Alto Building, Queens Road, Reading, Berkshire

An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment

for Lukmore Properties Ltd.

by Lisa‐Maree Hardy

Thames Valley Archaeological Services Ltd

Site Code AQR 02/75

August 2002

Alto Building; Queens Road, Reading, Berkshire An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment

by Lisa-Maree Hardy

Report 02/75

Introduction

This desk-based study is an assessment of the archaeological potential of the site of the Alto Building, located on

Queens Road, Reading (SU 723 733). The project was commissioned by Mr Nick Blunt, of Lukmore Properties,

PO Box 2163, Reading, RG1 4WD and comprises the first stage of a process to determine the presence/absence, extent, character, quality and date of any archaeological remains which may be affected by redevelopment of the area.

Site description, location and geology

The site consists of an area of approximately 0.18 ha located in Reading, Berkshire centred on SU 723 733. The site is bounded to the east by Kings Road, to the north by Kennet Street and offices, to the west by offices and the south by Queens Road.

The majority of the site area currently consists of terraced buildings, occupied by residential and small business users (Fig. 11). The buildings front Queens Road. Rear (northern) access is gained from Kennet Street.

The northern portion of the site is occupied by parking space. Adjacent to this, in the eastern portion of the site, is a car washing business, which fronts Kennet Street. The far eastern portion of the site is open grassed space.

The site slopes quite markedly from south down to north, with the Queens Road frontage substantially higher than the Kennet Road

The development area is at an average height of c. 40m above Ordnance Datum. The northern portion of the site is located on valley gravel (BGS 1946).

Planning background and development proposals

Planning permission is to be sought to redevelop the site for residential purposes. This redevelopment will involve the demolition of existing structures, and the construction of three blocks of residential units, with associated amenities and a basement car park.

Archaeology and Planning (PPG 16 1990) provides guidance relating to archaeology within the planning process. It points out that where a desk-based assessment has shown that there is a strong possibility of

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significant archaeological deposits in a development area it is reasonable to provide more detailed information from a field evaluation so that an appropriate strategy to mitigate the effects of development on archaeology can be devised:

Paragraph 21 states:

‘Where early discussions with local planning authorities or the developer’s own research indicate that important archaeological remains may exist, it is reasonable for the planning authority to request the prospective developer to arrange for an archaeological field evaluation to be carried out...’

Should the presence of archaeological deposits be confirmed further guidance is provided. Archaeology and

Planning stresses preservation in situ of archaeological deposits as a first consideration as in paragraphs 8 and

18.

Paragraph 8 states:

‘...Where nationally important archaeological remains, whether scheduled or not, and their settings, are affected by proposed development there should be a presumption in favour of their physical preservation...’

Paragraph 18 states:

‘The desirability of preserving an ancient monument and its setting is a material consideration in determining planning applications whether that monument is scheduled or unscheduled...’

However, for archaeological deposits that are not of such significance it is appropriate for them to be ‘preserved by record’ (i.e., fully excavated and recorded by a competent archaeological contractor) prior to their destruction or damage.

Paragraph 25 states:

‘Where planning authorities decide that the physical preservation in situ of archaeological remains is not justified in the circumstances of the development and that development resulting in the destruction of the archaeological remains should proceed, it would be entirely reasonable for the planning authority to satisfy itself ... that the developer has made appropriate and satisfactory provision for the excavation and recording of remains.’

The Berkshire Structure Plan 1991–2006 (BBC 1994) also outlines policy regarding the archaeological potential of development sites.

Policy EN5, para 6.16:

‘Archaeological remains are irreplaceable. They are the evidence, in some cases the only evidence, of the past development of our civilisation. They comprise a varied resource, including buried objects, and standing structures ranging in date from prehistory to the industrial era. Particular care must be taken to ensure that archaeological remains and evidence are not needlessly or thoughtlessly destroyed.’

Policy EN6:

‘Scheduled Ancient Monuments and the most important non-scheduled remains, together with their settings, will be protected and managed to ensure that they are not damaged or destroyed. Where a

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lack of information precludes the proper assessment of a site or sites with archaeological potential, this information will have to be provided in advance of any decision to affect that site or area. Where preservation is not possible local planning authorities should be satisfied before granting planning permission that appropriate arrangements have been made for excavation and recording to take place prior to development.’

This is reiterated in the Reading Borough Local Plan (RBLP 1995), Policy CUD 12:

‘Appropriate mitigation of a development’s effect on archaeological remains will be secured before any planning permission is granted and where appropriate, before development takes place. Where evidence points to remains being of outstanding importance, planning permission may be refused on archaeological grounds.’

Methodology

This assessment of the site was carried out by the examination of pre-existing information from a number of sources recommended by the Institute of Field Archaeologists paper ‘Standards in British Archaeology’ covering desk-based studies. These sources include historic and modern maps, the Berkshire Sites and Monuments

Record, geological maps and any relevant publications or reports. A site visit was also conducted on 16th August

2002 in order to determine the current land use, topography and disturbance of the site.

Archaeological background

Berkshire Sites and Monuments Record

A search was made of the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) on 14th August, 2002 for an area of 500m surrounding the proposal site. The results of this search indicate that there are in excess of two hundred records in close proximity to the site. In order to simplify the following discussion, these records have been grouped according to national grid reference listed in the SMR (not all of which are to the same accuracy), giving a total of 45 separate site locations. These locations are illustrated in Figure 1 and the entries are summarized in

Appendix 1.

Prehistoric

The earliest find recorded for the area is that of a Lower Palaeolithic handaxe [Fig 1: 44].

A Neolithic flint axe was recovered from within the church yard of St Laurence’s [5], a second axe from the Forbury Gardens [22], another from London Road [44] and a flint knife of the same period to the west of the site [11], and a flake, core and pottery from the Prison grounds [35]. At the Crane Wharf site, to the west, a flint blade and core and worked wooden stakes of early Neolithic date were discovered, although these were apparently not in situ [19; 26]. Skeletal remains dated to the Iron Age were also uncovered. A radiocarbon

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determination for one of the stakes revealed a date of 3820–3570 cal BC. Bronze Age pottery has been recorded from the Prison site [35]. A coin dated to the Iron Age was found in the vicinity of Market Place [13].

Roman

Pottery and coins of this period have been recovered from various locations [11, 13; 20; 26; 35]. Other evidence for this period includes the discovery of human skeletons along Reading waterfront, in particular in the vicinity of Kings Road and Abbey Wharf (Hawkes and Fasham 1997) [20; 27]. An inhumation has also been recovered to the south of the proposal site [37]. A quern made of lava was recovered from the grounds of the Queens Hotel

[25].

Saxon

Finds from this period have been recovered from the River Kennet, including a spearhead and axe [2]; an iron dagger was recovered from Queens Road [18]; another spearhead from the Abbey site [34] and pottery and metalwork from the Prison and nearby [28; 35]. A watching brief at Forbury Square revealed pits and postholes containing animal bone and pottery [20]. Three inhumations were discovered in the vicinity of the Forbury

Roundabout [22] and further burials (in excess of 40 individuals) were discovered in the Abbey site, but it is believed that this may actually relate to the nearby graveyard of St Laurences [34]. The excavations at Crane

Wharf revealed hazel stakes projecting from a clay bank (Hawkes and Fasham 1997) [26]. Similar features dated to the Saxon period were found at Abbey Wharf [27].

Documentary sources (Astill 1978, 75) reveal that a Danish army overwintered at Reading in AD871 and constructed a rampart between the Thames and the Kennet to the east of the Royal Vill. The specific location of this camp is not known and much of the area forming the confluence of the two rivers is low-lying. Suggested locations are recorded in the SMR, although limited fieldwork has produced no specific evidence of any defences [7; 43].

Medieval

The most extensively represented period in the SMR is the medieval period. The majority of these entries were located to the west of the proposal site, closer to the centre of medieval Reading. Evidence for this period ranged from structures and sites such as the Market Place [4], St Giles Mill [1], the Abbey Mill [20] the Hospitium of St

John the Baptist [15], the 12th-century St Laurence’s Hospitium, which is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument

[5], St Laurence’s church, [14], and the leper hospital of St Mary Magdalene, [21]. St James Church is also entered in the SMR, with respect to three medieval in situ burials found in the churchyard [35].

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Archaeological investigation in the Reading area has revealed many finds and features of medieval date including burials, revetments and other features [2; 3; 8; 9; 10; 13; 14; 15; 20] (WA 1993; 1997; King and King

2001).

Forbury Hill is believed to have been a possible site of a castle built in the Abbey precinct by Stephen in

1150, only to be destroyed two years later. A circular mound in the area may be the remains of a motte later modified by the construction of civil war defences and 19th-century landscaping [29]. In Duke Street, during road resurfacing works, a bridge was recorded [12]. Originally extending over Holy Brook, the association of a

14th-century coin and a pottery sherd indicates a medieval date for the structure. Duke Street itself is a known medieval street and is entered in the SMR as such [11]. This entry also provides the record for the medieval township of Reading.

One of the most significant aspects of Reading’s medieval history is the establishment of the Abbey in

1121. It was consecrated as a Cluniac monastery in 1164 by Henry I. Many features of the Abbey have been entered in to the SMR, including the dovecote, bakehouse [20], the Abbott’s House, the Inner Gate, the Abbey gateway (a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Listed Building) [21], the cloisters, the kitchen and refectory

[28] ambulatory [34; 35], Chapter House, treasury, Abbey Church [34], infirmary [46] and the floor of a possible passage leading from the Abbey Cloisters to the infirmary [27; 34] (Slade 1972; 1976). Building excavations within Reading Prison revealed evidence of a chapel at the east end of the Abbey Church [29]. A coffined burial was discovered in the south ambulatory and a second was recovered from the chancel during an excavation of the Abbey site (Slade 1976) [34]. Other structures recorded associated with the Abbey include boundary walls

[29], part of the plummery wall [16; 35] (TWA 1987a) and a silted-up channel [33] (TWA 1989).

At the present site of the Reading Library, evidence exists for the area being the location of the stables of

Reading Abbey, with different periods of alterations and expansion. Evidence also exists for the construction of a temporary revetment on the new Holy Brook, which by the 12th century had become the southern boundary to the Abbey Precinct. A late Saxon to early medieval plough soil was located stratigraphically beneath the evidence of stables. Other works in the area indicate three stages of revetments constructed in the 13th century, and a later revetment built by 1600 (Hawkes and Fasham 1997) [20].

At the extensively excavated Crane Wharf Site, numerous finds and features of the medieval period were discovered [19, 26]. A gully running across the site contained 14th- to 15th-century pottery. It is believed that this gully was associated with similar gullies found at the Abbey Wharf site, and may represent a drainage system designed to drain these areas into Holy Brook (Hawkes and Fasham 1997).

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The excavated site of Abbey Wharf also revealed information on the riverfront during medieval times [27;

28]. The remnants of at least three buildings, constructed during different phases of use, have been located at the site, as have phases of revetment building, beginning with a phase of beech post and drift wood revetments, superseded by post and wattle revetments, which were in turn replaced by post and plank constructions. The construction techniques employed and the location of the site indicate that the revetments were built as flood defences. Other structures excavated include a possible landing stage or erosion control surface constructed of flint and chalk blocks, drainage gullies and ditches. Evidence suggests that following the dissolution of the

Abbey, the Abbey Wharf was abandoned, and only one possible revetment for this post-Dissolution period was found (Hawkes and Fasham 1997) The site has also revealed information regarding the movement of the Holy

Brook in relation to the position of different phases of revetment construction. The attention devoted to drainage and water-course management at this site is of particular note; and natural enough in a town whose medieval economy depended to a large extent on river-borne traffic.

Post-medieval and Modern

Records of post-medieval remains also abound. Reading’s tradition as a market town has continued, and is evidenced by the former presence of the Corn Exchange within the town [4]. Although now demolished, the

19th-century building is listed in the SMR.

An evaluation at Forbury House revealed evidence of the 19th century Sutton’s Seeds Factory [13; 20]. A watching brief at the nearby Forbury Square identified a series of red brick footings, chalk and flint footings, and finds dating from the 16th to 19th centuries [14; 20]. During demolition of 22, The Forbury, a well was discovered in the basement [21]. The Forbury itself is listed in the SMR as a post-medieval street [21].

An evaluation undertaken at 67–73 London Street involved the excavation of three trenches, which revealed evidence of a post-medieval rubbish pit and gravel quarrying (Moore 2001) [17]. An evaluation at

Silver Street revealed post-medieval pottery and clay pipe (and a single, presumably residual piece of medieval pottery) [23]. A possible line of Civil War defences was also revealed during the works [24]. A ditch possibly associated with the defences was also recorded further to the east [30]. Other possible civil war defences have also been recorded in the vicinity of the Abbey [28].

At the Crane Wharf site, excavation revealed a 17th-century timber revetment and a post-medieval brick lined well (TWA 1985) [19]. Timbers were also found which related to the final phase of canalization of the

Kennet (Hawkes and Fasham 1997) [26]. At Abbey Wharf, revetment building following the Dissolution did not re-commence until the 17th century (Hawkes and Fasham 1997) [27].

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An 18th-century well was located during renovations to the Reading Chronicle building [6]. A series of

Victorian buildings including shops, offices and warehouses fronting Blagrave St and Valpy St were demolished in 1975 [6]. To the west of the proposal site, at 2–4 London Street, a building investigation, recording and watching brief were carried out. The 19th-century house had been constructed over the footprint of an earlier building (Gill 2000) [12].

Construction on the canal which transects the town of Reading began in 1718. The first area which was converted is the stretch between Blake’s Lock and the County Lock, which comprised part of the Kennet River

[32; 40]. Blakes Lock is also recorded as a site [42]. The single-arched bridge spanning the Kennet, known as the High Bridge was constructed c. 1788 and is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM 31) [11]. The site of

Blakes Bridge is also entered in the SMR [36], as is the section of the canal which served the Huntley and

Palmers Biscuit Factory [39]. The Biscuit Factory has been the subject of recent archaeological investigation, which revealed extensive evidence of the workings of a portion of the site (Hammond 2002) [41].

The Forbury Gardens originated as open space declared in the 12th century, and has been used for town fairs since the Dissolution. The current gardens, established in the 19th century, are a Registered Park and

Garden (Grade II) [22].

A watching brief undertaken at the Blakes Paddle and Rymer Weir revealed revetments and engineering structures dating to the 1920s (Parham 2001) [42].

To the west of the development area is the site of the Reading Green and Marvel Colour Works paint factory which operated from 1900 to the 1970s [45].

Negative

An evaluation at the Old Shire Hall, to the north west of the proposal site did not reveal any finds or archaeological deposits. This was largely due to the evidence of post-medieval terracing on the site, which had removed the relevant layers (TWA 1990) [20]. An evaluation at the Assizes Court site revealed evidence of post- medieval terracing and land reclamation (TWA 1987b) [21]. A watching brief at Chestnut Walk also revealed no archaeological evidence (FA n.d.) [33].

Undated

A flint-lined well has been located at the site of No. 1 Butter Market. The well has a total depth of 16 feet, but held no dating evidence [4]. The A4 Bath Road is also included in the SMR [38].

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Cartographic review

A range of Ordnance Survey and other historical maps of the area were consulted at the Reading Local Studies

Library in order to ascertain what activity had been taking place throughout the site’s later history and whether this may have affected any possible archaeological deposits within the proposal area (Appendix 2).

The earliest map consulted was that of Speed (1611) (Fig. 2). This map is at a small scale and shows no detail of the vicinity of the proposal site, with Reading being represented as a substantial settlement at this time.

Notable markers in the area include the Thames and the Kennet Rivers.

Rocque’s map of 1761 (not illustrated) shows the Reading area in greater detail than that of Speed, with main roads and structures depicted. The vicinity of the site can be discerned from the location of the Kennet

River and what is now Watlington Street and other main roads. The site appears to have been located in open space, possibly as a part of a farm.

A more specific map is that of Coates, dated 1802 (Fig. 3). This map of Reading indicates that the proposal site was a part of Ort Farm, to the south of a watercourse known as Gunter’s Brook. The site is located on farmland but without any specific detailed features present to pinpoint the exact location of the site. The site has been located based on markers such as Ort Lane (Watlington Street) and the bridge crossing the brook.

By 1834 this area of Reading has been substantially developed. Watlington Road is marked as Ort Lane

(Fig. 4). Queens Road now shows it current alignment, as does Kings Road. Gunters Brook is not depicted.

However to the north the Kennet and Avon canal is depicted in conjunction with the Kennet River. The area to the south of the proposal site is shown as part of Eldon Square, an incomplete development. The area of the proposal site is depicted as being undeveloped.

By Simmons’ map of 1861–2 the area around Watlington Street has substantially grown, with the completion of the hospital to the south (Fig. 5). The proposal site is easier to discern on this map. Kennet Street has been established to the north of the site. To the immediate west of the site, on the corner of Watlington Street and Queens Road, a large building has been constructed. The western portion of the site itself is vacant land, while the eastern portion of the site is occupied by a large structure, possibly a residence.

The First Edition Ordnance Survey of 1879 (Fig. 6) shows substantial development within the site, with the whole of the Queens Street frontage occupied by terraced houses. The eastern portion of the site is occupied by a large residence with established gardens which extend further east, under what is now the Kings Road. At least two buildings are represented occupying the rear of these properties, fronting onto Kennet Street. With the exception of these properties, the remainder of the site is occupied by gardens.

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The Ordnance Survey of 1900 shows the site in a more stylized fashion (Fig. 7). The proposal site occupies all or part of at least thirteen individual properties. Further development in the north of the site has resulted in at least six substantial buildings fronting Kennet Street. The area to the east of the proposal site is also heavily developed. The Ordnance Survey of 1912 shows little change (not illustrated).

By 1931, development in the northern portion of the site has increased (Fig. 8). The Ordnance Survey of

1956 indicates that the general configuration of houses along the Queens Road has remained unchanged, while the numerous structures fronting Kennet Street have expanded (Fig. 9). The Ordnance Survey of 1971 shows no changes (not illustrated).

By 1989, the houses on the northern side of Kennet Street have been replaced by Sapphire House, an office development (Fig. 10). On the southern side of Kennet Street the majority of structures fronting the Street have been removed, with the exception of three in the eastern portion of the site. The block in which the site is located

(i.e. the block bounded by Watlington Street, Kennet Street, Kings Road and Queens Road) now has its current shape. The eastern portion of the site is vacant. The area fronting Queens Road is no longer occupied by single terraced houses, but rather these have been joined to form at least six premises. Access drives and parking areas are provided for these premises in the northern portion of the site, fronting Kennet Street. The area to the immediate west of the proposal site is occupied by a substantial structure with parking area. The map of 1991 shows little change to the proposal site (Fig. 11).

Documentary Sources

Whilst there is evidence of prehistoric and Roman occupation of the Reading area, the main evidence for the establishment of a settlement begins with the Saxons, the placename deriving from ‘followers of Reada’. This placename formation may suggest settlement from as early as the 7th century. Reading is first mentioned in

AD871 when a Danish army set up a winter camp here (Astill 1978). In 1006, a Danish army is again noted to have been in the area, with documentary evidence that they burnt the town. The town had probably been established in the vicinity of St Mary’s Butts, at the junction of the roads from Oxford to Winchester and London to Bath, well to the west of the proposal site.

The status of the town during Anglo-Saxon times is indicated by the establishment of a mint (albeit a minor one; Freeman 1985) and market, and it was near the end of the Saxon period that Reading became a borough

(VCH 1972). Domesday Book notes that the manor was formerly held by King Edward. It was already quite a prosperous manor, valued at £48 and listed with four mills and three fisheries and housing 55 villagers and 30

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small-holders. (Morgan 1979, 1:41-2); further property in Reading, belonging to the Abbot of Battle, had a further 2 mills and 2 fisheries and 17 more taxpayers (Morgan 1979, 15:1).

During the Medieval period an abbey was established in the town (in 1121). A wharf was soon constructed on the Kennet in close proximity to the Abbey site. With the establishment of the Abbey and the wharf, trade to the area increased and the town grew. During this time, the Abbott was the ultimate seat of power in the town; however, there was almost continual conflict between the interest of the Abbey and of the merchants guilds. In

1253, an agreement between the two was reached, which lasted until the dissolution of the Abbey in 1539.

During this period, Reading was the wealthiest town in Berkshire, partly due to the expanding town market, particularly in the wool trade.

In 1642 the town was encircled by defences for the first time, consisting of bastions linked by earth banks.

During this phase of the Civil War, the town was under Royalist control, having been taken over from the

Parliamentarians. By the end of the 17th century the town was no longer reliant on wool trade, with the expansion of other industries such as pin making and sailcloth manufacture. The economy of Reading prospered, resulting in a population increase and marked rebuilding, continuing into the 18th century (VCH 1972).

While there is no doubt that the Kennet has been used for trade in the past and navigation by small vessels, the possibility of commercial navigation on the Kennet above Reading before the 18th century is doubtful. No documentary evidence has been discovered in the past that navigation took place, or was contemplated, during medieval times on the Kennet above Reading High Bridge. The first reference quoted is that of Blome in 1673 that the Kennet was large and navigable for barges, but this has not been corroborated (Hawkes and Fasham

1997; 187). If up-river transport did stop at Reading, this would have contributed greatly to its market and tax revenues throughout the Middle Ages.

According to documentary and cartographic sources, the proposal site lay beyond the limits of medieval

Reading, which occupied the area surrounding St Mary’s Butts to the west (Astill 1978).

Listed buildings

The site does not contain any Listed Buildings.

Registered Parks and Gardens; Registered Battlefields

The site does not lie within a Registered Park and Garden, nor is it the site of a Registered Battlefield.

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Discussion

There are two issues that need consideration in recommending a suitable course of action for this proposal: the likelihood of the original presence of archaeological deposits on the proposal site and whether they have survived later disturbance; and the impact of the proposed new development on relevant archaeological levels.

A review of the cartographic and historical sources indicates that the site has been extensively developed since the 19th century. Prior to this the site was farmland. The site is not located within the medieval core or early post-medieval expansion of Reading, nor is it within the precinct of the Abbey.

A review of the SMR for the study area reflects the long history of Reading with a large number of entries covering periods from the Lower Palaeolithic to late post-medieval times. The majority of these entries, however, are located to the west of the site and in fact, few are at all close to the site. None are recorded for the site itself.

The survival of archaeological deposits on the site will be conditional in the extent of later truncations. It is evident that the site has been extensively developed, particularly along the Queens Road frontage, and it is possible that the current buildings on the site contain basements. If this is the case, then these will undoubtedly have removed, at least in part, any archaeological deposits in their immediate area. The history of the proposal site indicates that all of the Queens Road frontage of the site has been developed at some stage. However, the extent and scale of any truncation cannot be easily assessed without field observation.

It is not possible to determine from the cartographic evidence whether the difference in levels between

Queens Road and Kennet Street is the result of terracing, unrecorded gravel extraction, or a natural land formation. It has been noticed, though, that the former course of Gunter’s Brook was in close proximity to the north of the site and that the modern ground levels slope down northwards to the Kennet and Avon Canal. This may imply that the proposal site lies on a terrace edge location overlooking lower-lying land. Terrace edge locations are frequently preferred for occupation in both prehistoric and historic times allowing access to river resources but avoiding inundation during times of flood.

This latter aspect raises the prospective archaeological interest of the site and implies that the archaeological potential of the site should be further investigated. However, as the site occupies a relatively small parcel of land and has been subject to disturbance/truncation to a greater or lesser extent, it is less clear if further investigation would warrant a full field evaluation (trial trenching) prior to groundworks for the new structure, or a watching brief to take place during the groundworks.

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Following the above review, it seems most appropriate that archaeological fieldwork would best be implemented as a condition on any planning consent granted.

This work should be undertaken by a competent archaeological contractor, such as an organization registered with the Institute of Field Archaeologists, according to a written scheme of investigation drawn up with, or with the approval of, the archaeological adviser to the Local Planning Authority.

References Astill, G, 1978, Historic Towns of Berkshire, Berkshire Archaeological Committee Publication 2, Reading BCC, 1991, Berkshire Structure Plan 1991-2006, Berkshire County Council, Reading BGS, 1946, British Geological Survey, 1:50,000, Sheet 268, Drift Edition, Keyworth FA, n.d., ‘Chestnut Walk, Reading, Berkshire, an archaeological watching brief’, Foundations Archaeology report, Swindon [2001?] Freeman, A, 1985, ‘Reading: its status and standing as a minor late Anglo-Saxon mint,’ Berkshire Archaeol J, 72 (for 1983-85), 53–8 Gill, J, 2000, ‘2-4 London Street, Reading; Building Investigation, Recording and Archaeological Watching Brief’, Oxford Archaeological Unit report, Oxford Hammond, S, 2002, ‘Former Bus Depot, Gasworks Road, Reading, Berkshire: an archaeological excavation’, Thames Valley Archaeological Services draft report, project 02/08, Reading Hawkes, J and Fasham, P, 1997, Excavations at Readings Waterfront Sites 1979 – 1998, Wessex Archaeology Report 5, Salisbury King, R and King C, 2001, ‘Land off Abbey Square; Rear of the Forbury: An archaeological evaluation’, Foundations Archaeology report, Swindon Moore, J, ‘63–67 London Street Reading, An archaeological evaluation interim report’, John Moore Heritage Services report, Oxford Morgan, P, 1979, Domesday Book 5: Berkshire, Chichester Parham, D, 2001, ‘Blakes Paddle and Rymer Weir, Reading: an archaeological watching brief’, Wessex Archaeology report, Salisbury PPG 16, 1990, Archaeology and Planning, Department of Environment and Planning Policy Guidance 16, HMSO RBLP, 1995, Reading Borough Local Plan, Reading Borough Council, Reading Slade, C F, 1972, ‘Excavations at Reading Abbey 1964–67’, Berkshire Archaeol. J. 66 (for 1971-2), 65–116 Slade, C F, 1976, ‘Excavations at Reading Abbey 1971–73’, Berkshire Archaeol. J. 68 (for 1975-6), 29–70 TWA, 1985, ‘Crane Wharf Excavation, Reading’, Trust for Wessex Archaeology report, Salisbury TWA, 1987a, Evaluations at Napier Road and Plummery Wall, Reading, Berkshire, Trust for Wessex Archaeology Report TWA, 1987b, Evaluations at Assizes Court, The Forbury, Reading, Berkshire, Trust for Wessex Archaeology Report TWA, 1988, Old Shire Hall, Reading, and Berkshire: An archaeological evaluation, Trust for Wessex Archaeology report, Salisbury TWA, 1989, Abbey Gardens III, an archaeological watching brief, Trust for Wessex Archaeology report, Salisbury VCH, 1972, Victoria County History of Berkshire 3, London WA, 1993, ‘Reading Assize Court, Berkshire: an archaeological watching brief’, Wessex Archaeology report, Salisbury WA, 1997, ‘21-23 Valpy Street, Reading, Berkshire. A watching brief and archaeological evaluation’, Wessex Archaeology report, Salisbury

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APPENDIX 1: Sites and Monuments Records within a 500m search radius of the development site

No Grid Ref (SU) SMR Ref Period Type Comment 1 716 731 15635-7 Medieval to post-medieval Structure Site of St Giles's Mill 3942 Medieval to post-medieval Structure Watermill 2 716 732 15641 Post-medieval Finds Tile, knife, vessel and well located 15640 Medieval Finds Bowl, knife, comb, shoes, vessels 15639 Medieval to post-medieval Structure and finds Revetment and possible platform, and pottery and copper alloy finds 15638 Medieval to post-medieval Structure and finds Revetment and possible platform, and pottery and iron and leather finds 11339 Saxon Finds Spearhead and axe 3 716 733 15646 Medieval Structure Revetment 4 716 734 5534 Post-medieval Structure Site of 19th cent. Corn Exchange 5535 Post-medieval Structure campanile of Corn Exchange 5533 Post-medieval Structure Corn Exchange 3926 Medieval Site Market site 3970 Post-medieval to modern Site Market site 3971 No date Structure Flint lined well 5 716 735 3943 Medieval to post-medieval Structure SAM, St Laurence's School est. 15th century 1398 Medieval Site SAM, St Laurence's chapel and Hospitium, est. 12th century 11209 Neolithic Finds Axe 6 716 736 3989 Post-medieval Structure 18th century well found beneath Chronicle Building 3988 Post-medieval Structure Demolished Victorian buildings 7 716 737 15633 - Site Possible line of Danish defences 8 717 729 11392 Medieval Find Silver coin 9 717 730 11368 Medieval Find and features Pottery and posthole 10 717 731 6986 Medieval to post-medieval Site Demolished 16th century house 11 717 732 15642 Negative - Test pit yielded no finds/features 1412 Post-medieval Structure SAM, 18th century bridge 11261 Roman Finds Pottery sherd 5765 Post-medieval Structure SAM, Canal bridge 3963 Post-medieval to modern Town Reading 3945 Medieval Street Duke Street 15613 Post-medieval Structure Footprint of building observed 11168 Neolithic Find Flint knife 11260 Roman Find Pottery 12 717 733 3946 Medieval Structure and finds Bridge, pottery and coin 13 717 734 3927 Medieval Feature Ditch yielding pottery 15665 Post-medieval Features Stakehole and postholes 15668 Medieval Features Pottery recovered from ditches 11245 Iron Age Finds Coin 11255 Roman Finds Pottery 6376 No date Structure Wall 14 717 735 3936 Medieval to post-medieval Structure St Laurence's Church 15667 Medieval Finds Gravel extraction revealed animal remains, slag and pottery 15663 Medieval Finds Pit containing pottery, tile, animal remains and a nail 15671 Post-medieval Structure 16th cent. - 18th cent. Cellar and well, with glass, pipe and pottery 15 717 736 7307 Medieval to post-medieval Features Posthole 7308 Medieval to post-medieval Feature Pit containing pottery, animal bone and shell 7309 Post-medieval Feature Pit containing animal bone, ceramics, ails and pottery 7306 Medieval to post-medieval Feature Robber trench 7305 Medieval to post-medieval Feature 15563 Medieval Site 12th cent. Hospitium of St John the Baptist 16 717 737 1385 Medieval Structure and finds Plummery wall and pottery 1386 Medieval Feature Borrow pits 1387 Medieval feature Hearth 1388 Medieval Inhumation Human remains found near hearth 1383 Medieval Structure Outer precinct wall 17 718 730 15614 Post-medieval Finds and features Rubbish pit, quarry and pit containing pottery, tile and brick 18 718 732 11317 Saxon Find Iron dagger 19 718 733 15584 Medieval Features Ditch 15595 Neolithic to Iron Age Finds Flint tool, coins and stakes 15597 Iron Age to Roman Finds and Human burials and iron objects inhumation 15617 Post-medieval Find Pottery

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No Grid Ref (SU) SMR Ref Period Type Comment 20 718 734 1396 Medieval Structure and finds Row of stone pads, wooden beam and figurines 1397 Medieval to post-medieval Structure and finds Walls of stable and revetment, flint flake also found 1395 Medieval Structure Clay dump along floor, SAM 1394 Medieval Structure Floor 1393 Medieval Structure Wall, pottery and tile 1392 Medieval Feature 10th to 12th century plough soil, silver coin and pottery sherd 1391 Medieval to post-medieval Features and Building and plough soil structures 15592 Medieval Structure 3 phases of revetment and land reclamation 15593 Roman Finds and features Skeletal remains Medieval Structure Revetment 15571 Medieval Site Dovecote 15570 Medieval Site Bakehouse 1375 Medieval Site Water mill, pottery 11353 Roman Finds Pottery and tile 15320 Negative - 15619 Medieval Feature Possible building 15664 Roman Finds Tile and brick 15662 Medieval Features and finds Pits, postholes and stakeholes containing animal bone and pottery 15670 Post-medieval Feature and finds Pits containing clay pipe, pottery, building material and bone 15669 Medieval Features and finds Pits and posthole containing pottery and tile 15666 Post-medieval Structure Suttons Seed Factory 4285 Medieval Structure Revetment on Holy Brook 4249 Medieval Site 12th century boundary of precinct 4250 Medieval Structure 4 river revetments 4251 Medieval Structure Successive revetments 4252 Medieval Structure Revetments 3986 Negative - Post-medieval terracing removed relevant layers 6341 Medieval Structure Chalk walls 21 718 735 6408 Medieval to post-medieval Site Land reclamation 7108 Medieval Structure Wall observed 3984 Post-medieval Street The Forbury 3985 Post-medieval Structure Well 15569 Medieval Site Abbot's House 15566 Medieval Site Inner gatehouse 1399 Medieval Site St Mary Magdalen's Hospital, 12th cent. 1376 Medieval Site Gateway 22 718 736 11181 Neolithic Find Axe 6363 Saxon Inhumation 3 burials 6289 Medieval to post-medieval Site Park and gardens, registered 23 719 727 15658 Medieval to post-medieval Features and finds Pottery, brick and clay pipe 24 719 728 15629 Post-medieval Site Line of civil war defenses 25 719 732 11310 Roman Find Quern 26 719 733 7407 Medieval Features Gully and pit 7409 Post-medieval Structures Revetment 7410 Post-medieval Structures Posts 7411 Post-medieval Structure Brick lined well 7395 Neolithic to Post-medieval Features 7406 Medieval Features Alluvial deposits 7402 Iron Age to Roman Features Alluvial deposits and human remains 7400 Iron Age to Medieval Features Stakes in clay bank 7399 Iron Age to Saxon Features Channels and pottery 7396 Neolithic Find Flint implement Iron Age Find Animal bones 3995 Post-medieval Structure Revetment 3996 Post-medieval Structure Brick lined well 3962 Medieval Features Gully 11311 Roman Find Pottery 27 719 734 3983 Post-medieval Structure Waterfront and wharves 15596 Roman and Saxon Finds and Pottery, tile and inhumation inhumation 15598 Medieval to post-medieval Features and Pit and revetment structure 15599 Post-medieval Site and structure Revetment and land reclamation 15588 Medieval Structure Walls of stable and revetment, flint flake also found 15589 Medieval Site Wharf site

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No Grid Ref (SU) SMR Ref Period Type Comment 27 15590 Medieval Structures Revetment and wall 15591 Medieval Structures Wall 15576 Saxon Structure Revetment 15575 Saxon to Medieval Structure and Wharf and flood defenses features 15594 Iron Age to Post-medieval Structures Canalization and flood defenses 15577 Medieval Structures and Flood defences, leat features 15578 Medieval Structures and site Revetments and flood defences 15579 Medieval Structures and site Revetments, flood defences and leat 15580 Medieval Structure Floor 15581 Medieval Structure Revetment 15582 Medieval Feature Ditch 15583 Medieval Feature Ditch 15585 Medieval Structure Wharf site 15586 Medieval Structure Revetment, wharf and land reclamation 15587 Medieval Structure Beam slot and building slot 1408 Medieval Structure Revetment 1409 Post-medieval Structure Revetment 1410 Post-medieval Structure Revetment 1411 Post-medieval Structure Revetment 1407 Medieval Site Warehouse 1406 Medieval Structure Revetment 1401 Medieval Structure Floor 1402 Medieval Structure Revetment 1403 Medieval Structure Floor 1404 Medieval Structure Revetment 1405 Medieval; Structure Revetment 1377 Medieval; Structure Floor 28 719 735 3981 Post-medieval Feature Ditch, possibly associated with civil war defences 3982 Post-medieval Feature Ditch, possibly associated with civil war defences 15572 Medieval; Structure Refectory 15567 Medieval Structure Kitchen 15560 Medieval Structure Cloister 1389 Medieval Structure Refectory wall 1380 Medieval Structure Wall 11362 Saxon Find Pottery 11345 Bronze Age to iron Age Find Pottery 1381 Medieval Structure Cloisters 11364 Saxon Structure Pottery 1374 Medieval to Post- Structure Monastery medieval 29 719 736 3934 Medieval Structure Motte 1379 Medieval Structure Wall 1390 Medieval Structure Church 3980 Post-medieval Structure Castle Mound 30 720 728 15632 Post-medieval Feature Ditch, possibly associated with line of Civil War defences 31 721 735 15565 Medieval Structure Infirmary 32 720 733 5763 Post-medieval structure Canal 33 720 734 6584 No date Structure River Kennet 3977 Medieval Structure Silted channel 15609 Negative - Negative watching brief 34 720 735 11363 Saxon Find Spearhead 1378 Saxon Inhumation Approx. 40 individuals 1382 Medieval Structure Pottery 15558 Medieval Structure Ambulatory 15559 Medieval Inhumation Coffined burial found in Ambulatory 15562 Medieval Structure Chapter House 15561 Medieval Structure Treasury 15552 Medieval Structure Church 15553 Medieval Structure Chancel 15554 Medieval Structure and finds Floor (of chancel), pottery and whetstone 15555 Medieval Inhumation Coffined burial in chancel 35 720 736 6364 Medieval Inhumation 3 in situ burials 6365 Medieval to modern Structure Plummery wall 11355 Neolithic Find Flake 1384 Medieval Structure Plummery wall 15556 Medieval Structure Ambulatory

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No Grid Ref (SU) SMR Ref Period Type Comment 35 15557 Medieval Structure Floor 3898 Roman Settlement Finds include coin, sherd, mortarium 3902 Saxon Finds Pottery, knife, nail, buckle 3901 Neolithic to Bronze Age Finds Pottery and flint tools 36 721 735 6366 Post-medieval Structure Bridge 37 722 729 11313 Roman Inhumation 38 723 730 5976 No date Structure A4 Bath Road 39 720 735 5764 Post-medieval Structure Canalization of Kennet 40 724 734 5506 Post-medieval Structure Canal 41 724 735 15661 Post-medieval Structure Huntley and Palmers Biscuit Factory 42 725 734 15612 Post-medieval Structures Weir and revetment 5761 Post-medieval Structure Weir and lock 43 725 737 3912 Saxon Site Location of Danish Camp 3908 Saxon Structure Rampart of Danish camp 3907 Saxon Site Field work in area of Danish Camp 44 726 730 9023 Lower Palaeolithic Find Hand axe 11179 Neolithic Find Axe 45 721 733 5507 Modern Structure Paint Works 5511 Modern Structure Still House 5510 Modern Structure Colour Mill 5509 Modern Structure Mill 5508 Modern Structure Furnace

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APPENDIX 2: Historic and modern maps consulted

1611 Speed’s Plan of the County of Berkshire (Fig. 2) 1761 Rocque’s Plan of the County of Berkshire 1802 Coate’s Plan of the Town of Reading (Fig. 3) 1834 Dormer’s Plan of the Town of Reading (Fig. 4) 1861-2 Simmon’s Plan of the Town of Reading (Fig. 5) 1879 First Edition Ordnance Survey Sheet XXXVII.3 (Fig. 6) 1900 Ordnance Survey Sheet XXXVII.3 (Fig. 7) 1912 Ordnance Survey Sheet XXXVII.3 1931 Ordnance Survey Sheet XXXVII.3 (Fig. 8) 1956 Ordnance Survey Sheet 7173 (Fig. 9) 1971 Ordnance Survey Sheet 7173 1989 Ordnance Survey Sheet 7173 (Fig. 10) 1991 Ordnance Survey Sheet 7173 (Fig. 11)

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