Wheatpieces Phase 2 Tewkesbury Gloucestershire

WHEATPIECES PHASE 2 TEWKESBURY GLOUCESTERSHIRE

ARCHAEOLOGICAL WATCHING BRIEF

For

J. S. BLOOR (TEWKESBURY) LTD

CA PROJECT: 2373 CA REPORT: 07142

NOVEMBER 2007

WHEATPIECES PHASE 2 TEWKESBURY GLOUCESTERSHIRE

ARCHAEOLOGICAL WATCHING BRIEF

CA PROJECT: 2373 CA REPORT: 07142

prepared by Jonathan Hart, Project Officer

date 6 November 2007

checked by Laurent Coleman, Project Manager

date 7 November 2007

approved by Mark Collard, Head of Contracts

signed

date 7 November 2007

issue 01

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

© Cotswold Archaeology Building 11, Kemble Enterprise Park, Kemble, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 6BQ Tel. 01285 771022 Fax. 01285 771033 E-mail: [email protected] Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Archaeological Watching Brief © Cotswold Archaeology

CONTENTS

SUMMARY...... 4

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 5

The site ...... 5 Archaeological background...... 6 Methodology ...... 7

2. RESULTS (FIG. 2) ...... 7

3. DISCUSSION...... 8

4. CA PROJECT TEAM ...... 8

5. REFERENCES ...... 8

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS ...... 10

APPENDIX B: THE FINDS ...... 10

APPENDIX C: OASIS REPORT FORM...... 11

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Fig. 1 Site location plan (1:50,000) Fig. 2 The site, showing location of groundworks (1:1000)

3 Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Archaeological Watching Brief © Cotswold Archaeology

SUMMARY

Project Name: Wheatpieces Phase 2 Location: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire NGR: SO 9066 3113 Type: Watching Brief Date: 20-1 and 28-9 August and 17 September 2007 Planning Reference: 93/8613/1502/OUT Location of Archive: To be deposited with Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum Accession Number: CAGM 2007/65 Site Code: WWC 07

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology during groundworks associated with the construction of two sports pitches at Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.

The methodology of the construction of the sports pitches was designed to protect known archaeological features within the site. The watching brief was undertaken to monitor the groundworks for any archaeological deposits or features surviving at a higher level than anticipated and to ensure that the agreed methodology was adhered to.

No features or deposits of archaeological interest were observed during groundworks.

4 Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Archaeological Watching Brief © Cotswold Archaeology

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 In August and September 2007 Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out an archaeological watching brief for J. S. Bloor (Tewkesbury) Ltd at Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire (centred on NGR: SO 9066 3113; Fig. 1). The watching brief was undertaken to fulfil a condition attached to planning consent for the development of a multi-use games area and playing field (Planning ref: 93/8613/1502/OUT). The methodology of the construction of the sports pitches was designed to protect known archaeological features within the site. The watching brief was undertaken to monitor the groundworks for any archaeological deposits or features surviving at a higher level than anticipated and to ensure that the agreed methodology was adhered to.

1.2 The watching brief was undertaken in accordance with a detailed Written Scheme of Investigation produced by CA (2007) and approved by Mr Charles Parry, Senior Archaeological Officer, Gloucestershire County Council (GCC), the archaeological advisors to the Local Planning Authority (LPA). The fieldwork also followed the Standard and Guidance for an Archaeological Watching Brief issued by the Institute of Field Archaeologists (2001), the Statement of Standards and Practices Appropriate for Archaeological Fieldwork in Gloucestershire (GCC 1996) and the Management of Archaeological Projects (English Heritage 1991).

The site

1.3 The site measures approximately 3ha in area and comprises agricultural land located to the east of Rudgeway Lane. It is bounded to the north by the Rudgeway Fields residential development, to the east and south by agricultural land and to the west by Rudgeway Lane (Fig. 2). The site lies at approximately 18m AOD, with the land sloping gently downward to the east.

1.4 The underlying solid geology of the area is mapped as Lower Lias Clay of the Jurassic era (BGS 1988). The natural substrate was not exposed during the watching brief.

5 Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Archaeological Watching Brief © Cotswold Archaeology

Archaeological background

1.5 Archaeological interest in the site arises from a previous programme of archaeological work undertaken both within the proposed development area and the area immediately to the north in advance of the construction of the Rudgeway Fields residential development. The results of these works are summarised below.

1.6 Archaeological remains were initially identified during a fieldwalking survey (CAT 1993a); two evaluations (CAT 1993b and CA 2002) and a geophysical survey (Stratascan 2001). The fieldwalking survey recovered little artefactual material that pre-dated the post-medieval period, although a small number of pot-boilers of possible prehistoric date were distributed evenly across the site (CAT 1993a). The 1993 evaluation identified a substantial Middle Bronze Age ditch to the north of the site, interpreted as a territorial boundary (CA 1993b).

1.7 The geophysical survey was undertaken by Stratascan on behalf of CA (Stratascan 2001) and comprised a magnetometer survey of the proposed playing fields and southern part of the residential area to the north. The survey identified the presence of features consistent with prehistoric and Romano-British rural settlement. These results were confirmed during the 2002 evaluation (CA 2002).

1.8 A Data Review document (CA 2004) detailed the results of these works as well as providing the results of a further detailed magnetometer survey undertaken by Stratascan on behalf of CA (Stratascan 2004) on the remaining part of the proposed residential development to the north of the current site.

1.9 The most recent phase of archaeological work comprised excavation within the area of the proposed residential development to the north of the current site (now largely constructed as Rudgeway Fields). These excavations identified settlement, ritual and funerary activity dating to the Middle Bronze Age, Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age, Romano-British and Anglo-Saxon periods (CA 2006).

1.10 Within the area of the proposed sports pitches the results of the geophysical survey and evaluation, and of the excavation to the north, suggested that the features identified in this area may represent two phases of Iron Age activity, with a funerary or ritual site possibly being superseded by settlement. There may also be a continuation of Romano-British activity into this area (ibid.).

6 Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Archaeological Watching Brief © Cotswold Archaeology

Methodology

1.11 The fieldwork followed the methodology set out within the WSI (CA 2007). The methodology was designed to preserve the known archaeological remains in situ. The monitored groundworks involved the creation of two sports pitches, Sports Pitch 1 and Sports Pitch 2 (Fig. 2). Previous archaeological works had established that archaeological remains existed below the south-eastern part of Sports Pitch 1 at a depth of 170mm below the present ground level (bpgl) (Trenches 7 and 8). In order to preserve these deposits in situ the overlying topsoil was not stripped. Across the remainder of the site, where no archaeological remains were identified during the evaluation, or where the archaeological features were overlain by a greater depth of overburden (Trench 9), the topsoil was stripped to a maximum depth of 150mm bpgl.

1.12 Topsoil stripping was undertaken using tracked 360° machines equipped with toothless grading buckets. Stockpiled topsoil was moved using tracked 360° machines, tracked bulldozers and dumptrucks equipped with flotation tyres. No stripping or spoil movement was undertaken during inclement weather in order to prevent the development of wheel ruts.

1.13 The archaeological recording was undertaken in accordance with CA Technical Manual 1: Fieldwork Recording Manual (2007). The archive and artefacts from the evaluation are currently held by CA at their offices in Kemble. Subject to the agreement of the legal landowner the artefacts will be deposited with Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum under accession number CAGM 2007/65, along with the site archive. A summary of information from this project, set out within Appendix C, will be entered onto the OASIS online database of archaeological projects in Britain.

2. RESULTS (FIG. 2)

2.1 Topsoil, 101 (Sports Pitch 2) and 201 (Sports Pitch 1), was the only deposit identified during the watching brief and a small assemblage of finds dating from between the Romano-British and modern periods (Appendix B) was recovered from it. No features or deposits of archaeological interest were exposed during the watching brief.

7 Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Archaeological Watching Brief © Cotswold Archaeology

3. DISCUSSION

3.1 The watching brief methodology was successful in ensuring the preservation of the buried archaeological remains in situ. The recovery of an assemblage of pottery sherds of Romano-British date from the topsoil is not unexpected, given the proximity of the site to an area of known Romano-British settlement activity.

4. CA PROJECT TEAM

Fieldwork was undertaken by Jonathan Hart and Andrew Donald. This report was written by Jonathan Hart with illustrations were prepared by Lorna Gray. The archive has been compiled and prepared for deposition by Kathryn Price. The project was managed for CA by Laurent Coleman.

5. REFERENCES

BGS (British Geological Survey) 1988 Geological Survey of England and Wales, Solid and Drift Sheet 216 Tewkesbury

CAT (Cotswold Archaeological Trust) 1993a Additional Land to the South and East of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Fieldwalking Survey CA typescript report 93114

CAT (Cotswold Archaeological Trust) 1993b Additional Land to the South and East of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Report on the Results of an Archaeological Evaluation CA typescript report 93137

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2002 Land to the East of Rudgeway Lane, Walton Cardiff, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation CA typescript report 02100

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2004 Wheatpieces II, Walton Cardiff, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Archaeological Data Review CA typescript report 04043

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2006 Land East of Rudgeway Lane, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Post-Excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design CA typescript report 06049

8 Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Archaeological Watching Brief © Cotswold Archaeology

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2007 Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Written Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Watching Brief

Stratascan 2001 Geophysical Survey at Walton Cardiff, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. Typescript Report No. J1589

Stratascan 2004 Geophysical Survey Report Walton Cardiff, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. Typescript Report No. J1865

9 Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Archaeological Watching Brief © Cotswold Archaeology

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS

No. Type Description Length Width Depth Spot- (m) (m) (m) date 101 Layer Topsoil within Sports Pitch 2: mid grey-brown clay - - 0.15 Modern silt 201 Layer Topsoil within Sports Pitch 1: mid grey-brown clay - - 0.15 Modern silt

APPENDIX B: THE FINDS

Quantities of pottery, clay tobacco pipe, ceramic building material, animal bone and metalwork were recovered from topsoil 101/201. Pottery types present consist of hand painted china, Westerwald stoneware, miscellaneous glazed earthenware, tin-glazed earthenwares and abraded Roman Severn Valley ware. A D-shaped iron buckle was recovered from deposit 201. It is similar in style to an example dating to the 14th century from Winchester (Biddle 1990 pp 527).

Finds Concordance Context Artefact type Count Weight (g) Spot-date 101 Post-medieval/Modern Pottery: hand-painted 4 67 Modern china, Westerwald, miscellaneous glazed earthenware Roman pottery: Severn Valley ware 5 40 Clay tobacco pipe stem 1 3 Ceramic building material: brick 2 44 201 Post-medieval pottery: tin-glazed earthenware, 3 39 Modern miscellaneous glazed earthenware Roman pottery: Severn valley ware 4 60 Clay tobacco pipe stem 1 4 Iron buckle 1 26 Burnt animal bone 1 0.5

Bibliography

Biddle M 1990 Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester. Clarendon Press. Winchester

APPENDIX C: OASIS REPORT FORM

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Name Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

Short description An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology during groundworks associated with a multi-use games area and playing field at Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.

No features or deposits of archaeological interest were observed during groundworks. Project dates 21-22 & 28-29 August and 17 September 2007 Project type Watching Brief.

Previous work Previous evaluation work on the site and evaluation and excavation to the immediate north identified ritual, funerary and settlement activity dating to the Middle Bronze Age, Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Romano-British and Anglo- Saxon periods. Future work None PROJECT LOCATION Site Location Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire Study area 3ha Site co-ordinates SO 9066 3113

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

Project Manager Laurent Coleman Project Supervisor Jonathan Hart PROJECT ARCHIVES Physical Cheltenham Art Gallery Pottery, animal bone, and Museum CAGM metalwork, CBM, clay 2007/65 tobacco pipe Paper As above Plans, trench sheets, context sheets and registers. Digital As above Photographs BIBLIOGRAPHY

CAT (Cotswold Archaeological Trust) 1993a Additional Land to the South and East of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Fieldwalking Survey CA typescript report 93114

CAT (Cotswold Archaeological Trust) 1993b Additional Land to the South and East of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Report on the Results of an Archaeological Evaluation CA typescript report 93137

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2002 Land to the East of Rudgeway Lane, Walton Cardiff, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Archaeological Evaluation CA typescript report 02100

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2004 Wheatpieces II, Walton Cardiff, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Archaeological Data Review CA typescript report 04043

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2006 Land East of Rudgeway Lane, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Post- Excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design CA typescript report 06049

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2007 Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire: Written Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Watching Brief

Stratascan 2001 Geophysical Survey at Walton Cardiff, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. Typescript Report No. J1589

Stratascan 2004 Geophysical Survey Report Walton Cardiff, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. Typescript Report No. J1865

12 Reproduced from the 1997 Ordnance Survey Landranger map with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office N c Crown copyright Cotswold Archaeological Trust 100002109

0 5km

COTSWOLD ARCHAEOLOGY

PROJECT TITLE Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury Gloucestershire FIGURE TITLE Gloucestershire Site location plan

DRAWN BYSCALE PROJECT NO. FIGURE NO. LG 1:50,000@A4 2373 1 0m

Reproduced905 from the Ordnance Survey digital mapping with the permission of 906 907 Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office N c Crown copyright Cotswold Archaeological Trust 100002109

312

Pond

site T2 Pond area of watching brief 8.1m T4 area of previous archaeological works showing archaeological T1 features evaluation trench (CA 2002) T9 geophysical anomaly SPORTS PITCH 1

SPORTS PITCH 2

T3 T8 311

6 T6

topsoil left in situ

T5 m

COTSWOLD ARCHAEOLOGY

PROJECT TITLE Wheatpieces Phase 2, Tewkesbury Gloucestershire FIGURE TITLE The site, showing location of groundworks DRAWN BYSCALE PROJECT NO. FIGURE NO. SO 0 100m LG 1:1000@A3 2373 2