Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat Wiltshire

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

RECREATION GROUND, CHILTON FOLIAT WILTSHIRE

ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

NGR: SU 3223 7049

Report No. 917 October 2013

Quality Assurance

This Document has been Prepared and Checked in accordance Procedures (BS EN ISO 9001: 2008)

Author: Roy King

Date: 11/10/13

Approved: Andrew Hood

QA Checked: Diana King

This report has been compiled with all reasonable skill, care and attention to detail within the terms of the project as specified by the client and within the general terms and conditions of Archaeological Management Services Ltd. (AMS Ltd.) trading as Foundations Archaeology. This report is confidential to the client. AMS Ltd. accepts no responsibility whatsoever to third parties to whom this report or any part thereof is made known. Any such party relies on this report at their own risk.

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

CONTENTS

Glossary of terms and abbreviations

Summary

1 Assessment Methodology and Introduction

2 Planning Background and Legislative Framework

3 Sources

4 Site Location and Description

5 Archaeological Background

6 Map Regression

7 Aerial Photographs

8 Impact of the proposals

9 Conclusions

10 References

11 Acknowledgements

Appendix 1 HER Information

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Site Location

Figure 2 Map showing HER Data

Figure 3 1791 Estate Map

Figure 4 1813 Enclosure Map

Figure 5 1815 Estate Map

Figure 6 1834 Estate Map

Figure 7 Ordnance Survey Map, 1882

Figure 8 Ordnance Survey Map, 1885

Figure 9 Ordnance Survey Map, 1885-86

Figure 10 Ordnance Survey Map, 1900

Figure 11 Ordnance Survey Map, 1911-24

Figure 12 Ordnance Survey Map, 1913

Figure 13 Ordnance Survey Map, 1925

Figure 14 Ordnance Survey Map, 1960-61

Figure 15 Ordnance Survey Map, 1971-73

Figure 16 Ordnance Survey Map, 1980-81

Figure 17 Ordnance Survey Map, 1994

Figure 18 Ordnance Survey Map, 2006

Figure 19 Ordnance Survey Map, 2013

Figure 20 Proposed Development

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Archaeology

For the purposes of this project archaeology is taken to mean the study of past human societies through their material remains from prehistoric times through to the modern era. No rigid upper date limit has been set, but AD 1900 is used as a general cut off point

HER

Historic Environment Record.

Medieval

The period between the Norman Conquest (AD 1066) and circa AD 1500

Natural

In archaeological terms this refers to the undisturbed natural geology of a site

NGR

National Grid Reference from the Ordnance Survey Grid

NMP

National Mapping Programme whereby possible archaeological features present on aerial photographs were mapped. Undertaken for certain counties, including Cornwall.

Ordnance Datum; used to express a given height above sea level

Ordnance Survey

Prehistoric

In Britain this term is generally used for any of the traditionally defined periods such as Palaeolithic (480,000-12,000 BC), Mesolithic (12,000-4000 BC), Neolithic (c4000-2800), Bronze Age (2800-600 BC) and Iron Age (600 BC AD 43)

Romano-British

Term used to describe the synthesis of indigenous late Iron Age traditions with the invasive Roman culture. Traditionally dated between AD 43 and AD 410

Saxon

Term used to describe the period between the end of Roman Britain circa AD 410 and the Norman Conquest (AD 1066)

VCH

Victoria County Histories

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

SUMMARY

This desk based assessment and historic asset appraisal has been prepared by Roy King of Foundations Archaeology. The project was commissioned by Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited.

The assessment examines an area of land covering 0.95ha at Chilton Foliat, to the north of buildings fronting onto the B4192 and east of buildings fronting onto Stag Hill (B4001) at NGR: SU 3223 7049 (Figures 1 and 2). It assesses the impact of the proposed development on the known and potential archaeological resource. This document does not include a detailed assessment of setting impacts, although it highlights the fact that there are twenty-six listed buildings within the study area.

The assessment has highlighted that the site is of overall low archaeological potential for the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Roman and Saxon periods. Any finds or features of these dates may, however, be considered de facto to be of moderate-high significance. The site has a moderate potential for Medieval activity, which may comprise either backland activity, or agricultural activity. Agricultural remains dating to this period may be considered to be of relatively low significance, although backland activity may be considered of at least moderate significance. The site contains high potential for Post-medieval activity in the form of boundary divisions and backland activity. These are likely to survive as buried features as visible on historic aerial photographs and may, in part, be recorded on the ground by the area of scrub on the eastern side of the site. An agricultural building dating between 1882 and 1925 may have also left buried traces, as might a recreation ground structure present between 1980 and 2006. This activity may be considered to be of generally low-moderate significance.

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

1 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY AND INTRODUCTION

1.1 This desk based assessment and historic asset appraisal has been prepared by Roy King of Foundations Archaeology. The project was commissioned by Claire Welburn of Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited on behalf of Sir Seton Wills.

1.2 The assessment examines an area of land covering 0.95ha at Chilton Foliat, to the north of buildings fronting onto the B4192 and east of buildings fronting onto Stag Hill (B4001) at NGR: SU 3223 7049 (Figures 1 and 2). It assesses the impact of the proposed development on the known and potential archaeological resource. This document does not include a detailed assessment of setting impacts, although it highlights the fact that there are 26 listed buildings within the study area.

1.3 Archaeological assessment involves a desktop study of presently available archaeological, historical, aerial photographic and other relevant information. Government guidance on archaeology (National Planning Policy Framework, 2012) encourages a consideration of the survival of any archaeological remains present on a site where development is being considered, prior to formal planning applications being submitted. This allows a full assessment of the implications of any development proposal and an appropriate archaeological mitigation strategy to be identified and implemented. This report represents the first stage of the pre-planning permission archaeological investigations recommended in NPPF.

1.4 This archaeological assessment will therefore form the basis for any further archaeological work, such as field evaluation.

1.5 This archaeological assessment was compiled in accordance with the principals of NPPF. In addition it fulfils the general requirements of a desktop Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Desk Based Assessment (2011).

1.6 The study area includes the site of the proposed development (Figure 2), plus a 500m area around it. This allows the assessment to study the potential of the site and its possible impact on associated monuments.

1.7 This assessment briefly considers the site in relation to listed buildings, but any detailed settings assessments should be undertaken as part of a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment.

1.8 The proposed development comprises the construction of nine residential dwellings with associated gardens, access and garages. It is proposed that the houses will be constructed in an arc along the southern and eastern boundaries of the site, with the remaining area retained as open space (Figure 20).

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

2 PLANNING BACKGROUND AND LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

2.1 In considering a development proposal, the Local Planning Authority (LPA) will consider the policy framework set by government guidance. Relevant considerations are given below.

2.2 International Planning Policy and Guidance 2.2.1 The Code of Good Practice on Archaeological Heritage in Urban Development Policies, 2000.

2.2.2 The Code of Good Practice, established by the Cultural Heritage Committee of the Council of Europe states: tage, planners should obtain adequate information and advice, applying non-destructive

be not only to establish if it is necessary to dig but also to build a picture of

2.3 National Planning Policy and Guidance

2.3.1 National Planning Policy Framework, 2012

2.3.2 The National Planning Policy Framework introduced in March 2012 replaced

2.3.3 in determining applications, local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail

sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance. As a minimum the relevant historic environment record should have been consulted and the heritage assets assessed using appropriate expertise where necessary. Where a site on which development is proposed includes or has the potential to include heritage assets with archaeological interest, local planning authorities should require developers to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation

2.3.4 Local planning authorities should identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset that may be affected by a proposal (including by development affecting the setting of a heritage asset) taking account of the available evidence and any necessary expertise. They should take this assessment into account when considering the impact of a proposal on a heritage asset, to avoid or minimise conflict between the

2.3.5 It further notes the irreplaceability of heritage assets and states that local planning authorities should take account of the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets, the positive contribution that

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

conservation of heritage assets can make to sustainable communities; and the desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness

2.3.6 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act, 1979

2.3.7 The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act of 1979 provides for the investigation, preservation and recording of matters of archaeological or historical interest. This relates not only to Scheduled Ancient Monuments but also to other monuments which the Secretary of State believes to be of sufficient importance.

2.4 Sub-Regional Planning

2.4.1 The Wiltshire and Swindon Structure Plan 2016, adopted 2006, contained a number of saved policies relating to heritage.

2.4.2 Policy HE2 states that features of archaeological or historic interest and their settings should be protected from inappropriate development. It further states that where nationally important archaeological or historic remains, whether scheduled or not, are affected by proposed development there should be a presumption in favour of their physical preservation in situ .

2.4.3 Policy HE7 states that the architectural and historic heritage of the plan area will be safeguarded from inappropriate development and that development proposals should preserve or enhance the character of conservation areas. It also notes that any development involving listed buildings should have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building, its setting and any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses .

2.5 Local Planning Policy

2.5.1 A number of saved policies from the Kennet Local Plan 2011 (adopted 2004) remain in force until superseded by the policies in the Wiltshire Core Strategy, which is still in preparation.

2.5.2 The saved policy set out in the Adopted Plan determines the position of archaeology as a material consideration in determining planning applications. As such, it seeks to preserve remains of archaeological importance.

2.5.3 Policy HH1 states Planning permission will not be granted for development which would have an adverse impact on the archaeological deposits or remains on or under a site of national importance (whether scheduled or not) or its character or setting. Sites of significant regional or local importance, especially those which make a positive contribution to the historic landscape, will also be protected from inappropriate development .

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

2.6 This assessment report is designed to allow the archaeological potential and the potential impact of the development on any surviving archaeological remains to be assessed. It will allow all parties associated with the project to consider the need for design and/or archaeological solutions to the potential effects identified and to ensure compliance with the above mentioned relevant archaeological policies.

3 SOURCES

3.1 The information available in the Wiltshire Historic Environment Record (HER) has been consulted, within a search area of a 500m radius around the site. A total of 10 HER Monument records, three Events and 26 Listed Buildings are recorded within the search area.

3.2 The English Heritage Archives was also consulted, which had four additional records to the HER.

3.3 Information in the Wiltshire County Record Office has been consulted for cartographic and other historical data. Regional and national journals have been examined for relevant information, as well as unpublished reports of previous archaeological activity within the region.

3.4 A site visit was made on 23rd September 2013.

3.5 Appropriate on-line resources, such as the DEFRA MAGIC website, were consulted.

3.6 The historic environment assets identified as relevant to the study are listed in a Gazetteer (Appendix 1) at the end of this report. They are plotted on Figure 2.

4 SITE LOCATION, TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY

4.1 The total area of the red-line plan is a 0.95ha recreation ground within the village of Chilton Foliat. The centre of the site is located at National Grid Reference SU 3223 7049.

4.2 The site consists of a single large field used as a recreation ground. The field is predominantly under mown grass with dispersed trees and shrubs in areas of rough scrub along the eastern and western boundaries. Two goal posts are present within the site to the north and south.

4.3 The northern boundary to the site is delineated by a wooden panel fence, beyond which lies Modern residential development around Whitelocks Piece. The eastern part of the site contains a thick band of scrub and trees, within which is located a number of pieces of play equipment (swings and a roundabout) and a fenced-off area containing a small skate/bmx park. A

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

mature hedge/tree-line with a post-and-wire fence marks the boundary with the agricultural fields to the east. The land rises to the east and it appears that the skate/bmx park has been terraced into the natural slope to create a flat area, resulting in a noticeable bank immediately to the east. In the southeastern corner the site boundary is formed by a mature hedge. To the south the western and central part of the site is bounded by a post-and-rail fence beyond which lies a mature conifer hedge with intermittent trees and a gated access. The eastern part of the southern boundary is bordered partly by a low wooden panel fence and partly by a low breezeblock wall, which partly supports wooden fencing; garden and yard areas to the frontage structures are visible beyond this fence-line. The western boundary comprises a post-and-rail fence with a gated access in the southernmost part with a wooden panel fence along the remainder of the boundary, which is partly shielded by a number of trees.

4.4 The general topography of the site evinces a slight slope down to the southwest.

4.5 The online Geology of Britain Viewer (BGS) gives the underlying geology of the site as Seaford Chalk Formation beneath deposits of Head (Gravel, Sand, Silt and Clay).

5 ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

5.1 There are no Registered Parks and Gardens, Registered Battlefields or Scheduled Monuments within 1km of the site; the nearest designated features being the Grade II listed Littlecote Park (Ref 1000479), approximately 1.07km to the west southwest and the Scheduled Monument of Littlecote Roman villa (Ref 1003256), approximately 1.8km to the west southwest of the site.

5.2 There 26 listed buildings within 500m radius of the study area, with a further seven within 1km, all of which are Grade II listed with the exception of St. Grade II* listed. St. th century and was renovated in the 19th century and Chilton Cottage is of early 15th century origin, but all of the remaining listed buildings date to between the 17th and 19th centuries (Figure 3).

5.3

5.4 The HER records three archaeological investigations within the study area. The relevant events include an evaluation to the west at the Old Rectory (1258330), which revealed an artefact scatter, a (1531869) to the south of the site, which recovered a sherd of Medieval pottery and a watching brief at the Vicarage (1578605) to the west, which revealed no archaeologically significant finds or features. The four remaining records are held by English Heritage and relate to three phases of fieldwork

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

(229111, 628030, 637277 and 982103) between 1957 and 1962 which revealed a Mesolithic flint working site and evidence for Medieval settlement.

5.5 Evidence for Prehistoric activity: There is no evidence for Prehistoric finds or features relating to settlement of this period within the search area, although a Mesolithic flint working site is known from south of Leverton Lane, approximately 800m to the southwest.

5.6 Evidence for Roman activity: There are no Romano-British records within a 500m radius of the site, although the Littlecote Roman villa is located 1.8km to the west-southwest and the site area may have fallen within the boundary of its estate.

5.7 Evidence for Saxon activity: No evidence is known for an early 6th-8th century Saxon settlement close to the study area. The area would have fallen under Saxon control from the mid-6th century and may have been settled by the Saxons shortly after, although there may well have been an existing British settlement in the area.

5.8 The Victoria County History notes that Earl Harold held what was to become the manor of Chilton Foliat in 1066, so some form of settlement is likely to have been in existence by at least the late Saxon period; the place name given Cilletone lace name formed from OE cild tun meaning of the young (noble)men . It is likely that any such settlement was located close to the core of the later Medieval settlement around the church and manor house to the west of Stag Hill. No Saxon finds and features are known from within the study area. It is possible that there was settlement to the east of Stag Hill (which itself may not have yet have been in existence) during this period, but the site area may rather have comprised agricultural land during the greater part of this period.

5.9 Evidence for Medieval activity: In 1086 Chilton (Cilletone) was held by Rainald of Miles Crispin, who also held Wallingford Castle and the manor remained part of the honour of Wallingford thereafter. In the later 12th/early 13th century the manor was held in demesne by the Foliat family, and would F place-name element at this time. After 1326 the estate was in the hands of the de Lisle family and the land to the east, Chilton Park, was emparked around this time by Alice de Lisle.

5.10 No HER records relate to finds or features within the site area. There are two HER entries for Medieval activity within the study area; in the form of the Grade II* listed parish church (1266870), which was built c. 1300 and Medieval (or Post-medieval) lynchets (1263910) located north of the church. The only other Medieval record relates to Chilton Cottage (525421), which was constructed during the early-mid 15th century, and which is located to the east of the site on the western edge of Chilton Park and is listed Grade II.

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

5.11 There is no firm indication as to the extent of the village during the Medieval period, although it is likely to have been focussed around the church and original manor house, which was located east of the church. There is no clear evidence as to whether there were buildings along the road frontage to the east of Stag Hill during this period. In this event it is likely that the site area would have comprised backland areas; the earliest available map (dating to 1791) shows the site as falling within classic may have had their origin during the Medieval period. If the frontage in this area was not occupied, the site itself is likely to have been in agricultural usage during this period.

5.12 Evidence for Post Medieval and Modern Activity: The HER records within the 500m study area for this period are restricted to a quarry and track (1263889) to the north of the church and water meadow earthworks (1263951) mapped from aerial photographs to the south of the A4192.

5.13 There are twenty-four Post-medieval listed buildings within the study area, of which Chilton House Farm (1516709), Bridge House (1516788), The Old Rectory (1516789) and Chilton Mill (1569216) are recorded on the HER.

5.14 A manor house is mentioned in 1546. This probably stood immediately west of the church and was demolished c. 1754. Chilton Park, to the east of the site, remained as parkland during the earlier part of the period and was disparked in stages from the mid-17th century onwards.

5.15 Evidence for Undated Activity: A single undated HER record is known immediately to the east of the site in the form of cropmark remains of a number of perpendicular and single ditches (1263917), which are presumed to be part of a fragmented field system of unknown date, although it is possible that these relate to the common fields of Chilton Foliat; the North Field occupying this area until enclosed in the early 19th century. Some of these cropmarks, located immediately to the east of the site, also appear to match with Post-medieval field boundaries as evinced on the late 18th and early 19th century cartographic sources. A number of other lynchet-type features located to the north and north-east may be of earlier origin. It is possible that evidence for this field system may extend into the site area.

6 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS

6.1 Aerial photographs held at English Heritage (Archives) were examined on 4th October 2013.

6.2 Historic aerial photographs dating from 1942 show a number of distinct linear and circular cropmarks within the site area; a number of which are clearly identifiable as earlier field boundaries visible on plans dating to the late 18th/early 19th century. A number of other features, however, are not attributable to this Post-medieval landuse, which may itself have originated in

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

the Medieval period and may, instead relate to the undated field system recorded on the HER (1263917) although several are clearly not archaeological in origin. The cropmarks are clear in 1942, less clear in 1946, clear again in 1951, but are not visible thereafter. A probable service trench is visible on Modern aerial photographs, running on a northwest-southeast alignment through the site.

6.3 A number of other features are visible in the vicinity of the site, in the form of field boundaries, lynchet banks and water meadow earthworks, which are recorded on the HER, or shown on cartographic sources. Aerial photographs dating from 1942 show a military camp at Chilton Park, all evidence for which was gone by 1951.

7 MAP REGRESSION

7.1 A 1791 Estate Maps shows the site area partially covering three rectilinear plots, running roughly north south, each occupying roughly one third of the width of the site area. The northeastern corner of the site extends slightly into a further north-south aligned strip field that falls within the known extent of the former Medieval common North Field; it is possible that the site area was also part of the common fields at this time.

7.2 The plots are long, narrow strips of land characteristic of pre-enclosure Medieval fields (selions), although it is possible that they may also represent property boundaries for burgage plot type land holdings associated with the structures on the road frontage. Structures are shown on the road frontage (now the B4192) at the southern end of each of the three plots, to the south of the site. No divisions are marked between these structures and the plots, indicating that they are directly associated with the buildings rather than representing selions associated with the open field.

7.3 The names of the tenants are written on the plots, but are not legible enough to be read. The central plot is numbered 5 and is coloured green but the significance of the colour is not certain. The remaining two plots are uncoloured.

7.4 The east and west boundaries of the site are flanked by further strips of land: four to the east and four to the west. In the field immediately bordering the west of site area, a track is marked running north from the road. This follows the later course of Stag Hill (B4001).

7.5 To the north and northeast of the site area the landscape is subdivided into selions, mostly running east-west with the majority of them shown as separated by hedgerows. This area constitutes the area of the Medieval North Field. To the west and northwest there are large open fields, which have clearly been previously enclosed.

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

7.6 On the opposite side of the road there are further rectilinear plots and dwellings; the village comprising a characteristic ribbon development. To the south of these, the River Kennet is marked on the map, flowing in an arc from east to south. A tributary flows into it from the northeast.

7.7 The Enclosure Map of 1813 shows the site area still divided into three strip fields, numbered from the west: 164, 167 and 168, with a small part of field 142 comprising the northeast corner. The accompanying apportionment identifies all th pasture. Plot 164 is given as owned by Susannah Neate, with plot 168 and field 142 in the ownership of James Martin; field 142 is given as arable.

7.8 The plots forming the site area are now shown as subdivided from the buildings on the frontage. Considerable development is shown to the rear of the buildings shown in 1791, although it is possible these structures already existed but were not previously mapped. The division from the structures on the road frontage comprises the introduction of a southern boundary to the site area. Of particular note is the possible depiction of quarrying or terracing immediately to the south of the central plot. . 7.9 Immediately to the east and the west of the site area, the same pattern is discernible, with the plots seen on the 1791 map being subdivided into smaller plots and with more structures evident. The key difference is that the track shown bordering the site area in the west on the 1791 map is now a road (Stag Hill), although the junction with the B4192 remains blocked by a structure.

7.10 The strips to the north and the north east of the site area have been enclosed and are now shown as larger open fields, parts of which have been granted to Susannah Neate and James Martin. To the west, the large open fields remain as shown on the 1791 map. A structure in the farthest field to the west is labelled a Parsonage. Finally, there are further structures between the road and the river Kennet.

7.11 The 1815 Estate Map shows that there has been no change within the site area since the 1813 map was produced. In the area between the road and the south boundary of the site, all the subdivisions of the plots and the structures located within them effectively remain a western plot remains occupied by Susannah Neate and the eastern plot by James Martin. The area north and northeast, divided into larger blocks by the 1813 enclosure award, is now shown as a single large field without the enclosure boundaries, both Susanah Neate and James Martin presumably having sold the plots in this area that they had received.

7.12 The strips flanking the east and west boundaries of the site are also unchanged from the 1813 map, as is the area between the road and the River Kennet. The large open fields to the west are also unchanged. The structure at the south end of Stag Hill has now been removed and the junction with the B4192 established.

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

7.13 By the time of the 1834 Estate Map the boundaries between the strip fields within the site have been removed; the site area is now shown as two fields; the field previously owned by Susannah Neate and the adjacent (central) field is now shown as a single field (105) in the ownership of James Langford and is named Chilton Field, which is under pasture. The eastern plot formerly owned by James Martin is now given as Neales Meadow (108) in the ownership of Ann Painter, although no landuse is given. An amendment to the plan illustrates that the boundary between these two fields was originally shown but was later removed to combine Fields 105 and 108 into a single field. The northeastern corner of the site is illustrated as falling within part of a rectangular field that appears to have been created since 1815. The structures along the road frontage appear to remain broadly the same, although there have been some minor changes in particular with regard to the outbuildings and other structures behind the frontage structures. To the west of the site, divisions have been laid out along the east side of Stag Hill with a view to residential development.

7.14 The Ordnance Survey plan of 1882 shows the site as falling within a single field. The western boundary has been removed, although it is partly fossilised in the retention of a number of trees and the north-south boundary of the rectangular field in the northeastern corner has also been removed, leaving the east-west portion of the boundary extending into the site area. A rectangular structure, almost certainly a barn or other agricultural building is shown within the site area at the western end of this remnant boundary. The southern boundary now appears more regular and in concordance with the existing boundary. Few significant changes are noticeable in the landscape.

7.15 The Ordnance Survey plan of 1885 shows no significant changes to the site or its environs. Few changes are noticeable on the Ordnance Survey plans of 1885, 1900, 1911 or 1913, with the exception of minor changes and alterations to the buildings between the site and the B4192. The plan of 1925 shows a number of changes with the removal of the barn-type structure within the site area and introduction of the northern and western boundaries which correspond to the Modern site boundaries. To the west of the site residential buildings have been constructed along Stag Hill.

7.16 No significant changes are noticeable on the Ordnance Survey plan of 1960. By 1980 the site is identified as a playing field and includes a rectangular building in the southeastern quarter. The Wheatsheaf to the south of the site is first identified as a public house on this plan.

7.17 There are no significant changes on the 1994 Ordnance Survey plan, although the road for Whitelocks Piece is shown as planned or under construction. The 2006 Ordnance Survey plan shows that the rectangular building within the southern part of the site has been demolished and also shows that the Whitelocks Piece estate has been constructed to the north. No significant

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

changes to the site or its immediate environs are shown on the Ordnance Survey plan of 2013.

8 IMPACT OF THE PROPOSALS

8.1 Based on the results of the desk-based assessment the perceived archaeological potential of the site can be summarised as follows:

8.2 Prehistoric (Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age: The site lies within an area of low potential for the recovery of Prehistoric activity, with only a single record (a Mesolithic flint working area) within the study area. Any finds or features of these dates may be considered of moderate- high significance.

8.3 Iron Age and Roman: The site contains a low potential for activity dating to these periods. No Iron Age activity is known from the area, although a Roman villa is present within 2km and the site may well have fallen within its estate. Isolated or dispersed occupation in the vicinity cannot be entirely ruled out, but the site is likely to have been in agricultural usage during these periods. Any finds or features of these dates may be considered of moderate-high significance.

8.4 Early Medieval: The site contains low-moderate potential for the presence of finds and features, as settlement is known at Chilton Foliat from the late Saxon period. The most likely features dating to this period within the site area will be evidence for former field systems, which may be considered to be of generally low or low-moderate significance.

8.5 Medieval: The site contains a moderate potential for the presence of Medieval finds and features. It is possible that the whole area was located in land that was predominantly agricultural, with a mix of pasture and arable, but if Medieval occupation was already present to the east of Stag Hill, the site may contain evidence for Medieval backland activity, including property divisions. Evidence for former field systems of this period may be considered of relatively low significance, although property divisions and backland activity may be considered to be of moderate significance.

8.6 There are two Medieval listed buildings within the study area in the form the parish church to the west and Chilton Cottage to the east. Neither of these structures has any intervisibility with the site due to the presence of intervening topography, vegetation and built environment.

8.7 Post-Medieval: The site contains high potential for buried Post-medieval features relating to field divisions and/or property divisions and backland activity illustrated on late 18th/early 19th century mapping and on aerial photographs. A barn or similar structure recorded in 1882, but demolished by

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

1925, may also have left buried traces, as may a recreation ground related structure present between 1980 and 2006. The strip fields to the rear of the site were certainly used for pasture by the time of the enclosure map in 1813, when they had been divided from the properties immediately to the south, but were not so divided in 1791, which may reflect the Medieval landholding arrangements; whether the strips were agricultural selions at this time is uncertain. Evidence for buried field boundaries of this period may be considered of relatively low importance, while potential backland activity of this period may be considered to be of generally low-moderate significance.

8.8 There are twenty-four listed buildings of this period within the study area, predominantly located along the northern road frontage of the A4192. Intervisibility between these buildings and the site is generally limited, with minor views from the site entrance onto Stag Hill to the southwest and views to the south and southwest in the eastern part of the field which has the potential to impact on three grade II listed buildings. The proposed construction of dwellings within this part of the site is therefore likely to result in a moderate unmodified impact on the settings of these listed buildings. However, it is likely that suitable mitigation could be introduced through planting to substantially reduce or remove any significant impact on settings.

9 CONCLUSIONS

9.1 The assessment has highlighted that the site is of overall low archaeological potential for the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Roman and Saxon periods. Any finds or features of these dates may, however, be considered de facto to be of moderate-high significance. The site has a moderate potential for Medieval activity, which may comprise either backland activity, or agricultural activity. Agricultural remains dating to this period may be considered to be of relatively low significance, although potential backland activity may be considered of at least moderate significance. The site contains high potential for Post-medieval activity in the form of boundary divisions and potentially for backland activity, as well as for an agricultural building first recorded in 1882. These are likely to survive as buried features, some of which are visible on historic aerial photographs and may, in part, be recorded on the ground by the area of scrub on the eastern side of the site. This activity may be considered to be of generally low-moderate significance.

9.2 The development proposals currently known for the site will involve sub- surface disturbance through the excavation of footings, service trenches and landscaping. All of these activities will have the potential to impact on buried archaeological deposits. This is particularly relevant with regard to the proposed dwellings along the southern boundary of the site, closer to the historic occupation on the A4192 road frontage. Backland activity may be considered more likely in this area than further to the north.

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

10 REFERENCES

Brophy, K. & Cowley, D. (eds), 2005 From the Air: Understanding Aerial Archaeology.

Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), 2012 National Planning Policy Framework.

Department of the Environment (DoE) 1985, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.

English Heritage, 2008 Conservation Principles for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment.

English Heritage, 2011 Seeing History in the View: A Method for Assessing Heritage Significance in Views.

English Heritage 2012 The Setting of Heritage Assets.

Field, J 1989 English Field Names: A Dictionary.

IfA, 2011, Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Desk-Based Assessments.

Mills, A D, 1998 Dictionary of English Place Names.

Morris, J. (ed) 1979. Domesday Book: a survey of the counties of England: Wiltshire.

11 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Foundations Archaeology would like to thank Claire Welburn of Fowler Architecture and Planning Limited (on behalf of Sir Seton Wills), the staff of the Wiltshire Historic Environment Record, the Wiltshire Record Office and The National Archives, as well as the staff of English Heritage (Archives).

Recreation Ground, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire: Archaeological Assessment

APPENDIX 1

HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT RECORD INFORMATION