Cemex Uk Materials (Western and South West Regions)

LAND AT PARK FARM BERKSWELL

WARWICKSHIRE

ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF WORKING AREAS 3 AND 4

For

CEMEX UK MATERIALS (WESTERN AND SOUTH WEST REGIONS)

CA PROJECT: 2342 CA REPORT:09163

OCTOBER 2009

LAND AT PARK FARM BERKSWELL WARWICKSHIRE

ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF WORKING AREAS 3 AND 4

CA PROJECT: 2342 CA REPORT: 09163

prepared by Kelly Saunders, Project Officer

date 12 October 2009

checked by Richard Young, Project Manager

date 13 October 2009

approved by Simon Cox, Head of Fieldwork

signed

date 15 October 2009

issue 01

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.

© Cotswold Archaeology Building 11, Kemble Enterprise Park, Kemble, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 6BQ Tel. 01285 771022 Fax. 01285 771033 E-mail: [email protected] © Cotswold Archaeology Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire: Archaeological Evaluation of Working Areas 3 and 4

CONTENTS

SUMMARY...... 2

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 3

2. RESULTS (FIGS 2-3) ...... 5

3. DISCUSSION...... 6

4. CA PROJECT TEAM ...... 6

5. REFERENCES ...... 6

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS ...... 8 APPENDIX B: OASIS REPORT FORM...... 10

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Fig. 1 Site location plan (1:25,000) Fig. 2 Trench location plan showing archaeological features (1:1000) Fig. 3 Sections (1:10)

1 © Cotswold Archaeology Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire: Archaeological Evaluation of Working Areas 3 and 4

SUMMARY

Project Name: Land at Park Farm Location: Berkswell, Warwickshire NGR: SP 2285 8025 Type: Evaluation Date: 28 September 2009 Location of Archive: To be deposited with Coventry City Museum Site Code: PFB09

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in September 2009 at the request of CEMEX UK Materials (Western and South West Regions) on land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire. Seven trenches were excavated prior to the extraction of sand and gravels.

The results are similar to those of previous evaluations carried out immediately to the east of the current site, with a very low density of features that comprise a single ditch and two postholes. The ditch is perpendicular to an extant field boundary and appears to be cut through the subsoil, suggesting a relatively modern date, however no dating material was recovered from this or the other features.

2 © Cotswold Archaeology Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire: Archaeological Evaluation of Working Areas 3 and 4

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 In September 2009 Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out an archaeological evaluation for CEMEX UK materials (Western and South West Regions) on land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire. (centred on NGR: SP 2285 8025; Fig. 1). The evaluation was undertaken to fulfil a condition attached to planning consent for the extraction of sand and gravel, and is part of an ongoing programme of evaluation, earlier phases of which were carried out in 2007 and 2008.

1.2 The evaluation was carried out in agreement with Anna Stocks, the Planning Archaeologist for Warwickshire County Council (WCC), the archaeological advisor to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, the Local Planning Authority (LPA), and with a subsequent detailed Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) produced by CA (2007b) and approved by Ms Stocks. The fieldwork also followed the Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Field Evaluation issued by the Institute for Archaeologists (2008), and the Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MORPHE): Project Manager’s Guide (EH 2006).

The site

1.3 The site is located approximately 2km north-west of Berkswell and comprises 26ha of agricultural land to the west of Park Farm (Fig. 1). It is bounded to the north and east by Berkswell Quarry, and to the south and west by agricultural land. The site lies at approximately 98m AOD. The area being evaluated prior to extraction lies to the northern edge of the site and comprises the north-eastern corner of a field.

1.4 The solid geology of the site is recorded as Triassic Bromsgrove Sandstone to the east and Pleistocene Glaciofluvial deposits of orange sands and gravels to the west (BGS 1996). Alluvial deposits are recorded within the southern half of the area proposed for extraction. A soil survey in 1999 identified gravels at a depth of 0.5- 0.8m, overlain by layers of loamy sand subsoil and ploughsoil (CAT 1999). Sand with flint gravel was exposed within all of the trenches during the current works.

3 © Cotswold Archaeology Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire: Archaeological Evaluation of Working Areas 3 and 4

Archaeological background

1.5 A Cultural Heritage Assessment of the site was prepared by Cotswold Archaeology (formerly Cotswold Archaeological Trust) in 1999 (CAT 1999) and the results of that report are summarised here. The stream forming the southern and western site boundaries is a former mill leat. A faint cropmark identified within the south-eastern portion of the site and visible on an aerial photograph appears to form an oval enclosure with possible internal features and is likely to be of prehistoric or Romano-British date. Both the leat and the cropmark lie outside the footprint of the proposed Park Farm Pond. The area around the site includes remains dating to medieval and later settlement and land use, including a former medieval moated site at Mercote Hall, and a disused post-medieval mill to the north.

1.6 A geophysical survey of the site identified a positive anomaly in the location of the cropmark feature (AS 2007). Further anomalies within the western half of the site were interpreted as indicating a pattern of former field boundaries. The remaining anomalies were consistent with relatively recent dumping.

1.7 The first phase of evaluation of the site was undertaken to the east of the current works and identified a series of field boundary ditches (CA 2007b). These ditches were all cut through the subsoil and although one contained two sherds of medieval pottery, these were abraded and thought to be residual. Given this, and the fact that the ditches cut the subsoil, they were interpreted as being post-medieval or later in date. Similar features were identified during a subsequent watching brief (CA 2007c).

1.8 The second phase of evaluation also identified a series of field boundary ditches (CA 2008), in this case sealed by the subsoil, one of which contained post medieval roof tile. Two undated pits and a number of tree throws were also identified.

Archaeological objectives

1.9 The objectives of the evaluation were to establish the character, quality, date, significance and extent of any archaeological remains or deposits surviving within the site. This information will assist Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council in making an informed judgement on the likely impact upon the archaeological resource by the proposed development.

4 © Cotswold Archaeology Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire: Archaeological Evaluation of Working Areas 3 and 4

Methodology

1.8 The fieldwork comprised the excavation of 7 trenches (Trenches 21 to 27) in the locations shown on the attached plan (Fig. 2). Six trenches measuring 50m and one 25m in length, all 1.8m wide, were excavated.

1.9 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 (2007).

1.10 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 (2003) and no deposits were identified that required sampling.

1.11 The archive is currently held by CA at their offices in Kemble. Subject to the agreement of the legal landowner the site archive will be deposited with Coventry City Museum. A summary of information from this project, set out within Appendix B, will be entered onto the OASIS online database of archaeological projects in Britain.

2. RESULTS (FIGS 2-3)

2.1 This section provides an overview of the evaluation results; detailed summaries of the recorded contexts are to be found in Appendix A. Only three trenches, 23, 26 and 27, contained features, two postholes and a ditch. No dating evidence was recovered from these, and despite visual scanning of the topsoil, no material pre- dating the modern period was recovered.

2.2 Trench 27 contained a single linear ditch 27003, which ran north-west to south-east. This ditch was cut through the subsoil, and together with its alignment perpendicular to an extant field boundary to the east, it suggests that it is part of a removed field system. Two isolated postholes were also observed (Fig. 3). Trench 23 contained

5 © Cotswold Archaeology Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire: Archaeological Evaluation of Working Areas 3 and 4

posthole 23004, which tapered to a slight point in profile and contained only a single fill, suggesting a post that had been driven into the ground. Trench 26 contained posthole 26003 which had a flat base and contained two fills. Both postholes contained a small amount of charcoal, and were sealed by the subsoil, but due to their isolated nature, and the lack of other dated features within the vicinity, it is not possible to ascertain their function.

3. DISCUSSION

3.1 The results of this evaluation are similar to those of earlier evaluations in terms of the scarcity and nature of the archaeology uncovered. The ditch appears to represent further evidence of a removed field system, which has variously been seen both cutting and being covered by the subsoil, suggesting a difference in recent ploughing regimes between different fields. The two isolated postholes, though undated, may have a modern agricultural function.

4. CA PROJECT TEAM

Fieldwork was undertaken by Kelly Saunders, assisted by Heather Griggs. The report was written by Kelly Saunders with illustrations prepared by Rachel Kershaw. The archive has been compiled by Kelly Saunders, and prepared for deposition by Victoria Taylor. The project was managed for CA by Richard Young.

5. REFERENCES

AS (Archaeological Surveys) 2007 Park Farm, Berkswell: Magnetic Susceptibility and Magnetometer Survey, report no. 178

BGS (British Geological Survey) 1996 Geological Survey of England and Wales, 1:50,000 Series. Solid and Drift Edition. Sheet 168: Birmingham

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2007a Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire: Archaeological Evaluation of the Initial Working Area & Areas 1 and 2. CA unpublished typescript report No. 07103

6 © Cotswold Archaeology Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire: Archaeological Evaluation of Working Areas 3 and 4

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2007b Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire: Written Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Evaluation

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2007c Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire: Archaeological Watching Brief. CA unpublished typescript report No. 07110

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2008 Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire: Archaeological Evaluation of the proposed Park Farm pond. CA unpublished typescript report No. 08209

CAT (Cotswold Archaeological Trust) 1999 Park Farm, Berkswell, Metropolitan Borough of Solihull: Cultural Heritage Assessment, CA unpublished typescript report No. 991037

7 © Cotswold Archaeology Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire: Archaeological Evaluation of Working Areas 3 and 4

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS

Trench 21

No. Type Description Length Width Depth Spot- (m) (m) (m) date 21001 Layer Topsoil. Dark brown grey sandy silt, frequent 0.25 gravel inclusions. 21002 Layer Subsoil. Dark Mid grey brown silty sand, 0.15 frequent grave inclusions. 21003 Layer Natural Substrate. Mid orange brown sand and gravel

Trench 22

No. Type Description Length Width Depth Spot- (m) (m) (m) date 22001 Layer Topsoil. Dark brown grey sandy silt, frequent 0.3 gravel inclusions. 22002 Layer Subsoil. Dark Mid grey brown silty sand, 0.23 frequent gravel inclusions. 22003 Layer Natural Substrate. Mid orange brown sand and gravel

Trench 23

No. Type Description Length Width Depth Spot- (m) (m) (m) date 23001 Layer Topsoil. Dark brown grey sandy silt, frequent 0.41 gravel inclusions. 23002 Layer Subsoil. Dark Mid grey brown silty sand, 0.18 frequent gravel inclusions. 23003 Layer Natural Substrate. Mid orange brown sand and gravel 23004 Cut Posthole. Steep sided with a tapered base. 0.24 0.24 0.2 23005 Deposit Fill of 23004. Mid grey brown silty sand, rare 0.24 0.24 0.2 charcoal fragments.

Trench 24

No. Type Description Length Width Depth Spot- (m) (m) (m) date 24000 Layer Topsoil. Mid brown silty sand with moderate 0.24 gravel inclusions 24001 Layer Subsoil. Mid orange brown silty sand with rare 0.16 gravel inclusions 24002 Layer Natural Substrate. Mid orange brown sand and gravel

Trench 25

No. Type Description Length Width Depth Spot- (m) (m) (m) date 25000 Layer Topsoil. Mid brown silty sand with moderate 0.28 gravel inclusions 25001 Layer Subsoil. Mid orange brown silty sand with rare 0.3 gravel inclusions 25002 Layer Natural Substrate. Mid orange brown sand and gravel

8 © Cotswold Archaeology Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire: Archaeological Evaluation of Working Areas 3 and 4

Trench 26

No. Type Description Length Width Depth Spot- (m) (m) (m) date 26000 Layer Topsoil. Mid brown silty sand with moderate 0.24 gravel inclusions 26001 Layer Subsoil. Mid orange brown silty sand with rare 0.16 gravel inclusions 26002 Layer Natural Substrate. Mid orange brown sand and gravel 26003 Cut Posthole. Steep sided with a flat base 0.32 0.32 0.31 26004 Deposit Secondary fill of 26003. Mid brown silty sand, 0.32 0.32 0.31 rare charcoal fragments. 26005 Deposit Primary fill of 26003. Mid grey brown silty sand, 0.32 0.32 0.31 rare charcoal flecks.

Trench 27

No. Type Description Length Width Depth Spot- (m) (m) (m) date 27000 Layer Topsoil. Mid brown silty sand with moderate 0.26 gravel inclusions 27001 Layer Subsoil. Mid orange brown silty sand with rare 0.2 gravel inclusions 27002 Layer Natural Substrate. Mid orange brown sand and gravel 27003 Cut Linear ditch running NW - SE. Moderately >3 0.9 0.19 sloping sides with a concave base. 27004 Deposit Fill of 27003. Mid orange brown silty sand with >3 0.9 0.19 rare gravel inclusions

APPENDIX B: OASIS REPORT FORM

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Name Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire. Archaeological Evaluation of Working Areas 3 and 4 Short description An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by (250 words maximum) Cotswold Archaeology in September 2009 at the request of CEMEX UK Materials (Western and South West Regions) on land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Warwickshire. Seven trenches were excavated prior to the extraction of sand and gravels.

Project dates 28 September 2009 Project type Evaluation (e.g. desk-based, field evaluation etc)

Previous work Desk-based assessment, geophysical survey, (reference to organisation or SMR numbers etc) evaluation, watching brief

Future work Unknown PROJECT LOCATION Site Location Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Solihull Study area (M2/ha) 26ha Site co-ordinates (8 Fig Grid Reference) SP 2285 8025

PROJECT CREATORS Name of organisation Cotswold Archaeology Project Brief originator Warwickshire County Council Project Design (WSI) originator Cotswold Archaeology Project Manager Richard Young Project Supervisor Kelly Saunders PROJECT ARCHIVES Recipient Content

Physical N/A N/A Paper Coventry City Museum Context sheets, drawings, registers Digital Coventry City Museum Digital photos BIBLIOGRAPHY

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2008 Land at Park Farm, Berkswell, Solihull: Archaeological Evaluation of Working Areas 3 and 4. CA unpublished typescript report No. 09163

10 Reproduced from the 2004 Ordnance Survey Explorer map with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office N c Crown copyright Cotswold Archaeological Trust 100002109

0 2.5km

COTSWOLD ARCHAEOLOGY

PROJECT TITLE site Land at Park Farm, Berkswell Solihull proposed area FIGURE TITLE of extraction Site location plan Solihull

DRAWN BYSCALE PROJECT NO. FIGURE NO. RK 1:25,000@A4 2342 1 Reproduced from the 2002 Ordnance Survey Explorer map with the permission 228 of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office N c Crown copyright Cotswold Archaeological Trust 100002109

803

T25 T21

T22

posthole A 23004

T26 B A T23

posthole B T27 26003

30 802

T24 linear 27003

SP 0 100m

COTSWOLD ARCHAEOLOGY 46 site 54PROJECT TITLE proposed area of extraction Land at Park Farm, Berkswell Solihull 89 evaluation trench showing FIGURE TITLE archaeological feature Trench location plan showing archaeological features previous evaluation trench DRAWN BYSCALE PROJECT NO. FIGURE NO. RK 1:1000@A4 2342 2 N

Section AA

SN 96.7m AOD 23005

posthole 23004

Section BB

SE NW 97.1m AOD

26004

26005

posthole 26003

0 1m

COTSWOLD ARCHAEOLOGY

PROJECT TITLE Land at Park Farm, Berkswell Solihull FIGURE TITLE Sections

DRAWN BYSCALE PROJECT NO. FIGURE NO. RK 1:10@A4 2342 3