Limited at Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire (centred on NGR: ST 6123 8374; Fig. 1). Planning consent granted by South Gloucestershire Council (SGC), for the construction of a new operations base for emergency helicopters (Great Western Air Ambulance and National Police Air Service), comprising hangar, grassed final approach and take off area, car parking and hardstanding area, met office weather station, new access road and construction of new access onto A38 Gloucester Road, re-grading of land, landscaping and associated development (PT15/1438/F) was conditional (Condition 12) on the completion of a programme of archaeological work. The evaluation forms the first part of this programme of work.

1.2 The evaluation was carried out in accordance with a detailed Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) produced by CA (2015) and approved by Mr Paul Driscoll, archaeological advisor to SGC. The fieldwork also followed Standard and guidance: Archaeological field evaluation (CIfA 2014), the Management of Archaeological Projects (English Heritage 1991) and the Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MORPHE): Project Manager’s Guide (English Heritage 2006). It was monitored by Mr Driscoll and Mr David Haigh of SGC, including site visits on 5th and 23rd November 2015 respectively.

The site 1.3 The proposed development area is approximately 29ha in extent, and comprises seven fields used for pastoral grazing. The ground level rises from approximately 75m AOD at the southern boundary of the site to 85m AOD at the north-east corner of the site.

1.4 The underlying bedrock geology of the area is mapped as Blue Lias Formation (thinly bedded limestone) mudstone, with no superficial geology being recorded (BGS 2015). Natural geological substrate was observed in all excavated trenches and comprised silty clay mudstone.

3 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

2.1 The development area forms part of a Study Area that has been the subject of a desk-based assessment (DBA) (ARUP 2015). The information from the DBA and the results of subsequent geophysical survey (Stratacan 2015) are briefly summarised below.

2.2 Between 1960 and 1963 intact bone deposits comprising Pleistocene animal remains; such as cave lion, cave hyena, wolf, steppe rhinoceros, ox or bison, and possibly straight-tusked elephant dating to the Upper Palaeolithic period where found in a cave system 780m north of the site (ARUP 2015). Bison, elephant or mammoth, rhinoceros and hyena remains were also reportedly found c.1933.

2.3 The Iron Age Knole Park Camp, univallate hillfort, is located 850m west of the site. The hillfort occupied a naturally defensive position where a small spur extended from the long north-east/south-west escarpment overlooking the Severn (ARUP 2015).

2.4 No Romano-British remains are known within the site, but 150m to the east a late Iron Age/ early Romano-British settlement site is recorded. During building works for the Hortham Hospital settlement remains were recovered. Excavations followed that revealed late Iron Age gullies, a stone wall, and a timber building, which had been abandoned at the latest during the early 2nd century. Finds included Iron Age pottery with some "Belgicised" types apparently continuing into the Romano-British period, Romano-British pottery, a coin of Vespasian, a 1st century brooch and part of an Iron Age shale bracelet (Ponsford 1969). Further excavation was carried out in 1999 and 2007 and an extensive area of 3rd to 4th century material was partly defined (CAT 1999; CA 2009). Further settlement activity is noted by Romano- British pottery found during the construction of the M4 in the 1960s, 825m north of the site (ARUP 2015).

2.5 Directly north of the site, three Roman routes are recorded. The Roman road from Sea Mills to Gloucester (now the A38 Gloucester Road) lies 330m north, with the two postulated routes of the Redwick to Rangeworthy roads, approximately 800m north, which archaeological investigation has yet to confirm (ARUP 2015).

4 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

2.6 Place-name evidence infers early medieval origins for the village of Almondsbury, however no remains dating to this period have been recorded within the site. The site of a farmstead on demesne land – the manor of St Augustine – from this period, has been noted 800m south-west of the site (ARUP 2015).

2.7 Heritage assets from the post-medieval period are well represented within the study area; mainly these relate to areas of extraction, comprising 14 quarries, six lime kilns, two lead mines and one clay pit. Further industry is noted by the presence of five blacksmith workshops; one of which, Almondsbury Forge Works, Sundays Hill, is still in operation. Further industry dating to this period is noted by the site of a windmill on Almondsbury Hill. This was recorded in 1811 as being a corn mill being leased to Thomas Master (ARUP 2015).

2.8 A detailed gradiometry survey of the site has been undertaken (Stratascan 2015). Linear anomalies of probable archaeological origin have been identified, and are possibly related to settlement activity. Possible former pits have been identified and could be archaeological or natural in origin. Ridge and furrow and former field boundaries indicate that the site has been largely used for agricultural purposes since the medieval period. Further linear anomalies are of possible archaeological or agricultural origin. Other features of natural or modern origin were also identified (ibid., 7.3).

3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

3.1 The objectives of the evaluation are to provide information about the archaeological resource within the site, including its presence/absence, character, extent, date, integrity, state of preservation and quality, in accordance Standard and guidance: Archaeological field evaluation (CIfA 2014). This information will enable SGC to identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset, consider the impact of the proposed development upon it, and to avoid or minimise conflict between the heritage asset’s conservation and any aspect of the development proposal, in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (DCLG 2012).

5 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

4. METHODOLOGY

4.1 The fieldwork comprised the excavation of 56 trenches measuring 30m long x 1.8m wide, in the locations shown on the attached plan (Fig. 2). Trenches 17 – 25 and 27 were not excavated due to the presence of high voltage services. Trenches 10, 15 and 26 were moved slightly from their original positions due to the presence of services. Trenches 55 and 56 were additional trenches excavated at the request of Mr Driscoll. Trenches were set out on OS National Grid (NGR) co-ordinates using Leica GPS and surveyed in accordance with CA Technical Manual 4 Survey Manual.

4.2 All trenches were excavated by mechanical excavator equipped with a toothless grading bucket. All machine excavation was undertaken under constant archaeological supervision to the top of the first significant archaeological horizon or the natural substrate, whichever was encountered first. Where archaeological deposits were encountered they were excavated by hand in accordance with CA Technical Manual 1: Fieldwork Recording Manual.

4.3 Deposits were assessed for their palaeoenvironmental potential in accordance with CA Technical Manual 2: The Taking and Processing of Environmental and Other Samples from Archaeological Sites. No deposits were identified that required sampling. All artefacts recovered were processed in accordance with Technical Manual 3 Treatment of Finds Immediately after Excavation.

4.4 The archive and artefacts from the evaluation are currently held by CA at their offices in Kemble. Subject to the agreement of the legal landowner the artefacts will be deposited with Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, along with the site archive. A summary of information from this project, set out within Appendix C, will be entered onto the OASIS online database of archaeological projects in Britain.

5. RESULTS (FIGS 2-11)

5.1 This section provides an overview of the evaluation results; detailed summaries of the recorded contexts and finds are to be found in Appendices A and B respectively.

5.2 Natural geological substrate was observed in all excavated trenches on average 0.3- 0.5m below present ground level (bpgl) and comprised silty clay mudstone. Probable

6 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

alluvium, comprising silty clay that was on average 0.2m thick, was present within Trenches 10 – 13 and 16. A localised buried soil deposit (alluvial and/or colluvial in nature) was present in Trench 2. Overlying the substrate and alluvial/colluvial deposits was a silty clay subsoil, which in turn was overlain by clayey silt topsoil. The thickness of topsoil and subsoil varied with thicker deposits recorded at the base of the slope.

5.3 Archaeological features were not present within Trenches 4, 7, 8, 10, 16, 26, 30, 33, 34, 36 – 43, 46 – 56. Archaeological features cutting the natural substrate were present within Trenches 1 – 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13 and 32, and are described in further detail below.

5.4 Archaeological features cutting subsoil comprised undated ditches and land drains. Some of them correspond to anomalies highlighted in the geophysical survey. Bioturbation in Trench 12 corresponded to a parallel linear anomaly highlighted in the survey as a possible land drain. Two ditches in Trenches 14 and 15 were highlighted in the survey as possibly related to modern drainage. A ditch that extended across Trenches 35, 44 and 45 was highlighted in the survey as a possible modern track-way. Land drains in Trenches 55 and 56 corresponded to parallel linear anomalies highlighted in the survey as possible land drains.

5.5 A ditch identified in Trench 31 cutting subsoil was not detected in the geophysical survey. Widely spaced, slightly curved parallel linear anomalies described in the survey results as relating to medieval ridge and furrow were not detected in the excavated trenches, probably due to the shallow depth of top and subsoil and the poor ground conditions. A small number of positive linear anomalies identified in the survey within Trenches 13, 26 and 28 did not correspond to archaeological features. Land drains were identified in a majority of the trenches excavated, although many of these were not highlighted in the survey results.

5.6 Modern deposits were identified within Trenches 28 and 29.

Trench 1 (Figs 3 & 6) 5.7 Ditch 104 was N/S oriented and located at the eastern end of the trench, whilst ditch 106 was oriented NW/SE and located at the western end of the trench (Fig. 6). Ditch 104 did not quite correspond with a linear anomaly shown on the geophysics results. Ditch 104 was 0.82m wide, 0.2m in depth, with moderate sides and a flat base (Fig.

7 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

6; section AA). Ditch 106 did broadly correspond to a positive linear anomaly on the geophysics survey that continues to the NW into Trench 6 and Trench 5 (Fig. 3). Ditch 106 was 0.95m wide, 0.39m in depth, with steep sides and rounded base (section not illustrated). Both ditches contained undated silty clay fills. Ditch 106 produced two small fragments of fired clay.

5.8 An undated stake-hole and possible post-hole were recorded. Stakehole 108 was 0.12m in diameter, 0.1m in depth and contained a single silty clay fill. Post-hole 1010 was 0.2m in diameter and not excavated due to groundwater flooding of the trench.

Trench 2 (Figs 3 & 7) 5.9 Undated buried soil deposit 203 was composed of silty clay 0.2m thick. It was heavily root affected and was present throughout the trench. It appears to be a localised deposit accumulated at the foot of the slope and may be alluvial or colluvial in origin.

5.10 Cutting the substrate and sealed below deposit 203 were two ditches (Fig. 7; trench plan). Ditch terminus 211 was N-S oriented (Fig. 7; section BB). The ditch was not identified by the geophysics survey. It may be a continuation of ditch 104, previously described; it was similar in width and depth and contained a single undated clayey fill. A NW/SE orientated ditch, 205/207 (Fig. 7; section CC), broadly corresponds to a linear geophysical anomaly, but followed a different orientation to that highlighted in the survey.

5.11 Feature 213 (Fig. 7; section BB) was ephemeral, rounded in shape and profile and probably the result of bioturbation. Feature 209 (Fig. 7; trench plan) was a tree throw pit.

Trench 3 (Figs 3 & 8) 5.12 The geophysical survey depicts two linear anomalies meeting within the trench; one extending N/S through Trenches 1 and 2, and the second extending NW/SE through Trench 5 (Fig. 3). A confluence of features was recorded in the central portion of the trench (Fig. 8; trench plan). Their fills were very similar to one another and stratigraphic relationships could not be identified.

8 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

5.13 Ditches 303 (Fig. 8; section DD) and 309 (section not illustrated) were both N/S oriented, shallow, surviving features of similar size and either ditch may be the continuation of ditches 104 and 211.

5.14 Undated ditch 305 was NW/SE aligned and partially defined in plan. It is the continuation of ditch 505 located at the north-eastern end of Trench 5 to the west. The geophysics survey suggested it to terminate within in the trench, however it extended further beyond the south-eastern edge of the trench. Its exact width is uncertain but was greater than 1.6m, and it was 0.1m deep with a shallow gentle profile. It is possible that ditch 309/311, which follows the same alignment but was slightly deeper, measuring 0.18m in depth, represents a re-cut, though this is uncertain due to the similarity of fills.

5.15 Ditch 307 was aligned NE/SW and was the most substantial of the features, measuring 1.2m in width and 0.42m in depth. It was not detected in the geophysics survey and continues beyond the trench limits to the south-west. It would appear to be perpendicular to ditch 205/207. Also not detected in the survey were parts of possible pits or ditch terminus’ 313 and 315, and pit 317.

Trench 5 (Fig. 3) 5.16 Ditch 505 (Fig. 3) was NW/SE oriented and corresponded to a positive linear anomaly that extends into Trench 3 and is probably a continuation of ditches 305 and 309/311. It was 1.9m in width, 0.23m in depth and contained two undated clayey fills (section not illustrated). A second linear anomaly in the south-western portion of the trench depicted in the geophysical survey, and thought to be archaeological in origin, was not identified.

Trench 6 (Fig. 3) 5.17 Part of a sub-circular feature, 604, may be part of a pit or ditch terminus (Fig. 3). It contained a single, undated, silty clay fill.

Trench 9 (Fig. 3) 5.18 Pit 904 (Fig. 3) was oval shaped and contained a single undated clayey fill.

9 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

Trench 11 (Figs 4 & 9) 5.19 Cutting alluvial deposit 1102 was ditch 1103 (Fig. 4). It was NW/SE oriented and contained a single undated clayey fill (Fig. 9; section FF). It does not correspond to any geophysical anomalies identified in the survey.

Trench 13 (Figs 4 & 10) 5.20 Sealed below alluvial deposit 1302 were five ditches of similar dimensions; three were excavated (Fig. 10; trench plan). Ditches 1304 and 1306 were NE/SW oriented and both were 0.36m in width and approximately 0.1m in depth. Ditch 1312 was NW/SE oriented and 0.55m in width and 0.17m in depth and produced two very small and abraded sherds of pottery tentatively identified as Dorset Black-burnished ware of 2nd to 4th centuries AD were recovered from its surface (Fig. 10; section GG). Ditch 1310 was NW/SE oriented and appeared in plan to be cut by NE/SW oriented ditch 1308.

Trench 32 (Figs 5 & 11) 5.21 Four undated ditches were identified; two were excavated (Fig. 11; trench plan). Ditch 3204 was NW/SE oriented and had a shallow rounded profile 0.34m in width and 0.12m in depth (Fig. 11; section HH). Ditch 3206 was NE/SW oriented and terminated within the trench. It had a rounded asymmetrical profile measuring 0.8m in width and 0.35m in depth (Fig. 11; section II). Ditches 3208 and 3210 were similarly aligned, i.e. oriented NW/SE and NE/SW respectively. They were not excavated.

6. THE FINDS

6.1 Artefactual material was hand-recovered from five deposits (pit, ditch and tree throw pit fills). The recovered material dates to the Roman, post-medieval and modern periods. Quantities of the artefact types recorded are given in Appendix B. The pottery has been recorded according to sherd count/weight per fabric. Recording also included vessel form/rim morphology and any evidence for use in the form of carbonised/other residues, although none was apparent. Post-medieval fabric codes used for recording and given in parenthesis in the report text correspond to the Bristol type series (summarised in Jarrett 2013). Where applicable, National Roman Fabric Reference Collection codes are given in Appendix B (Tomber and Dore 1998).

10 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

6.2 Pottery: Roman Roman pottery totals two very small and abraded sherds (<1g). Identification as Dorset Black-burnished ware is tentative. This type of pottery was manufactured near Poole in Dorset and when found outside the county it typically dates to the 2nd to 4th centuries (Davies et al. 1994, 107).

6.3 Post-medieval/modern Pottery of this date range totals three bodysherds (8g). The average sherd weight of 3g is very low, indicating the assemblage has been well broken up. In terms of surface preservation and edge abrasion condition ranges from poor/moderate to very good. Represented fabrics comprise: glazed earthenware of mid-16th to 18th century date; transfer-printed pearlware (BPT278a), dateable to the late 18th to mid- 19th century; and transfer-printed refined whiteware (BPT278b) (late 18th to 19th century).

6.4 Ceramic building material Fill 2901 of pit 2904 produced two fragments of post-medieval tile.

6.5 Glass A small fragment of colourless window glass of modern date was recorded in fill 2908 of pit 2907.

7. DISCUSSION

8.1 The evaluation has identified limited archaeological remains within the site, with the majority of trenches either entirely devoid of archaeological features or otherwise revealing undated ditches and field drains that cut the subsoil. The geophysical anomalies tested during trenching gave mixed results; linear anomalies highlighted as probable archaeological features in Trenches 1 to 6 were mostly confirmed, and some ditches identified in Trenches 1, 2, 3, 11, 13 and 32 were not detected during the geophysical survey. Most features identified were shallow with indistinct fills compared with the surrounding natural.

8.2 The British Geological Survey (BGS) does not note any superficial deposits within the site. It does, however, it does note alluvial deposits to the east of Almondsbury

11 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

associated with the tidal flats of the River Severn and the buried soil deposits identified in Trenches 11 – 13 and 16 appear to be shallow surviving pockets of alluvium. In Trench 2, the buried soil deposit appears to be a localised deposit accumulated against the foot slope and may be alluvial or colluvial in origin.

Roman 8.3 Sealed below the alluvium within Trench 13, ditch 1312 produced two very small and abraded pot sherds tentatively identified as Dorset Black-burnished ware of 2nd to 4th centuries AD. The abraded nature of the sherds could imply that they are residual finds.

Undated 8.4 Ditches sealed below subsoil in Trenches 1 – 5 mostly correspond with anomalies in the geophysics survey. The linear anomaly located in the southern portion of Trench 5 was not detected; as previously mentioned the shallow extent and indistinct fills of the archaeological features may account for this. Trench 3 revealed a confluence of intercutting features, probably ditch re-cuts, but no stratigraphic relations were detected due to the similarity of fills. Ditches 307 and ditch 205/207 were not detected by the geophysics, which may form a perpendicular alignment with one another.

8.5 Five ditches sealed below alluvium in Trenches 11 and 13, four ditches sealed below subsoil in Trench 32, and additionally two post-holes and a pit in Trench 1 and 9 respectively were identified. These features were not detected by the geophysics and the similarity of the fills of the archaeological features to the surrounding natural substrate may account for this.

Summary 8.6 The site is located near to known areas of settlement of the Iron Age, Romano- British and medieval periods. Three Roman roads are located directly north of the site. Sparse Roman pottery retrieved from a ditch in Trench 13 may be residual and may not necessarily indicate a Roman date for it. The notable absence of finds evidence in general across the site suggests the features, mostly comprising linear field boundaries, relate to agricultural activity perhaps within the hinterland of known settlement, but outside the settlements themselves. It is possible that some of the ditches may be associated with nearby late Iron Age to Roman settlement identified at Hortham Hospital, c.150m to the north-east. It is also possible that some of the

12 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

ditches could be associated with nearby medieval settlement at Almondsbury and Hempton, and the two deserted medieval settlements known at Knowle Park and Oaklands Over Lane.

9. CA PROJECT TEAM

Fieldwork was undertaken by Greg Crees, assisted by Sikko van der Brug, Andrew Hurst, Lizzie Raison, Peter Searle, Juan Moreno. The report was written by Greg Crees. The finds were written up by Jacky Sommerville. The illustrations were prepared by Aleksandra Osinska. The archive has been compiled by Greg Crees, and prepared for deposition by Hazel O’Neill. The project was managed for CA by Richard Young.

10. REFERENCES

BGS (British Geological Survey) 2011 Geology of Britain Viewer http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geology viewer_google/googleviewer.html Accessed 23 September 2015

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2009 Hortham Hospital, Hortham Lane, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Excavation CA unpublished typescript report no. 09004

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2015 Helicopter Air Ops, Almondsbury: Written Scheme of Investigation

CAT (Cotswold Archaeological Trust) 1999 Hortham Hospital, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation CAT unpublished typescript report No. 991020

Ove Arup & Partners (ARUP) 2015 BAE Systems, Emergency Air Operations Base, Historic environment desk-based assessment, Report No. 240151-06

Ponsford, M. W. 1969 ‘Almondsbury, Hortham Hospital’ CBA Group XII (Wessex) and XIII (South West) Archaeol. Rev for 1969 4, 37-38 Dept of Extra-Mural Studies, Univ. Bristol

13 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

Stratascan 2015 Air Operations Site, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire, Job ref. J8340

14 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS

Tr Ctx Type Fill Context Context Description L W Depth/ Spot of Interpretation (m) (m) Thick- -Date ness (m) 1 100 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.23 1 101 Deposit Subsoil Light brown grey silt clay 0.26

1 102 Deposit Natural substrate Light yellow grey clay mudstone 1 103 Fill 104 Ditch fill Mottled yellow blue grey >1.8 0.82 0.22 silt clay 1 104 Cut Ditch, N-S Linear, rounded profile >1.8 0.82 0.22 oriented with gradual break of slope (bos) to flat base 1 105 Fill 106 Ditch fill Light yellow brown silt clay >1.8 0.94 0.39 1 106 Cut Ditch, NW-SE Linear, rounded V-shape >1.8 0.94 0.39 oriented profile 1 107 Fill 108 Stakehole fill Mid blackish-brown grey 0.12 0.12 0.1 clay, occ. charcoal 1 108 Cut Stakehole fill Oval, steep sided with 0.12 0.12 0.1 rounded base 1 109 Fill 110 Post hole fill Mid blackish-brown grey 0.2 0.2 clay, occ. charcoal 1 110 Cut Post hole fill Circular, unexcavated 0.2 0.2 2 200 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.2 2 201 Deposit Subsoil Light brown grey silt clay 0.25 2 202 Deposit Natural substrate Light yellow grey clay mudstone 2 203 Deposit Colluvium/Alluviu Mid brown grey silt clay m with brownish root affected patches 2 204 Fill 205 Ditch fill Light yellow brown clay >0.7 0.95 0.25 2 205 Cut Ditch, NW-SE Linear, moderate sides, >0.7 0.95 0.25 oriented imperceptible bos to flat base 2 206 Fill 207 Ditch fill Light yellow brown clay >0.85 0.95 0.21 2 207 Cut Ditch terminus, Linear, moderate sides, >0.85 0.95 0.21 NW-SE oriented imperceptible bos to flat base 2 208 Fill 209 Fill of tree Mid-dark grey brown silt >1.8 1.1 0.2 throw/rooting clay 2 209 Cut Tree Sub-oval, gentle irregular >1.8 1.1 0.2 throw/rooting sides, irregular rounded base 2 210 Fill 211 Ditch fill Light yellow brown clay >0.85 0.9 0.2 2 211 Cut Ditch terminus, Linear, moderate sides, >0.85 0.9 0.22 N-S oriented imperceptible bos to flat base 2 212 Fill 212 Fill of Mid grey brown silt clay, 0.39 0.48 0.09 rooting/possible bioturbation feature 2 213 Cut Rooting/possible Rounded in plan, gentle 0.39 0.48 0.09 feature shallow sides, imperceptible bos to concave base 3 300 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.23 3 301 Deposit Subsoil Light brown grey silt clay 0.3 3 302 Deposit Natural substrate Light yellow grey clay

15 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

mudstone 3 303 Cut Ditch, NW-SE Linear, gentle sides, >1.8 0.55 0.12 oriented imperceptible bos to flat base 3 304 Fill 303 Ditch fill Mid yellow brown silt clay, >1.8 0.55 0.12 <1% charcoal flecks 3 305 Cut Ditch, E-W Linear, shallow moderate >1.8 1.6 0.1 oriented sides, rounded bos to flat base 3 306 Fill 305 Ditch fill Mid reddish brown grey silt >1.8 1.6 0.1 clay 3 307 Cut Ditch, N-S Linear, steep sides, >1.8 1.2 0.42 oriented rounded U-shaped symmetrical profile 3 308 Fill 307 Ditch fill Light brown grey silt clay >1.8 1.2 0.42 3 309 Cut Ditch, E-W Linear, shallow moderate >1.8 0.5 0.12 oriented sides, sharp bos to flat base 3 310 Fill 309 Ditch fill Light yellow grey brown >1.8 0.5 0.12 clay silt 3 311 Cut Pit or ditch Partially exposed rounded 0.5 0.7 0.18 terminus, E-W shape in plan, moderate oriented shallow sides with imperceptible bos to concave base 3 312 Fill 311 Pit or ditch Mid yellow brown silt clay 0.5 0.7 0.18 terminus fill 3 313 Cut Pit or ditch Partially exposed rounded >1.1 0.87 0.3 terminus, E-W shape in plan, moderate oriented asymmetrical sides with rounded to imperceptible bos to concave base 3 314 Fill 313 Pit or ditch Mid yellow brown silt clay terminus fill 3 315 Cut Pit or ditch Partially exposed rounded >0.7 0.91 0.21 terminus, N-S shape in plan, moderate oriented asymmetrical sides with rounded to imperceptible bos to concave base 3 316 Fill 315 Pit or ditch Mid yellow brown silt clay >0.7 0.91 0.21 terminus fill 3 317 Cut Pit Oval, moderate sides, >1.03 0.76 0.08 sharp bos to flatbase 3 318 Fill 317 Pit fill Mid yellow brown silt clay >1.04 0.76 0.08 4 400 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.25 4 400 Deposit Subsoil Light brown grey silt clay 0.1 4 400 Deposit Natural substrate Light yellow grey clay mudstone 4 400 Deposit Natural substrate Bluish grey clay deposit 5 500 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.25 5 501 Deposit Subsoil Light brown grey silt clay 0.1 5 502 void 5 503 Deposit Natural substrate Bluish grey clay deposit 5 504 Fill 505 2nd fill of ditch Light yellow brown silt clay >1.8 1.9 0.17 5 505 Cut Ditch, NW-SE Linear, moderate sides, >1.8 1.9 0.23 oriented imperceptible bos to flat base 5 506 Deposit Natural substrate Light orange yellow blue clay 5 507 Fill 505 1st fill of ditch Mid yellow brown silt clay, >1.8 1.68 0.07 common manganese fleks 6 600 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.25

16 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

6 601 Deposit Subsoil Light brown grey silt clay 0.2 6 602 Deposit Natural substrate Light yellow grey clay mudstone 6 603 Fill 604 Fill of pit or ditch Mid grey yellow brown silt >0.64 0.32 0.3 terminus clay 6 604 Cut Pit or ditch Linear?, steep concave >0.64 0.32 0.3 terminus profile with imperceptible bos to rounded base 6 605 Fill 606 Fill of natural Light grey/blue yellow >0.5 1.16 0.23 feature brown clay 6 606 Cut Cut of natural Rounded in plan, slightly >0.6 1.16 0.23 feature irregular gentle rounded profile, rounded base 6 607 Deposit Tree throw/rooting 7 700 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.15- 0.3 7 701 Deposit Subsoil Light brown grey silt clay 0.25- 0.35 7 702 Deposit Natural substrate Light yellow grey clay mudstone 8 800 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.26- 0.39 8 800 Deposit Subsoil Light brown grey silt clay 0.25- 0.35 8 800 Deposit Natural substrate Light yellow grey clay mudstone 9 900 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.25 9 901 Deposit Subsoil Light brown grey silt clay 0.2- 0.28 9 902 Deposit Natural substrate Light yellow grey clay mudstone 9 903 Fill 904 Pit fill Light greyish yellow brown silt clay 9 904 Cut Ditch fill Oval, rounded corners?, moderate sides, rounded bos to flat base 9 905 Fill 908 3rd fill of natural Mid brown yellow silt clay >1.8 3.7 0.4 feature 9 906 Fill 908 2nd fill of natural Mixed yellow brown with >1.5 1.6 0.22 feature >50% reddish brown rooting 9 907 Fill 908 1st fill of natural Mixed whitish yellow brown >0.6 0.65 0.05 feature silt clay 9 908 Cut Natural Sub oval/irregular with >1.8 3.7 0.42 erosional/silted irregular moderate sides feature and irregular base 9 909 Deposit Tree Amorphous/circular, 1.3 1.5 throw/rooting blackish brown silt clay, unexcavated 9 910 Fill 911 Fill of natural Mixed brown grey and >0.5 >1.5 >0.52 feature brown yellow silt clay 9 911 Cut Natural Sub oval/irregular, sides >0.6 >1.6 >0.52 erosional/silted and base are feature irregular/indiscernible 10 1000 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.2 10 1001 Deposit Subsoil Light brown grey silt clay 0.11 10 1002 Deposit Buried soil Mid grey brown silt clay, 0.09 bioturbation 10 1003 Deposit Natural substrate Light yellow grey clay mudstone

17 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

11 1100 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.2 11 1101 Deposit Subsoil Light brown grey silt clay 0.1 11 1102 Deposit Natural substrate Light yellow grey clay mudstone 11 1103 Cut Ditch, NW-SE Linear, concave moderate >1.8 1.3 0.25 oriented sides, imperceptible bos to rounded base 11 1104 Fill 110 Ditch fill Light grey brown clay >1.8 1.3 0.25 3 11 1105 Deposit Buried soil Mid grey brown silt clay, 0.12 bioturbation 12 1200 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.2 12 1200 Deposit Subsoil Light brown grey silt clay 0.11 12 1200 Deposit Natural substrate Light yellow grey clay mudstone 12 1200 Deposit Rooting/stain on Mixed light grey brown clay >1.8 0.6 0.2 approximate NE- SW orientation 13 1300 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.24 13 1301 Deposit Subsoil Mid/light orange/yellow 0.18 brown silt clay, bioturbation 13 1302 Deposit Buried soil Mid orange/yellow brown 0.23 silt clay, bioturbation 13 1303 Fill 130 Ditch fill Mid grey orange brown silt >1.8 0.36 0.12 4 clay, mottled 13 1304 Cut Ditch on E-W Linear, shallow, rounded >1.8 0.36 0.12 orientation bos to flat base 13 1305 Fill 130 Ditch fill Mid grey orange brown silt >1.8 0.36 0.11 6 clay, mottled 13 1306 Cut Ditch on E-W Linear, shallow, rounded >1.8 0.36 0.11 orientation bos to flat base 13 1307 Deposit Natural substrate Light yellow grey clay mudstone 13 1308 Cut Ditch, NE-SW Linear, unexcavated >1.8 0.5 oriented 13 1309 Fill 130 Ditch fill >1.8 0.5 8 13 1310 Cut Ditch, NW-SE Linear, unexcavated >1.8 0.45 oriented 13 1311 Fill 131 Ditch fill >1.8 0.45 0 13 1312 Cut Ditch, NW-SE Linear, moderate concave >1.8 0.55 0.17 oriented profile with imperceptible bos to rounded base 13 1313 Fill 131 Ditch fill Light grey brown silt clay >1.8 0.55 0.17 2 13 1314 Deposit Rooting/bioturbat Mixed orange brown silt >3 1.75 ion clay 14 1400 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.17 14 1401 Deposit Subsoil Mid/light orange/yellow 0.12 brown silt clay, bioturbation 14 1402 Deposit Natural substrate Mid orange/brown yellow grey clay mudstone 14 1403 Fill 140 Ditch fill Mid yellow brown silt clay >1.8 1.18 0.2 4 14 1404 Cut Ditch, NW-SE Linear, moderate concave >1.8 1.18 0.2 oriented profile with imperceptible bos to rounded base 14 1405 Fill 140 Ditch fill Light yellow brown silt clay 6 14 1406 Cut Ditch, NW-SE Linear, unexcavated

18 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

oriented 15 1500 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.17 15 1501 Deposit Subsoil Mid/light orange/yellow 0.1 brown silt clay, bioturbation 15 1502 Deposit Natural substrate Mid orange/brown yellow grey clay mudstone 15 1503 Fill 150 Ditch fill Mid yellow brown silt clay >1.8 1.18 0.2 4 15 1504 Cut Ditch, NW-SE Linear, moderate concave >1.8 1.18 0.2 oriented profile with imperceptible bos to rounded base 15 1505 Fill 150 Ditch fill Light yellow brown silt clay 6 15 1506 Cut Ditch, NW-SE Linear, unexcavated oriented 16 1600 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.25 16 1601 Deposit Subsoil Mid/light orange/yellow 0.25 brown silt clay, bioturbation 16 1602 Deposit Buried soil Mid orange/yellow brown 0.23- silt clay, bioturbation, 0.27 manganese flecks 16 1603 Deposit Natural substrate Mid orange/brown yellow 0.8 >0.0 0.2 grey clay mudstone 8 16 1604 Fill 160 Fill of Rooting Light reddish-blackish grey 0.8 >0.0 0.2 5 brown 8 16 1605 Cut Rooting/tree Amorphous/sub-oval 0.8 >0.0 0.2 throw 8 16 1606 Fill 160 Fill of Rooting Light reddish-blackish grey >1.14 >0.2 0.2 7 brown 16 1607 Cut Rooting/tree Amorphous/sub-oval >1.14 >0.2 1.2 throw 16 1608 Fill 160 Fill of Rooting Light reddish-blackish grey 9 brown 16 1609 Cut Rooting/tree Amorphous throw 17 n/a 18 n/a 19 n/a 20 n/a 21 n/a 22 n/a 23 n/a 24 n/a 25 n/a 26 2600 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.24 26 2601 Deposit Subsoil Mid/light orange/yellow 0.27 brown silt clay, bioturbation 26 2602 Deposit Natural substrate Light grey yellow clay mudstone 27 n/a 28 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.2 28 Deposit Made ground Light brown grey silt clay 0.5 28 Deposit Made ground Dark blackish brown silt 0.2- clay, 20% stone 50-100mm 0.3 28 Deposit Natural substrate Light grey yellow clay mudstone 29 2900 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.2 29 2901 Fill 290 Backfill of pit Mid grey brown and orange >1.8 10 0.7 4 brown clay, <1% stones, modern potsherd, CBM

19 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

29 2902 Deposit Subsoil Light grey brown silt clay, 0.2 <5% manganese flecks 29 2903 Deposit Natural substrate Mid brown orange/yellow sand clay mudstone 29 2904 Cut Pit Undetermined shape as >1.8 10 0.7 partial exposure in trench, steep sides, gradual bos to rounded base 29 2905 Cut Pit Undetermined shape as >1.8 6.5 0.8 partial exposure in trench, steep sides, gradual bos to rounded base 29 2906 Fill 290 Backfill of pit Mid grey brown and orange >1.8 6.5 0.8 5 brown clay, <1% stones, modern potsherd, CBM 29 2907 Cut Pit Undetermined shape as >1.9 0.8 partial exposure in trench, steep sides, gradual bos to rounded base 29 2908 Fill 290 Backfill of pit Mixed dark grey and brown >1.10 0.8 7 and orange brown clay, modern potsherd, CBM 30 3000 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.23 30 3001 Deposit Subsoil Light grey brown silt clay, 0.38 1% stone <30mm 30 3002 Deposit Natural substrate Mid orange/brown yellow grey clay mudstone 31 3100 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.22 31 3101 Deposit Subsoil Mid/light orange/yellow 0.36 brown silt clay, bioturbation 31 3102 Deposit Natural substrate Mid brown yellow grey clay mudstone 31 3103 Fill 310 Ditch fill Mid yellow brown silt clay >1.8 1.13 0.36 4 31 3104 Cut Ditch, NW-SE Linear, steeo sides, not >1.8 1.13 0.36 oriented excavated to base 32 3200 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.3 32 3201 Deposit Subsoil Light grey brown silt clay, 0.22 1% stone <30mm 32 3202 Deposit Natural substrate Mid orange/brown yellow grey clay mudstone 32 3203 Fill 320 Ditch fill Light orange yellow brown >1.8 0.34 0.12 4 silt clay 32 3204 Cut Ditch, NW-SE Linear, shallow gentle >1.8 0.34 0.12 oriented sides, rounded bos to flat base 32 3205 Fill 320 Ditch fill Mid yellow grey brown silt >1.8 0.8 0.35 6 clay 32 3206 Cut Ditch, NE-SW Linear, steep to moderate >1.8 0.8 0.35 oriented sided, non-symmetrical profile, rounded bos to concave base 32 3207 Fill 320 Ditch fill Mid grey yellow brown silt >1.8 0.72 8 clay 32 3208 Cut Ditch, NW-SE Linear, unexcavated >1.8 0.72 oriented 32 3209 Fill 321 Ditch fill Mid grey yellow brown silt >1.8 0.8 0 clay 32 3210 Cut Ditch, NE-SW Linear, unexcavated >1.8 0.8 oriented 33 3300 Deposit Topsoil Mid-dark grey brown clay 0.3 silt

20 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

33 3301 Deposit Subsoil Mid yellow brown silt clay, 0.28 1% stone <30m 33 3302 Deposit Natural substrate Mid grey brown silt clay 34 3400 Deposit Topsoil Mid-dark grey brown clay 0.3 silt 34 3401 Deposit Subsoil Mid yellow brown silt clay, 0.28 1% stone <30m 34 3402 Deposit Natural substrate Mid grey brown silt clay 34 3403 Fill 340 Fill of rooting Mid orange/reddish grey 1.4 0.8- 0.15- 4 brown silt clay 1.1 0.45 34 3404 Cut Rooting Linear/irregular 1.4 0.8- 0.15- 1.1 0.45 34 3405 Cut Root bowl 34 3406 Fill 340 Fill of root bowl Mid orange/reddish grey 0.35 0.35 0.12 5 brown silt clay 34 3407 Fill 340 Fill of root bowl Dark reddish grey brown 0.35 0.35 0.12 5 silt clay 34 3408 Fill 340 Fill of rooting Mixed reddish grey to 2.2 1.3 0.28 9 yellow brown silt clay 34 3409 Cut Tree rooting Sub oval, irregular 2.2 1.3 0.28 35 3500 Deposit Topsoil Mid brown clay silt 0.32 35 3501 Deposit Subsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.28 35 3502 Deposit Natural substrate Mid grey brown silt clay 35 3503 Fill 350 Ditch/Hedgerow Mid orange brown clay silt >1.8 0.8 0.5 4 fill 35 3504 Cut Ditch/Hedgerow Moderate sided, >1.8 0.8 0.5 imperceptible bos to diffuse rounded concave base 36 3600 Deposit Topsoil Mid-dark grey brown clay 0.22 silt 36 3601 Deposit Subsoil Mid yellow brown silt clay, 0.2- 1% stone <30m 0.3 36 3602 Deposit Natural substrate Mid grey brown silt clay 37 3700 Deposit Topsoil Mid-dark grey brown clay 0.3 silt 37 3701 Deposit Subsoil Mid yellow brown silt clay, 0.43 1% stone <30m 37 3702 Deposit Natural substrate Mid grey brown silt clay 38 3800 Deposit Topsoil Mid-dark grey brown clay 0.3 silt 38 3801 Deposit Subsoil Mid yellow brown silt clay, 0.2- 1% stone <30m 0.25 38 3802 Deposit Natural substrate Mid yellow grey clay 39 3900 Deposit Topsoil Dark brown clay silt 0.24 39 3901 Deposit Subsoil Mid grey silt clay 0.13 39 3902 Deposit Natural substrate Mid yellow grey clay 40 4000 Deposit Topsoil Dark brown clay silt 0.22 40 4001 Deposit Subsoil Mid grey silt clay 0.12 40 4002 Deposit Natural substrate Mid yellow grey clay 41 4100 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.3 41 4101 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.24 41 4102 Deposit Natural substrate Mid yellow grey clay 42 4200 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.22 42 4201 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.25- 0.3 42 4202 Deposit Natural substrate Mid yellow grey clay 43 4300 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.28 43 4301 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.2 43 4302 Deposit Natural substrate Mid blue grey clay 44 4400 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.23

21 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

44 4401 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.33 44 4402 Deposit Natural substrate Mid blue yellow grey clay 44 4403 Fill 440 Filed drain fill Mid grey brown silt clay >1.8 0.5 >0.33 4 44 4404 Cut Field drain Linear, steep sided >1.9 1.5 >0.33 45 4500 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.25 45 4501 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.25 45 4502 Deposit Natural substrate Mid blue yellow grey clay 45 4503 Fill 450 Filed drain fill Mid grey brown silt clay >1.8 0.35 >0.25 4 45 4504 Cut Field drain Linear, steep sided >1.8 0.35 >0.25 46 4600 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.25- 0.3 46 4601 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.22- 0.31 46 4602 Deposit Natural substrate Mid blue yellow grey clay 47 4700 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.25 47 4701 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.18 47 4702 Deposit Natural substrate Mid blue yellow grey clay 48 4800 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.28 48 4801 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.2 48 4802 Deposit Natural substrate Mid blue grey clay 48 4803 Deposit Tree Mid yellow brown clay silt 2.4 1.4 0.3 throw/rooting 49 4900 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.25 49 4901 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.25 49 4902 Deposit Natural substrate Mid yellow grey clay 50 5000 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.21 50 5001 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.22 50 5002 Deposit Natural substrate Mid yellow grey clay and whitish grey 51 5100 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.25 51 5101 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.25 51 5102 Deposit Natural substrate Mid yellow grey clay 52 5200 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.21 52 5201 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.22 52 5202 Deposit Natural substrate Mid yellow grey clay 53 5300 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.22 53 5301 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.11 53 5302 Deposit Natural substrate Mid yellow grey clay 54 5400 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.2 54 5401 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.11 54 5402 Deposit Natural substrate Mid yellow grey clay and whitish grey 54 5403 Deposit Natural substrate Mid blue grey band of clay 54 5404 Deposit Natural substrate Mid blue grey band of clay 55 5500 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.28 55 5501 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.2 55 5502 Deposit Natural substrate Mid yellow grey clay 56 5600 Deposit Topsoil Mid grey brown clay silt 0.28 56 5601 Deposit Subsoil Mid brown grey silt clay 0.21 56 5602 Deposit Natural substrate Mid yellow grey clay

22 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

APPENDIX B: THE FINDS

Context Category Description Fabric Code/ Count Weight Spot-date NRFRC* (g) 905 Fired clay 2 1 - 105 Fired clay 2 7 - 1311 Roman pottery Dorset Black- DOR BB1 2 <1 C2-C4 burnished ware 2911 Post-medieval/modern Transfer-printed BPT278b 1 <1 LC18-C19 pottery refined whiteware Post-medieval ceramic Tile 2 24 building material 2908 Post-medieval pottery Glazed earthenware - 1 7 Modern Post-medieval/modern Transfer-printed BPT278a 1 1 pottery pearlware Modern glass Window 1 <1 * National Roman Fabric Reference Collection codes in bold

23 © Cotswold Archaeology Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation

APPENDIX C: OASIS REPORT FORM

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Name Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire:Archaeological Evaluation Short description An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in November 2015 at Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire. Forty five trenches were excavated. Features mostly comprising shallow undated ditches were recorded sealed below subsoil and alluvial deposits. One of the ditches contained two sherds of abraded Roman pottery that may be residual. A sparsity of finds evidence in general across the site suggests the features relate to agricultural activity perhaps within the hinterland of known Roman and/or medieval settlement in the vicinity, but outside the settlements themselves. Project dates 23 – 27 November 2015 Project type Evaluation

Previous work Desk-based assessment (ARUP 2015) Geophysical Survey (Stratascan 2015 Job ref. J8340)

Future work Unknown PROJECT LOCATION Site Location Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire Study area (M2/ha) 29ha Site co-ordinates (8 Fig Grid Reference) ST 6123 8374

PROJECT CREATORS Name of organisation Cotswold Archaeology Project Brief originator South Gloucester County Council Project Design (WSI) originator Cotswold Archaeology

Project Manager Richard Young Project Supervisor Greg Crees MONUMENT TYPE None SIGNIFICANT FINDS None PROJECT ARCHIVES Intended final location of archive Content (museum/Accession no.)

Physical Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery Pot sherd Paper Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery Pro-forma field recording sheets Digital Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery Raw survey files, digital photos BIBLIOGRAPHY

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2009 Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire:Archaeological Evaluation CA typescript report 15133

24 N Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 MONMOUTHSHIRE GLOUCESTERSHIRE Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected] SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE PROJECT TITLE

NEWPORT Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road

R Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire

FIGURE TITLE

BATH AND NE SOMERSET Site location plan WILTSHIRE 0 1km

FIGURE NO. Reproduced from the 2006 Ordnance Survey Explorer map with DRAWN BY AO PROJECT NO. 5649 the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller CHECKED BY DJB/LM DATE 27/11/2015 of Her Majesty's Stationery Office c Crown copyright Cotswold Archaeology Ltd 100002109 APPROVED BY REY SCALE@A4 1:25,000 1 610 608 614 612

M5 840

Fig. 5 N site boundary evaluation trench evaluation trench not excavated archaeological feature geological feature furrow modern

Fig. 3 field drain treethrow bioturbation 838

Geophysics Key (Stratascan 2015) Fig. 4 Probable Archaeology Positive anomaly / weak positive anomaly - probable cut feature of archaeological origin Negative anomaly / weak negative anomaly - probable bank or earthwork of archaeological origin Linear anomaly - probably associated with former field boundaries Widely spaced curving parallel linear anomalies - probably related to ridge-and-furrow Possible Archaeology Positive anomaly / weak positive anomaly - possible cut feature of archaeological origin Negative anomaly / weak negative anomaly - possible bank or earthwork of archaeological origin Other Anomalies Linear anomaly - probably related to pipe, cable or other modern service

Linear anomaly - possibly related to land drain

Magnetic disturbance associated with nearby metal object such as service or field boundary

836 Magnetic spike - probable ferrous object

0 100m

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey digital mapping with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office &URZQFRS\ULJKW&RWVZROG$UFKDHRORJ\/WG

M5 Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Exeter 01392 826185 Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire

FIGURE TITLE Trench location plan, showing archaeological features and geophysical survey results

DRAWN BY AO PROJECT NO. 5649 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB/LM DATE 27/11/2015 ST APPROVED BY REY SCALE@A3 1:2500 2 P:\5649 Helicopter Air Ops Relocation Almondsbury South Glos EVAL\Illustration\Drafts\5649_Figures.dwg ditch M5 505

N site boundary evaluation trench evaluation trench not excavated archaeological feature geological feature modern field drain treethrow

pit bioturbation 904

pit 604 Geophysics Key (Stratascan 2015) Probable Archaeology Positive anomaly / weak positive anomaly - probable cut feature of archaeological origin Negative anomaly / weak negative anomaly - probable bank or earthwork of archaeological origin Linear anomaly - probably associated with former field boundaries Widely spaced curving parallel linear anomalies - probably related to ridge-and-furrow Possible Archaeology Positive anomaly / weak positive anomaly - possible cut feature of archaeological origin Negative anomaly / weak negative anomaly - possible bank or earthwork of archaeological origin Other Anomalies Linear anomaly - probably related to pipe, cable or other modern service

Linear anomaly - possibly related to land drain

Magnetic disturbance associated with nearby metal object such as service or field boundary

Magnetic spike - probable ferrous object

0 20m

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey digital mapping with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office &URZQFRS\ULJKW&RWVZROG$UFKDHRORJ\/WG

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Exeter 01392 826185 Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire

FIGURE TITLE Trenches 1-8 and 10, showing archaeological features and geophysical survey results

DRAWN BY AO PROJECT NO. 5649 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB/LM DATE 27/11/2015 APPROVED BY REY SCALE@A3 1:500 3 P:\5649 Helicopter Air Ops Relocation Almondsbury South Glos EVAL\Illustration\Drafts\5649_Figures.dwg M5

site boundary evaluation trench evaluation trench not excavated archaeological feature field drain treethrow bioturbation

F F

ditch 1103 Geophysics Key ditch 1404 (Stratascan 2015) Probable Archaeology Positive anomaly / weak positive anomaly - probable cut feature of archaeological origin Negative anomaly / weak negative anomaly - probable bank or earthwork of archaeological origin Linear anomaly - probably associated with former field boundaries Widely spaced curving parallel linear anomalies - probably related to ridge-and-furrow Possible Archaeology ditch Positive anomaly / weak positive anomaly - possible cut 1504 feature of archaeological origin Negative anomaly / weak negative anomaly - possible bank or earthwork of archaeological origin Other Anomalies Linear anomaly - probably related to pipe, cable or other modern service

Linear anomaly - possibly related to land drain

Magnetic disturbance associated with nearby metal object such as service or field boundary

Magnetic spike - probable ferrous object

0 20m

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey digital mapping with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office &URZQFRS\ULJKW&RWVZROG$UFKDHRORJ\/WG

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Exeter 01392 826185 Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire

FIGURE TITLE Trenches 11-16, showing archaeological features and geophysical survey results

DRAWN BY AO PROJECT NO. 5649 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB/LM DATE 27/11/2015 APPROVED BY REY SCALE@A3 1:500 4 P:\5649 Helicopter Air Ops Relocation Almondsbury South Glos EVAL\Illustration\Drafts\5649_Figures.dwg ditch 3104

0 50m

N Andover 01264 347630 site boundary Geophysics Key Cirencester 01285 771022 (Stratascan 2015) Exeter 01392 826185 evaluation trench Milton Keynes 01908 564660 Probable Archaeology w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk Linear anomaly - probably associated with former field e [email protected] archaeological feature boundaries PROJECT TITLE Widely spaced curving parallel linear anomalies - geological feature probably related to ridge-and-furrow Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road Possible Archaeology Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire Positive anomaly / weak positive anomaly - possible cut modern FIGURE TITLE feature of archaeological origin Negative anomaly / weak negative anomaly - possible Trenches 29-36 and 46-54, showing field drain bank or earthwork of archaeological origin archaeological features and Other Anomalies geophysical survey results treethrow Magnetic disturbance associated with nearby metal object such as service or field boundary DRAWN BY AO PROJECT NO. 5649 FIGURE NO. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey digital mapping with the permission of Magnetic spike - probable ferrous object CHECKED BY DJB/LM DATE 27/11/2015 Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office APPROVED BY REY SCALE@A3 1:1000 5 &URZQFRS\ULJKW&RWVZROG$UFKDHRORJ\/WG P:\5649 Helicopter Air Ops Relocation Almondsbury South Glos EVAL\Illustration\Drafts\5649_Figures.dwg Trench 1, plan N

stakehole 108 ditch 106

ditch 104

posthole 0 10m 110 A A

1:200

Section AA

EW 72.5m AOD topsoil 100

subsoil 101

103

ditch 104

01m

1:20

Ditch 104, looking south (1m scale)

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire FIGURE TITLE Trench 1: plan, section and photograph

DRAWN BY AO PROJECT NO. 5649 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB/LM DATE 27/11/2015 APPROVED BY REY SCALE@A4 1:200 & 1:20 6 N Trench 2, plan Section CC

NE SW ditch rooting terminus 205 213 72.5m ?ditch 211 AOD B B C 204

C ditch 205

rooting 209

01m 0 10m 1:20 1:200 archaeological feature tree-throw pit field drain

Ditch terminus 205, rooting 213 and possible ditch 211, looking north (0.5m scale) Ditch terminus 205 and rooting 209 in background (1m scale)

Section BB

W E 73.1m AOD topsoil 200 subsoil 201

alluvium/colluvium 202 Andover 01264 347630 204 210 Cirencester 01285 771022 rooting Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 ditch 205 213 ?ditch 211 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road 01m Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire 1:20 FIGURE TITLE Trench 2: plan, section and photograph

DRAWN BY AO PROJECT NO. 5649 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB/LM DATE 27/11/2015 APPROVED BY REY SCALE@A3 1:200 & 1:20 7 Trench 3, plan

N ditch ditch 303 311 D ditch 309 D pit 317 ?pit or ditch terminus 313 E ditch E 305 Trench 3, looking south-west (1m scales) ditch terminus 307 archaeological feature ?pit or ditch terminus 315 tree-throw pit field drain

0 10m

1:200

Pit or ditch terminus 313 and 315, looking south-east (1m scale)

Section DD

SW NE 74.5m AOD topsoil 300

subsoil 301

bioturbation

304

ditch 303

Ditch 303, looking north-west (0.4m scale) 01m

1:20

Andover 01264 347630 Section EE Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 EW w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected] 73.5m AOD PROJECT TITLE

308 Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire FIGURE TITLE ditch 307 Trench 3: plan, section and photograph

TDitch 307, looking south-east (1m scales) DRAWN BY AO PROJECT NO. 5649 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB/LM DATE 27/11/2015 APPROVED BY REY SCALE@A3 1:20 & 1:200 8 Section FF

SW NE 73.2m AOD

topsoil 1100

subsoil 1101

1102 1102 1104

ditch 1103

01m

1:20

Ditch 1103, looking north-west (1m scale)

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire FIGURE TITLE Trench 11: section and photograph

DRAWN BY AO PROJECT NO. 5649 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB/LM DATE 27/11/2015 APPROVED BY REY SCALE@A4 1:20 9 Trench 13, plan N

ditch 1306

ditch 1304

archaeological feature bioturbation field drain

ditch 1308

ditch 1310

ditch 1312 0 10m Ditches 1304 and 1306, looking north-west (1m scale) 1:200

Section GG

SW NE 75.0m AOD

topsoil 1300

subsoil 1301

Andover 01264 347630 buried subsoil 1302 Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Milton Keynes 01908 564660 1303 1305 Archaeology w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected] ditch 1304 ditch 1306 PROJECT TITLE Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire FIGURE TITLE Trench 13: plan, section and 01m photograph 1:20 DRAWN BY AO PROJECT NO. 5649 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB/LM DATE 27/11/2015 APPROVED BY REY SCALE@A3 1:20 & 1:200 10 Trench 32, plan N Section HH

WE ditch 3204 71.2m AOD 3203

ditch 3204 H ditch 3206 I H

ditch 3210 archaeological feature

01m tree-throw pit ditch 3208 1:20

0 10m

1:200

Section II

SN 71.2m AOD

3205

ditch 3206

01m

1:20 Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk Ditch 3205, looking west (0.4m scale) e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Helicopter Air Ops, Gloucester Road Almondsbury, South Gloucestershire FIGURE TITLE Trench 32: plan, sections and photograph

DRAWN BY AO PROJECT NO. 5649 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB/LM DATE 27/11/2015 APPROVED BY REY SCALE@A3 1:20 & 1:200 11