Archaeological Desk Based Assessment

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK-BASED ASSESSMENT

NORTHOP ROAD FLINT FLINTSHIRE

APRIL 2018

Local Planning Authority: Flintshire County Council

Site centred at: SJ 240 718

Author: Emily Mercer BA MSc MCIfA

Approved by: Simon Mortimer MA(Oxon) MCIfA

Report Status: FINAL

Every effort is made to provide detailed and accurate information, however, CgMs Limited cannot be held responsible for errors or inaccuracies within this report. CgMs Ref:

Contents Executive Summary 1.0 Introduction and Scope of Study 2.0 Planning Background and Development Plan Framework 3.0 Geology, Topography and Site Conditions 4.0 Archaeological and Historical Background, including Assessment of Significance 5.0 The Proposed Development and Impact on Heritage Assets 6.0 Conclusions

Sources Consulted

Appendix 1: Designated and Non-designated Assets Data Plots Appendix 2: LiDAR Plot Appendix 3: Gazetteer of Designated and Non-designated Archaeological Assets Appendix 4: Proposed Layout Appendix 5: Geophysical Survey Report Appendix 6: Cadw Consultation Response

List of Illustrations

Figure 1 Site location Figure 2 1840 Flint Tithe Map Figure 3 1871-3 Ordnance Survey Map Figure 4 1899 Ordnance Survey Map Figure 5 1912 Ordnance Survey Map Figure 6 1963-7 Ordnance Survey Map

List of Plates

Plate 1 South-west facing view across the study site from the north-east corner Plate 2 South-east facing view across the study site up to the east side Plate 3 North-west facing view of the probably quarry on the north side of the study site Plate 4 South facing view of the east side of the study site Plate 5 Modern residential development on the north-west and north sides of the study site Plate 6 View towards the north-east corner of the study site, bound by modern residential development

Plate 7 Small bridge carrying Halkyn Road over Swinchiard Brook on the south-west side of the study site Plate 8 South facing view towards the Scheduled Monument from the west side of the study site Plate 9 View of the Scheduled Monument from the north-east corner of the south-east field Plate 10 William Williams’ map of 1720 showing the course of Wat’s Dyke. Northop Road, that runs to the east of the study site, can be clearly seen between Flint and Northop

Executive Summary

This archaeological desk-based assessment considers land approximately c. 8.4ha in extent proposed for residential development at land off Northop Road, Flint, Flintshire. The assessment, originally issued in February 2018, has been updated following receipt of a consultation response from Cadw.

In accordance with government policy (PPW 9), the assessment draws together the available archaeological, historic, topographic and land-use information in order to clarify the heritage significance and archaeological potential of the study site.

The assessment has established that there are no designated archaeological assets on the study site. Within the surroundings there is a Scheduled Monument, Bryn y Cwn Mound and Bailey Castle (FL064) located c. 80m to the south of the study site, which has the potential for its setting to be impacted by the proposed development. The significance of the Scheduled Monument is derived from its historical, evidential and aesthetic values. Its setting as a Medieval defensive monument which dominates as a local landscape feature also contributes to its significance. In order to properly assess any potential impacts to the setting of the Scheduled Monument, it is proposed that a detailed setting assessment is prepared following consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

The assessment has also established that there are three non-designated archaeological assets recorded in the HER within the study site boundary dating to the Post-Medieval and Modern periods: these include poorly-preserved ridge and furrow earthworks on the south-west side; a limekiln on the east side; and a military aircraft crash site recorded on the north side of the study site. The results of a geophysical survey showed anomalies relating to the limekiln as well as another possible associated industrial site in the south of the site. No evidence of the ridge and furrow was detected in the geophysical survey in the south of the site but associated anomalies were detected in the north and east. No obvious anomalies were detected that indicated the location of a military aircraft crash site although it is possible that the location given in the HER is a general grid reference. This site, under the Protection of Military Remains Act (PMRA) of 1986, cannot be excavated or remains removed without a license from the Central Casualty Section, a part of the Royal Air Force Personnel Management Agency (PMA). However, if human remains are suspected then it would be classed as a War Grave and an exclusion zone would be required in any proposed development. Any evidence discovered relating to these non-designated archaeological assets relating to those recorded on the HER or detected during the geophysical survey would be considered to be of local/regional interest.

This assessment has also considered the potential for as-yet to be discovered archaeological assets within the site. On the basis of the archaeological evidence from the search area

© CgMs Ltd 1 EM/23246/01 Desk-Based Assessment Land at Northop Road, Flint, Flintshire combined with the results of the geophysical survey of the study site, it is concluded that the site has a low/negligible potential for significant remains of Roman to Medieval periods.

In light of the above, the LPA is likely to recommend a programme of archaeological trial trenching to target anomalies of possible archaeological origin and to test ‘blank’ areas shown in the data.

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE OF STUDY

1.1 This archaeological desk-based assessment of land off Northop Road, Flint, Flintshire has been researched and prepared by CgMs Heritage on behalf of Anwyl Land. The assessment, originally issued in February 2018, has been update following receipt of a consultation response from Cadw (Appendix 6).

1.2 The site, also referred to as the study site, comprises approximately 8.4ha of land proposed for residential development, centred at National Grid Reference SJ 240 718 (Figure 1). The site is located to the south of the town of Flint and between Halkyn Road to the west and Northop Road to the east. Modern residential development bounds the north side of the study site, with pasture fields bounding the south.

1.3 This assessment has been prepared in compliance with Planning Policy Wales ((PPW) edition 9) and the Technical Advice Note (TAN) 24, to identify and provide a description of the significance of heritage assets on the site and the likely effects of development on that significance.

1.4 The assessment incorporates published and unpublished material, and charts historic land-use through a map regression exercise. A site inspection was undertaken in September 2017.

1.5 As a result, the assessment enables relevant parties to assess the significance of heritage assets on and close to the site and to consider the potential for hitherto undiscovered archaeological assets, thus enabling potential impacts on assets to be identified along with the need for any design, civil engineering or archaeological solutions.

2.0 PLANNING BACKGROUND AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN FRAMEWORK

2.1 Statutory Framework

i) Ancient Monuments & Archaeological Areas Act 1979

The Ancient Monuments & Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (as amended) protects the fabric of Scheduled Monuments, but does not afford statutory protection to their settings. Relevant policies relating to the protection of the setting of scheduled monuments are contained within national and local development plan policy.

ii) Protection of Military Remains Act (PRMA) 1986

All crashed British aircraft in the UK or its coastal waters are deemed Crown property, all Luftwaffe crash sites are considered captured property surrendered to the Crown, and for US aircraft the MoD acts as the representative of the US Government. Under the PRMA anyone wishing to excavate or recover a military aircraft is first required to apply for a licence. The aim is to protect potential excavators from the risks of possible surviving live ordnance, as well as the moral obligation to the families of the dead servicemen not able to be recovered at the time of the crash to protect their relatives’ remain from disturbance.

iii) Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015

This Act places duties on public bodies requiring them to act in accordance with the ‘sustainable development principle’. The Act also establishes well-being goals which include achieving ‘a Wales of vibrant culture and Welsh language’, described as ‘a society that promotes and protects culture, heritage and the Welsh language’. The Act lays down the principle that a properly protected, conserved and enhanced historic environment can improve the quality of life and well-being for everyone.

iv) Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016

The Historic Environment (Wales) Act was given Royal Assent in March 2016. This Act provides the legislative framework for managing the historic environment in Wales. Accompanying the Act will be new policy and guidance in the form of a Technical Advice Note (TAN) specific to the Historic Environment (see below), and changes to Planning Policy Wales (PPW) Chapter 6 – Conserving the Historic Environment. While the changes to PPW have been made, the new TAN 24 and other guidance is still the subject of consultation.

2.2 Planning Policy Wales

2.2.1 The Welsh Government has published Planning Policy Wales (PPW), currently updated to Version 9 from November 2016 (PPW9). This sets out the land use planning policies

of the Welsh Government. It is supplemented by a series of Technical Advice Notes (TANs). Procedural advice is given in circulars and policy clarification letters.

2.2.2 Chapter 6 of PPW9, entitled ‘Conserving the Historic Environment’, provides policy for planning authorities, property owners, developers and others on the conservation and investigation of heritage assets. Overall, the objectives of Chapter 6 in relation to archaeology can be summarised as seeking to:

• conserve and enhance the historic environment, which is a finite and non- renewable resource and a vital and integral part of the historical and cultural identity of Wales;

• recognise its contribution to economic vitality and culture, civic pride, local distinctiveness and the quality of Welsh life, and its importance as a resource to be maintained for future generations;

• base decisions on an understanding of the significance of Wales’ historic assets;

• contribute to the knowledge and understanding of the past by making an appropriate record when parts of a historic asset are affected by a proposed change, and ensuring that this record or the results of any investigation are securely archived and made publicly available; and specifically to

• conserve archaeological remains, both for their own sake and for their role in education, leisure and the economy.

2.2.3 Chapter 6 of PPW9 describes the historic environment as being made up of individual historic features, archaeological sites, historic buildings and historic parks, gardens, townscapes and landscapes, collectively known as historic assets.

2.2.4 The historic environment is defined, in policy terms, in Draft TAN 24 (at para. 1.7) as:

“All aspects of the environment resulting from the interaction between people and places through time, including all surviving physical remains of past human activity, whether visible, buried or submerged, and deliberately planted or managed.”

2.2.5 Technical Advice Note (TAN) 24 was issued in May 2017. This TAN replaces Welsh Office Circulars 60/96, 61/96 and 1/98, which have now been cancelled. The purpose of TAN 24 is to provide guidance on how the planning system considers the historic environment during development plan preparation and decision making on planning and Listed Building (LBC) applications. TAN 24 provides specific guidance on how the following aspects of the historic environment should be considered:

• World Heritage Sites

• Scheduled Monuments

• Archaeological Remains

• Listed Buildings

• Conservation Areas

• Historic Parks and Gardens

• Historic Landscapes

• Historic Assets of Special Local Interest.

2.2.6 Welsh planning legislation and policy guidance outlines that the conservation of archaeological remains and their setting is a material consideration in the determination of a planning application (Planning Policy Wales 9, Chapter 6, Para. 6.5.5). In order to take into account archaeological considerations and deal with them from the beginning of the development control process, Local Planning Authorities in Wales need to be fully informed about the nature and importance of archaeological remains, and their setting, and the likely impact of any proposed development upon them.

2.2.7 Paragraphs 6.5.6 to 6.5.8 of PPW9 Chapter 6 set out the staged process of investigations which may be required to provide the relevant information to inform decisions. This means that Local Planning Authorities can request an applicant to provide further information on archaeological matters in the form of desk-based assessment, field evaluation, and detailed Written Schemes of Investigation to outline mitigation proposals as appropriate.

2.2.8 Paragraph 6.5.7 makes provision for archaeological work on a site to be carried out as part of a condition, as long as the work is carried out before development commences, and it is carried out to a project design agreed with the planning authority.

2.3 Local Development Framework

2.3.1 The Flintshire Council adopted the Unitary Development Plan 2000-2015 (UDP) in 2011. The UDP will provide the basis for determining planning applications.

2.3.2 Policies relating to the Historic Environment are as follows:

HE6 SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENTS AND OTHER NATIONALLY IMPORTANT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

Development that would remove, damage or obscure a Scheduled Ancient Monument or other nationally important archaeological site, or its setting, will not be permitted.

The Welsh Government must be consulted on any development proposal likely to affect a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Scheduled Monument Consent must be sought from the Welsh Government for any proposed works to a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This policy seeks to ensure the physical preservation of nationally important archaeological remains and there is a presumption in favour of their physical preservation in situ. To achieve this, a thorough

archaeological field evaluation of the impact of any proposal likely to affect a nationally important archaeological site must be submitted before a decision on a planning application is taken. The developer will be required to provide the evaluation at their expense in accordance with a specification supplied by the County Council.

Such an evaluation should seek to define the character and condition of any monuments or remains within the application site and the likely impact of the proposed development on such features. In some cases it may be possible to satisfactorily the effects of the proposed development by the redesign of the proposal. In exceptional cases where the County Council decides that the physical preservation in situ of archaeological remains is not justified, it must be satisfied that there is appropriate and satisfactory provision for the investigation and recording of remains

HE7 OTHER SITES OF LESSER ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Development that affects sites of either known or suspected local and/or regional archaeological interest and their settings will be permitted only where:

a. an archaeological assessment has been carried out, before a decision is made on the proposal, to the satisfaction of the Council which evaluates the intrinsic importance of the remains; and

b. the need to retain the interest that has been identified is outweighed by the need for the proposed development.

Where remains are affected but preservation in situ is not merited, excavations and/ or recording must be carried out to the satisfaction of the Council in advance of development commencing.

This policy seeks to protect other archaeological remains that are of less than national importance but which are nevertheless of significance. Where research indicates that archaeological remains are likely to exist, proposals for development will not be determined until suitable archaeological field evaluation has been undertaken to determine whether the remains are of local or regional importance. The developer will be required to provide the evaluation at its expense in accordance with a specification supplied by the County Council and also to identify the need for the development.

These policies seek to protect all important archaeological features, whether scheduled or not, from development that would damage their historic character. It applies to all sites listed on the Sites and Monuments Records, which, in addition to scheduled sites, also shows all other known or suspected archaeological sites.

The Council will then consider the intrinsic importance of the remains against the need for the development. Where archaeological remains are considered to be important enough to merit protection, or where the requirement for an assessment has not been met, planning permission will be refused (Circular 60/96).

The Welsh Government may give prior approval of Scheduled Ancient Monument Consent however the County Council could still withhold planning permission on the basis of local archaeological interest. The County Council supports in situ preservation as a preferred solution to excavation which should only be undertaken as a last resort. It is possible for development to take place with archaeological remains retained in situ and discussions should take place with the County Council at an early stage to reduce any potential conflict where possible. When in situ preservation is not feasible, excavation and recording should be undertaken before or during

development. Any features which would otherwise be destroyed but which are capable of conservation should be removed for safekeeping prior to development commencing.

The County Council will seek mitigation measures through agreement with developers. In some circumstances it may be necessary to attach conditions to the planning permission to prohibit development until the required archaeological work is completed.

HE8 RECORDING OF HISTORIC PERMITTED FEATURES

Development will be only where there is provision for adequate recording of any historic features likely to be affected by the development.

This policy applies to all development which would impact upon valued architectural, archaeological or historic landscape features. The Council will require that adequate architectural or archaeological investigation is carried out prior to the grant of planning permission and in many cases will require that detailed records continue to be taken whilst the work is being carried out. Subsequent publication of the results will be required.

2.4 Definitions and Guidance

2.4.1 The ‘Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment in Wales’ published by Cadw in March 2011 provides the basic principles under which all subsequent guidance has evolved. The six principles expressed are:

• Historic assets will be managed to sustain their values.

• Understanding the significance of historic assets is vital.

• The historic environment is a shared resource.

• Everyone will be able to participate in sustaining the historic environment.

• Decisions about change must be reasonable, transparent and consistent.

• Documenting and learning from decisions is essential.

Definition of the historic environment

2.4.2 The historic environment is defined in TAN 24 (at para. 1.7) as:

Definition of Heritage assets

2.4.3 Heritage assets are defined by Cadw (March 2011) and TAN 24 (2017) as:

“An identifiable component of the historic environment. It may consist or be a combination of an archaeological site, an historic building or area, historic park

and garden or a parcel of historic landscape. Nationally important historic assets will normally be designated.“

2.4.4 A useful additional definition is contained within the National Planning Policy Framework for England (2012), which defines ‘Archaeological Interest’ as a heritage asset which holds or potentially could hold evidence of past human activity worthy of expert investigation at some point. Heritage assets with archaeological interest are the primary source of evidence about the substance and evolution of places, and of the people and cultures that made them.

2.4.5 A Designated Heritage Asset is considered to be a: World Heritage Site, Scheduled Monument, Listed Building, Protected Wreck Site, Registered Park and Garden, Registered Battlefield or Conservation Area. In Wales areas of landscape have been designated and included in the non-statutory Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales.

Significance

2.4.6 Significance in relation to heritage policy considerations is defined as:

• The sum of the cultural heritage values (Cadw 2011).

2.4.7 The ‘Guide to Good Practice on Using the Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales in the Planning and Development Process, (Revised Edition 2007)’ (Cadw/CCW 2007) outlines Categories A – U which are used to place historic environment assets in order of relative importance.

Setting

2.4.8 Welsh policy makes it clear that setting must be considered in any assessment of the historic environment (PPW9 6.4.2, 6.5.1). The Welsh Government published ‘Setting of Historic Assets in Wales’ in 2017 and this provides guidance on what setting is, how it contributes to the significance of a historic asset and why it is important.

2.4.9 Setting of a historic asset is defined as ‘the surroundings in which it is understood, experienced, and appreciated embracing present and past relationships to the surrounding landscape. Its extent is not fixed and may change as the asset and its surroundings evolve. Elements of a setting may make a positive or negative contribution to that significance or may be neutral. Setting is not a historic asset in its own right but has value derived from how different elements may contribute to the significance of a historic asset’ (WG 2017).

2.4.10 Draft TAN 24 also makes the point that setting always forms part of the aesthetic value of a historic asset and can contribute to the other heritage values, and that setting is primarily a visual amenity. Consideration needs to be given to how the

proposed development will appear in views out of and looking towards the historic asset, and in views where the proposed development and the historic asset are juxtaposed (WG 2015).

2.4.11 Setting of Historic Assets in Wales sets out a four-stage process for assessing the impact of proposed developments within the settings of historic assets as follows:

Stage 1: Identify the historic assets that might be affected by a proposed change or development.

Stage 2: Define and analyse the settings to understand how they contribute to the significance of the historic assets and, in particular, the ways in which the assets are understood, appreciated and experienced.

Stage 3: Evaluate the potential impact of a proposed change or development on that significance.

Stage 4: If necessary, consider options to mitigate or improve the potential impact of a proposed change or development on that significance.

2.4.12 The final decision about the acceptability of proposals will depend on the range of circumstances that apply to a heritage asset and the relative sensitivity to change. Decisions are therefore made on a case by case basis, recognising that all heritage assets are not of equal importance and the contribution made by their setting to their significance also varies.

2.5 General

2.5.1 In considering any planning application for development, the planning authority will be mindful of the framework set by Welsh Government policy (PPW9), by current local planning policy (Policies HE2, HE6-8 of the Flintshire UDP (2011)), and by other material considerations.

3.0 GEOLOGY, TOPOGRAPHY AND SITE CONDITIONS

3.1 Geology

3.1.1 The underlying solid geology of the study site comprises mudstone, siltstone and sandstone of the Pennine Middle Coal Measures Formation along the west side with the remainder comprising mudstone, sandstone and conglomerate of the Eturia Formation. This is overlain by River Terrace sand and gravel deposits along the west, with the remainder of the study site being overlain by Devensian Till (British Geological Survey 1999).

3.2 Site Conditions and Topography

3.2.1 The study site is located to the south of the town of Flint, to the east of the main A5119 Northop Road, and comprises four pasture fields (Plates 1 and 2). No earthworks of archaeological interest were observed within the study site boundary, although a depression reminiscent of a quarry was noted on the north side (Plate 3). However, to the south is the distinct landscape feature of the Scheduled motte and bailey castle, made obvious so by the woodland surmounting the mound. Views of the monument will be discussed in terms of its setting in Section 4.10.

3.2.2 Modern residential development bounds the north-west, north and north-east sides of the study site (Plates 5 and 6). The east side is bound by Northop Road (Plate 7), with pasture fields to the south. To the south-west and west the study site is bound by Halkyn Road and Swinchiard Brook, respectively.

3.2.3 As the study site is located on the east side of a valley down to Swinchiard Brook, the very east side of the study site is relatively flat (Plate 4) and at its highest at approximately 58m AOD. Moving westwards, the topography then slopes down steeply at first and then more gradually in the valley bottom, at approximately 31m AOD. The fields are mainly bound by mature trees and hedgerows.

4.0 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND, INCLUDING ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

4.1 Timescales used in this report are as follows.

Prehistoric Palaeolithic 450,000 BC - 10,001 BC Mesolithic 10,000 BC - 4,001 BC Neolithic 4,000 BC - 1,801 BC Bronze Age 1,800 BC - 601 BC Iron Age 600 BC - AD 42

Historic Roman AD 43 - 409 AD Saxon/Early Medieval AD 410 - 1065 AD Medieval AD 1066 - 1485 AD Post-Medieval AD 1486 - 1799 AD Modern AD 1800 - Present

4.2 Introduction

4.2.1 This chapter reviews existing archaeological evidence for the site and the archaeological/historical background of the general area based on a consideration of evidence in the Flintshire Historic Environment Record (HER), the Flintshire Record Office, the National Monuments Record of Wales, the Environment Agency LiDAR and various on-line sources for the study site and a surrounding 1km search area (the study area).

4.2.2 A gazetteer of designated heritage assets, archaeological monuments and archaeological investigations and events is provided at Appendix 3. This chapter also considers the potential for as yet undiscovered archaeological assets on the site, in accordance with PPW9. Chapter 5 subsequently considers site conditions and whether any theoretical potential identified in this chapter is likely to survive.

4.2.3 It is not the purpose of this document to create a detailed archaeology or history of Flint, noting every sherd of pottery or lithic flake. Rather, it aims to provide an assessment of the study site’s archaeological potential based on archaeological evidence in the study area.

4.3 Designated Heritage Assets

4.3.1 Data obtained from Flintshire HER confirms that there are no designated heritage assets (Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments, Conservation Areas, Registered Battlefields or Parks and Gardens) on the study site (Appendices 1 and 2).

4.3.2 Within the surrounding 1km study area there is one Scheduled Monument, Bryn y Cwn Mound and Bailey Castle (FL064) located c. 80m to the south of the study site. Almost the entire Scheduled Monument is covered with mature trees (Plates 8 and 9) which prevents the earthwork features from being observed. Nevertheless, the Scheduled Monument may be sensitive to development within the site (Appendix 4) and this is assessed in Section 4.10.

4.3.3 Flint Town Centre Conservation Area is situated c. 1.1km to the north of the study site and is screened from the study site by intervening topography, vegetation and development. Therefore, the Conservation Area is not sensitive to development on the study site and so will be given no further consideration within this report.

4.3.4 There are no additional designated heritage assets within the search area. A gazetteer of the designated heritage assets is included at Appendix 3 and shown on plans in Appendix 1.

4.4 Non-Designated Heritage Assets and other archaeological monuments

4.4.1 There are three non-designated assets recorded within the study site of Post-Medieval or modern origin, comprising ridge and furrow (87989), the site of a limekiln (104036), and a WWII aircraft crash site (130300). The crash site is recorded as being within the north end of the study site, although this is possibly a general grid reference due to its protection under the Protection of Military Remains Act (1986).

4.4.2 There are a further 90 ‘Monuments’ within the 1km search area. A gazetteer of HER records is included at Appendix 1.

4.5 Previous Archaeological Investigations

4.5.1 A geophysical survey was undertaken within the study site in December 2017 (Appendix 5) in order to inform this assessment. No anomalies of clear archaeological potential were interpreted from the data, although a number of linear anomalies classed as ‘uncertain origin’ together with areas of magnetic disturbance are seen within the survey data. Magnetic disturbance in the area of the limekiln (104036) suggests associated below-ground remains, with a similar spread of debris on the south-west boundary and an additional potentially unmapped kiln in the south field detected that may relate to archaeological features. In addition, ridge and furrow was identified in the two fields in the north of the site and across the eastern field, but not

within the area recorded on the HER (87989) which did show evidence of a former field boundary.

4.5.2 No further archaeological investigations are recorded for the study site. However, there 10 archaeological investigations have taken place in the 1km study area (Appendices 1 and 2), most of which have been part of wider general studies or the Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust’s (CPAT) scheduling enhancement projects. Only three archaeological events within the 1km study area relate to archaeological interventions, specifically watching briefs: two along Wat’s Dyke (34961 and 106609) and one at Maes Cwym mound (34960).

4.5.3 A gazetteer of HER events is included at Appendix 1 and their locations are shown on plan in Appendix 3, but they are not discussed further.

4.6 Prehistoric

4.6.1 There are no Prehistoric archaeological assets recorded within the study site.

4.6.2 Within the surrounding 1km study area there is one archaeological asset recorded on the HER (19300) relating to the site of the Nant-y-Flint Iron Age defended enclosure identified from aerial photographs and located c. 560m to the south-west of the study site. However, the HER entry details list it as having been recorded in the wrong location. In the wider landscape evidence is limited to the chance find of a flat bronze axe of Early Bronze Age date in the Pentre Ffwrndan area to the east of Flint town centre.

4.6.3 The area along coastal north-east Wales was known to have been inhabited in the late Prehistoric and into the Roman period by a tribe or political group known by early Roman writers as the Deceangli. However, there is yet to be any evidence of associated activity in the surroundings of the study area.

4.6.4 Consequently, based on the above evidence and on the results of the geophysical survey it is considered that there exists a low/nil potential for the presence of any significant Prehistoric remains within the study site.

4.7 Roman

4.7.1 There are no Roman archaeological assets recorded within the study site or its 1km search area.

4.7.2 Within the wider landscape, evidence of Roman activity is known from Halkyn Mountain, c. 3km to the south-west of the study site, where lead ores were mined to supply the Roman military. This was transported to the Pentre Ffwrndan area, to the east of Flint and approximately 1.2km to the north-east of the study site where, on

the banks of the Dee, it was processed and then shipped. A seemingly substantial settlement developed as a result in the mid-80s AD until the middle of the 3rd century.

4.7.3 Despite the Roman military presence and industrial activity on the east side of Flint and its associated road network, the study site appears to have been outwith this focus. The geophysical survey (Appendix 5) undertaken on the study site did not identify any features likely to be of Roman date. As a result, there is a low/nil potential for the discovery of any significant Roman remains within the study site.

4.8 Saxon/Medieval

4.8.1 There are no recorded archaeological assets of Saxon/Medieval date within the study site.

4.8.2 Located c. 80m to the south of the study site is the Scheduled Bryn y Cwn Mound and Bailey Castle (FL064), which is a large earthwork motte set at the north end of a spur. There is no evidence of a bailey and no recorded history of a castle on this site. Reference to a palisaded site in documentary sources in 1244 may possibly relate to this monument. With this in mind, and its close proximity to the 13th century castle at Flint, has led to suggestions that it was an associated outpost. Detailed consideration of this is provided in Section 4.10.

4.8.3 Within the 1km search area surrounding the study site there is evidence of Medieval activity comprising landscape features relating to: a field system (102620), c. 600m to the east; quillets located over 500m away to the north-west, west and south (89484, 89505 and 89508); and evidence of Wat’s Dyke (27093-27) c. 550m to the south- west.

4.8.4 The bank and ditch remains of Wat’s Dyke is believed to date to the late 8th or early 9th centuries and ran for 40 miles from Maesbury in Shropshire up to the River Dee (Plate 10). This and Offa’s Dyke were constructed to define the western boundary of Mercia, within which the study site was situated. Despite the kingdom of Gwynedd reclaiming the area during the early 11th century, by the Domesday Survey (1086) the area around Flint was within the Cheshire hundred of Atiscros, albeit that Flint was not yet in existence.

4.8.5 For the next two centuries, this area of North Wales was fought over and reclaimed by both the Welsh and the English. This led to Edward I establishing a castle and fortified borough at Flint on the banks of the Dee and also at Rhuddlan in 1277 as a campaign base for the reclamation and eventual conquest of Wales as a whole. In 1284 Flint became the county town of the newly created shire of Flint.

4.8.6 The boundaries of the Medieval borough of Flint included what was to later become the parish of Flint, incorporating the location of the study site. The town charter

granted by Edward I stated that during the later 13th century much of this area was to be cleared and turned into open fields. However, by the 14th and 15th centuries, the open field system was being broken up and the land was being sold off privately.

4.8.7 There is no evidence to suggest that the study site was occupied in this period and there are no anomalies detected within the geophysical survey (Appendix 5) associated with Medieval settlement. Consequently, it is considered that the potential for significant non-agricultural archaeological remains of Saxon/Medieval date to survive within the site is low/nil.

4.9 Post-Medieval and Modern

4.9.1 There are three archaeological assets of Post-Medieval and modern date recorded in the HER within the study site comprising: ridge and furrow earthworks (87989), a limekiln (104036) and a military aircraft crash site (130300).

4.9.2 The ridge and furrow earthworks (87989) are recorded within the south field of the study site, comprising a 5m wide ridge bound either side by a 1m wide furrow and were part of Bryn y Cwn strip fields. Evidence of the strip fields and more extensive ridge and furrow remains can be seen in the LiDAR data (Appendix 2). However, no evidence of any ridge and furrow earthworks was observed during the site inspection. Furthermore, there is no evidence of ridge and furrow within the south field in the geophysical survey data (Appendix 5), although there are anomalies associated with ridge and furrow across the remainder of the study site to the north and east.

4.9.3 The HER also records a WWII aircraft crash site (130300) at the north end of the study site relating to a Spitfire assigned to 92 Squadron operational training unit at Hawarden (OUT 57). The aircraft is said to have spun into the ground near the Boar’s Head Inn, Flint on 10th October 1942. The location of the Inn has not been identified but that recorded in the HER for the crash site is in the midst of agricultural land: such crash sites are usually recorded as a general grid reference in order to protect the site, particularly following enforcement of the PMRA (1986).

4.9.4 Most aircraft crash sites were visited almost immediately or soon after by recovery teams, to remove salvage, human remains, ordnance and, in the case of enemy aircraft, to examine the wreckage for intelligence purposes. The amount of recoverable material was influenced by the size of the aircraft, its speed and angle at impact, the surface into which it impacted, and its location. Once the crash site had been cleared and made safe the crater would be back-filled before the recovery crew moved on to their next task. As a result of contemporary recovery, even where archaeological traces remain, excavation of lowland World War II crash sites may yield on average only approximately 1 per cent (in weight) of the aircraft (English Heritage 2002).

4.9.5 The geophysical survey did not provide any clear evidence of an aircraft crash site at the location recorded in the HER, which adds credence to the grid reference being generic. It is possible that location lies within the residential development to the north of the study site. However, there are three areas within the geophysical survey that may be associated. Two of these areas are seen as a spread of strong magnetic or ferrous debris to the east and west of the HER recorded grid reference; one of these areas lies on the north-west boundary, with the other within the potential quarry feature (Plate 3) identified during the site visit.

4.9.6 The third possible location for a possible aircraft crash site is within Area 4 and much further south than the recorded HER location. This has been interpreted as a probable kiln site in the geophysical survey results (Appendix 5) due to contextual evidence but the anomaly, which is non-unique, but it is also plausible (C Harris pers comm) that the response is comparable to that recorded prior during recent investigations and subsequent excavation of Spitfire remains from a crash site at Holme Fen, Cambridgeshire (OA East 2016).

4.9.7 Within the surrounding 1km study area the HER data for the Post-Medieval or modern period is characterised by archaeological assets related to buildings/monuments of a well-defined extent: there are 77 archaeological assets of Post-Medieval or modern date, the vast majority of which relate to marl, sand or clay pits, although the quarry or pit on the north side of the study site has not been recorded in the HER.

4.9.8 In this period, understanding of settlement, land-use and the utilisation of the landscape is enhanced by cartographic and documentary sources which can give additional detail to data contained within the HER.

4.9.9 The earliest available detailed map of the study site is the 1840 Flint Tithe map (Figure 2). The study site comprises ten fields (numbers 288-290, 292, 293, 295-7 and 312) used for both arable (specifically fields 287, 292, 295, 297 and 312) and pasture (fields 288-290, 293 and 296). The northern fields belonged to Sir William Lewis Salusbury Trewlawney, Baronet (fields 288-90, 292 and 293), the south-west fields (295-6) belong to John Offley Crewe Read Esq. and the east fields belong to Edwyn Pryce, Lord Mostyn.

4.9.10 The Ordnance Survey map of 1871-3 (Figure 3) shows that generally there is no change to the study site since the Tithe map of 1840 (Figure 2), although there is additional detail: a track is marked running east to west through the study site; and on the east side of the study site there appears to be an ‘Old Limekiln’ to the south of the study site boundary (HER ref 85016 and 104036, respectively). The use of the term ‘Old’ suggests that the kiln was no longer in use during the late 19th century and

had not been for some time. The Scheduled motte and bailey (FL064) located c. 80m to the south of the study site is recorded as a ‘Tumulus’.

4.9.11 The 1899 Ordnance Survey map (Figure 4) shows relatively little change to the study site, although field boundaries have been removed in the north. The track is marked as a footpath, and the limekiln is not recorded.

4.9.12 There is no change to the study site seen on the Ordnance Survey map of 1912 (Figure 5), which continues until the Ordnance Survey map of 1963-7 (Figure 6) when the Bryn y Cwn strip field boundaries have been removed in the south-west side. There remain no changes within the study site through to the present day (Figure 1).

4.9.13 The study site remained as agricultural land throughout the Post-Medieval period until the present day, as demonstrated in the mapping evidence and the results of the geophysical survey. There is a moderate potential for sub-surface evidence of the ridge and furrow recorded in the geophysical survey in the north and east fields but there is unlikely to be any remains of that recorded in the HER (87989) in the south- west field of the study site where above-ground earthworks are poorly-preserved and there is no evidence in the geophysical survey data. Similarly, there is also a moderate potential for sub-surface remains relating to the limekiln (104036) as evidenced in the geophysical survey results.

4.9.14 No evidence of any above ground remains of the WWII aircraft crash site (130300) was noted during the site inspection in the location recorded within the HER and there is no obvious evidence in the LiDAR data. However, the geophysical survey has detected three possible locations that will require further non-intrusive investigation, such as metal detecting. It is likely that the RAF will also need to be consulted in accordance with the PMRA (1986) prior to any groundworks. It is considered that there is moderate potential of sub-surface remains surviving below ground should the location of the crash site be within the study site boundary.

4.10 Assessment of Significance

4.10.1 Understanding significance is a key principle for managing change to heritage assets, and is embedded within current government policy. Historic England (formerly English Heritage) published Conservation Principles in 2008 to explain its philosophical approach to significance and managing change, and identified four main values that contribute to significance: evidential, historical, aesthetic and communal (see Section 2.4). Assessing significance requires a combination of comparative analysis, an understanding of the heritage asset’s development and the wider context.

Designated Assets

4.10.2 This assessment has established that there are no designated assets on the study site. There is one designated archaeological asset within the 1km search area, a Scheduled motte and bailey castle. The proposed development (Appendix 4) will not have any direct impact on the Scheduled Monument and, therefore, it is considered here in the context of its setting.

Significance of the Medieval Motte and Bailey Castle and its setting

4.10.3 ‘Bryn y Cwn Mound and Bailey Castle’ is a Scheduled Monument (FL064) and is therefore designated as being of national importance; its significance is derived from its archaeological interest as a military stronghold which forms an important element within the wider Medieval context.

4.10.4 The Scheduled Monument listing describes the site as comprising the remains of a motte and bailey castle, although during the 19th century it was originally recorded as a tumulus. It measures approximately 58m in diameter, with a summit platform of approximately 14m in diameter and a height of 8m. It is described as occupying a spur with a natural slope on the north side and three ditches with banks to the south, although there is no evidence of a bailey. Despite the mound being densely wooded with mature trees the earthworks of the monument are described as being well- preserved. During the summer months the site appears to be a regular clump of woodland in a landscape of similar areas of woodland and mature trees. However, during the winter months the shape of the motte is more obvious. It therefore has an aesthetic value as a landscape feature.

4.10.5 The motte and bailey site has not been archaeologically excavated and there are no specific historic references to its origins. It is within a significant class of Medieval monument and is believed to have been an outpost to the 13th century Flint Castle to the north and therefore part of Edward I’s campaign into Wales. There is, therefore, a high potential to yield sub-surface evidence relating to chronology, building techniques and functional detail contributing to the corpus of information relating to Medieval defensive organisation.

4.10.6 Consequently, the Scheduled Monument is of significance due to it archaeological and historic importance, both nationally and also within Flintshire, regarding the construction, development, and function of Medieval motte and bailey sites.

The contribution made by setting

4.10.7 The Scheduled motte and bailey castle is a large earthen mound set within a broad valley and is made all the more distinct by the dense woodland which surmounts it. Generally as a landscape feature, and so regardless of the screen of trees during the summer, the Scheduled Monument commands extensive views including most aspects of the study site which is located c. 80m to the north. Therefore, the setting to the motte and bailey castle is an important element of its significance not just in terms of aesthetic value but also in terms of its historic values: it is understood to be an outpost to Flint Castle located c. 2km to the north-east situated on the north side of the town of Flint and on the banks of the River Dee. Due to topography the motte and bailey castle and Flint Castle would not have been intervisible during the Medieval period. Nevertheless, this association would have inextricably linked the Scheduled asset to its surrounding landscape and economy.

4.10.8 Outward views from the Scheduled Monument northwards are towards the modern residential development located on the south side of the town of Flint which, in fact, effectively serves to envelope the northern part of the study site. However, screening is provided to some extent by topography and mature vegetation, particularly during the summer months. The higher level east valley side prevents development to the north-east of the motte and bailey castle, to the east of Northop Road, from being viewed from the monument, and the mature trees and hedgerows towards and surrounding the north end of the study site helps to reduce intervisibility with areas of the modern development.

4.10.9 Consequently, the immediate setting of the motte and bailey castle is still primarily within an agricultural landscape and is one which maintains a rural experience, although one where all Medieval vestiges have been removed. This unencumbered landscape of the broad valley setting allows its imposing presence as a Medieval defensive site to be appreciated from all aspects around the monument. However, an understanding of the arrangement of the Medieval defensive earthworks and features is inhibited by the woodland surmounting the asset: the trees serve to screen the earthworks from its surroundings especially during the summer months.

4.10.10 The Scheduled asset is not publicly accessible however, and can only be viewed either from the Mountain Park Golf Course, which is adjacent to the east and south of the asset, or from public footpaths crossing the wider landscape, such as that running east/west through the southern part of the study site. Halkyn Road to the west also provides clear views across to the monument for quite some length due to a long

stretch being topographically lower than the imposing monument, from which the earthworks can be seen through the trees during the winter months.

4.10.11 In short, it is concluded that the setting of the Scheduled Mound and Bailey Castle incorporates the surrounding open area of farmland which provides all round views along the broad valley, albeit that the views are restricted to those from mainly public roads and footpaths. Inward looking views are limited by screening from the woodland in the summer months and, to some extent, by the topography of the valley side from places such as Northop Road. It is an imposing landscape feature, made more distinct by the clump of woodland on top and its setting is considered to contribute to its significance as a well-preserved, nationally important Medieval defensive structure of archaeological and historical interest.

Non-designated heritage assets

4.10.12 Within the study site there are three non-designated assets of Post-Medieval and modern date recorded in the HER.

4.10.13 The limekiln is recorded on late 19th century mapping evidence, with evidence of associated remains shown in the geophysical survey data (Appendix 5), although there are no visible above ground remains. Therefore, there is a moderate potential for sub-surface remains which would be considered to be of local archaeological interest, derived from its evidential value.

4.10.14 Ridge and furrow earthworks are recorded in the HER on the south-west side of the site and can also be seen in the LiDAR data (Appendix 2). However, no obvious earthworks were noted during the site inspection which suggests that the ridge earthworks are poorly-preserved above ground, and there is no evidence relating to the features in this field in the geophysical survey. There is evidence in the geophysical survey of ridge and furrow in the remaining three fields to the north and east within the study site, which is also evidenced in the LiDAR data. Although there may be traces of the furrows surviving below ground there is no probable evidential value to the remains, which would be considered to be of local significance at best, derived from its historical value relating to the development of the landscape of the local area.

4.10.15 At the north side of the study site a WWII aircraft crash site is recorded which is considered to be of local/regional importance. It is likely that the recorded location is a general grid reference in accordance with a 1km grid node point in order to protect the precise location of any remains, although three potential alternative locations have been detected within the geophysical survey. If remains are confirmed there is a

moderate potential for smaller parts of the aircraft not recovered immediately following the crash within the study site, which provide evidential, along with historical, value to its significance.

4.10.16 One of the potential locations for an aircraft crash site in the south of the study site (anomaly 4a, Appendix 5) is provided by a magnetic response which could also be that of an unmapped kiln. This would be of local significance based on its evidential value.

4.10.17 Any hitherto unknown archaeological remains present within the site would be significant for their evidential value and their potential to contribute to local and regional research agendas.

5.0 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT & IMPACT ON HERITAGE ASSETS

5.1 The Proposed Development

5.1.1 The study site is being proposed for residential development. The proposed layout (Appendix 4) is for up to 145 dwellings. The following assessment of impact has been based on this current layout.

5.2 Impact on Heritage Assets

Designated Archaeological Assets

5.2.1 No designated heritage assets will be directly impacted by the proposed development. However, there is potential for the setting of Bryn y Cwn Mound and Bailey Castle Scheduled Monument (FL064) located c. 80m to the south to be affected by development on the study site. Development of the south-east field, being the closest to the Scheduled Monument and possessing the most open aspect, is the most sensitive part of the proposed development in terms of impact to the setting of the designated asset: outward views from the Scheduled Monument along the low-lying broad valley of the study site are uninhibited northwards.

5.2.2 In order to properly assess the potential impacts to the setting of the Scheduled Monument that may arise as a result of the proposed development, a separate detailed setting assessment will be prepared. The setting assessment will be undertaken in accordance with the Cadw document Setting of Historic Assets in Wales (2017).

Non-Designated Archaeological Assets

5.2.3 The available HER evidence does not show any Prehistoric, Roman, Saxon or Medieval archaeological assets to be recorded within the study site boundary, and there is limited archaeological evidence in its surroundings.

5.2.4 The Post-Medieval ridge and furrow in the south-west field of the study site (87989), also recorded by LiDAR data (Appendix 2), is poorly preserved with no evidence of any earthworks observed during the site inspection. Although evidence of similar ridge and furrow is shown in the fields to the north and east within the study site, based on the results of the LiDAR and geophysical survey, no evidence of these earthworks was seen during the site inspection either. Consequently, there is no aesthetic value in terms of the contribution of the ridge and furrow to the landscape character and it does not contribute to the setting of the Scheduled Monument. Furthermore, there is very limited evidential value to be gained from any surviving below-ground remains. The proposed development will destroy the archaeological asset but without any

obvious earthworks, there is no further recording potential beyond that already provided by the LiDAR data.

5.2.5 There is moderate potential, however, for surviving below-ground remains of Post- Medieval date relating to the limekiln (104036), situated on the boundary of the study site on the east side (Appendix 1), evidenced by the magnetic debris located in the results of the geophysical survey. Development of this area would likely destroy or adversely affect any archaeological evidence of the asset. Therefore, to assess the survival and extent of any remains it is recommended that further archaeological evaluation, in the form of trial trenching, is undertaken prior to development commencing.

5.2.6 Based on the results of the geophysical survey (Appendix 5), it is unlikely that there are any wreckage remains in the location of the military aircraft crash site (130300) at the location recorded in the HER. However, there are three possible locations highlighted in the geophysical survey, based on two magnetic debris spreads either side of the HER grid reference and one anomaly to the south (4a, Appendix 5) that is comparable to that for an impact crater for a headlong crash site. Two of these possible locations are within the area of proposed dwellings, with one located within the public open space. Nevertheless, it is recommended that enquiries be undertaken with the RAF, under the PMRA (1986) combined with a metal detecting survey over the three locations initially to identify any potential wreckage remains. If the site is confirmed to be within the study site a license for removal would need to be obtained under the PMRA (1986) and it would also need to then be archaeologically excavated and recorded. Licensing for the PMRA is administered by the Central Casualty Section, a part of the Royal Air Force Personnel Management Agency (PMA). However, if human remains are suspected then the site would be classed as a War Grave and an exclusion zone would need to be included in the design of the proposed development.

5.2.7 Anomaly 4a seen in the results of the geophysical survey is indicative of intense in- situ burning (C. Harris pers comm) and has also been interpreted as an unmapped kiln which would be directly impacted by the proposed development. Therefore, should there be found to be no association with the military aircraft crash site it is recommended that it is targeted with trial trenching, along with other such magnetic anomalies identified as undetermined.

5.2.8 Therefore, to assess the survival and extent of any below ground remains associated with the recorded or potential non-designated assets or any as yet unknown archaeological assets it is recommended that further archaeological investigation is

undertaken in the form of a programme of trial trenching in order to inform any mitigation requirements.

6.0 CONCLUSIONS

6.1 This archaeological desk-based assessment draws together the available archaeological, historic, topographic and land-use information in order to identify the archaeological potential of land at Northop Road, Flint, Flintshire. The assessment, originally issued in February 2018, has been updated following receipt of a consultation response from Cadw (Apendix 6).

6.2 The assessment has established that there are no designated archaeological assets on the study site. Within the surroundings there is a Scheduled motte and bailey castle which has the potential for its setting to be impacted by the proposed development. The significance of the Scheduled Monument is derived from its historical, evidential and aesthetic values. Its setting as a Medieval defensive monument which dominates as a local landscape feature also contributes to its significance. In order to properly assess any potential impacts to the setting of the Scheduled Monument, it is proposed that a detailed setting assessment is prepared following consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

6.3 The assessment has also established that there are three non-designated archaeological assets within the study site boundary dating to the Post-Medieval and modern periods. These include poorly-preserved ridge and furrow earthworks identified across the study site from both LiDAR and geophysical survey data, a limekiln recorded in the HER on the east side of the study site and evidenced in the geophysical survey, and a military aircraft crash site that is recorded in the HER on the north side of the study site. The HER location for the crash site did not correlate with any evidence in the geophysical survey results, although three other potential locations have been highlighted, one of which may also belong to an unmapped kiln site. The aircraft crash site is protected under the Protection of Military Remains Act (PMRA) of 1986 and requires a license for excavation or removal, although if human remains are suspected then it would be classed as a War Grave and an exclusion zone would be required within the proposed development layout. Any evidence discovered relating to these non-designated archaeological assets would be considered to be of local/regional interest.

6.4 This assessment has also considered the potential for as-yet to be discovered archaeological assets within the site. It concludes that, on the basis of the archaeological evidence from the search area, the site has a low/negligible potential for significant remains of Roman to Medieval periods.

6.5 In light of the above, the LPA is likely to require further investigative work ahead of development. A metal detecting survey over the three possible crash site locations should confirm its presence/absence, followed by targeted trial trenching of geophysical survey anomalies of potential archaeological interest, which would inform the need for any mitigation work.

SOURCES CONSULTED

General Flintshire Record Office Flintshire Historic Environment Record (HER) National Monuments Record of Wales

Bibliographic British Geological Survey, 1999, Geology, 1:50,000 Maps, Sheet 108, Flint. CPAT HLC: the Historic Landscape Characterisation work of the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust. This is published on-line and which is an ongoing project which commenced in 1999. English Heritage, 2002. Military Aircraft Crash Sites. Archaeological guidance on their significance and future management. OA East, 2016. Holme Fen Spitfire – X4593. Excavation Report.

Cartographic 1840 Flint Tithe Map

Ordnance Survey 1:10,560/1:10,000 1881, 1882, 1900, 1913, 1914, 1938, 1954, 1963-9, 1982-3, 1993, 1999-2000, 2006, 2017

Ordnance Survey 1:2,500 1871-3, 1899, 1912, 1963-7, 1963-88, 1967-78, 1973, 1975, 1984-91, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1994-5, 1996

Website Archaeological Data Service - ads.ahds.ac.uk British Geological Survey – bgs.ac.uk Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust – cpat.org.uk Historic Wales – historicwales.gov.uk National Library of Wales - journals.library.wales and places.library.wales National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW) database - coflein.gov.uk

Greater Mancheste

Merseyside

Cheshire

Clwyd

Staffo