THE BATH STONE COMPANY
HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE, BATH ROAD, CORSHAM
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
AUGUST 2019 Wardell Armstrong Sir Henry Doulton House, Forge Lane, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5BD, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)1782 276700 www.wardell-armstrong.com
DATE ISSUED: AUGUST 2019 JOB NUMBER: ST16481 REPORT NUMBER: ARCH-001
THE BATH STONE COMPANY
HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE, BATH ROAD, CORSHAM
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
PREPARED BY:
L Goring Principal Heritage Consultant
CHECKED BY:
C Dawson Principal Heritage Consultant
APPROVED BY:
C Bean Technical Director
This report has been prepared by Wardell Armstrong LLP with all reasonable skill, care and diligence, within the terms of the Contract with the Client. The report is confidential to the Client and Wardell Armstrong LLP accepts no responsibility of whatever nature to third parties to whom this report may be made known.
No part of this document may be reproduced without the prior written approval of Wardell Armstrong LLP.
ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES Wardell Armstrong is the trading name of Wardell Armstrong LLP, Registered in England No. OC307138. LAND AND PROPERTY
Registered office: Sir Henry Doulton House, Forge Lane, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5BD, United Kingdom MINING AND MINERAL PROCESSING MINERAL ESTATES UK Offices: Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham, Bolton, Cardiff, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne and Truro. International Offices: Almaty and Moscow. WASTE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 2 BASELINE INFORMATION...... 5 3 IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ...... 15 4 MITIGATION...... 17 5 CONCLUSIONS ...... 18 6 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 19
APPENDICES Appendix 1 Historic Maps Appendix 2 Plates Appendix 3 Impact Assessment Methodology
DRAWINGS 007 Non-Designated Heritage Assets of a Military Nature 008 Non-Designated Heritage Assets
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 This report sets out the archaeological and historical background of a Site located to the north of Rudloe Water Treatment Works, Bath Road, Corsham, Wiltshire centred on NGR ST 84569 70494. Proposals entail the construction of a new inclined mine entrance from the surface into existing permitted mine workings and the construction of ancillary surface facilities including a new cutting shed, office, block storage area, car parking and landscaping.
1.2 This report provides an assessment of the significance of any known or potential heritage assets of an archaeological nature within the boundary of the Site. Potential impacts through proposed development to identified and potential heritage assets of an archaeological nature are established and their significance assessed. Appropriate mitigation measures for reducing/offsetting these potential impacts are proposed where relevant.
1.3 The assessment has been undertaken in respect to potential direct impacts to heritage assets of an archaeological nature within the boundary of the site and was undertaken following the Standards and Guidance of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA 2014) and in accordance with terminology expressed within the National Planning Policy Framework. This assessment does not assess any potential indirect impacts to the setting of heritage assets.
1.4 In order to inform this assessment baseline data was obtained from the following:
• Wiltshire Historic Environment Record (Consulted September 2018);
• Wiltshire and Swindon Local History Centre;
• GIS datasets (Historic England 2018):
• Scheduled Monuments;
• Listed Buildings;
• Registered Parks and Gardens;
• Registered Battlefields; and
• The National Heritage List for England (Historic England website).
1.5 In addition, a walkover survey of the Site was undertaken in October 2018.
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 1 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Definitions of Terms
1.6 A heritage asset is defined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as ‘a building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions because of its heritage interest’ (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 2018, Annex 2 page:67).
1.7 The significance of a heritage asset is defined within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as ‘the value of a heritage asset to this and future generations because of its heritage interest. This interest may be archaeological, architectural, artistic or historic’ (MHCLG 2018, Annex 2 page:71).
National Heritage Legislation and Policy
1.8 In respect to archaeological remains, designated heritage assets protected by statutory legislation comprise Scheduled Monuments. These nationally significant archaeological sites, monuments and structures are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act (1979).
1.9 The remainder of the archaeological resource, the non-designated resource, is protected under national and local planning policy only. This includes entries onto a historic environment record or sites and monument record as well as previously unknown features which may be recorded during the course of data collection in respect to a given development proposal.
1.10 Where heritage assets of an archaeological nature may be impacted upon by development ‘local planning authorities should require developers to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation’ (MHCLG 2018, para:189).
1.11 In determining applications, NPPF stipulates that ‘great weight’ should be given to a designated asset’s conservation and that ‘substantial harm to or loss of… assets of the highest significance, notably Scheduled Monuments … should be wholly exceptional’ (MHCLG 2018, para:194).
1.12 Developments where substantial harm to or total loss of significance of a designated heritage asset should be assessed against specific tests and should deliver substantial public benefits which outweigh any loss or harm (MHCLG 2018, para:195). Less than substantial harm to a designated asset would require public benefits including the securement of an optimum viable use (MHCLG 2018, para:196). Impacts to the
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 2 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
significance of non-designated assets will require a balanced judgement based on the level of significance and the scale of harm (MHCLG 2018, para: 197), although non- designated assets which are of equivalent significance to designated assets will be considered as such (MHCLG 2018, page:56).
Local Policy
1.13 The site falls within the administrative boundary of Wiltshire. The Wiltshire Core Strategy, adopted in 2015, sets out the overarching policy framework for the county and in relation to the historic environment includes Core Policy 58: Ensuring the Conservation of the Historic Environment. In addition, the Wiltshire and Swindon Minerals Core Plan and the accompanying Minerals Development Control Policies adopted 2009) provide further guidance and principles for minerals development in the area. Specifically, policy MCS 1 (B): General Criteria for Guiding the Location of Minerals Development of the Minerals Core Plan and policy MDC7: The Historic Environment within the Minerals Development Control Policies Document are also applicable. The relevant policies are replicated below:
Core Policy 58: Ensuring the Conservation of the Historic Environment
Development should protect, conserve and where possible enhance the historic environment.
Designated heritage assets and their setting will be conserved, and where appropriate enhanced in a manner appropriate to their significance including:
i) Nationally significant archaeological remains;
ii) World Heritage Sites within and adjacent to Wiltshire;
iii) Buildings and structures of special architectural or historic interest;
iv) The special character and appearance of Conservation Areas;
v) Historic Parks and Gardens; and
vi) Important landscapes including registered battlefields and townscapes.
Distinctive elements of Wiltshire’s historic environment including non-designated heritage assets, which contribute to a sense of local character and identify, will be conserved, and where possible enhanced. The potential contribution of these heritage assets toward wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits will also be utilised where this can be delivered in a sensitive and appropriate
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 3 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
manner in accordance with Core Policy 57: Ensuring High Quality Design and Place Shaping.
MCS1 (B) Generic Criteria for Guiding the Location of Minerals Development
In all cases the process of identifying, appraising, designing and implementing proposals for new or extended sites for minerals extraction and/or recycling of construction and demolition wastes will be guided by the policies of the Minerals Core Strategy and other relevant DPDs and the following [Specific to the historic environment]:
• Likely effects on designated sites and other environmentally valuable features.
MDC7: The Historic Environment
In the interest of protecting the rich historic environment of Wiltshire and Swindon, proposals for minerals development will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated through a process of assessment that historic assets of archaeological of cultural heritage importance and their setting can be appropriately protected, enhanced and/or preserved.
Proposals affecting historic assets of known or potential archaeological importance must be accompanied by an appropriate archaeological evaluation. Based on the findings of the initial evaluation, preservation of nationally important remains in situ maybe necessary, or developers will be required to agree to a scheme of further archaeological mitigation prior to commencement of the development or as part of the overall development scheme.
In the interests of recording, preserving and future management of important archaeological features affected by a proposal, the Councils may seek contributions from the developer in the form of a legal agreement.
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 4 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
2 BASELINE INFORMATION
Geology and Topography of Site
2.1 The site comprises the south west corner of larger field used for arable purposes. The site is generally flat at a consistent level of c.145m AOD but rises very gently to the centre of the southern boundary to have a very subtle north facing and east facing aspect.
2.2 The solid geology of the site is recorded on the British Geological Survey as Forest Marble Formation – Limestone which was formed approximately 166 to 168 million years ago during the Jurassic Period. No superficial geology is recorded for the site. This deposit is acknowledged as being intermittent in occurrence within the wider area which is typically characterised by Greater Oolite groups of a similar Jurassic origin.
2.3 The nearest major watercourse, the River Avon, is located c7.2km to the west of the site. A small watercourse, Bybrook, is located c1.2km to the east at the base of the Bybrook Valley.
Archaeological Background
2.4 The Wiltshire Historic Environment Record was consulted for entries within the search area (taken as an area of approximately 1km radius from the Site boundary). Besides identifying heritage assets that may be directly or indirectly affected by the proposed development this search boundary was expected to provide sufficient data to represent the archaeological character of the area. Information on designated heritage assets was complimented by GIS information downloaded from Historic England (Historic England 2018).
Designated Heritage Assets
2.5 There are no designated heritage assets of an archaeological nature within the boundary of the site or within the 1km search area.
2.6 MOD Corsham Tunnel Quarry, a scheduled monument (NHLE Ref: 1409857), falls just outside of the 1km search area boundary. The wider MOD Corsham site, including the Tunnel Quarry complex is depicted on Figure 2 (DRG No ST16481-007) as HER Ref MW174173.
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 5 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Non-Designated Heritage Assets
2.7 The HER does not record any non-designated heritage assets within the boundary of the Site.
2.8 All non-designated heritage assets within the 1km search area are shown on Figures 1 (DRG No ST16481-008) and 2 (DRG No ST16481-007) and specified where relevant within the following text.
2.9 The asset in closest proximity to the site comprises a former WWII Operations Block at Rudloe Manor (HER Ref: MWI64170) which was part of the former RAF Rudloe complex. This asset is recorded approximately 550m to the north west of the site.
Previous Archaeological Work
2.10 The site has not been subject to previous archaeological fieldwork. Fieldwork undertaken in closest proximity to the site relates to housing proposals within the grounds of Rudloe Manor and the former RAF complex. A desk based assessment (DBA) was prepared by AC Archaeology in 2004 to determine the implications of the proposed redevelopment. The DBA found that extensive superficial disturbance associated with previous military activity would have limited the prospects of survival of any below-ground archaeological deposits or features (HER Ref: EWI7223). Subsequent archaeological evaluation by AC Archaeology in August 2007 confirmed widespread disturbance and consequently no evidence of archaeological deposits pre- dating the mid-20th Century were encountered (HER Ref: 7146).
2.11 As part of the Corsham Development Project c870m south east of the site archaeological investigation and evaluation comprising trial trenching and watching briefs of geotechnical investigations were undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in 2007. No archaeological features, deposits or artefactual material were recorded from the 16 trial trenches and 29 observed pits and geotechnical trenches (HER Ref: EWI6711).
2.12 To the east of the site just within the search area boundary, on land to the north of Bath Road, a magnetometry survey was undertaken (HER Ref: EWI7430). The survey identified former field boundaries and areas of ridge and furrow cultivation (HER Ref: MWI74428). Two possible pit features were also identified however these are outside of the search area (HER Ref: MWI74429). Subsequent evaluation undertaken as a condition to consent comprised the excavation of twenty trenches which revealed a number of small linear features of uncertain date, likely associated with land drainage.
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 6 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
One small pit containing pottery fragments of possible Neolithic date was also recorded (HER Ref: EWI8220).
2.13 Wessex Archaeology undertook a 1% predetermination trial trenching c920 east of the site 2000. One Iron Age posthole was recorded, the contents of which indicated arable cultivation and crop processing in the vicinity. Nine Roman ditches including cattle and sheep bones and a large amount of pottery were also recorded alongside evidence for a continuation of the crop processing into the Roman period.
General Historical Background
2.14 The previous fieldwork discussed above is presented below by period, in the context of other Historic Environment Records and documentary sources where relevant.
Prehistoric (up to 800BC)
2.15 The early prehistoric period (up to 8,000 BC) is characterised by cycles of climatic changes with glacial phases alternating with more temperate interglacial phases. These cycles coincided with phases of occupation and abandonment by hominins. Evidence for occupation of the landscape by subsistence groups is ephemeral, being limited to artefact evidence in the form of isolated find spots or stone tool assemblages, and/ or evidence in the palaeoenvironmental record.
2.16 There is no evidence for early prehistoric activity within the site or within the search area.
2.17 The Neolithic period in Britain (4,000 – 2,500BC) saw the change from highly mobile hunter-gatherer groups, to settled, farming communities. This period is generally characterised by large ceremonial and funerary monuments in the landscape, with settlement evidence fairly elusive and mainly interpreted from pits, middens, postholes and surface scatters.
2.18 The Bronze Age period (2,500 – 700BC) is characterised by a wetter, cooler climate and the introduction of metal working and new types of pottery and funerary traditions, the most common of which are forms of the round barrow.
2.19 Wiltshire is recognised as having significant prehistoric archaeology; The Stonehenge, Avebury, and Associated Sites World Heritage Site located c28 miles to the south east of the site is internationally important for its complexes of outstanding prehistoric monuments. The inscribed site comprises two areas of chalkland in Southern Britain within which complexes of Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial and funerary monuments and associated sites were built (Historic England).
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 7 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
2.20 There is no evidence for Neolithic activity within the boundary of the site however trial trenching approximately 1km to the east of the site recorded Neolithic pottery fragments from within a pit which could indicate temporary settlement activity within the landscape (HER Ref: EWI8220).
2.21 There is no evidence for Bronze Age activity within the boundary of the site or the search area.
Iron Age and Romano-British (800BC to 410AD)
2.22 In general, archaeological evidence for activity during the Iron Age period is less-well established, with physical remains becoming more tangible in the Romano-British period, with more substantial structures, new and varied material culture, and the improvement and/or formalisation of road infrastructure.
2.23 Whilst the HER does not record any evidence in the form of finds or features directly associated with occupation activity within the site fieldwork on the edge of the search area recorded evidence for Iron Age cultivation and crop processing which extended into the Roman period.
2.24 Furthermore, two undated enclosures (HER Refs: ST87SW606 and ST87SW612) to the south west of the site that may relate to Roman activity within the area.
Early Medieval (c.410 to 1066AD)
2.25 Archaeological evidence for the early medieval period within Britain has historically been sparse, with more reliance on documentary sources and place name evidence.
2.26 It is likely that occupation activity did extend into the search area or its vicinity during this period during to the proximity to the River Avon and to Corsham. Wansdyke, a major defensive bank and ditch lies to the south of Corsham and traditionally marked the boundary between the kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex (Wardell Armstrong, 2013).
Medieval (c.1066 to 1540AD)
2.27 There is no evidence for medieval activity within the site boundary however the wider area presents evidence of medieval activity and occupation and it is recorded that the settlement of Corsham, c2km to the east of the site is referenced in the Domesday survey (1086) as a large settlement of some seventy households with two mills, fifty five plough lands and two by two leagues of woodland (Wardell Armstrong, 2013).
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 8 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
2.28 A report on the history and structural development of Rudloe Manor (NHLE Ref: 1022808), located c500m to the north west of the site, by Rodwell (2004) suggests elements of the fabric of the stone barn (NHLE Ref: 1181903) to the south west of the main house, are similar to nearby barns which are dated as 14th Century, and it is possible the barn, in part, is the earliest structure on the Rudloe Manor site.
2.29 The manor of Rudloe is documented from the 13th Century (Rodwell, 2004). Evidence of medieval occupation of Rudloe Manor is presented in the north wing of the extant building where there remains a single chamber room with two-bay open roof with chamfered principal timbers and crenelated moulding to the lower purlins (Rodwell, 2004). This part of the building, which is stone faced, would have formed part of a larger house with medieval timbers from a demolished range reused in the 17th Century range. Rodwell suggests that the medieval works are associated with Thomas Tropenell who purchased the property in 1465.
2.30 The HER accounts the presence of two medieval settlements within the search area; to the south within the extant settlement of Rudloe (HER Ref: ST86NW468) which marks the site of Rudloe House, a medieval house now demolished, and to the north west, c900m, on the east facing valley side of the Bybrook Valley (HER Ref: ST87SW460) at Widdenham Farm which is believed to be a medieval farmstead.
2.31 To the south east, approximately c900m, the HER details a former Deer Park (HER Ref: ST87SE466) recorded in 1300 for the Earl of Cornwall suggesting lands within the wider area of the site were being managed and enclosed during this period.
Post Medieval (c.1540AD to 1935AD)
2.32 Typically, there are numerous records, including listed buildings, present within the search area dating from the mid-16th Century onwards including Rudloe Manor (NHLE Ref: 1022808) which was altered and extended in the late 17th Century by Thomas Goddard, who owned the adjacent Hartham Park (Historic England) (HER Ref ST87SE531). To the north east of the site, c900m, the complex of buildings around Upper Pickwick are recorded as being of 17th, 18th and 19th Century origins (HER Refs: MWI34477, MWI34476, MWI74447, MWI4446 AND MWI4478) demonstrative of the continued and adaptive occupation of this site which subsequently fell within the wider Hartham Estate associated with Hartham House.
2.33 Whilst there is no evidence for post-medieval activity recorded by the HER within the site it is evident that the site and the immediate surrounding area have been subject to management and enclosure from at least the early 19th Century.
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 9 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
2.34 The earliest mapping studied as part of this assessment were the Box and Corsham Parish Tithe Maps of 1837. At this time the site formed part of a larger field known as Ley Sands. The field was recorded as arable use and was owned by Henry Hall Joy and tenanted by William Robert Hulbert. Henry Hall Joy owned significant lands in the immediate area including the Hartham Estate (HER Ref: ST87SW613) and Hartham House (NHLE Ref: 1364019), located 2km to the north east of the site.
2.35 To the immediate south of the site, the south west half of Rudloe Firs fell within the Hartham Estate ownership and was recorded as ‘Bin Field and Plantation’ and tenanted by William Branning. The other half of the extant woodland to the south east of the site, was owned by William Brewer and comprised a house, garden and Box quarry.
2.36 The Corsham Parish Tithe Map depicts an eastern boundary however this does not appear to follow the line of the extant eastern boundary. Further, no internal division or enclosure of the site is depicted on the later Ordnance Survey Maps (see Appendix 1) suggesting the site formed part of a larger, open field system.
2.37 By the time of the first edition Ordnance Survey of 1889 (See Appendix 1) the area immediately surrounding the site had undergone change; most significantly is the enclosure of the road to the west of the site to create a private driveway to Hartham House and the associated erection of Foxfire Lodge (NHLE Ref: 1363593) and the entrances gates and screen (NHLE Ref: 1022809) to the driveway entrance to the south west of the site boundary.
2.38 The 1889 map also shows two entry routes from the driveway leading directly Rudloe Firs which appears to have expanded to include the south east half of the site which was, at the time of the Tithe survey, in separate ownership. The woodland is depicted as ‘Rudloe Firs’.
2.39 Within the wider search area, the expansion of limestone quarrying is marked from the late 18th Century onwards. Bath Stone had become a highly sought after building material and the opening of the Kennet and Avon canal in 1810, and the subsequent construction of the Great Western Railway in the 1840s, made the transportation of the stone to farther locations easier and cheaper, thereby increasing its popularity. Brunel's cutting of the Box Railway Tunnel, beside the village of Corsham, revealed a rich seam of high quality stone beneath the hills. The Corsham Mines, to the south east of the site were intensively worked by a number of companies from the mid-C19,
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 10 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
and in the 1870s the companies merged to form the Bath Stone Firms Ltd, later becoming the Bath & Portland Stone Company (Historic England).
Modern (Post 1935AD)
2.40 With growing threat of war in Europe in the mid-1930s the War Office acquired former limestone mines at Corsham to the south east of the site form The Bath & Portland Stone Company. Further quarries were also bought by 1937, in response to an increased need for anti-aircraft ammunition, and these were collectively known as Central Ammunition Depot (CAD) Corsham (Historic England). The mines were initially adapted by the Royal Engineers with Tunnel Quarry (NHLE Ref: 1409857) opening in 1938 as an ammunition depot. A signal centre was established in Tunnel Quarry in 1943.
2.41 In 1940, Browns Quarry was utilised as No. 10 Group Fighter Command Centre, and in 1943 industrial operations were undertaken in Spring Quarry under the Ministry of Aircraft Production (MAP).
2.42 The central area of Spring Quarry was completed in 1961 to operate as the central seat of Government during the survival and restoration phases of a nuclear attack threatened during the Cold War era. From 1979, part of the quarry complex was used by the RAF as Quarry Operations Centre (QOC) and the site was maintained through the 1980s until it was decommissioned in the early 1990s (Wardell Armstrong, 2013).
2.43 Rudloe Manor and its lands to the north west of the site were purchased in 1941 by the Air Ministry to serve as the headquarters for 10 Group Fighter Command (Rodwell, 2004). During the war, the upper floors of Hartham House, c.2km to the north east of the site, were used as dormitories for the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force who were employed at RAF Rudloe Manor (Corsham Civic Society, accessed 2018). Following the war, RAF Rudloe became the headquarters for RAF Provost and Security Services and Nos 1 and 1001 Signals Units before being sold in 2000 (Rodwell, 2004).
2.44 Other sites associated with 20th Century military uses are recorded to the east at Copenacre (HER Ref: MWI73496), where archaeological excavations associated with the Corsham Development Project were undertaken (HER Ref: EWI6711). This site was part of the former Joint Services Corsham and later became a Royal Navy Stores Depot. To the south of the site, opposite Rudloe Firs, a former Military Camp is recorded (HER Ref: MWI74174) which likely provided domestic accommodation associated with the extensive military operations at Rudloe and Corsham.
2.45 No evidence of WWII or post war military activity is recorded by the HER within the ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 11 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
boundary of the site.
Aerial Photographs
2.46 Due to the nature of the military operation of MOD Corsham to the south and south east of the site and RAF Rudloe to the north west, early aerial photographs that depict the site are not readily available.
Historic Landscape Characterisation
2.47 The Wiltshire County Council Landscape Character Assessment (Land Use Consultants, 2005) characterises the site as falling within the Malmesbury to Corsham Limestone Lowlands. The area is noted as predominantly rolling mixed pastoral and arable farmland in a pattern of large fields bounded by hedgerows with hedgerow trees (Land Use Consultants, 2005).
2.48 At a more detailed level, the Wiltshire and Swindon Historic Landscape Characterisation Project (2016) identifies the site to fall within the land character type of ‘Fields and Enclosed Land’. Fields are abundant comprising the most common landscape character type for the County accounting for 68.97% of the County equating to an area of 243,602ha (Sunley, 2016).
2.49 Specifically, the HER identifies the site within Historic Landscape Character Type: Re- organised Fields.
Hedgerows
2.50 In assigning a hedgerow as historic, paragraph 5 (a) of the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 reads “The hedgerow is recorded in a document held at the relevant date at a Record Office as an integral part of a field system pre-dating the Inclosure Acts”. The ‘relevant date’ is 1997 (the date of the Regulations). The latest Inclosure Act mentioned in the Short Titles Act 1896 was made in 1845. Therefore the phrase ‘pre-dating the Inclosure Acts’ should be taken to mean before 1845 (Defra 2002).
2.51 The maps assessed as part of this report include the Box and Corsham Parish Tithe Maps which date to 1837 and therefore depict boundaries which, if extant today, would be classified as historic. A review of hedgerows known to be extant and the Tithe Map indicates the presence of historic hedgerows along the western boundary of the site. The proposals would not affect the existing hedgerow, instead additional landscaping works proposed along the western boundary would supplement the hedgerow.
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 12 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Field Observations
2.52 A walkover survey of the site was undertaken in October 2018. Conditions were overcast and damp with light rain falling for the duration of the visit. Photographs taken during the site visit are included within Appendix 2 of this report to supplement descriptions and discussions.
2.53 The site was inspected to:
• review the presence of historic hedgerows;
• establish the presence of above ground archaeology, whether or not previously recorded;
• assess and validate data collected as part of the desk-based assessment; and to
• assess the topography of the Site.
2.54 The site forms the southern portion of a larger field that extends north of an established area of woodland, noted on Ordnance Survey mapping as ‘Rudloe Firs’, and the busy A4 Bath Road. The site is in arable use and has recently been ploughed. The site is enclosed along the southern and western boundary by trees and vegetation (Appendix 2, Plates 1 – 3). To the east the site is enclosed by a mix of hedgerow and post and wire fencing (Plates 5 and 6). This boundary is not depicted on the Corsham Parish Tithe Map of 1837, first appearing in its extant location on the 1926 Ordnance Mapping (Appendix 1).
2.55 To the north, the site area is open forming part of a larger field. To the north and west this larger field is bound by trees and hedgerows which appeared to form part of larger plantations (Plates 5, 14, 15 and 17).
2.56 The site presents a very small undulation to its centre which is most perceptible from the south east and south west corners (Plates 4 and 7).
2.57 The site shares no boundaries with public highways; it is physically separated and screened from Bath Road by Rudloe Firs woodland (Plates 1 - 3). Within the woodland, enclosed behind high, palisade metal fencing is Rudloe Water Treatment Works. Vehicular access into the woodland area and the water works is available from a layby to the of the north of the A4.
2.58 To the south east of the site area, the adjacent field extends southwards to Bath Road where a Bath stone boundary wall encloses the field from the adjacent footpath and
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 13 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Bath Road. The adjacent field has a gentle incline in topography which allows for distant views outwards towards Pickwick and Corsham beyond (Plate 6).
2.59 Metal estate fencing was observed along the southern boundary between site and the Rudloe Firs woodland area, however much of this has been displaced or has fallen and no longer provides a physical boundary between the two areas (Plate 18). A means of enclosure between the site and Rudloe Firs is depicted on both the Box and Corsham Parish Tithe Surveys of 1837. The boundary is now mostly defined by sapling trees interspersed with some vegetation. There is no consistent hedgerow boundary (Plate 19).
2.60 To the west the site boundary comprises hedgerow with hawthorn and holly present. The hedge boundary is dispersed becoming less dense as it extends northwards. Trees and vegetation are well established behind the hedging on a wide verge that enclosed the historic driveway to Hartham Park and more recently enclosing an access route to the former RAF Rudloe base which was located to the north west of the site (Plate 20). The hedgerow boundary is supplemented with concrete post and wire fencing, likely associated with RAF Rudloe.
2.61 Map regression did not identify any features of archaeological interest on the site and no features of interest are present above ground within site, for example no earthworks indicative of ridge and furrow are present although their former presence cannot be ruled out. Mechanical ploughing trenches dominated the surface structure indicative of an intense arable regime which could have affected earthworks.
2.62 Small fragments of naturally occurring Bath stone are frequent across the surface of the site being smaller and more numerous within the ploughed area where they have been subject to plough action (Plates 10 and 11). Fragments are generally more prevalent to the eastern half of the site however fragments extend across the whole site area. Larger fragments are present around the site perimeter where machinery has not impacted upon them to the same extent and where they may have been manually extracted from centre of the site (Plates 12 and 13).
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 14 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
3 IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS
3.1 Proposed development within the boundary of the site has the potential to cause direct impacts to unknown, buried non-designated heritage assets. Direct impacts would be caused by ground disturbance.
3.2 The heritage interests of potential receptors are described below. Interests are described in accordance with NPPF terminology; archaeological, architectural, historic or artistic. The importance of given interests will also be cited in accordance with the methodology presented in Appendix 3. Appendix 3 also describes the methodology for assessing the magnitude of impact and the overall significance of impact.
Construction Impacts
3.3 Ground disturbance would have the potential to disturb known and potential non- designated heritage assets of an archaeological nature within the boundary of the Site. The significance of this impact is presented below.
Table 1: Potential Construction Impacts Receptor Interest and Significance of Interest Magnitude of Impact Significance of Impact Physical impact to heritage assets Unknown Whilst a potential for prehistoric activity Worst case scenario = Major Slight adverse buried cannot be ruled out, remains if present would remains most likely be restricted to transient activity, there being no evidence for permanent settlement for funerary activity evidenced elsewhere within the wider region.
Likewise, Iron Age and Roman British activity is possible although if present it is most likely to be agricultural in nature, peripheral to settlement focused elsewhere.
Similarly, medieval and post-medieval activity is most likely to be associated with agricultural activity although localised quarrying may also have occurred within the site boundary.
Remains if present are likely to be of low (local) importance, there being no evidence
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 15 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Table 1: Potential Construction Impacts Receptor Interest and Significance of Interest Magnitude of Impact Significance of Impact Physical impact to heritage assets to indicate the presence of remains of high importance. Historic This land type is dominated by modern fields The proposal would affect a Neutral to slight Landscape but may have been associated with the small part of the field in adverse Type: Re- manor of Rudloe and latterly Hartham Park which the site is located. organised before its enclosure within the Hartham Magnitude of impact = Fields Estate in 19th Century; the park is not shown Minor on the Tithe Survey Map of 1837 and is therefore a late post-medieval feature of the landscape. It is of low importance.
The 1st Edition Six inch Ordnance Survey map shows a fairly open area of land with some ornamental plantations to replace quarries.
The enclosure to the eastern boundary of site is not depicted until 1926 Ordnance Survey map.
The site is not unique in its landscape characterisation type with fields and enclosures accounting for nearly 70% of land type within the county.
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 16 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
4 MITIGATION
4.1 In this instance the ‘field evaluation’ referred to within paragraph 189 of the NPPF is not considered necessary at the predetermination stage; it being reasonably assumed that if evaluation was a pre-requisite of all applications potentially affecting archaeological remains then this would be expressly stated within the policy. It is not. On this basis the ‘where necessary’ should be applied proportionally, most likely being required on site’s where remains of potential high importance could be located which could preclude development. On the baseline presented here there is no evidence to indicate the presence of remains of national importance.
4.2 In reference to the above the Planning Practice Guidance (2018) accompanying the NPPF clarifies:
Where an initial assessment indicates that the site on which development is proposed includes or has potential to include heritage assets with archaeological interest, applicants should be required to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation. However, it is estimated following an initial assessment of archaeological interest only a small proportion – around 3% – of all planning applications justify a requirement for detailed assessment. Paragraph: 040 Reference ID: 18a-040-20140306
4.3 It is anticipated that archaeological fieldwork, if it is required, could be undertaken as a condition to consent and undertaken as mitigation works, as a phased programme if considered necessary, undertaken in accordance with a Written Scheme of Investigation prepared in consultation with the Wiltshire Council Planning Archaeologist. This would be reasonable and proportionate in reflection of the information presented within the baseline date which indicates that there is no evidence to indicate the presence of remains within the boundary of the site which would preclude development.
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 17 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
5 CONCLUSIONS
5.1 Baseline information was gathered from the Wiltshire Historic Environment Record, Historic England data sets, Wiltshire and Swindon Local History Centre and a site walkover survey.
5.2 It has been established that there are no designated or non-designated heritage assets of an archaeological nature within the boundary of the site or within its vicinity which would be affected by construction or operational impacts; the proposed development would not result in physical impact to known designated or non-designated heritage assets of an archaeological nature.
5.3 With regards to unknown remains, there is no evidence to indicate the presence of archaeological remains within the boundary of the site which would be of greater than low to medium importance. As such there is no evidence to reasonably indicate the potential for the presence of archaeological remains which would preclude development. Therefore, it is anticipated that no further works are required at this stage.
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 18 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
6 BIBLIOGRAPHY Documentary Sources
• British Geology Service (2017) Geology of Britain viewer: Available http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html
• CIfA (2014) Standards and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment, Reading: Chartered Institute for Archaeologists
• DCLG. (2014) Planning Practice Guidance
• Defra. (2002) Amendment to the Hedgerow Regulations 1997: A guide to the law and good practice – amendment 2002
• Highways Agency (2007) Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume 11, Section 3, Part 2
• Historic England. (2018) National Heritage List for England downloadable GIS data
• Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. (2018) National planning policy framework
• Rodwell, K. A (2004) The History and Structural Development of Rudloe Manor, Box, Wiltshire
• Wardell Armstrong (2013) Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Initial Constraints Report (Report ST13466/RPT-005)
Cartographic Sources
• Ordnance Survey Maps 1889 onwards
• Tithe Map for Box and Corsham Parishes
ST16481/ARCH-001 Page 19 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Appendix 1 Historic Maps
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Appendix 1: Historic Maps
Map 1 – Copy of the 1837 Corsham Parish Tithe Map. Red star indicates centre of the site
Map 2 – Copy of the 1837 Box Parish Tithe Map. Red star indicates centre of the site
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Map 3 – Copy of the 1889 (Six Inch) Ordnance Survey Map. Red star indicates centre of the centre of site
Map 4 – Copy of the 1901 (Six Inch) Ordnance Survey Map. Red star indicates centre of the site
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Map 5 – Copy of 1926 (Six Inch) Ordnance Survey Map. Red star indicates the centre of the site
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Appendix 2 Plates
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Appendix 2: Plates
Plate 1 – View south east across site towards southern boundary. Trees of Rudloe Firs to background, slight incline to the east observable.
Plate 2 – View south towards south west corner of the site. Hedgerow to west boundary to right of image
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Plate 3 – View east across the site. Southern boundary to the right image. Plough tracks through the centre of site
Plate 4- View east across site.
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Plate 5 – View north along east boundary.
Plate 6 – Post and rail boundary to the east of the site with adjacent pasture land beyond. Stone wall to A4 Box Road to background.
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Plate 7 – View west across site towards the western boundary.
Plate 8 – View west across the centre of the site.
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Plate 9 – View south
Plate 9 – Plough tracks typical across the site
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Plate 10 (above) and 11 (below) – Typical stone fragments observed within the ploughed area of the site
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Plate 12 (above) and 13 (below) – Larger stone fragments observed to site perimeter
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Plate 14 – View north across site
Plate 15 – View north across the site
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Plate 16 – View south across the centre of the site, stone fragments to visible to foreground of image
Plate 17 – View north east across the site
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Plate 18 – Southern boundary between Rudloe Firs and site with former estate fencing
Plate 19 – Southern boundary between site and Rudloe Firs
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Plate 20 – Western boundary between site and former driveway to Hartham Park and RAF Rudloe
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Appendix 3 Impact Assessment Methodology
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Appendix 3: Impact Assessment Methodology
In ascribing levels of importance to heritage assets, the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume II, Section 3, Part 2 (Highways Agency 2007) has been used, see Table 1 below.
The magnitude of impact is measured from the condition that would prevail in a ‘do nothing’ scenario and it is assessed without regard to the importance of the receptor (Highways Agency 2007).
Heritage assets are susceptible to numerous forms of development during the construction process and as a consequence of the operational life of the proposed development. These can be either direct (physical) impacts or indirect (non-physical) impacts.
The worst magnitude of impact would be complete physical removal of the heritage asset. In some instances it is possible to discuss percentage loss when establishing the magnitude of impact. However complex receptors will require a much more sophisticated approach (Highways Agency 2007).
In ascribing the magnitude of impact, guidance presented in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume II, Section 3, Part 2 (Highways Agency 2007) has been used, see Table 2 below.
The significance of impact is devised by cross referencing the importance of the receptor with the magnitude of the impact, see Table 3. The impacts which are in grey are considered significant impacts which would constitute substantial harm.
References
• Department for Communities and Local Government. (2014) Planning Practice Guidance • English Heritage. (2012 revision) PPS5 Planning for the Historic Environment: historic environment practice guide • Highways Agency. (2007) Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume 11, Section 3, Part 2 • Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. (2018) National planning policy framework
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Table 1: Establishing the importance of a heritage asset Importance Heritage Asset Archaeological Remains (Archaeological Interest) Very High • WHS • Other Sites of acknowledged international importance • Sites that can contribute significantly to acknowledged international research objectives High • Scheduled Ancient Monuments • Undesignated Sites of schedulable quality and importance • Sites that can contribute significantly to acknowledged national research objectives Medium • Undesignated assets that contribute to regional research objectives Low • undesignated assets of local importance • Assets compromised by poor preservation and/or poor survival of contextual associations • Assets of limited value, but with potential to contribute to local research objectives Negligible • Assets with very little or no surviving archaeological interest Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume II, Section 3, Part 2 (Highways Agency 2007)
Table 2: Establishing the magnitude of impact Magnitude Heritage Asset of Impact Archaeological Remains (Archaeological Interest)
Major • Change to most or all key archaeological materials, such that the resource is totally altered • Comprehensive changes to setting OR* • Loss of resource and/or quality and integrity of source; severe damage to key characteristics, features or elements (adverse) • Large scale of major improvement of resource quality; extensive restoration or enhancement of attribute quality (beneficial) Moderate • Changes to many key archaeological materials, such that the resource is clearly modified • Considerable changes to setting that affect the character of the asset OR* • Loss of resource, but not adversely affecting the integrity; partial loss of/damage to key characteristics, features or elements (adverse) • Benefit to, or addition of, key characteristics, features or elements; improvement or attribute quality (beneficial) Minor • Changes to key archaeological materials, such that the asset is slightly altered • Slight changes to setting OR* • Some measurable change in attributes, qualities or vulnerability; minor loss of, or alteration to, one (maybe more) key characteristics, features or elements (adverse)
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
Table 2: Establishing the magnitude of impact Magnitude Heritage Asset of Impact Archaeological Remains (Archaeological Interest)
• Minor benefit to, or addition of, one (maybe more) key characteristics, features or elements; some beneficial impact on attribute or a reduced risk of negative impact occurring (beneficial) Negligible • Very minor changes to archaeological materials OR* • Very minor loss or detrimental alteration to one or more characteristics, features or elements (adverse) • Very minor benefit or positive addition to one or more characteristics, features or elements (beneficial) No change No change Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume II, Section 3, Part 2 (Highways Agency 2007) and * Volume II, Section 2, Part 5 (Highways England 2008)
Table 3: Establishing the significance of impact Very Neutral Slight Moderate/large Large or very Very large High large High Neutral Slight Moderate/slight Moderate/large Large/very large Medium Neutral Neutral/slight Slight Moderate Moderate/large Low Neutral Neutral/slight Neutral/slight Slight Slight/moderate IMPORTANCE IMPORTANCE Negligible Neutral Neutral Neutral/slight Neutral/slight Slight No change Negligible Minor Moderate Major MAGNITUDE OF IMPACT Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume II, Section 3, Part 2 (Highways Agency 2007)
In some cases the significance of impact is shown as being one of two alternatives. In these cases a single description should be decided upon with reasoned judgement for that level of significance chosen.
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
DRAWINGS
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019
THE BATH STONE COMPANY HARTHAM MINE ENTRANCE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
ST16481/ARCH-001 AUGUST 2019