Report Template

nps archaeology

2016/1060

The Common, Freethorpe, Norfolk, NR13 3NT

Archaeological Monitoring

Prepared for: Wellington Construction Ltd

Planning Ref: 20142083

HER: ENF 138348

August 2016 nps archaeology

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Job Number 01-04-16-2-1060

Overview Insert name

Draft Robby Copsey 27-07-2016

Graphics David Dobson 28-07-2016

Edit Peter Crawley 03-08-2016

Review Andrew Crowson 05-08-2016

Issue 1

Robby Copsey, BA, MA Author

Disclaimer This document has been prepared in good faith on the basis of information available at the date of publication without any independent verification for the exclusive use and benefit of the named client and for the sole purpose for which it is provided. NPS Archaeology does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or currency of the content of this document nor its usefulness in achieving any purpose. This document is not intended to nor should it be relied upon by any third party. NPS Archaeology accepts no responsibility nor liability should this document be used for any alternative purpose other than for which it is intended nor to any third party. NPS Archaeology will not be liable for any loss, damage, cost, or expense incurred or arising by reason of any person using or relying on information in this document.

nps archaeology Scandic House 85 Mountergate Norwich NR1 1PY

T 01603 756150 F 01603 756190 E [email protected] W nau.nps.co.uk

Contents Summary ...... 1 Introduction...... 2 Project Background ...... 2 Planning Background ...... 2 Geology and Topography ...... 4 Geology ...... 4 Topography ...... 4 Archaeological and Historical Background ...... 5 Sources ...... 5 HER data ...... 5 Previous archaeological investigations ...... 6 Cartographic Evidence ...... 6 Methodology ...... 8 General ...... 8 Objectives ...... 8 Methods ...... 8 Archive ...... 8 Results ...... 10 Discussion ...... 14 Acknowledgements ...... 15 Bibliography and Sources ...... 16 Appendix 1: Context Summary ...... 17 Appendix 2: Historical Periods ...... 17 Appendix 3: OASIS Report Summary ...... 18 Appendix 4: Archaeological Specification ...... 22

nps archaeology Archaeological Monitoring – The Common, Freethorpe

Figures Figure 1 Site location with HER data Figure 2 Location of monitoring Plots and evaluation trenches Figure 3 Section drawings

Plates Plate 1 General view of the site, looking northeast Plate 2 Plot 5–6, ditch 06, looking northwest

Tables Table 1 Site archive quantification nps archaeology Archaeological Monitoring – The Common, Freethorpe

Client: Wellington Construction Ltd Location: The Common, Freethorpe, Norfolk. District: Broadland Planning Reference: 20142083 Grid Reference: TG 40096 05046 HER No.: ENF 138348 OASIS ID: norfolka1-258941 Dates of Fieldwork: 25 January–27 July 2016

Summary NPS Archaeology was commissioned by Wellington Construction Ltd to carry out archaeological monitoring during groundworks for a residential scheme at The Common, Freethorpe, Norfolk, NR13 3NT (TG 40096 05046). The planned development was to consist of the construction of 11 dwellings, garages and parking areas. Situated between Freethorpe and Southwood, the surrounding land contains evidence of human activity from the prehistoric–post-medieval periods, as demonstrated by field survey and metal detecting finds, cropmarks recorded from aerial photographs, and standing buildings situated within 1km of the site. Monitoring took place between 25 January–27 July 2016 for Plots 1-6, and 10–11, plus two soakaways and service trenches. One undated pit was recorded in an electric service trench in the northeast of the site. A ditch was recorded, orientated northwest–southeast running through Plots 10–11 and Plots 5–6. Given the location and dimensions of the ditch, it is likely to relate to (previously unrecorded) cropmarks, and a ditch excavated by an earlier archaeological evaluation. No dating evidence was recovered

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nps archaeology Archaeological Monitoring – The Common, Freethorpe

INTRODUCTION

Project background 1 NPS Archaeology was commissioned and funded by Wellington Construction Ltd to conduct archaeological monitoring at The Common, Freethorpe, Norfolk. 2 Located on the south side of a road known as The Common, between Southwood and Freethorpe (TG 40096 05046), the site is approximately 0.41ha in extent. 3 The proposed development consists of the construction of 11 dwellings, garages, parking spaces and associated amenities. 4 The archaeological monitoring took place from 25 January–27 July 2016. 5 A number of cropmarks and earthworks have been revealed by aerial photographs, suggesting that the site is in an area of considerable archaeological interest. 6 A probable Iron Age, or Roman, road and coaxial field system is indicated from cropmarks to the southeast and east of the site. This is interspersed with more recent medieval and post-medieval field boundaries. The remains of the shrunken medieval settlement of Southwood lie to the east, and nearby fields show medieval or post-medieval enclosures. Others have been identified as possible Bronze Age barrows or hut circles, whilst those in the northwest have been identified as probable Roman field systems. Previously unrecorded cropmarks are visible on 2006 Google Earth imagery, indicating that features of archaeological interest are present closer to the development site. 7 An archaeological evaluation on the site in 2015 (Bryant-Buck 2015) excavated five trial trenches and exposed three linear features, one of which was cut by a probable ditch. No dating evidence was recovered. 8 New data from Google Earth, not available at the time of the evaluation, indicated further cropmarks were likely to be present on the site.

Planning background 9 The current work was undertaken to fulfil planning requirements set by Broadland District Council (20142083) and a generic Brief issued by Norfolk County Council Historic Environment Service (NCCHES) (Hamilton 2012). The work was conducted in accordance with a Written Scheme of Investigation prepared by NPS Archaeology (Bryant-Buck 2016/1060). 10 The programme of work was designed to assist in defining the character and extent of any archaeological remains within the proposed development area, following guidelines set out in National Planning Policy Framework (Department for Communities and Local Government 2012). 11 The recipients of this report will be Wellington Construction Ltd, Norfolk County Council Historic Environment Service and Broadland District Council.

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Cantley Sugar Factory Cucumber Corner

BM 4.29m Conveyors Chimney Cucumber Corner El Sub Sta Pp

BM 5.95m

Drain

Pond Drain 0

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Def Drain House Pump

Drain Track Tank Tank Tank

Drain 6.0m

Drain

Drain Pond MP 10.5

Drain Path (um) Settling Basins 1.8m

18.8m Drain 55982 Settling Basins Pit Primrose Grove 1.22m RH

Lyndhurst Farm Drain

Drain BM 18.57m Pond

Drain CarrSpong

Drain Drain

GP Drain 1.22m RH BM 1.23m 44776 Drain 7.3m

Drain

Drain Drain

Drain Pond Def Settling Basins

10281 Path (um)

Pit GP Drain Spong Carr Drain Drain

Pond 1.22m RH 1.22m ED & Ward Bdy Ward & ED

Drain Grave Yard St Edmund's Church

Drain Drain Wood Farm Pond Bleak Lodge

Drain 8.9m

Pond Figure 1. Site location with selected HER data. Scale 1:7500 Path (um) Path

Drain RH 1.22m Pond 6.8m

14.1m Drain

Drain Drain

FB Drain ED & Ward Bdy 51311

1.22m RH Drain Pond Pond

8.6m

Drain Drain 53962 1.1m

1.22m RH 10.2m GP Pond Track 11.23m

Drain BM

Drain Cantley View Farm Path (um) Pond 53962 GP

15.9m BM 9.36m 12986 Def

Track

Track Drain GP 9.4m

Drain 9.8m Pond Pond Drain

Drain BM 0.96m 14.4m St Botolph's Church

Farm Marsh GP Limpenhoe GP

1.22m RH BM 10.13m The Common

Drain Drain Pond BM 16.00m Hall Farm Southwood 500m ENF138348 Hall 49616 Pond 16.1m ED & Ward Bdy GP

1.2m Drain Pond

Church Farm Track TCB

Drain FB LB Pond Southwood Hall

Ponds 9.9m

Farm Oaks Track

Def

Track

Track Oakhurst 10.9m Southwood House

Pond

Drain Path (um) Path 6096

Pond LBGP RH 1.22m Path (um) 16.7m Low Farm 5.9m Ash Tree Farm 1.1m 16.8m

Und Path (um) Hall Farm Cottages CR

Path (um) ED & Ward Bdy BM 15.81m

2.3m

1.22m RH 1.22m

Water RH

Pond Und

Und ED & Ward Bdy Ward & ED 1.22m RH 8.9m 1.22m RH 16.0m Def 14.8m CR GP (um) Path

Def Und CR 5.1m

BM 6.89m 1.22m RH

ED & Ward Bdy BM 17.38m

Methodist Church Def Path (um) Path Limpenhoe

10.7m

1.22m RH 1.22m Und GP 6.1m Cottages Manor Farm 13.1m 49381

ED & Ward Bdy 1.22m RH 1.22m

Path (um) BM 14.67m St Mary's Church 14.7m 59688

15.2m Drain 21818

1.22m RH Track 1.22m RH

GP Moat Drain GP

Pond

Track CR

15.7m ED & Ward Bdy Ward & ED

Freethorpe El Sub Sta Sub El

Track

GP CR 13.6m

14.15mBM Track Def 11841

GP Track RH 1.22m 13.2m LB Def Track

Drain 9.2m

Def GP

ED & Ward Bdy ED & Ward Bdy

Def Def Freethorpe Methodist Church 49396 50299 BM 12.24m Oak Lower Green Farm

All Saints' Church

Church Reservoir Farm RH 1.22m GP Pond

El Sub Sta

Drain Pond Und Und 1.22m RH 8.3m

PO Def El Sub Sta Pump House

Garage Und

10.5m GP Pumping Station

Freethorpe 1.22m RH

Drain

39770 RH 1.22m Drain

1.22m CB 1.22m

1.22m CB 1.22m Def Und

1.22m RH 1.22m CR

Drain Drain Freethorpe Def

1.22m CB

Drain Oxpit Farm Mast

Def Und BM 8.27m

Drain 1.22m RH Pond Def Pond Pond PH Pond

Manor House 11.6m CD

Track

Shelter TCB Drain Pond GP

1.22m RH Track N Track Bowling Green

Courts Tennis 15.2m Drain Freethorpe County Play Area Manor House

Primary School Telephone Exchange

Village Hall Freethorpe Def Pond nps archaeology Archaeological Monitoring – The Common, Freethorpe

GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY

Geology 12 The bedrock of the proposed development area at Freethorpe consists of Crag Group sand and gravel. This sedimentary bedrock was formed in the Quaternary and Neogene periods, circa 0–5mya in a former environment dominated by shallow seas. The bedrock was produced by the deposition of silt, mud, sand and gravel (British Geological Survey 2016). 13 Superficial deposits above the bedrock are predominantly Happisburgh Glacigenic Formation Diamicton. These formed in the Quaternary period, up to 3mya, when the local area was shaped by glacial conditions, with glaciers depositing moraines of till, and sand and gravel being deposited by outwash and post-glacial meltwaters (British Geological Survey 2016). 14 The topsoil (01) was mid-pale brown sandy silt c. 0.50m deep, although in some areas the topsoil had been removed completed. The subsoil was c. 0.15m-0.05m deep, light brown sandy silt (02).

Topography 15 The development site lies within the Broadland parish of Freethorpe, on the boundary with Cantley, within which Southwood is located. 16 Freethorpe lies c. 8km southwest of Great Yarmouth. The parish covers an area of 9.5km². Southwood is a hamlet lying 1km to the west, and is represented by a deserted medieval settlement with only the church surviving. 17 At the time of the work, the site was undeveloped land, overgrown with grass and scrub. It is bordered on all sides by hedges, trees and shrubs, with access from The Common on the north side. Housing developments can be seen on the north side of the road and to the southeast. 18 The site measures approximately 0.41ha in extent and is approximately rectangular. It lies at a height of c. 16.00m OD.

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nps archaeology Archaeological Monitoring – The Common, Freethorpe

ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Sources 19 The primary source for archaeological evidence in the county of Norfolk is the Norfolk County Council Historic Environment Record (HER), which details archaeological discoveries and sites of historical interest. In order to characterise the likely archaeological potential of the proposed development site, HER record data was purchased from Norfolk Historic Environment Services (NHES) for a 1km radius of TG 40092 05044. 20 The NHER record returned 40 individual records, including many cropmarks of Bronze Age ring ditches, Iron Age and or Roman field systems, medieval and post- medieval boundaries, and the Southwood deserted medieval village. Several extant post-medieval houses and manors survive in the area, as well as two medieval churches; All Saints at Freethorpe, and the ruined church of St Edmund in Southwood. Recorded finds range from prehistoric flint flakes to Roman keys and medieval metalwork. 21 Readily accessible historical cartography evidence was consulted online. 22 A table listing dates for the archaeological and historical periods described in this report is provided in Appendix 2.

HER data 23 The HER data that are most relevant to the current work are referenced and summarised below, along with details of previous archaeological work in the vicinity. The information presented that is sourced from Norfolk Historic Environment Record remains copyright of Norfolk County Council Historic Environment Service. Prehistoric 24 There is evidence for prehistoric activity in the area surrounding the site. Field walking, between 2006 and 2011 recovered several Neolithic/Early Bronze Age flint scrapers (NHER 51311). In addition, field walking in 2008 recovered a Neolithic/Bronze Age flint flake (NHER 55982). 25 The Bronze Age presence in the area is emphasised by three Bronze Age ring ditches (NHER 49380). Cropmarks, visible on aerial photographs to the northwest, illustrate a probable Bronze Age barrow in the same field (NHER 49616) and a trackway north of Southwood Road (NHER 49616). Iron Age/Roman 26 The HER entries indicate an Iron Age and/or Roman presence around Freethorpe and Southwood. 27 The surrounding land has seen extensive agricultural use, which can be seen in a multitude of cropmarks around Southwood; this is indicative of Late Iron Age– Roman field systems (NHER 11841, 49381 and 49396). 28 To the immediate southeast of the site, the remains of a possible Iron Age or Roman farmstead are evident in aerial photographs (NHER 49382), as well as extensive Roman coaxial field systems (NHER 6096).

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nps archaeology Archaeological Monitoring – The Common, Freethorpe

29 Roman pottery sherds have been recovered from a site c. 1km away from the development (NHER 51311). 30 A possible Roman villa has been identified an estimated 1km to the north (NHER 21762). A second possible villa site can be found some 300m to the southwest of the site (NHER 10270). 31 Roman coins and bronze brooches have been recovered from several locations (NHER 51309 and 53962). 32 In 2013, a metal detecting survey recovered a Late Iron Age gold coin dating from 100BC– AD42 (NHER 59688). Anglo-Saxon/medieval 33 Trackways, field boundaries (NHER 21818), and farm buildings are either visible on aerial photographs or still stand in the two adjacent villages. 34 The HER records reveal the extent of the medieval presence in the area, particularly in the record of finds produced by field walking or metal detecting. These finds include industrial artefacts and those relating to settlement, such as medieval seal matrices, weights and cloth seals (NHER 44776), buckles, coins and pottery (NHER 53962 and 55982). 35 It is also worth noting that Southwood was at one point a much larger settlement. This is evident by the ruins of St Edmund’s church (NHER 10281), and surrounding cropmarks showing the extent of the deserted medieval village (NHER 12986). Conversely, the Norman-era church of All Saints is still in use in Freethorpe to the east of the site. 36 Both Southwood and Freethorpe are mentioned in the Domesday Survey in 1086, indicating that the villages have Anglo-Saxon origins. Post-medieval 37 Settlement in the area continued into the present day, with several 18th- and 19th- century buildings surviving nearby, including The Green (NHER 39770), Southwood Hall, Walpole's Almshouses at 40–44, and the Old Post Office, among others. 38 Metal detecting in the area has recovered coins, tokens, buckles and rings (NHER 44776). Furthermore, a continuation of agricultural land use is evident through probable 18th-century field systems, though these are difficult to distinguish from the earlier, medieval boundaries (NHER 21818).

Previous archaeological investigations 39 An archaeological evaluation conducted by NPS in October 2015 (Bryant-Buck 2015) excavated five trial trenches and exposed three linear features, one of which was cut by a probable ditch. No archaeological finds or other dating evidence was recovered were recovered. 40 A watching brief conducted by Norfolk Archaeological Unit in April 2007 revealed no finds or features at The Green, a road which adjoins The Common.

Cartographic evidence 41 The 1886 Ordnance Survey map and the 1840s Tithe map illustrate that the site once lay within a tree-lined field, with The Common running alongside the north of

Page 6 nps archaeology Archaeological Monitoring – The Common, Freethorpe the field (Norfolk County Council 2016). The tree-lined borders were removed by the time of the 1905 Ordnance Survey map. Until the housing developments shown in Ordnance Survey maps between 1972 and 1988, no further changes are evident (Norfolk County Council 2016).

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nps archaeology Archaeological Monitoring – The Common, Freethorpe

METHODOLOGY

General 42 Methodology for the monitoring followed the agreed Written Scheme of Investigation (Bryant-Buck 2016), where the mitigation strategy for the works is presented in full (Appendix 4). 43 Archaeological procedures conformed to guidelines issued by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA 2014a) and the monitoring was conducted within the context of the relevant regional archaeological framework (Medlycott 2011).

Objectives 44 The objective of the watching brief was to determine as far as reasonably possible the presence or absence, location, nature, extent, date, quality, condition and significance of any surviving archaeological deposits within the development area.

Methods 45 The Brief required that monitoring be carried out during all excavation works for the residential scheme. 46 Machine excavation was carried out by a hydraulic 360˚ excavator with a variety of buckets depending upon the purpose of the work. All mechanical excavation was constantly and directly monitored by a suitably experienced archaeologist. Machining was halted at the first identifiable archaeological deposits. 47 All trench surfaces revealed by machine were hand-cleaned and any archaeological deposits were excavated by hand. 48 Spoil, exposed surfaces and features were scanned with a metal-detector. All metal- detected and hand-collected finds, other than those that were evidently modern, were retained for examination. All retained finds were identified by context number to a specific deposit and were processed and recorded in line with relevant guidelines for archaeological finds (CIfA 2014b). 49 All archaeological features and deposits were recorded using NPS Archaeology pro forma. Trench locations, plans and sections were recorded at appropriate scales. Monochrome 35mm negatives and digital photographs were taken of all relevant archaeological features and deposits where appropriate. 50 Site conditions were good and the work took place in predominantly cold and overcast weather. 51 All site work was undertaken with respect to Health and Safety provision. Hard hats, high-visibility vests and steel toe-capped boots were worn by all staff at all times.

Archive 52 The site archive is currently held at the offices of NPS Archaeology. Upon completion of the project, the documentary archive will be prepared and indexed following guidelines obtained from the relevant Museum and relevant national guidelines (CIfA 2014c). The archive, consisting of all paper elements created during recording of the archaeological site, including digital material, will be deposited with Norfolk Museums Service.

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nps archaeology Archaeological Monitoring – The Common, Freethorpe

53 Subject to written consent and donation by the landowner, all archaeological finds recovered by the current work will be deposited with Norfolk Museums Service. 54 A summary form of the results of this project has been completed for Online Access to the Index of archaeological investigations (OASIS) under the reference norfolka1- 208916 (Appendix 3), and this report will be uploaded to the OASIS database. 55 The contents of the site archive is summarised in Table 1. Item No. Contexts 13 Files/paper record sheets 1/34 Plan and section sheets 5 Photographs Digital: 37; 35mm monochrome: 9 Finds 0

Table 1. Site archive quantification

Plate 1. General view of the site, looking northeast

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nps archaeology Archaeological Monitoring – The Common, Freethorpe

RESULTS Plots 1–4 56 No archaeological finds or features were recovered from Plots 1–4. 57 The 2015 evaluation recorded a northwest–southeast orientated ditch to the northeast of Plots 1 and 2 in Trench 5. The ditch is perhaps the same feature recorded by evaluation Trench 2, but was not seen during the monitoring within the boundary of the house plots. 58 Dark yellowish orange natural sand 03 was recorded in all four Plots at a depth of 0.50m. Overlaying this was c. 0.15m of light brown sandy silt subsoil 02. The topsoil 01 was of mid-pale brown sandy silt c. 0.35m–0.50m deep. Plots 5–6 59 A linear ditch was recorded in three sections 04, 06, 08, running northwest– southeast through the north side of Plots 5–6. The ditch was 0.47m deep x 1.26m wide x over 10m long, extending past both the west and east boundaries of Plots 5– 6. The ditch had a single fill of pale greyish brown, compact silty sand. The ditch cut the natural geological sands 03. 60 No finds were recovered from the ditch.

Plate 2. Plots 5–6, ditch 06, looking northwest

Plots 10–11 61 A linear ditch 10 was recorded running northwest–southeast across the south side of Plots 10–11. The ditch measured 0.25m deep x 1.50m wide x more than 10m long. It is believed that the same feature was located by the 2015 evaluation in Trench 2 c. 10m to the southeast, and that it represents a continuation of the feature recorded in Plots 5–6. The ditch had a single fill of compact, pale, greyish brown silty sand. 62 Ditch 10 was cut into the geological sands 03. 63 No finds were recovered from the feature.

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nps archaeology Archaeological Monitoring – The Common, Freethorpe

Large Soak-away 64 The excavation of a large soak-away 32m long x 3m wide x up to 1.50m deep in the southwest corner of the site was monitored. No archaeological finds or features were recovered from the soak-away excavations. 65 The soak-away trench cut into geological sands by up to 1m. Above the sand, c. 0.15m light brown sandy silt subsoil 02 was recorded, consistent with other observations of this deposit across the site. The topsoil 01 was mid-pale brown sandy silt c. 0.50m deep Small Soak-away 66 The excavation of a small soak-away 12m long x 5m wide x up to 0.60m deep was monitored in the northwest of the site. Excavation was monitored down to the surface of geological deposits (0.50–0.60m deep), although the soak-away was due to be up to 1.40m deep. No archaeological features or finds were recovered from the soak-away trench. 67 The soak-away trench cut through 0.15m light brown sandy silt subsoil 02, above which was mid-pale brown sandy silt topsoil 01 c. 0.50m deep. Service trenches 68 The service trenches excavated for the development varied in depth from 0.60m up to 1m, depending on the type of service. 69 A single pit 12 was recorded in section in the main trench excavated across the northeast side of the site, broadly parallel to The Common and between Plots 1–2 and 10–11. The pit was a minimum 0.24m deep x 0.75m wide. Its length is unknown as it was not evident in the opposing trench face. The pit contained a single fill 13 of compact, light greyish brown silt, with 10% sand inclusions. No dating evidence was recovered. 70 The pit cut the natural geological sands 03. 71 No other archaeological features or finds were observed in service trenching.

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TR.1 Plot 10/11 RH

Def 10 S.4

Soak- away 12 1.22m RH S.5 136

TR.2 THE COMMON

04 S.1 06 S.2 08 S.3 TR.3

Plot 5/6 Plot 3/4

TR.4 Plot BM 15.61m Soak- 1/2 away

TR.5 137

Evaluation trenches

Service trench 0 50m

&URZQFRS\ULJKWDQGGDWDEDVHULJKWV2UGQDQFH6XUYH\ Figure 2. Location of monitoring Plots and evaluation trenches. Scale 1:750

ED & Ward Bdy N Section 1 S N Section 2 S

01 01

02 02

05 03 07 03 04 06

N Section 4 S

N Section 3 S 11

10 01

SE Section 13 NW 02

01 09 02 08 03 13 12 03

0 2m

Figure 3. Section drawings. Scale 1:25 nps archaeology Archaeological Monitoring – The Common, Freethorpe

DISCUSSION 72 The aims of the archaeological monitoring carried out by NPS Archaeology at The Common, Freethorpe, were to identify and record any archaeological remains affected by the works, after a previously unrecorded cropmark was recognised to the west of the site following an archaeological evaluation (Bryant-Buck 2015). 73 The monitoring recorded a ditch at two disparate locations, which is considered to be represent a single feature. The feature was identified in Plots 10–11, and further to the southeast in Plots 5–6. 74 The feature is likely to be the ditch represented by the previously unrecorded cropmark, and which, given its location and dimensions, may well have been recorded during the evaluation in Trenches 2 and 5. No dating evidence was recovered from the feature during the archaeological monitoring works. 75 A single pit was recorded, and represents an undated episode of excavation and apparently prompt backfilling, to judge by the lack of a silt layer at its base. 76 The clear distinction between subsoil and geological sands indicates that the land had not been heavily ploughed; surviving archaeological features would therefore remain relatively well-preserved in situ. This is despite the land to the south being utilised as farmland and therefore subject to cultivation 77 The absence of any further human activity is considered unsurprising given the sparse results of the archaeological evaluation. Human activity would have featured more heavily either side of The Common, with this particular plot of land remaining as common land.

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Acknowledgements NPS Archaeology would like to thank Elizabeth Ley, Roger Pitcher and the team at Wellington Construction Ltd for commissioning and funding the project, as well as for their assistance throughout the monitoring process. Thanks to James Albone, Heather Hamilton and the NHER staff for their provision of HER data, information gathering and project monitoring. Many thanks to Harriet Bryant-Buck who provided the WSI and much of the preliminary data. The monitoring was completed by the author, with additional visits made by Rob Brown and Harriet Bryant-Buck, and was overseen by Andrew Crowson. Digitising of plans and sections was carried out by the author with assistance from Holly Payne and David Dobson. The illustrations were prepared by David Dobson. The report was edited by Peter Crawley and reviewed by Andrew Crowson.

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Bibliography and Sources British Geological Survey 2016. Geology of Britain viewer. [online] Available at: http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html. [Accessed 05 February 2016] Bryant-Buck, H. 2015. Land off The Common, Freethorpe, Norfolk NR13 3NT: Archaeological Evaluation. NPS Archaeology report 2015/1060 (unpublished) Bryant-Buck, H. 2016. The Common, Freethorpe, Norfolk: Works Under archaeological Supervision and Control. Written Scheme of Investigation. NPS Archaeology 01-04-16-2-1060 (unpublished) Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) 2014a. Standard and guidance for an archaeological watching brief Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) 2014b. Standard and guidance for the collection, documentation, conservation and research of archaeological materials Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) 2014c. Standard and Guidance for the creation, compilation, transfer and deposition of archaeological archives Department for Communities and Local Government 2012. National Planning Policy Framework Hamilton, K. 2012. Generic Brief for the Monitoring of Works under Archaeological Supervision and Control. Norfolk County Council Historic Environment Service (24/9/2012) (unpublished) Medlycott, M. (ed.) 2011. Research and Archaeology Revisited: a Revised Framework for the East of England. East Anglian Archaeology Occasional Paper 24 Norfolk County Council 2016. Mapping Browser. [online] Available at: http://historic- maps.norfolk.gov.uk/mapexplorer/. [Accessed 05 February 2016]

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Appendix 1: Context Summary Context Category Cut Fill Of Description Period Trench Type 01 Topsoil Pit Mid pale brown sandy-silt Site 02 Subsoil Light pale brown sandy-silt Site 03 Geological Orange and yellow sands Site sand 04 Cut Ditch Cut of ditch n/k Plot 6 05 Fill 04 Light pale greyish brown silty n/k Plot 6 sand 06 Cut Ditch Cut of ditch n/k Plot 5–6 07 Fill 06 Light pale greyish brown silty n/k Plot 5–6 sand 08 Cut Linear Cut of ditch n/k Plot 5 09 Fill 08 Light pale greyish brown silty n/k Plot 5 sand 10 Cut Ditch Cut of ditch n/k Plot 10 11 Fill 10 Light pale greyish brown silty n/k Plot 10 sand 12 Cut Pit 13 Fill 12 Light greyish brown silt n/k Electric service

Appendix 2: Historical Periods Period Date From Date To Prehistoric -500,000 42 Iron Age -800 42 Roman 42 409 Anglo-Saxon 410 1065 Medieval 1066 1539 Post-medieval 1540 1900 after English Heritage Periods List, recommended by Forum on Information Standards in Heritage available at: http://www.fish-forum.info/inscript.htm

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Appendix 3: OASIS Report Summary

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nps archaeology Archaeological Monitoring – The Common, Freethorpe

Appendix 4: Archaeological Specification

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01-04-16-2-1060

The Common, Freethorpe, Norfolk

Works Under Archaeological Supervision and Control Written Scheme of Investigation

Prepared for: Wellington Construction Ltd

Planning Ref: 20142083

January 2016 nps archaeology

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Job Number 01-04-16-2-1060

Client Wellington Construction Ltd

Location The Common, Freethorpe, Norfolk

District Broadland

Planning Reference 20142083

Grid Reference TG 40096 05046

Completed Harriet Bryant-Buck 19-01-2016

Reviewed Andrew Crowson 20-01-2016

Issue 1

nps archaeology Scandic House 85 Mountergate Norwich NR1 1PY

T 01603 756150 F 01603 756190 E [email protected] W nau.nps.co.uk

Works under Archaeological Supervision and Control Written Scheme of Investigation

Introduction

1 Residential development at The Common, Freethorpe, Norfolk (centred on TG 40096 05046) involving construction of 11 dwellings, garages and parking areas, requires archaeological mitigation (Figure 1). Following initial archaeological works in October 20151, Norfolk County Council Historic Environment Service (NHES) has identified a previously unrecorded cropmark to the west of the site, which could be related to features excavated previously at the site. In light of this, NHES has issued a generic brief for archaeological monitoring2 of the continuation of groundworks. 2 The development site (hereafter “the Site”) is located on the south side of the road known as The Common, to the west of Freethorpe, between that settlement and the shrunken medieval settlement of Southwick. It has been in agricultural use for at least 200 years and the boundaries of the field within which it is contained have remained static. 3 The Site is located in an area with substantial evidence of former agricultural landscapes in the form of cropmarks and former earthworks visible on aerial photographs. In a field to the east and southeast of the Site there are cropmarks of a road and a rectilinear field system of possible Iron Age or Roman date. It is overlain by more recent cropmarks of medieval or post-medieval field systems. Similar evidence occurs to the northwest, where aerial photography has revealed an extensive agricultural landscape, probably of Roman date, covering about 4km2. Further cropmarks have been interpreted as Bronze Age round barrows or hut circles. To the west of the Site are the remains of medieval Southwood, where cropmarks may represent medieval or later enclosures. 4 The archaeological evaluations by NPS Archaeology in October 2015 involved excavation of five trenches. Two of the trenches revealed archaeological features, in the form of ditches and pits. The previously unrecorded cropmarks identified recently by NHES are likely a trackway, possibly relating to the ditches found in 2015. 5 NHES has recommended that a programme of archaeological monitoring (‘watching brief’) be carried out during excavation works for the residential scheme to identify and record any archaeological remains affected by the works, in accordance with the principles set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (Department for Communities and Local Government 2012). 6 In order to comply with the planning condition concerning archaeology indicated by Broadland District Council (ref: 20142083), Wellington Construction Ltd has requested that NPS Archaeology prepares a Written Scheme of Investigation detailing an

1 Bryant-Buck, H. 2015. Land off The Common, Freethorpe, Norfolk, Archaeological Evaluation. NPS Archaeology (unpublished). 2 Hamilton, K. 2015. Generic Brief for the Monitoring of Works under Archaeological Supervision and Control. NCC Historic Environment Service. appropriate programme of archaeological works to fulfil the requirements of the NHES brief. Mitigation Strategy

7 The programme of archaeological works presented in this document has been designed to mitigate the impacts of the proposed excavation works in line with the requirements of the brief (Hamilton 2015). Where archaeological remains are identified, and these cannot be preserved in situ, the potential impact of the scheme will be minimised by appropriate levels of archaeological excavation and recording. 8 The works for the proposed development include the placement of 11 residential dwellings, parking spaces, garages and associated amenities, which will be subject to archaeological monitoring and are covered by this Written Scheme of Investigation. 10 The mitigation strategy will include archaeological monitoring to record any archaeological remains exposed during the works, and reporting. The different elements to be employed are presented below in the anticipated order that they will take place. 11 The stages of the mitigation strategy may be summarised as follows. I. Archaeological Monitoring. Due to the potential for previously unidentified archaeological remains to exist, all ground disturbance works (and any above ground works where these affect historic structures) related to the refurbishment scheme will be monitored. If archaeological features and deposits are identified and these are deemed to be of significance, appropriate levels of excavation and recording will be required. II. Post-Fieldwork Processing. The drawn and written, photographic, stratigraphic and structural record will be cross-referenced and entered onto a database to provide a consistent and compatible record of the results of the monitoring. Any artefactual, ecofactual and palaeoenvironmental material recovered by the monitoring will be cleaned, marked and packaged as appropriate and in accordance with the archive requirements of Norfolk Museums Service. A database of these materials will be compiled. III. Analysis, Reporting and Archive. The results of the monitoring will be presented in a report to the client and other bodies. Only if appropriate, a synthesis of the results will be published in a suitable archaeological journal. The archive will be prepared for deposition with Norfolk Museums Service. 12 Procedures and methodology for each of the stages outlined above are detailed below. Archaeological Monitoring 13 All ground disturbance works (and any above ground works where these affect historic structures) will be monitored by an experienced archaeologist. The monitoring will be carried out in accordance with the Standard and guidance for an archaeological watching brief (Chartered Institute for Archaeologists 2014) and guidelines set out in Standards for Field Archaeology in the East of England (Gurney 2003). 14 If areas of significant archaeological remains are observed that cannot be recorded safely or to the appropriate standard by the monitoring, consultation will take place with the client and NHES, and more detailed archaeological excavation may be required. 15 Archaeological deposits, features and layers will be sample excavated by hand and will be assigned individual context numbers and recorded on standardised forms employing a pro forma recording system approved by NHES. The records will include full written, graphic and photographic elements with site and context numbering. Plans will be made at a scale of 1:50, with provision for 1:20 and 1:10 drawings. Sections will be recorded at scales of 1:10 and 1:20 depending on the detail considered necessary. A photographic record in 35mm monochrome film and digital formats will be maintained of all archaeological deposits, features and layers and to record their characteristics and relationships. Photographs will be taken to record the progress and more general aspects of the refurbishment scheme. 16 Exposed surfaces and all archaeological features and deposits will be screened by metal detector. The metal detector will be utilised to scan excavated spoil and in situ horizons with the operator ensuring that it is used in a correct fashion. All artefacts and ecofacts materials will be collected and bagged by unique context number. 17 Human remains will be left in situ unless otherwise instructed by NHES. Backfilling of features containing human remains will be carried out manually to ensure that the remains are appropriately protected from any damage or disturbance. If any human remains or burials are located during the monitoring, which because of their location or vulnerability must be removed, an application for a Licence for the Removal of Human Remains will be made in compliance with Section 25 of the Burial Act, 1857, if appropriate. No human remains will be removed until permission has been granted in writing from all the relevant parties. Post-Fieldwork Processing 18 The drawn, photographic and written stratigraphic and structural records will be cross- referenced and, if appropriate, entered into a database or spreadsheet to assist analysis and synthesis of the results of the work. 19 The cleaning and cataloguing of any materials recovered will be undertaken on completion of the monitoring. All retained materials will be cleaned, marked and packaged in accordance with the requirements of Norfolk Museums Service. Finds data will be stored on a spreadsheet to allow summary listings of artefacts by category and context to provide basic quantification. 20 All finds work will follow the procedures set out in Standard and guidance for the collection, documentation, conservation and research of archaeological materials (Chartered Institute for Archaeologists 2014). Finds data will be entered on a spreadsheet to aid analysis and report preparation. 21 All archaeological materials, excepting those covered by the Treasure Act 1996, will remain the property of the landowners. NPS Archaeology will seek to reach formal agreement with the landowners for donation of the full site archive to the Norfolk Museums Service. Report and Archive 22 A report will be produced that will present the stratigraphic, structural, artefactual, palaeoenvironmental and photographic evidence and an analysis of that evidence. If excavation work is phased over an extended period of time, reports will be produced at the completion of each phase of works. The report will be undertaken with reference to relevant research agendas identified by Medlycott (2011) where appropriate and to what is already known about the archaeology of the immediate area. 23 The report will present data in written, tabular, graphic and appendix form. A list of archive components generated by the work will be included in the report. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, NPS Archaeology will retain copyright in and ownership of all documentation and other materials prepared by NPS Archaeology. NPS Archaeology may publish or jointly publish any description or illustration of the works with the prior consent of the client. 24 A draft copy of the report will be presented in digital format, clearly marked DRAFT, to the client and to NHES for approval, within eight weeks of the completion of the monitoring. Multiple copies of the approved report will be produced as appropriate and presented to the client and one digital and one paper copy to NHES. One copy of the report may be sent to the Historic England Science Advisor for the East of England, if considered appropriate. 25 An online OASIS record will be initiated immediately prior to the start of fieldwork and completed when the final report is submitted to NHES. This will include a pdf version of the final report. 26 A single integrated archive for all elements of the work will be prepared according to the recommendations set out in Environmental standards for the permanent storage of excavated material from archaeological sites (UKIC, Conservation Guidelines 3, 1984) and Archaeological Archives: a guide to best practice in creation, compilation, transfer and curation (Brown 2007), and in accordance with Norfolk Museums Services’ requirements for archive preparation, storage and conservation. 27 The archive will be fully indexed and cross-referenced. It will be integrated with known archaeological information held in the Norfolk County Council Historic Environment Record. A full listing of archive contents and finds boxes will accompany the deposition of the archive and finds. 28 If Norfolk Museums Service is not making new archive accessions and there is no confirmation of when new archives will be accepted, NPS Archaeology reserve the right to make alternative arrangements. From 1 January 2016, NPS Archaeology may charge for storage of prepared archaeological archives.

Timetable and Resources

29 The different stages of archaeological work have different time and staff requirements. The timetable for fieldwork assumes that there are no major delays to the work programme caused by factors outside of NPS Archaeology’s reasonable control. Such circumstances would include without limitation; long periods of adverse weather conditions, flooding, repeated vandalism, ground contamination, delays in the development programme, unsafe buildings, conflicts between the archaeological recording methods and the protection of flora and fauna on the site, disease restrictions, and unexploded ordnance. 30 The proposed earliest start date for the archaeological work is two working weeks upon notification from the client. 31 It is understood that that the archaeological monitoring will take place during January 2016. The monitoring will be governed by the timetable for the groundworks. Monitoring will not therefore be constant but will be provided at all appropriate times. It is anticipated that one archaeologist will be sufficient to monitor the works.

Project Staff

32 The NPS Archaeology Manager will assume responsibility for all aspects of the project including finance, logistics, standards, health and safety, and liaison with the client and curators. The practical aspects of the project will be co-ordinated by a Project Officer who will be dedicated to the project throughout its duration. 33 The fieldwork will be conducted by the Project Officer who will have substantial experience of archaeological monitoring projects and archaeological reporting. The Project Officer will be an experienced metal detector user and will have experience with NPS Archaeology’s pro forma recording system. 34 Other members of staff involved in the project will include a Finds Officer to coordinate post-fieldwork processing and reporting of artefacts, ecofacts and palaeoenvironmental remains 35 NPS Archaeology staff associated with the project will be: Project Management

Archaeology Manager Jayne Bown, BA, MCIFA Project Staff Project Staff Robby Copsey, BA, MA Finds Officer Rebecca Sillwood, BA, ACIFA

36 NPS Archaeology reserves the right to change its nominated personnel at any time should project programmes change. 37 The analysis of artefacts and ecofacts will be undertaken by NPS Archaeology staff or nominated external specialists as follows: Research Field Staff Metal-detectorist, numismatic items Andrew Barnett Worked flint Sarah Bates Palaeoenvironmental remains, worked stone Frances Green Faunal remains, shell Julie Curl Post-Roman ceramics, brick and tile Sue Anderson Materials conservation Debbie Harris Metalwork, glass Rebecca Sillwood Plant and animal macrofossils Val Fryer Prehistoric and Roman ceramics Andrew Peachey

Conditions

38 NPS Archaeology will not commence work until a written order or signed agreement is received from the client. Where the commission is received through an agent, the agent is deemed to be authorised to act on behalf of the client. NPS Archaeology reserve the right to recover unpaid fees for the service provided from the agent where it is found that this authority is contested by said client. 39 NPS Archaeology expect information on any services crossing the site to be provided by the client. 40 A 7.4 hour working day is normally operated by NPS Archaeology, although their agents may work outside these hours. 41 NPS Archaeology expect the client to arrange suitable access to the site for its staff, plant and welfare facilities on the agreed start date. 42 NPS Archaeology expect any information concerning the presence of TPOs and/or protected flora and fauna on the site to be provided by the client prior to the commencement of works and accept no liability if this information is not disclosed. No excavation will take place within 8.00m or canopy width (whichever is the greater) of any trees within or bordering the site. 43 NPS Archaeology shall not be held responsible for any delay or failure in meeting agreed deadlines resulting from circumstances beyond its reasonable control. Such circumstances are detailed in para. 29. 44 Whether or not CDM regulations apply to this work, NPS Archaeology expect the client to provide information on the nature, extent and level of any soil contamination present. Should unanticipated contaminated ground be encountered during the trial trenching, excavation will cease until an assessment of risks to health has been undertaken and on-site control measures implemented. NPS Archaeology will not be liable for any costs related to the collection and analysis of soils or other assessment methods, on-site control measures, and the removal of contaminated soil or other materials from site. 45 Should any disease restrictions be implemented for the area during the evaluation, fieldwork will cease and staff redeployed until they are lifted. NPS Archaeology will not be liable for any costs related to on-site disease control measures and for any additional costs incurred to complete the fieldwork after the restrictions have been removed. 46 NPS Archaeology will not accept responsibility for any tree surgery, removal of undergrowth, shrubbery or hedges or reinstatement of gardens. NPS Archaeology will endeavour to restrict the levels of disturbance of to a minimum but wishes to bring to the attention of the client that the works will necessarily alter the appearance of landscapes and especially gardens.

Quality Standards

47 All staff employed or sub-contracted by NPS Archaeology will be employed in line with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists’ Code of Practice. 48 NPS Archaeology operates under a recognised Quality Management System and is accredited with BS EN ISO 9001:2008. 49 The guidelines set out in Standards for Field Archaeology in the East of England (Gurney 2003) that remain current will be adhered to. Provision will be made for monitoring the work by the SCCAS in accordance with the procedures outlined in the document Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MoRPHE) (English Heritage [now Historic England] 2006). Monitoring opportunities for each phase of the project are suggested as follows: a) during archaeological monitoring b) during post-fieldwork analysis c) upon completion of the archive d) upon receipt of the final report 50 A further monitoring opportunity will be provided at the end of the work upon deposition of the integrated archive and finds with Norfolk Museums Service. 51 NPS Archaeology operates a Project Management System. Most aspects of this project will be co-ordinated by a Project Officer who has the day-to-day responsibility for the successful completion of the project. Overall responsibility for the successful delivery of the project lies with the Archaeology Manager who has responsibility for all of NPS Archaeology's work and ensures the maintenance of quality standards within the organisation.

Health and Safety

52 NPS Archaeology will ensure that all work is carried out in accordance with NPS Property Consultants Limited's Health and Safety Policy, to standards defined in the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act, 1974 and The Management of Health and Safety Regulations, 1992, and in accordance with the health and safety manual Health and Safety in Field Archaeology (SCAUM 2007). 53 A risk assessment will be prepared for the archaeological fieldwork. All NPS staff will be briefed on the contents of the risk assessment and required to read it. Protective clothing and equipment will be issued and used as required. 54 NPS Archaeology will provide copies of NPS Property Consultants Limited's Health and Safety policy on request.

Insurance

55 NPS Archaeology’s Insurance Cover is: Employers Liability £5,000,000 Public Liability £50,000,000 Professional Indemnity £5,000,000 56 Full details of NPS Archaeology's Insurance cover will be supplied on request.

Figure 1. Proposed site plan