C ASTLERING ARCHAEOLOG Y
R E P O R T N O . 5 3 4
LAND AT LANE FARM
ROSSETT ROAD
ROSSETT
SJ 37325 57250
ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
MARCH 2016
CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 2
LAND AT LANE FARM, ROSSETT
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK-BASED ASSESSMENT
CONTRACTED BY
BELLIS BROS. LTD.
WREXHAM ROAD FARM, HOLT, WREXHAM LL13 9YU
UNDERTAKEN BY
PAT FROST, CONSULTANT ARCHAEOLOGIST BA, PGDIP, MCIFA
CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY
33 STALLION LANE
PONTESBURY
SHROPSHIRE
SY5 0PN
01743 792297 / 07971751975
email:[email protected]
www.castleringarchaeology.co.uk
Every effort has been made to provide accurate information within this report. However Castlering Archaeology cannot be held responsible for any errors and inaccuracies contained therein.
CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 3
SYNOPSIS
This archaeological desk-based assessment and field walkover has been undertaken to accompany a planning application for residential development on redundant farmland adjoining Lane Farm, Rossett. The application site comprises two relatively flat open arable fields to the north and south of the B5012, on the eastern edge of the present village.
Documentary and cartographic evidence shows that the application site lay within an agricultural landscape which remained largely undeveloped until the 19th century. Changes in the landscape east and west of the village are linked largely to an increase in housing and changes in agricultural practice. Today’s open fields have been created by modifying, amalgamating and straightening the smaller historic field boundaries to create new larger fields. Aerial photography, undertaken in 2005 and 2009, and the geophysical survey undertaken to complement this report, show that below ground evidence of these former boundaries survives on the site. The geophysical survey has also identified below ground evidence of ridge and furrow cultivation in the north field, of possible medieval or post-medieval date, and evidence of field drainage in the field to the south. These buried agricultural features, while not being worthy of preservation in situ, warrant a programme of archaeological recording in order to preserve their extent and profile by record and perhaps gain some dating evidence, prior to any future development in this area.
The site walk-over confirmed that there is no obvious potential for buried archaeological features within the application site, other than relict field boundaries. To date no finds have been recorded from the site although the potential for the recovery of metal objects by means of a metal detector on the fields around the village is considerable.
The geophysical survey identified two areas where magnetic anomalies were detected. The area in the field to the south has been recorded from the air as a rectangular feature, interpreted as a possible building, although it was acknowledged that this feature could be modern. The site visit confirmed that there is no above ground evidence at this location and the recent geophysical survey results suggest it may be a large ferrous object or buried debris. Although this feature could possibly refer to something structural which also has metal content, at this location it is more likely to be redundant agricultural machinery, probably buried in the 20th century using a mechanical digger when old field boundaries were removed. The strong signal in the field to the north may also indicate buried debris, perhaps filling a natural hollow. Both sites require further archaeological investigation in order to prove or disprove these interpretations.
At this stage it is not possible to fully assess the impact of any future development on potential buried archaeological remains. However, based on available sources and the recent site walk-over, the overall potential for significant buried archaeology is considered to be low. This assessment can only be used as a guide to the potential of buried archaeological deposits and, should they exist, their survival, nature, extent and significance will only be established through ground disturbing works.
Given the extent of the application site a general mitigation strategy is recommended to allow for archaeological investigation and recording, to be attached as a condition of any planning approval for development.
This assessment concludes that, allowing for suitable mitigation, development on this land is unlikely to have any permanent adverse impact on the archaeological resource.
CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 4
CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Aims of the Assessment
3. Methodology
4. Known Sites of Archaeological and Historic Interest
5. Background History
6. Aerial Photographic Evidence
7. The Application Site
8. Results of the Geophysical Survey
9. Impact Assessment
10. Mitigation
11. Conclusion
12. Acknowledgements
13. References
Appendix 1: Sites of Archaeological / Historic Interest Referred to in the Text
ABBREVIATIONS: approx. approximately c. circa CIfA Chartered Institute for Archaeologists CPAT Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust HER Historic Environment Record m metre mAOD metre above Ordnance Datum NGR National Grid Reference NPRN National Primary Record Number OS Ordnance Survey PAS Portable Antiquities Scheme PRN Primary Record Number RCAHMW Royal Commission on Ancient & Historic Monuments, Wales
CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 5
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 This archaeological assessment and field walkover survey have been undertaken to accompany a planning application for residential development on redundant farmland adjoining Lane Farm, Rossett, as seen in Figs. 1 overleaf. The application site comprises two relatively flat open arable fields to the north and south of the B5012, on the eastern edge of the present village (NGR: SJ 37325 57250).
Planning and the Archaeological Resource
1.2 The role of planning authorities in respect of the archaeological resource is defined by legislation at both national and local level.
1.3 Welsh Office Planning Guidance, 2016, Planning Policy Guidance Wales: Chapter 6 Conserving the Historic Environment (Edition 8) states that The Welsh Government’s objectives in respect of the historic environment (namely statutory designated and undesignated heritage assets, conservation areas, above and below ground archaeological remains, the historic landscape and the built heritage) are to:
preserve and enhance the historic environment;
protect archaeological remains, which are a finite and non-renewable resource;
ensure the character of historic buildings is safeguarded;
ensure that conservation areas are protected or enhanced.
Paragraph 6.5.2 states that
...Archaeological assessments commissioned by developers can help provide information on the archaeological sensitivity of a site before submitting a planning application.... The results of any assessment or evaluation should be provided as part of the planning application.
1.4 At a local level, Wrexham County Borough Council as the Local Planning Authority has the statutory duty to manage and protect the historic environment. Chapter 5, Policy EC11 of the Wrexham Unitary Development Plan, 1996 – 2011 adopted by Wrexham County Borough Council (http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/assets/pdfs/planning/udp/written_statement_e.pdf) states that:
Development that directly affects non-scheduled sites of archaeological importance will only be permitted if an archaeological investigation has been carried out to determine the nature, extent and significance of the remains ... and a programme of excavation and recording has been agreed.
1.5 This assessment has been undertaken to assess the baseline conditions in respect of the archaeological resource in the light of the current legislation.
CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 6
Fig. 1 Site Plan
CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 7
2. AIMS OF THE ASSESSMENT
The principle aims of the assessment are to:
evaluate the archaeological resource by identifying previously recorded and potential sites of archaeological and historic interest, including standing buildings, structures, earthworks or find scatters, within or in close proximity to the application site;
determine the potential for any negative / positive impact on the archaeological resource that may exist on the site;
inform further works and any subsequent mitigation strategy in order to eliminate and / or minimise any adverse repercussions that the proposed works may have on the resource.
3. METHODOLOGY
3.1 The assessment has been undertaken using proven archaeological techniques, which comply with Guidelines and Codes of Conduct set out by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA, 2014a); in particular the Standard & Guidance for Standard and Guidance for historic environment desk-based assessment (CIfA, 2014b). The assessment comprises a desk-based study, which was complemented by a site visit.
3.2 In order to build a chronology of the past land use on the site, the desk-based study has consulted relevant readily available records held by the following sources:
Historic Environment Record (HER) held by Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust, Welshpool (CPAT)
National Monuments Record (NMR), RCAHMW, Aberystwyth
National Library of Wales (NLW), Aberystwyth
Denbighshire Record Office
Flintshire Record Office
Wrexham Archives
3.3 The data have been collated together with information gained from online sources. All sources consulted are listed in Section 13 and Appendix 1 following.
3.4 A non-intrusive site visit was undertaken on March 8th 2016 in order to:
assess the current land-use and topography;
identify the presence / absence of earthworks and / or structures or the potential for buried archaeological deposits on the site;
relate the existing landscape to the results of the desk-based assessment. CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 8
3.5 In conjunction with the assessment, a geophysical survey was undertaken in March 2016 by Tigergeo to shed further light on the desk-based research and site-walkover.
3.6 The results of the geophysical survey are commented on in this report and the full report is published independently by Tigergeo (Roseveare et al, Report No. RWB161).
4. KNOWN SITES OF ARCHAEOLOGI CAL AND HISTORIC INT EREST
4.1 The site lies outside Rossett Conservation Area, designated in October 2011, and is not included in any other statutory protected area.
4.2 For the purpose of this report, a search area of approximately 500m radius of the application site centre- point has been considered sufficient to gather archaeological data and assess impact. Interrogation of the Regional Historic Environment database (HER) and National Monuments Record (NMR) database in respect of the study area produced 15 known sites of archaeological and / or historic interest within the search area. Sites are referenced by their Primary Record Numbers (PRN) or National Primary Record Numbers (NPRNs).
4.3 The records comprise:
2 cropmark sites identified within the application site by aerial photography (PRN No. 1000079 /NPRN 409231 & NPRN No. 406336)
1 additional cropmark site (PRN No. 102661)
2 Grade II Listed buildings, namely Canister Cottage and Rossett Hall (PRN Nos 41679 & 26213)
1 Former Smithy (PRN No. 104504)
1 pond site (PRN No. 61528)
5 individual records for findspots located by metal detectors (PRN Nos 54922, 120125, 120168, 141462 & 141465)
1 chapel placename (PRN No. 101535)
1 former chapel (NPRN No. 7899)
1 church (NPRN No. 97210)
4.4 The above data have been taken into consideration when reviewing the historic background of the application site. The sites are recorded in Table 1 and Fig. 2 following.
CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 9
PRN / SITE NAME SHORT DECRIPTION NPRN 1000079 / Lane Farm Cropmarks The cropmark feature of a possible post-medieval agricultural building; NPRN similar to expected traces of Roman villas in other parts of Wales; first 409231 identified within the application site by aerial photography in 2007 NPRN Lane Farm Enclosure The cropmarks of linear boundaries first identified within the 406336 application site by aerial photography in 2005 102661 Gamford House The cropmark of part of a curvilinear site recorded by aerial Enclosure photography in 1998, approximately 500m northeast of application site northern boundary PRN Rossett Hall Mid eighteenth century Grade II listed red-brick Hall, approximately 26213/ 440m west of the application site; west of the B5445 NPRN 164597 PRN Canister Cottage Grade II Listed dwelling, located approximately 320m northwest of the 41679 application site centre point PRN Maelor Saesneg pond Pond or possible marl pit in field to northeast of application site 61528 PRN Rossett Smithy Former Smithy converted to dwelling, sited approximately 330m west 104504 of the application site PRN Medieval Coin findspot Find recovered by metal detector, south of Harwood’s Lane; 54922 approximately 100m south of the application site PRN 14th century penny Find recovered by metal detector, south of Harwood’s Lane; 141462 findspot approximately 100m south of the application site PRN Medieval Seal Matrix Find recovered by metal detector, west of the B5445 120125 findspot PRN Medieval Seal Matrix Find recovered by metal detector, south of Harwood’s Lane; 141465 findspot approximately 100m south of the application site PRN Post-medieval Spur Find recovered by metal detector in the field to the east of the 120168 findspot application site PRN St Peter's Chapel No physical evidence 101535 placename NPRN English Methodist Former chapel now converted to dwelling, approximately 320m west 7899 Church (Primitive), of the application site Chapel NPRN Catholic Church Church on Harwood's Lane, approximately 360m west of the 97210 application site Table 1: Sites of Archaeological & Historic Interest
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41679 101535 102661 7899 104504 120125 9 61528 26213
120168
97210 100007 9
40633 6
54922; 141462; 141465
Fig. 2: Aerial view from the south & location of relevant sites of Archaeological & Historic Interest
(http//www.google-earth.Imagery 10.10.2010)
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5. BACKGROUND HISTORY
Location, Topography, Geology
5.1 The application site lies east of the post-medieval village of Rossett, sited approximately 10.5km north of Wrexham and 12.1km south of Chester. Although within Wales, the northern extent of the village lies only 250m south of the Pulford Brook which defines the Wales – England border. The application site is located east of the B5445 Wrexham to Chester Road, the main arterial route until the A483 dual carriageway was built through agricultural land to the west of the village in the 1980s. In modern times, the village has expanded mainly to the east of the B5445 Wrexham to Chester Road.
5.2 To the south, the River Alyn, a tributary of the River Dee, flows approximately 200m south of the application site. Flat agricultural land comprising hedge-lined fields extends to the east of the application site towards the River Dee approximately 2.8km away.
5.3 The solid geology comprises the hard red Triassic sandstones, formed 205-142 million years ago, cut by the meandering waters of the Rivers Alyn and Dee. The solid geology is overlain by glacial drift deposits of till, boulder clay, sands and gravels. The overlying sandy loamy soils have presumably favoured agricultural use long predating any documentary or cartographic evidence (BGS & Rudeforth et al 1984).
Early to medieval settlement
5.4 Although there is no evidence of early settlement within the village itself, a number of prehistoric and Roman finds have been recovered principally to the northeast of the village. The Rossett Hoard, comprising axes, tanged knives and four pieces of a gold bracelet of late-Bronze Age date, are perhaps the most notable. The finds were recovered by metal detectors and are now on display in Wrexham County Museum. In 2002 to the northeast of the village, a total of 14 artefacts of gold, bronze and ancient pottery believed to be of Middle Bronze Age (c.1300-1100 BC) were discovered by metal detectors in the Rossett area. The finds, now referred to as ‘The Burton Hoard’, were declared Treasure Trove and purchased by the National Museum Wales. In closer proximity to the application site, a Bronze Age Dagger was recovered by a metal detector, within a loop in the River Alyn approximately 450m from the southwest boundary of the site. The object (PRN 54709) was recorded in 2011 together with a trumpet type brooch of Iron Age date (PRN 120109; c.600BC – 43AD) and a third century Roman coin (PRN 54707). In 2013, a disturbed Late Bronze Age hoard was found by metal detecting to the east of the application site in the area of Hall Croft (PRN 129691).
5.5 Evidence of occupation in the Roman period (43 AD to 410 AD) in general is well documented and the archaeological record for this period is constantly added to. At Holt, approximately 4km southwest of the site, an extensive Roman site occupied an area of almost 8ha on the west bank of the Dee (PRN 101249). The site included tile and pottery kilns, workshops, barrack blocks and domestic quarters and at least one bath house. The site was the works depot of the 20th Legion, attached to the legionary fortress at Chester (Roman Deva), approximately 9.5km north of Lane Farm. Not surprisingly, in recent years a large number of finds of Roman date have been recovered by metal detectors from undeveloped land and recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme. Although the official Roman administration ended in the 5th century, the Roman way of life may have continued for several centuries thereafter and in rural areas the transition may have been less noticeable.
5.6 The name Rossett is thought to be a corruption of Yr Orsedd meaning a mound or hillock, possibly referring to a meeting place on the nearby Marford Hill. It is believed that from Saxon times, meetings and gatherings were held in the area to manage the land and the people (Rossett Conservation Area doc). There is no archaeological evidence to back this up and the earliest evidence for settlement in the area of present-day Rossett comes from the Domesday Book of 1086. A mill on the site now known as ‘Lower Marford Mill’ on the south side of the village is recorded in 1086 (PRN 100363). The current building dates from the late 18th century, but the early mill was known as the King’s Mill, and tenants of the land were required to send their corn there for milling. CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 12
5.7 To avoid this commitment a ‘free’ mill to rival the King's Mill was built in 1544 on the opposite side of the road. The original ‘free’ mill was demolished c.40 years later and the present Grade II* listed timber framed mill (PRN 102640), which heralds the entry into the village from the south, was built. By the 1660s, both mills were under the ownership of Sir John Trevor of Trevalyn Hall, the Grade II* Listed manor house built in 1576 and sited approximately 1km southwest of the application site (PRN 100376). The Trevor family were one of the leading families in East Denbighshire by this date. Approximately 800m east of Lane Farm, The Grade II Listed Trevalyn Farmhouse is believed to have been the home farm of Trevalyn Hall. Although now much modernised, the timber-framed and stone sections of the house are believed to date to 1588 at least (PRN 102641).
5.8 The borders have long been a region of contention. The boundary between the Welsh Kingdom of Powys and the Saxon Kingdom of Mercia was fought over in Anglo-Saxon times and, in common with many settlements, the area of present day Rossett went through periods of both English and Welsh dominance. Finally, in more peaceful times, small farmsteads were established along the borders. The Late-medieval / early Post-medieval landscape may have taken the form of isolated settlements, many of which were subsequently deserted, together with small woods and ploughed fields interconnected by rough tracks and paths. Many of the fields surrounding the village still retain evidence of medieval agricultural activity in the form of ridge and furrow ploughmarks; the pattern of rise and fall created by ploughing with a non-reversible plough which is generally assumed to be medieval in date. An example had been identified in the fields near Gamford Cottages to the east of the application site (PRN 128217).
5.9 There may have been little in the way of development to either side of the road to Chester, north of the mills, in the 17th century. D. H. Thomas (1833-1916), a clergyman, historian, one-time Canon of St Asaph’s Cathedral, writing about the Diocese of St. Asaph in 1908-1913, refers to a Chapel dedicated to St Peter at Rossett mentioned in documents from 1562. The chapel is believed to have been demolished in the late-18th century and its precise location is unknown. Database records (PRN 101535) assign a national grid reference which places the old chapel site within a field northeast of Rossett Hall. However the grid reference may have been assigned because of Chapel Lane on the east side of the road; the name probably applied when the Primitive Methodist Chapel was built in 1822 (NPRN 7899). There is no above ground evidence of the Chapel at the given location and the site of a H
5.10 To the south of the postulated Chapel site, the Grade II listed red-brick Rossett Hall was built c.1750 for James Boydell, a land surveyor from London, whose family were employed by the Trevalyn Hall estate from the mid-18th until the late-19th century (PRN 26213).
19th Century village
5.11 Rossett was a very small village in the early 19th century comprising primarily roadside settlement, surrounded by the estates of Trevalyn Hall, Trevalyn House and Rossett Hall. The core of the village centred along Gun Street, Chapel Lane and Rossett Green, as recorded by the 2”:1 mile Ordnance Surveyor’s drawing surveyed in 1819 (Fig. 3 overleaf). Little is known of the history of Lane Farm, although the 1819 map records a building on the site by this date; the only outlying building on the road east beyond the small settlement.
5.12 In the early 19th century Rossett consisted of the Townships of Burton and Allington within the Parish of Gresford. The 1843 tithe map for Allington Township above provides a contemporary record of ownership and land-use, recording the application site within the Townships of Allington. The map shows that in 1843 the application site comprised a primarily arable landscape with irregular field boundaries compared to today’s large fields. Shortly after the Tithe record, the first Church was built at Rossett and the Parish of Rossett was formed out of the Parish of Gresford.
In 1843 the application site was made up of:
Apportionment 205, the ‘House, building, yard and garden’ on the site of the present Lane Farm, and 204, the arable land to the south; both leased by John Griffiths from Edward Francis French;
CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 13
to the west, Apportionments 229 and 230, arable land recorded as ‘Brick Kiln Fields’ owned by John Williams and let to William Randles;
north of the road, Apportionment 208, arable land and 209 a croft of pasture are owned by Thomas Edgeworths and leased to Thomas Randles. Randles leases the ‘House, building and garden’ recorded as Apportionment 210, which is outside the application site boundary.
North of Randles house, Apportionment 589 recorded as grassland known as Moor, owned and occupied by George Meredith, is also within the application site boundary.
Fig. 3
1819 OS map
Fig. 4
1843 Tithe map & approximate site boundary CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 14
5.13 The OS map below, surveyed in 1879 and published in 1881, records Lane Farm with an orchard on its south side but otherwise little altered since the tithe record. Most of the field boundaries to the north and south of the road have been ‘formalised’ since the tithe record, although many of the smaller fields are still retained in the landscape. In contrast a stream boundary appears to separate the north field, where a more formalised boundary was recorded in 1843. By 1881 Tithe Apportionments 208 and 209 are part of the large field that extends north from the road. The 1881 map records the new Great Western Railway which opened in 1846 to the west of the village, including a new station. The village developed as a result of its railway link to Wrexham and Chester with new housing focussing along Station Road. By 1900 Thomas Randles’ tithe cottage and its rear garden north of the B5102 is no longer recorded (Fig. 6 below).
Fig. 5: 1881 OS map & inset right
Fig. 6: 1900 OS map left CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 15
5.14 The 20th century heralded changes in the landscape east and west of the village in general, linked largely to an increase in housing and changes in agricultural practice. Today’s open fields have been created by modifying, amalgamating and straightening the smaller historic field boundaries to create new larger fields. Few boundaries correspond to the 1843 tithe record, although the land-use has been little changed.
6. AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHC EVIDENCE
6.1 Aerial photography undertaken since the 1940s can often shed light on unrecorded features, which are no longer visible above ground. Although the RCAHMW hold an extensive catalogue of vertical photography for Wales, which includes the Royal Air Force Collection dating from the 1940s and the Ordnance Survey Collection dating from 1955, the four potential frames to capture the application site were missing from the collection.
Water channel / pond
Change in crop & 1843 / early 20th century boundary possible Tithe rectangular boundaries feature or land drain
Fig. 7
RCAHMW online image; 01.08.2005
AP 2005_1597
6.2 Since 1986, the RCAHMW has run an annual programme of aerial reconnaissance and photography, capturing sites of known and potential archaeological interest from the air. The aerial photographs taken during aerial reconnaissance by RCAHMW on August 1st 2005 above and Fig. 8 overleaf are two online images covering the area around Lane Farm. The features recorded form record NPRN 406336 on the coflein database (http://www.coflein.gov.uk), described as ‘cropmarks of linear boundaries ... of uncertain age and their original function likewise unknown’. They are classed as enclosure or field boundaries, of probable agricultural origin.
6.3 The linear feature extending west from the farm indicates a change in crop, which is better seen on Fig. 9, the online aerial photograph dated 25.08.2000 (www.ukaerialphotos.com). The change in crop replicates the field boundary identified by the 1843 Tithe map and 1881 and 1900 OS mapping (Figs 3-5 previous). South of Lane Farm, Tithe boundaries are also evident and these have also been recorded by the geophysical survey (Fig. 10 following). Fig. 7 also shows a possible rectangular feature created by the tithe boundary on its west side. However the geophysical survey interprets this as part of a series of land drains. The remaining dis-colourations on Fig. 7 are more likely to be of glacial origin. CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 16
waterlogged
Change in crop
Fig. 8 RCAHMW online image showing tithe boundaries in red Fig. 9 AP dated 25.08.2000 (01.08.2005 AP_2005_1598)
Fig. 10
PRN 1000079 /
NPRN 409231
RCAHMW online
image; 08.07.2009
AP_2009_2387
6.4 The aerial photographs above and overleaf were taken during aerial reconnaissance by RCAHMW on 8th July 2009 covering the area south of Lane Farm. The text accompanying the photographs records ‘the cropmarks of buried footings of what may be a rectangular building, approximately 20m long’. The cropmarks are recorded as ‘neat and well defined, suggesting the building may have been quite a recent structure. This is made more likely as a telegraph pole stands at one corner of the rectangular cropmark’ (NPRN No. 409231; 6.2 & Plate 2 following). There was no evidence of a feature at this location during the site walk-over. The geophysical survey CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 17 identifies the site as Feature 17 which had a strong magnetic content typical of buried debris, perhaps a large ferrous object. (Fig. 10 following).
6.5 The RCAHMW record adds that nothing is shown in this position on County Series mapping and that the cropmark is similar to expected traces of Roman villas in other parts of Wales. Although this feature could possibly refer to something structural which also has metal content, at this location it is more likely to be redundant agricultural machinery, probably buried in the 20th century when old field boundaries were removed.
Fig. 11
PRN 1000079 / NPRN 409231
RCAHMW online image. 08.07.2009
AP_2009_2388
6.6 The circular feature in the field north of the B5102, as seen on Fig 7 previous, although unrecorded in this form by 19th and 20th century cartography, is likely to be created by an overflowing stream emitting from the Spring recorded by the OS from 1881 (Figs 5 & 6 previous). The stream appears to have followed a curving boundary as recorded in 1881 and 1900. The boundary has since been removed and the flow of water may have been redirected along the northern hedged boundary of the field, when the large housing estate to the east was built (7.3 & Plate 5 following). The geophysical survey records the boundary as Feature 19 which forms a boundary between uncultivated wetland and former agricultural land.
7. THE APPLICATION SITE
7.1 The site visit confirmed the open form of the field to the south of the B5012 and the last land-use as arable. Lane Farm buildings are now separated from the field and the eastern boundary has been removed. The field dips towards the north-west corner but is otherwise fairly level. The field has a hedged boundary to the roads to the north and south and the western boundary adjoins a modern residential development.
7.2 The field comprised low stubble and there was no obvious indication of potential for buried archaeological features or deposits. Plate 2 shows the pole and the overhead lines as identified in the July 2009 aerial photograph Figs 10 and 11 previous. There is no above ground evidence of the rectangular feature recorded as NPRN No. 409231.
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7.3 The field to the north of the B5012 comprises gently undulating grassland interspersed by a single mature tree. The field has a western boundary with the housing development and hedged boundaries with occasional trees elsewhere. A water-filled ditched boundary follows the line of the northern hedgerow. To the south of the hedge the east and southeast sides of the large sub-circular wet area on the northeast side of the field appears to be retained by the line of former boundaries recorded by 19th century maps (Figs 4-6 & 5.13 previous). The boundary was presumably ditched, the same as that to the north today. The feature may have been an early pond or the result of overflowing of the stream or ditches, albeit seasonal, causing this broad discolouration and waterlogged area as seen in Fig. 7 previous.
7.4 As in the field to the south, the field to the north showed no potential for buried archaeological features or deposits. The geophysical survey undertaken as part of the assessment provides additional evidence in respect of the potential for buried archaeological features or deposits (Section 8 following).
Plate 1:
Field south of the B5012, viewed from the south
Plate 2:
Field south of the B5012, viewed from the southwest towards the pole and Lane Farm
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Plate 3: Field north of the B5012, viewed from the southwest; road & Lane Farm to the right
Plate 4: Field north of the B5012, viewed from the northwest towards the single tree; the green area to the left of the tree represents the possible former pond or course of a stream / ditch, as seen in Plate 5 below
Plate 5:
Field north of the B5012, viewed from the south towards the pond / course of a stream / ditch
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8. RESULTS OF THE GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY
8.1 The results of the geophysical survey have confirmed the long-term agricultural use of the site, both north and south of the B5012. The survey identified former field boundaries as recorded by the tithe map in 1843, infilled ditches and the presence of medieval or post-medieval ridge and furrow cultivation in the field to the north of the road (Feature 3). In addition, the system of field drainage related to more recent agricultural practices was recorded.
8.2 As generally expected, the roadside boundaries and those adjoining the residential development produced strong signals, probably relating to ferrous items or debris associated with their construction or deposited later.
8.3 The feature identified by aerial photography in 2009 (PRN 1000079 /NPRN 409231) was located by a strong magnetic anomaly, generally indicating a large ferrous object or buried debris (Feature 17).
8.4 The very wet area to the north, as reported on in the site walk-over (7.3 & Plate 5 previous), was not surveyed and the area around it showed no signs of cultivation, suggesting it may always have retained water.
8.5 Feature 6 of the survey also gave strong signals which, in view of the spring lines, may be an infilled hollow. A spread of material indicative of a burnt mound was, however, tentatively suggested (Roseveare 2016, 3.3.4).
8.6 The features are identified on Fig. 10 overleaf and the full report will be included as part of the planning application.
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Fig. 10
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9. IMPACT ASSESSMENT
9.1 The proposed development site lies outside Rossett’s Conservation area and any other local or regional historic landscape. Development on this site will have no direct or indirect impact on any Scheduled Monuments or Listed buildings.
9.2 Although 15 known sites of archaeological and / or historic interest were identified within the 500m search area, only two of these sites have to be taken into account in terms of potential impact, namely
the ‘cropmarks of linear boundaries ... of uncertain age and their original function likewise unknown’ recorded during aerial reconnaissance by RCAHMW on August 1st 2005 (NPRN 406336) and
the ‘cropmarks of buried footings of what may be a rectangular building, approximately 20m long’ (NPRN No. 409231).
9.3 Most of the linear features can be interpreted as field boundaries identified by the 1843 Tithe map and subsequent OS mapping. The site visit confirmed that the field has been under crop and there is no longer any evidence of former boundaries. The boundaries were also recorded during the geophysical survey and the remaining linear features were identified as drainage.
9.4 Field boundaries of medieval to post-medieval date, unless they are associated with a nearby monument or building, are generally considered to be of low archaeological significance. They do however have the potential to reveal contemporary artefactual evidence which could shed some light on their origins.
9.5 There is neither cartographic nor local knowledge of the date or function of the rectangular feature interpreted as a possible building (NPRN No. 409231). RCAHMW acknowledge the presence of the overhead line and pole and the fact that the feature may be modern. The site visit confirmed that there is no above ground evidence at this location. However, the geophysical survey recorded a strong magnetic anomaly at this location, which generally indicates a large ferrous object or buried debris. Although this feature could possibly refer to something structural which also has metal content, at this location it is more likely to be redundant agricultural machinery, probably buried in the 20th century when old field boundaries were removed.
9.6 To date no finds have been recorded from the application site by the Portable Antiquities Scheme, although the potential for the recovery of metal objects by means of a metal detector survey remains.
9.7 The site walk-over has confirmed that there is no obvious potential for buried archaeological features or deposits on either of the two proposed development fields, other than those relating to agriculture. The large sub- circular feature in the north field is interpreted as a natural water feature, albeit seasonal. The existent ditched boundaries and the subsurface drainage recorded by the geophysical survey show that attempts at improving the agricultural land have taken place in the post-medieval period, if not earlier.
9.8 Despite the low potential for significant buried archaeological features, the lack of major ground intrusion on the site suggests that any buried features and deposits that may be present are likely to be well preserved.
9.9 At this stage it is not possible to fully assess the impact of proposed development on potential buried archaeological remains. Proposals could have both an adverse and a beneficial impact on such remains, should they exist. Without mitigation, potential negative impacts would come from the construction phase during which the physical impact on any remains would be permanent and irreversible. Beneficial impacts to be considered are CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 23 the potential for an increase in knowledge arising from the opportunity to research and investigate the archaeological remains as a result of the application.
9.10 Archaeology is a non-renewable resource and the impact of construction works on any archaeology that may exist below ground would be considered to be permanent and adverse. Due to the lack of previous archaeological investigations and recorded finds within the application site, the general archaeological potential can only be based on the present landscape together with cartographic evidence, aerial photography, geophysical survey and professional judgement. This assessment concludes that based on available sources, the archaeological potential of the site is low.
9.11 This assessment can only be used as a guide to the potential of buried archaeological deposits and, should they exist, their survival, nature, extent and significance will only be established through ground disturbing works.
10. MITIGATION
10.1 The potential to recover buried archaeological evidence and/ or chance finds is fairly consistent across both fields, and although the overall potential is considered to be low, a programme of archaeological investigation and recording should be conditioned as part of planning consent.
10.2 Features of agricultural origin have been recorded from cartographic evidence aerial photography and the geophysical survey. Although many of these features can be related to 19th century boundaries, the field to the north also includes potential evidence of medieval agriculture. Although not warranting preservation, the buried agricultural features justify some archaeological investigation in order to preserve a sample profile by record, prior to any construction works.
10.3 Although likely to be the result of modern infilling or burying of debris, the location of the feature recorded as NPRN No. 409231 which provided a strong magnetic current during the geophysical survey, also warrants investigation. If the overhead line and pole are to be retained in this position, investigations might take the form of test pits in order to identify the object or buried debris.
10.4 Similar sampling might be applied to Feature 6 in the north field, to confirm or disprove the presence of an infilled hollow as identified by the geophysical survey.
10.5 This assessment concludes that in order to secure sampling of archaeological features and preservation by record, together with investigation of the magnetic anomalies, a mitigation strategy to allow for further archaeological investigation should form a condition of planning consent.
11. CONCLUSION
This assessment concludes that, allowing for conditioned archaeological mitigation, the proposed development is unlikely to have any significant adverse impact on the archaeological resource.
12. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Castlering Archaeology would like to thank Bellis Brothers Ltd. for contracting the assessment and for facilitating the site visit and J10 Planning, Chester, for initial contact is respect of the project. CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 24
13. REFERENCES
13.1 Bibliography
Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, 2014a, Code of conduct. Reading: CIfA
Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, 2014b, Standard and Guidance for historic environment desk-based assessment. Reading: CIfA
Gardnor, Sydney, 2000, The parishes of Gresford and Hope: past and present. WCBC
Hains, B. A., & Horton, A., 1969, British Regional Geology. Central England. London: HMSO
Jones, Helen Morris, 2002, The Spirit of Rossett, Marford & Gresford: The 20th century in Photographs. Ashbourne: Landmark Publishing
Lowe, R., 1998, Reflections of a Bygone Age: Allington, and Burton, Rossett. Wrexham
Manley, John, ed., 1991, The Archaeology of Clwyd. Clwyd County Council
Palmer, A.N., 1903, A History of the Old Parish of Gresford in the Counties of Denbigh and Flint. London
Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, 1914, Inventory of the Ancient Monuments in Wales and Monmouthshire IV County of Denbigh
Rudeforth, C. C. et al, 1984, Soil Survey of England and Wales; Soil Survey of England and Wales, Bulletin 11. Harpenden Press
Thomas, D. R, 1908 – 1913, History of the diocese of St Asaph, Volumes 1-3. Oswestry: Caxton Press
Welsh Office, 2014, Planning Policy Guidance Wales: Chapter 6 Conserving the Historic Environment. Edition 7 (Online: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/planning/policy)
Welsh Office Circular 61/96, Planning and the Historic Environment: Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas (Online: http://wales.gov.uk/docs/desh/policy/961205circular6196en.pdf)
Wrexham County Borough Council, Wrexham Unitary Development Plan, 1996 – 2011, (Online: http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/assets/pdfs/planning/udp/written_statement_e.pdf)
13.2 Cartographic Sources
1819 OS 1”: 1 mile Surveyor’s Drawing, Sheet 316; published November 1927 (NLW collection)
1843 Tithe map of the Township of Allington, Parish of Gresford & Apportionment (NLW A/C 225)
1881 OS first edition 6” map, Denbighshire sheet 22 (NLW), surveyed 1879
1899 2nd edition OS 25” map, Denbighshire sheet 22.6 (NLW collection)
1900 2nd edition OS 6” map, Denbighshire sheet 22NW & 22SW (NLW collection)
1993 British Geological Survey, Wrexham Sheet 121, Solid and Drift Edition. 1:50,000 Series CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 25
13.3 Archives
1787 Map of Trevalyn Estate. NLW collection map No. C18 (N/A)
1900 Trevalyn Estate map. FRO D/TR/2/7/4(N/A)
13.4 Aerial Photographs
RAF verticals 540/112 Frame 30 dated 05.10.1948 (missing from NMR collection) 58/3617 Frames 321; 440 & 441 dated 21.06.1960 (missing from NMR collection)
RCAHMW Colour Oblique Digital Aerial Photographs C865243 (AP_2009_2387); C867279 (AP_2009_2386) & C867638 (AP_2009_2385) taken on 08 July 2009 by Toby Driver (NPRN 409231)
RCAHMW Colour Oblique Digital Aerial Photographs C841266-7 (AP_2005_1597-8)
13.5 Websites http://www.coflein.gov.uk http://www.cpat.org.uk http://www.google-earth.com http://www.rossett.org.uk http://www.ukaerialphotos.com/WREXHAM/Rossett/Rossett.htm http://wales.gov.uk http://www.wrexham.gov.uk
CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 26
APPENDIX 1 SITES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL / HIS TORIC INTEREST
REFERRED TO IN THE T EXT
HER / PRN SITE NAME NGR SHORT DESCRIPTION / NPRN Nos PRN 26213/ Rossett Hall SJ Mid 18th century Grade II listed red-brick house with stone NPRN 36837 dressings; said to have been built c.1750 for James Boydell. 164597 57418 Cadw ref. listed building 1556 Source: Cadw 2000 Database of Listed Buildings in Wales NPRN Lane Farm SJ Cropmarks of linear boundaries seen in fields to west of Rossett. 406336 Enclosure 3728 They are of uncertain age and their original function is likewise 5718 unknown. They were recorded during RCAHMW aerial reconnaissance on 01 August 2005. Source: RCAHMW Colour Oblique Digital Aerial Photographs C841266-7. PRN Lane Farm SJ Post-medieval agricultural building? Roman Villa? 1000079 / Cropmarks 3730 Cropmarks show buried footings of what may be a rectangular NPRN 5717 building, approximately 20m long. The cropmarks are neat and 409231 well defined, suggesting the building may have been quite a recent structure. This is made more likely as a telegraph pole stands at one corner of the rectangular cropmark. However, nothing is shown in this position on County Series mapping. The cropmark is similar to expected traces of Roman villas in other parts of Wales. Recorded during RCAHMW aerial reconnaissance on 8th July 2009. Source: RCAHMW Colour Oblique Digital Aerial Photographs C865243; C867279 & C867638 PRN 41679 Canister Cottage SJ Grade II listed house, originally built in the late 18th-early 19th 37022 century as four cottages for estate staff of nearby Rossett Hall. 57541 Source: Cadw 2000 Database of Listed Buildings in Wales Cadw Ref. No. 17455 PRN 54709 Bronze Age Dagger SJ A narrow-bladed, copper-alloy dagger, 127mm in length, 31mm findspot 36822 in width and 4mm in section. 56896 Source: PAS Database, 2011 PRN 54707 Roman Coin SJ Roman copper alloy coin, possibly a third century AD sestertius findspot 368 of Philip II, found south of the village near the River Alyn by a 569 metal detector. Source: PAS Database, 2011 PRN 54922 Medieval Coin SJ A hammered silver penny, probably Edward I. The coin is in poor findspot 37346 condition & the mint is Canterbury, found south of the village 57175 near the River Alyn by a metal detector. Source: PAS Database, 2011 PRN 61528 Maelor Saesneg SJ Pond recorded by Maelor Saesneg Historic Landscape pond 511 37508 Characterisation Project (CPAT 761); interpreted as probably a 57490 former marl pit. NPRN 7899 English Methodist SJ Rossett Methodist Chapel built 1882. Converted for residential Church (Primitive), 3697 use in late 20th century. Chapel 5750 NPRN Catholic Church SJ Modern Catholic Church, at junction of Holt Rd / Harwood's 97210 Christ the King 3688 Lane, Rossett. 5730 CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 27
PRN Lower Marford SJ Grade II Listed former watermill thought to have been in 100363 Mill 3651 existence before the year 1050, and served the surrounding area 5698 of Llay Burton, Rossett, Marford and Gresford. Source: Palmer, 1904 PRN Hall Croft SJ Enclosure Complex & Field System of probable medieval date. 100369/ Enclosures &Field 3795 Cropmarks showing ploughed-out remains of large field NPRN System 5701 enclosures, and additional rectangular enclosures, which may 409230 represent the site of a former settlement or dwelling, as recorded in the HER record for ‘Hall Croft’ PRN 100369. Recorded during RCAHMW aerial reconnaissance on 8th July 2009. Source: RCAHMW Colour Oblique Digital Aerial Photographs C865249-50 PRN 100376 Trevalyn Hall SJ Grade II Listed 3-storey Elizabethan manor house built for John 36498 Trevor in 1576. 56799 PRN 101534 St Peter's Well SJ The site of a Holy Well believed to be associated with St Peter's 3672 Chapel. Now only located as the site of a spring choked by 5788 vegetation. Source: Clwyd Archaeology Service, 1981 & CPAT 1988 / 2004 / 2011site visit records PRN 101535 St Peter's Chapel SJ Possible site of Chapel of St Peter at Rossett Green. No physical 369 trace. The given NGR is likely to have been suggested as it 575 contains Chapel Lane. The name is, however, likely to have been given to the thoroughfare as a result of the construction of a Primitive Methodist Chapel in 1822 at its junction with the B5445 (NPRN 7899 below). Source: Thomas, D. R. 1908-1913 PRN 102640 Rossett Mill SJ Grade II * Listed watermill first built on this site in 1544. Current 36462 building was built in 1588 and extended in 1661. Extensive 57036 repairs were made in 1710 and a further extension took place in the 1820s. Mill was sketched by Turner in 1795. Source: Pratt 1992 & Welsh Mills Society, 2013 Newsletter PRN Trevalyn SJ Much modernised and partly rebuilt Grade II Listed dwelling. 102641 Farmhouse 38253 Part timber- framed / part stone. Believed to be the home farm of 57309 Trevalyn Hall of 1576, with which it is a near contemporary. Internal details date the house to at least 1588. Said to have originally been owned by the Meredith family, passed in the 19th century into the hands of a Dr Williams, in whose estate it remained until 1978, when sold to the Bellis family. Cadw Building ID: 1529 PRN 102661 Gamford House SJ Cropmark of part of a curvilinear site consisting of at least one Enclosure 377 and probably two narrow marks. They quite possibly represent 575 palisade trenches and are fairly widely spaced. Possible defended enclosure of Prehistoric date. AP plot during project in 1998 - a poorly defined cropmark enclosure probable consisting of double ditches c.12m apart. Overall diameter c. 120m, extending into adjacent field to SE, but not visible19/05/98. Photos: 79-CU-0001 , 79-CU-0003 , 79-012-0033 PRN 104504 Rossett Smithy SJ Former red-brick Smithy later used as a metal working shop. 3697 5746 PRN Rossett, Bow SJ Large trumpet type brooch of Iron Age date. The head is a flat 120109 Brooch findspot 36822 oval plate from the base of which springs the bow, found south of 56896 the village near the River Alyn by a metal detector. Source: PAS Database, 2011 CASTLERING ARCHAEOLOGY REPORT NO. 534, 28
PRN 120125 Rossett, Medieval SJ Lead seal matrix of Medieval date, probably from the 13th Seal Matrix 36823 century, found in the area of Rossett Hall farm. Likely to be a findspot 57385 personal seal of Dafydd Ap Iorweth. Source: PAS Database, 2011 PRN 120168 Rossett, Post- SJ Silver spur found while metal detecting; discovered post 1996 & Medieval Spur 3761 reported as potential Treasure. However, the date mark / hall findspot 5730 mark is clearly that of 1763 and as such the item is less than 300 years old. Therefore, this artefact falls outside the Treasure Act 1996. Source: PAS Database, 2011 PRN 128217 Gamford Cottages, SJ Area of Medieval R&F captured from LiDAR survey ridge and furrow 37886 Source: Environment Agency 1998-2011 Lidar plot & Silvester 57224 2013 PRN 129691 Bronze Age hoard SJ Late Bronze Age hoard comprising 2 penannular lock-rings 3857 (PRNs 122139 and 129690). A small disc reported at the same time was a fragment of machinery made of aluminium (PAS database, 2013; Adam Gwilt, pers. comm., 2013). Area of Hall Croft PRN 141462 Rossett, 14th SJ A silver continental sterling penny of Count John II de century penny 37206 Montcornet of Herstal (1312-24). findspot 56933 Source: PAS Database, 2011 PRN 141465 Rossett, Medieval SJ A copper-alloy seal matrix dating from the 13th or 14th century. Seal Matrix 37206 Source: PAS Database, 2011 findspot 56933