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BUCKINGHAMSHIRE HISTORIC Agenda ENVIRONMENT FORUM
Date: Monday 2 March 2015
Time: 2.30 pm
Venue: Mezzanine Room 3, County Hall, Aylesbury
Agenda Item Page No
1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE / CHANGES IN MEMBERSHIP
2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST To disclose any Personal or Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
3 MINUTES 3 - 12 of the meeting held on 18 September 2014 to be confirmed
4 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
5 CONSTITUTION 13 - 16 Members of the Forum are asked to ratify the changes to the Constitution discussed at the September meeting of the Forum (see attached).
6 DE-CLUTTERING PROGRAMME IN TOWN CENTRES Update from the Chairman
7 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SERVICE 17 - 26 REPORTS • Report of the Senior Archaeological Planning Officer • Report of the Archaeological Planning Officer • Report of the Historic Environment Record Officer
8 MILTON KEYNES ARCHAEOLOGICAL OFFICER'S REPORT 27 - 34
9 EMERGENCY RECORDING FUND REPORT 35 - 40
10 COUNTY MUSEUM REPORT 41 - 42 Reports of the Keeper of Archaeology and Finds Liaison Officer
11 NATIONAL TRUST REPORT Report of the Regional Archaeologist
12 CHURCH ARCHAEOLOGY Report of the Diocesan Archaeological Advisor
13 CONSERVATION OFFICERS' REPORTS • Aylesbury Vale • Chiltern • Milton Keynes • South Bucks • Wycombe
14 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
15 DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING Monday 21 September 2015, 2.30pm
If you would like to attend a meeting, but need extra help to do so, for example because of a disability, please contact us as early as possible, so that we can try to put the right support in place.
For further information please contact: Sharon Griffin on 01296 383685 Fax No 01296 382421, email: [email protected]
To all Members of the Buckinghamshire Historic Environment Forum
Agenda Item 3 Buckinghamshire County Council Visit democracy.buckscc.gov.uk for councillor information and email alerts for local meetings
Minutes BUCKINGHAMSHIRE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT FORUM
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT FORUM HELD ON THURSDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 IN MEZZANINE ROOM 3, COUNTY HALL, AYLESBURY, COMMENCING AT 2.30 PM AND CONCLUDING AT 4.27 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Members Organisation Mr C Cashman Aylesbury Vale District Council Mr M Farley Bucks Archaeological Society Mr H McCarthy Wycombe District Council Mr W Chapple OBE Buckinghamshire County Council Mr W Whyte Buckinghamshire County Council Mr R Pushman Bucks Heritage Champion
Officers Organisation Ms J Wise Buckinghamshire County Council Mr P Markham BCC Mr S Newell PAC Service Environment
1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE / CHANGES IN MEMBERSHIP
Apologies for absence were received from Gary Marshall, Martin Andrew, Brett Thorn, Eliza Alqassar and Nick Crank.
2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
The following members declared an interest;
Mr Chapple as Trustee of the Aylesbury Museum Mr Whyte, Mr Cashman and Mr Pushman as they are members of the Archaeology Society Mr Cashman as his partner has an interest in Quarrendon Leys
3 MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on 18 March 2014 were agreed subject to the following amendment;
3
Page 7 - Item 12 Brudenell Rail Building to be amended to Brunel Rail Building.
4 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Oxford Diocese Representative The Oxford Diocese has advised that the post is vacant. The Diocese will be contacted to clarify who is in post. Action: Julia Wise
Conservation Officer reports Reports are not being received from certain District Councils. A reminder is to be sent asking for a written report to be submitted if the Conservation Officer is unable to attend the meeting. Action: Chairman
Development Land Transfer at Quarrendon Leys Richard Pushman advised that discussions are taking place with Aylesbury Vale regarding the ownership of the hedge on the north side and Highways want assurance on maintenance. The issue is in the hands of solicitors and the legal team. The documents should be signed by the end of October.
5 CONSTITUTION
Members reviewed and discussed the Constitution.
The following comments were made.
• In terms of meeting attendance, Conservation Officers from some of the District Councils have not attended a meeting of the Forum for a while. There is nothing in the Constitution to advise where the business of the Forum goes to i.e. are the minutes fed back into the County Council. There is the worry that the Forum alone cannot achieve very much. Should the minutes of the Forum be reported back to relevant Cabinet Members? • Input from non-voting members is very important. At the moment this is an area which is lacking. Conservation Officers have their own Forums for feedback. • The Forum has a lot of good knowledge and information which used to go via District Officers. • Wycombe District Council is losing their Conservation Officer. There is concern about continuity and a loss of existing knowledge. • Buckinghamshire Historic Environment is a useful Forum. It cannot make decisions but there is the danger of losing the interchange of information and ideas as attendance reduces. • How can the Forum be made more attractive bearing in mind Local Authority cuts? • The concern is how attractive can the Forum be if there is no longer input from District Council Officers? • There was a debate about three years ago about having one big meeting rather than two smaller ones which would make it important to attend. • The Forum meeting coincides with the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & Berkshire (BOB) Conservation Group meeting in Oxford which Conservation Officers attend. It has been agreed that the 2015 meetings dates for the Forum will be sent to English Heritage who organise the BOB meetings. 4 Action: Julia Wise • In terms of reporting back to the County Council and Cabinet Members, the understanding was the expectation that Members of the Forum would report back to their own organisations. Wider distribution of the minutes needs to be ensured. • The minutes of the Forum are distributed informally. There is no reporting structure. • One benefit of the Forum is the mixture of Members and Officers. The needs to be some element of cascading information to Members which they wouldn’t otherwise receive.
It was proposed that the minutes of the Forum are sent to the Heads of Planning Departments in Local Authorities. Action: Clerk
The elected representatives from Planning and Transportation and Community Services are to meet with the relevant Cabinet Members on a three monthly basis to provide a report on the Forum. Action: Warren Whyte/Bill Chapple
In terms of additional members missing from the Forum, an invitation will be extended to the Conservation Officer, The Royal Institution of British Architects for Buckinghamshire to attend the Forum as a non-voting Member. It would also be appropriate to invite the Officer from Buckinghamshire Conservation Trust to attend Forum meetings as the Trust receives land for Quarrendon. Action: Chairman
Members of the Forum agreed the following amendments to the Constitution.
Part 7 – Quorum and Procedure Add - Attendees of the Forum meetings are to be reminded about their duty to disseminate information appropriately.
Part 8 – Admission of the Press Title to be amended to Admission of the Media and Public The wording of the paragraph is to be amended to ‘the Press and members of the public shall be admitted to meetings of the Forum unless excluded by resolution of the Forum’.
Part 9ii – Variations of the Constitution is to be deleted
It was agreed that these changes would be ratified at the March meeting of the Forum. Action: Forum Members
A copy of the revised version of the Constitution is to be circulated to Members of the Forum. Action: Clerk
6 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SERVICE REPORTS
Phillip Markham, Senior Archaeological Planning Officer, gave the following update
Richard Pushman, Eliza Alqassar, Archaeological Planning Officer and I recently attended English Heritage workshops and provided advice on the National Heritage Protection Plan.
5 Significant archaeological investigations include;
Aston Clinton Stablebridge Road Site A reserved matters application for 48 houses was granted consent for the erection of 48 houses earlier this year which included an archaeological recording condition recommended by Eliza Alqassar. The outline application was allowed on appeal.
Previous evaluation works for the outline application included a geophysical survey and trial trenching. This recorded an important trackway or road which crosses the site to join up with Akeman Street. In addition, at least one Iron Age roundhouse was uncovered along with the remains of rectangular buildings, enclosures and pits, all suggestive of a roadside settlement dating from the Iron Age to Roman periods.
This year a conditional written scheme of investigation was agreed and the site has been stripped by University of Leicester Archaeological Services and has been monitored by Eliza. This has uncovered further areas of the Iron Age/Romano-British settlement, inhumations and has revealed a large section of major routeway likely to be Lower Icknield Way. This work is ongoing.
A public open day was arranged and over 200 school children were shown around the site together with local residents. This was a great success and was reported in a number of papers, on local radio and TV.
The following questions were asked;
Bill Chapple said that as the Local Member, he received an invitation to attend the open day. The visit to the site was fascinating. It shows how Lower Icknield Way has changed over the years. There is clear definition of a roundhouse and a Roman House. It was pleasing to see youngsters taking such a keen interest.
Who picks up the cost of the digging i.e. the developer? There is a lot of land around Aylesbury which means that there is the need to invest in a similar site over the next 10 years. The officer confirmed that the developer pays for excavations. Archaeological Officers are part of the planning process i.e. the pre-planning application stage to provide advice and recommendations on what would like to be seen. There is the possibility that an application could be deferred to allow geophysics and trenches to be carried out.
There are some protected buildings in the Broughton area that must be steeped in history. It will be expensive to dig in this area. The history needs to be catalogued. It needs to be ensured that funding is available to do this. The Officer explained that Conservation Officers provide advice on developments and support master planning. Trial trenches, field walking and geophysics can be carried out to get an idea of the archaeological significance. If there is a significant find, we need to make sure that this can be incorporated as early as possible and that a full excavation is carried out if the master-plan can’t work around the area.
Applications should come in small tranches. The current system works well. Developers are required to comply with recommendations from Planning Officers. There are a lot of Anglo Saxon finds at Quarrendon. This needs to be carefully monitored.
If applications come in tranches, there is the opportunity for developers to put in planning applications as there is currently no Local Plan in place. If an s106 objection is put in and lost, this could be a viable cost. The Officer explained that from an archaeological point of view, this is the opportunity for developers but there is planning guidance in place. The National Policy Planning Framework guides planning 6 issues. This includes the possibility of deferring a planning application to allow further information to be ascertained.
There is concern about the ability to cope with the number of potential planning applications. The Officer said that resources will always be an issue. If a significant number of applications come through in May, top slicing may have to be looked at.
Does the County Council get any pre-application fee for giving good advice at the early stages of planning permission? The Officer said that it is his understanding is that a fee is not received. Planning Officers give recommendations as early as possible. Early consultation can save a lot of duplication and money.
Part of the planning process includes discussions with Highways about early intervention with developments i.e. site layout and entry etc. From a transport perspective, we as a county seem to get involved quite late in the process. The Officer advised in Cornwall there are early meetings before land planning. This includes representation from archaeological advice, ecologists etc. This could be built into the process in Bucks. The issue of early intervention at developments, site layouts and entry etc will be discussed with the Director of Growth and Strategy, PAC service. Action: Chairman
The Archaeological Planning officer is part time but covers all Districts in Buckinghamshire. This is an enormous responsibility. The County is asking a huge amount from Officers. It is a question of monitoring what is taking place with available resources. Aston Clinton is an example of an enterprising approach whereby the Planning Officer requested an evaluation of the site. This is a new Roman road which was previously not known about. It is a really important find both locally and nationally as it could be a strategic road from Dorchester.
Some aggressive planning applications are being made with very tight timelines. The officer said that in terms of planning applications, the Local Authority has to try to be pragmatic but archaeology has to be protected where possible. It was raised that, ‘there are large vehicles accessing the site in Aston Clinton and the application is still pending as there is a lot of local opposition’. This site has been granted planning consent and the archaeologists have finished one site.
Publication update The Oxford Archaeology East and Network Archaeology jointly published their excavations on the Hardwick to Marsh Gibbon gas pipeline in Volume 54 of Records of Buckinghamshire.
The Historic Towns Project The summary publication had a ‘soft launch’ in May with a press release which promoted a number of articles in local newspapers.
The following comments were made.
• The Chairman reported that this project has received very good feedback. • The project was executed without post excavation. There was some random destruction. It is quite a job for archaeology to carry on monitoring the reports which are well overdue. In many cases, properties are already built. • Concern was expressed about discharge of planning conditions prior to occupation and commencement. If planning conditions are not discharged, the property should not be occupied. It was asked if planning conditions were worded properly. The officer explained that there are a number of stages included within planning
7 conditions covered by ‘written schemes of investigation’, which are agreed with the Planning Case Officer. These stages include investigation, analysis, reporting and archiving.
Julia Wise added that the difficulty is there is sometimes a lack of awareness of the issue of fulfilling archaeological conditions within Planning Departments which results in things being missed. In terms of Bierton and Buckingham, the conditions are rigorous. A Planning Officer can usually advise against planning conditions being discharged early if work is still required. As a service, there needs to be more interaction in case work and with the enforcement teams where necessary.
Does a meeting need to be called with Case Officers for this to be raised as an issue? The officer advised that this issue has been discussed with Planning/Case Officers. We are in the early stages of putting together a road-show for local Planning Authorities to increase awareness for Planning/Case Officers.
During discussion of the major archaeological excavations projects at the post excavation stage concern was expressed about 80 Aylesbury Road, Bierton (enforcement action initiated in March 2007) and Bridge Street, Buckingham (the non- receipt of the post-excavation assessment which commenced in September 2010). A letter is to be sent to Sue Polhill, Aylesbury Vale District Councillor (copied to Forum Members) Action: Corry Cashman
Tingewick Triangle update The landowner has employed CgMS as their archaeological consultant. Their director Rob Bourne first contacted us in July and supplied a geophysical survey report undertaken by Northamptonshire Archaeology in 2011. We recommended that the site be trial trenched to assess the geophysics results and gain an understanding of the significance of the expected archaeology.
CgMS employed Foundations Archaeology to undertake the trial trenching and they supplied a written scheme of investigation, which we approved.
We do not appear to have been informed of the start date for these works as Rob was on holiday when the landowner said that that works could take place. Foundations began work assuming Rob had informed us.
Local people became aware of the works and contacted us. Eliza made a site visit on the 10 September.
I made a site visit with Rob and the Managing Director of Foundations Archaeology on the 17 September. We checked every trench, the works current undertaken and the propose works. Foundations will be getting more people on site to undertake this. I recommended a couple of extra trenches to better assess the possible earth works in the east field.
A probable Romano-British wall has been uncovered dates by associated pottery. This wall may continue at right angles as traces have been found in another trial trench. A probable Iron Age enclosure has been recorded in the west field. Most of the trenches contained variable geological features.
This work will continue and further monitoring visits will be made. A full report of the investigations will be made available as soon as possible following the field work. This report will help enable us to make appropriate recommendations to the local planning authority when the application is made. 8
During discussion, the following comments were made.
A member said there is a local issue in Buckingham concerning St Rumbold’s Well and the field in which it is located. A number of properties have been developed on the area adjacent to the field. Work took place on the field a while ago. The site has a superb presentation of ridge and furrow as well as a scheduled ancient monument. It seems a prime site for medieval potential. Evaluation trenches have now been dug in the field. It is about the whole of the field, the well and the land slip. If there is a Roman spring, you could get more than you bargained for by trial trenching. The officer said there is a lot of local interest in this site. There are no current planning applications for this site although we understand that one is imminent for residential dwellings. If/when a planning application is received and is in the public domain, planning recommendations will be made when the report is received. The exclusion of certain areas of the site could be recommended or at the very least, a full excavation. Planning Officers provide advice and guidance to the Local Authority when and as required.
The Neighbourhood Plan for Buckingham is being put together. This area will be a serious consideration for the Plan to take into account.
Is it worth contacting the clerk at Buckingham Town Council about the pre- consulting stage? The officer advised that the clerk has already been contacted.
Historic Environment Record (HER) report Julia Wise referred Members of the Forum to the information shown on page 15 of the agenda pack.
Richard Pushman reported that a large amount of spoil was dumped at the Quarrendon site which included brick and rubble for a newt habitat. A letter was sent to the Chairman of English Heritage which resulted in prosecution.
7 MILTON KEYNES ARCHAEOLOGICAL OFFICER'S REPORT
During discussion of the report from the Senior Archaeological Officer, Milton Keynes Council, the following question was asked.
Point F2 of the report advises that the Conservation and Archaeology team are currently in di scussions with AVDC with regard to delivering further Conservation Area Reviews. A brief progress report on the matters being discussed would be useful and informative. Action: Clerk/Conservation Officer Milton Keynes
8 EMERGENCY RECORDING FUND REPORT- VERBAL UPDATE
Phillip Markham, Senior Archaeological Planning Officer reported the following;
• The current balance of the Bucks Historic Emergency Recording Fund is £7617. • £7267 was carried over from the financial year 2013/14 • £350 has been paid in (£150 from Milton Keynes and £100 from Wycombe DC is still awaited) Action: Eliza Alqassar • There has been no expenditure to the end of August.
Milton Keynes and Wycombe need to be reminded to send purchase orders so they can 9 be invoiced.
9 COUNTY MUSEUM REPORT
Mr Chapple gave the following update;
Buckinghamshire County Museum Trust has had one meeting since its formation. The documents enclosed with the agenda pack are to be agreed by Trustees. The members of the Trust have a vast amount of experience which includes representation from Wycombe Museum. There are some good ideas coming forward to make opening to members of the public easier i.e. Halton has a vast number of pieces that are not financed by the county. Discussions are taking place to try to look at ways to raise funds to buy artefacts.
During the update, the following questions were asked and comments made;
Has the Trust been in contact with Buckingham Museum? They have previously advised that is has been very difficult to get an exhibition at the county museum. Mike Farley explained that the Archaeological Society owns 70% of the collection at the County Museum. There are also some legal issues about the lease of the building. Buckinghamshire Archaeological Society and Buckinghamshire County Council need to agree a formal document for the under lease between the County Council and the Trust. The state of the building is another issue. Details of the programme of works have been requested. The county is the leaseholder and is responsible for the condition of the buildings.
10 NATIONAL TRUST REPORT - VERBAL UPDATE
The Regional Archaeologist was unable to attend the meeting. A report will be requested. Action: Clerk
11 CHURCH ARCHAEOLOGY
The post of Diocesan Archaeology Advisor is currently vacant. An email is to be sent to the Diocese requesting an update. Action: Julia Wise
12 CONSERVATION OFFICERS' REPORTS
No reports had been received from Aylesbury Vale District Council Chiltern District Council and South Bucks District Council.
Members of the Forum are to speak to relevant portfolio holders to express the importance of Conservation officer’s attendance of Forum meetings. Action: Forum Members
Hugh McCarthy (Wycombe District Council) reported the following;
Brunel Railway Building Discussions about the Brunel Railway Building are continuing. There has been some interest but nothing substantive at the moment.
10 Grange Farm This building has been empty since the eviction action taken by British Flora last summer. Concern has been expressed about the length of time the building has been unoccupied and unsupervised. Options for use are being discussed including the possibility of a scheme for business use. Unfortunately a purchaser has not been attracted as there is a business on the adjacent land.
13 HS2 UPDATE - STANDING ITEM
Phillip Markham, Senior Archaeological Planning Officer, gave the following update.
Following the formal petitioning stage, the County Archaeological Service has provided more detail on individual petitioning issues and how we would like these to be resolved by HS2 Ltd. The biggest issue is the lack of sufficient archaeological information on which to base mitigation proposals. The petitioning Select Committee for Buckinghamshire is unlikely to be held before Christmas.
Julia, Eliza and I had a meeting with the HS2 assistant archaeologist and the archaeologists from Mott MacDonald. We provided detailed comments on a draft WS1 for geophysical and field walking surveys.
Ten survey areas have been proposed following a risk based approach to characterise the areas and to target potential high risk sites where little is known or to better assess known sites.
Further stages of evaluation are anticipated following the results of this stage.
No field work has started,st but the results of this work are expected to be available in some form by the 1 quarter of 2015.
We will not be formally monitoring any of the works but may be invited for site visits where we will be able to raise any concerns. How this is to be achieved has not yet been arranged.
Currently the proposed commercial archaeological contractors are GSB/Stratscan for geophysics and Cotswold Archaeology or Museum of London Archaeology, Northampton.
The proposed sites are at; Hyde End, Jenkins Wood/Bury Farm Area, Grim’s Ditch, Stoke Mandeville DMV, Putlowes Farm, the Roman small town at Fleet Marston, Doddeshall Estate, the proposed maintenance depot near Steeple Claydon and Turweston.
There is an HS2 Heritage Sub Committee meeting in Birmingham at the end of September during which the monitoring issue will be raised.
Resourcing issues for HER data entry were raised. We were asked to raise this through the Planning Forum. This issue has been noted by out HS2 Planners and will be raised at the Forum.
Overall it looks like we will have little real input, but we are doing what we can where we are able and at least HS2 are actually talking to use. Currently Northamptonshire and Warwickshire are finding the same.
During discussions, the following questions were asked; 11
Is anything known about the proposed excavations at St Mary’s? The officer explained that the County Archaeological Service is part of the Heritage Sub Committee but unfortunately the outcomes are not being made available at present. Lots of work has previously taken place along parts of the route from Stoke Mandeville to Twyford and attention has been drawn to other potential finds. St Mary’s Church, Stoke Mandeville has a very big public face. The Buckinghamshire Archaeological Society is anxious about the cost limits. The profile needs to be maintained to ensure that an archaeological mitigation strategy is put in place. There is an open day at the Church on the 19 October to raise awareness of the site.
The Communications Team, BCC will be contacted about the possibility of issuing a press release for the open day. Action: Bill Chapple
There is some doubt that the land is consecrated. A letter has been received from the Diocese saying the land has been deconsecrated. The objective is to raise the issue of this particular site which includes the Manor House, water mill and the graveyard.
The Leader of BCC has reported that Buckinghamshire is expected to give oral evidence in October/November/December.
The Parliamentary Select Committee for HS2 will not meet until after the election. Therefore continuity goes out of the window.
Letters have been written promoting the Stoke Mandeville Legacy garden idea. There are 2600 burials to be stored in the village and Parish. This would give the unique opportunity for burials to be retrieved for further investigation in the future.
14 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Aylesbury Vale District Council are undertaking a de-cluttering programme in town centres. An update can be given at the March meeting. Action: Chairman
15 DATE, VENUE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
nd Monday 2 March 2015, 2.30pm, venue to be confirmed
Future meeting dates Monday 21st September 2015, 2.30pm, venue to be confirmed.
The issue of alternate meetings being site based has previously been discussed. A letter is to be sent to Conservation Officers asking for suggestions of meeting venues if areas of interest are raised. Action: Chairman
CHAIRMAN
12 Agenda Item 5
Constitution for the Buckinghamshireth Historic Environment Forum (Adopted 16 October 2002)
1 NAME
The Forum shall be called the Buckinghamshire Historic Environment Forum.
2 OBJECTS
i) To identify the historic environment needs of the County.
ii) To monitor the provision being made to meet those needs.
iii) To advise constituent bodies on any necessary improvements or modifications to be made to historic environment provision in the County.
iv) To make formal reports on historic environment matters to its constituent bodies.
v) To encourage and assist the co-ordination of historic environment activities throughout the County.
vi) To comment on existing and proposed regional and national policies affecting the historic environment seeking improvements where appropriate.
3 MEMBERSHIP AND REPRESENTATION
The Forum shall comprise:
a) Voting Members:
i) One elected representative from each of the District Councils within the County.
ii) One elected representative from Milton Keynes Council.
iii) Two elected representatives from the County Council; one nominated by Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation and one by the Portfolio Holder for Community Services.
iv) One representative of the Buckinghamshire Archaeological Society.
v) One representative of the Conservation Board for the Chilterns AONB
v) Other persons representing such authorities and bodies having historic environment interests or undertaking related activities as shall seek membership, and be admitted at the discretion of the Forum.
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b) Non-voting members:
i) A representative of the County Museum Service.
ii) The County Council's Senior Archaeological Officer.
iii) Milton Keynes Council's Archaeological Officer.
iv) An officer concerned with the historic environment from each District Council.
v) One officer concerned with planning from the County Council.
vi) One representative from English Heritage.
vii) One representative from the National Trust.
viii) One representative from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
ix) One representative from the Oxford Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches.
c) Co-opted and advisory members
Individuals with special knowledge or experience may be co-opted as (non-voting) members of the Forum or to any of its working parties or panels.
4. FORUM PROCEDURE
i) Substitutions
In the event of a voting member of the Forum being unable to attend any meeting of the Forum a substitute may attend in his/her place and shall be entitled to exercise rights of membership and shall be entitled to exercise voting rights.
ii) Working parties and Panels
The Forum may appoint such working parties and panels as may be deemed desirable, and which shall report to the Forum at subsequent meetings.
5 OFFICERS
i) Chairman
The chairman of the Forum shall be elected at the first meeting of the calendar year from the voting members of the Forum. The Chairman shall retire each year but shall be eligible for re-election and shall hold office for no longer than four years consecutively.
ii) Vice-chairman
The Vice-chairman may be elected from the voting members of the Forum. The Vice-chairman shall retire each year but shall be eligible for
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re-election and shall hold office for no longer than four years consecutively.
iii) Secretary
The Secretary of the meeting shall be the Senior Archaeological Officer of the County Council.
iv) Treasurer
A treasurer of the Forum may be appointed by the Forum.
v) The Secretary shall attend or be represented at every meeting of the Forum, and of every working party or panel of the Forum. The Chairman shall be authorised to invite other appropriate persons to report to the Forum or attend to advise at Forum meetings as considered necessary.
6 FINANCE
The reasonable administrative expenses of the secretarial services of the Forum shall be met by the County Council, and members of the Forum must look to the organisation which appointed them for any expenses incurred.
7 QUORUM AND PROCEDURE
i) The Forum shall meet at such times as may be necessary for the transaction of business, but in any case not less than twice in any one year.
ii) Meetings shall be held at County Hall, Aylesbury, unless otherwise agreed by the Forum.
iii) Meetings shall be convened by the Secretary, giving to members not less than seven days notice of a meeting. A special meeting shall also be summoned on the request of at least a quarter of the voting members of the Forum, given in writing to the Secretary.
iv) Three voting members of the Forum shall constitute a quorum.
v) At any meeting of the Forum a Chairman shall preside.
vi) In the event of an equality of votes, the Chairman of the meeting shall have a casting vote in addition to his/her deliberative vote.
vii) Minutes of each meeting shall be kept and shall be confirmed by the Forum at the next meeting and signed by the Chairman of the meeting.
viii) Subject to the provisions already specified the Forum may regulate its own procedure.
viiii Attendees of the Forum meetings should dissemination information appropriately
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8 ADMISSION OF THE MEDIA AND PUBLIC
The press and member of the public shall be admitted to meetings of the Forum unless excluded by resolution of the Forum.
9 DISSOLUTION
The Forum shall not be dissolved except by resolution of the Forum passed by not less than five of voting members at a meeting convened to consider that motion, notice in writing having been given to the members at least twenty-one clear days in advance.
4 16 Agenda Item 7
Buckinghamshire Archaeological Officers’ Report
To: Buckinghamshire Historic Environment Forum
th Date: 10 February 2015
Authors: Senior Archaeological Planning Officer Archaeological Planning Officer Historic Environment Record Officer
A. PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
1 To advise the Forum of the work of the County Archaeological Service since the last BHEF meeting.
B. PROPOSED ACTION
2 The Forum is particularly invited to NOTE:
a resources
b strategic issues and projects
c recent planning-related archaeological work
d progress in securing publication of archaeological reports
C. RESOURCES
3 The County’s archaeological service forms part of the Planning, Advisory and Compliance Service’s Environment Team within Place Services. Following the departure of Sheila Keene, Simon Newell was appointed as Environment Lead Officer in September 2014. Philip Markham is the Senior Archaeological Planning Officer, Eliza Alqassar the Archaeological Planning Officer (part- time), Julia Wise the HER Officer.
D. SUPPORTING INFORMATION
4 Strategic Issues/Projects
High Speed 2 – The County Council submitted a formal petition to Government in Summer 2014, and HS2 ltd has responded to this. Following discussion with our HS2 Team we have given our response to the HS2 response. It is expected that BCC will attend the select committee after the election and following the formation of a new select committee. The Heritage Sub Group meetings are continuing and discuss the revised documents as they are released. The generic written schemes of investigation (WSIs) for archaeology and the built environment have been supplied but they are not what we would normally expect to see. They give an overview of standards but no detail. Camden Council has offered to take the lead on heritage but this
17 is questionable as theyth do not employ an in house archaeologist. A meeting took place on the 16 February to discuss the Historic Environment Research and Delivery Strategy. It is very early days for this and it was raised that shouldn’t the base line information be finished first. Discussion will be ongoing.
Strategic Planning – all four appeals for major developments around Aylesbury (Fleet Marston, Hampden Fields, and Land North of Weedon Hill) were dismissed in January 2015. Two of the major developments were refused on environmental grounds, in particular impact on landscape character and the impact on the setting of a designated heritage asset (St Mary’s Church LB grade II*).
Eaton Leys – This update is confidential and contains commercially sensitive information. It is intended for information purposes only and should not be distributed outside of Buckinghamshire County Council MoLA undertook a geophysical survey on land bordering Milton Keynes and Great Brickhill (Bucks). The survey produced fantastic results of the Roman town Magiovinium and associated roads and possible settlements further south.
New National Designations DCMS has recently listed the war memorials at Beaconsfield and Chesham Bois, both at Grade II.
6 Planning related archaeological work
rd th Volume measures 3 Quarter 4 Quarter 2014 2014 Total number of consultations handled 138 103 Number of planning applications 112 81 handled Planning applications responded to 100% 95% within 21 days (target 90%) Number of development-related 17 19 archaeological fieldwork projects Success rate at appeal (target 50% 0 of 0 0 of 0 annual success rate)
A full list of development-related fieldwork (July to December 2014) is provided as Appendix A.
Significant archaeological investigations include:
Aston Clinton - Excavation of an Iron Age – Roman settlement at Aston Clinton has revealed a large section of a major routeway, most probably the Lower Icknield Way.
Buckingham – a large evaluation of land south-west of Buckingham has revealed a significant Roman site adjacent to St Rumbold’s Well (designated heritage asset).
18 Solar farms – several applications received. Evaluation of sites confirmed presence of Romano-British settlement remains in most cases. Mitigating the impact through use of concrete footings or by taking these areas out of the development proposal.
7 Publication update (Appendix B)
We are working towards getting the Sanderson Site, Denham published. In 2005 MoLAS undertook an excavation of a nationally-important Mesolithic hunter-gatherer site adjacent to Three Ways Wharf. This work was never published but negotiations are underway between the developer and Cotswold Archaeology.
Northamptonshire Archaeology’s report on the excavations at Bridge Street, Buckingham was supplied following discussions at the previous BHEF meeting.
8 Historic Environment Record (HER) report
The HER database was migrated to the latest version of the HBSMR software at the beginning of October. This uses a SQL server platform but retains the Access front-end, so users will not notice much difference although operating functionality is much improved.
The HER performance indicator statistics are shown in the tables below: th Performance Indicator 3rd Quarter 4 Quarter 2014 2014 Historic Environment Records data Reports = 31 Reports = 38 inputting backlog Collect = 518 Collect = 518 Total = 549 Total = 556 (targets: reports < 30 by March 2015)
th Volume measures 3rd Quarter 4 Quarter 2014 2014 Number of Higher Level Stewardship 1 0 applications handled Number of reports received by the 10 22 HER Number of Historic Environment Records enquiries handled: 30 20 commercial 23 12 non-commercial 7 8
HER enhancement and volunteer projects
Steady progress is being made by one of the HER volunteers on the milestones project, whilst the other volunteer is up-to-date with recording public houses and has moved on to recording railways. The Buckinghamshire Gardens Trust Research and Recording Project is making rapid progress with three reports completed, 8 reports in draft and work underway on a further 7 gardens.
19
E. BACKGROUND PAPERS
1. Archaeological Reports submitted to the Bucks HER
CONTACT OFFICERS: PHILIP MARKHAM 01296 382705, ELIZA ALQASSAR 01296 383798 AND JULIA WISE 01296 382072
20 Appendix A: Development-related Archaeological Fieldwork in Buckinghamshire July - December 2014
Project Type Type Contractor Results Report to HER
July 2014 Aston Clinton, Stablebridge Road Excavation (ongoing) ULAS Iron Age - Romano-British settlement and road No Beaconsfield, Springfield Quarry Excavation (ongoing) TVAS Bronze Age cremations and enclosure No Bierton, Broughton Crossing Evaluation Oxford Archaeology Roman farmstead or villa? Yes Amersham, Rear of 80 High Street Evaluation TVAS One post hole, one pit, both post-medieval Yes Brill, 23 Temple Street Evaluation AS Negative Yes Amersham, Whielden Street Evaluation TVAS Negative Yes
August 2014 Marlow, Portland Gardens Evaluation Pre-Construction Archaeology Some med/post-med features close to High Street Yes Mursley, Rear of 9-11 Main Street Excavation Oxford Archaeology East Med pits, well, ditches No? Quarrenden, wind turbine Strip and record excavation Headland Archaeology Ridge and furrow, one Romano-British ditch No? Newton Longville, Land adj Whaddon Road Evaluation Albion Archaeology Negative No 21 Iver, Grand Union Canal, Hollow Hill Lane Watching brief Oxford Archaeology South Palaeochannel No Aston Clinton, Stablebridge Road Phase 2 Excavation (ongoing) ULAS Iron Age - Romano-British settlement and road No
September 2014 Wing, Land at Dormer Avenue Evaluation Foundations Archaeology Saxon/med ditches Yes Aston Clinton, Stablebridge Road Phase 2 Excavation (ongoing) ULAS Iron Age - Romano-British settlement, road and inhumations No Radnage, Batt Hall Evaluation JMHS Negative Yes Buckingham/Radclive, Tingewick Triangle Evaluation Foundations Archaeology Romano-British structural remains, pond, possible ritual significance Yes Long Crendon, Rear of 1 The Square Evaluation TVAS Medieval ditch and gully Yes Longwick, Bumpers Farm, Ilmer Evaluation Cotswold Archaeology Romano-British farmstead Yes Buckingham, Gawcott, Harper Solar Farm Evaluation Pre-construct Archaeology Burnt spead, one pit
October 2014 Buckingham/Radclive, Tingewick Triangle Evaluation (ongoing) Foundations Archaeology Romano-British structural remains, pond, poss ritual significance Yes Haddenham, Haddenham Airfield Evaluation The Heritage Network Late Bronze-Age - early Iron-Age features, medieval pits Yes Haddenham, Land north of Aston Road Geophysical survey and evaluation Oxford Archaeology Early-middle Saxon sunken featured building and finds Quarrendon, Berryfields District Centre Strip and record excavation Oxford Archaeology Romano-British trackway and enclosures, ridge and furrow No Creslow, Creslow Manor Farm Excavation Oxford Archaeology Romano-British casket burial Yes Stone, Bishopstone Road Geophysical survey MOLA Roadside enclosures and settlement evidence Yes Buckingham, Land Adj Bryant Court Evaluation Network Archaeology Post-medieval pits and ditch No GSB and Foundations Aston Clinton, Brook Farm Geophysical survey and evaluation Archaeology Romano-British and medieval ditches, undated post-holes Yes High Wycombe, Gomm Valley Geophysical survey ASWYAS Relatively blank survey results Yes Slapton, Church Farm Geophysical survey and evaluation RSK Romano-British settlement remains No Great Horwood, Willow Road Geophysical survey MOLA Medieval ridge and furrow Yes Land at Gib Lane, Bierton Evaluation Allen Archaeology Iron Age and Romano-British settlement Yes
November 2014 Haddenham, Land north of Aston Road Evaluation (ongoing) Oxford Archaeology Witchert pits Strip and record excavation Quarrenden, Berryfields District Centre (ongoing) Oxford Archaeology Romano-British trackway and ditches No Aston Clinton, Brook Farm Evaluation (ongoing) Foundations Archaeology Romano-British and medieval ditches and pits Yes Agenda Item 7 Bierton, Land at Gib Lane Evaluation (ongoing) Allen Archaeology Iron Age and Romano-British settlement Yes Tingewick, Land off Main Street Evaluation Cotswold Archaeology Medieval ridge and furrow Yes Stone, Land off Bishopstone Road Evaluation MOLA Medieval roadside enclosures and settlement evidence No Hughenden, Hughenden Manor car park Watching brief MOLA Negative Yes Denham, Sanderson Site Evaluation Cotswold Archaeology Palaeochannel and peat deposits Yes Monks Risborough, Mill Lane Evaluation Headland Archaeology Negative Appendix 1
December 2014 Ivinghoe, Land at Great Seabrook Farm, Cheddington Evaluation Cotswold Archaeology Bronze Age ditches and pits. Medieval ridge and furrow and headland Yes Longwick, Barn Road Evaluation Headland Archaeology Two medieval/post-medieval boundary ditches & few tile frags Taplow, Mill Lane Borehole analysis WSP Slapton, Church Farm? Evaluation RSK Strip and record excavation Quarrendon, Berryfields District Centre (ongoing) Oxford Archaeology Romano-British trackway and ditches No Quarrendon, turbine Watching brief (ongoing) Headland Archaeology Princes Risborough, 53-57 High Street Watching brief Archaeological Solutions
Abbreviations: AA = Albion Archaeology; AOC = AOC Archaeology; APS = Archaeological Project Services; AS = Archaeological Solutions; ASC = Archaeological Services and Consultancy; ASE = Archaeology South-East; CA = Chiltern Archaeology; CAT = Cotswold Archaeology; FA = Foundations Archaeology; GSB = Geophysical Surveys of Bradford; JMHS = John Moore Heritage Services; NA = Northamptonshire Archaeology; Network = Network Archaeology; OA = Oxford Archaeology; OA East = Oxford Archaeology East; PG = Pre-construct Geophysics; TVAS = Thames Valley Archaeological Services; ULAS = University of Leicester Archaeological Service; Wessex = Wessex Archaeology; WYAS = West Yorkshire Archaeological Service
22 Appendix B: List of major archaeological excavation projects at the post excavation stage (March 2015)
Site Archaeological Local Principal Situation Action required Contractor Planning Archaeological (Date fieldwork Authority Interest completed) Aston Clinton, Northamptonshire AVDC Roman Post-excavation Monitor to Arla Dairy Archaeology settlement assessment received publication. (2012) August 2013. Consultant pursued February 2015. Bierton, Church Tempus AVDC Bronze Age Contractor bankrupt. None - Archive held Farm Reparatum (1996) and Saxon to Developer unwilling to at County Museum Medieval take responsibility. but planning case settlement Planning enforcement not recoverable. case referred to AVDC but no progress. Bierton, 80 Network AVDC Medieval AVDC requested to Pursue with
23 Aylesbury Road Archaeology boundaries and initiate enforcement contractor. (2004) prehistoric action (March 2007). crouched November 2014 AVDC inhumation advised planning case not recoverable. Chesham, Lindsey Chiltern DC Medieval/Post- Draft report submitted to Uncertain – may be Sainsbury’s sites Archaeological medieval urban Records of Bucks. LAS irrecoverable. Services (1998) tannery gone out of business. Discussed publication of summary March 2009. Denham, Former MoLAS (2005) South Bucks In-situ Early Post-excavation Continue to pursue
Sanderson Site DC Mesolithic assessment & updated and monitor further Agenda Item 7 occupation site project design agreed fieldwork project. and but no progress and new environmental developer querying Px deposits requirement. Requested SBDC support on Appendix 2 Site Archaeological Local Principal Situation Action required Contractor Planning Archaeological (Date fieldwork Authority Interest completed) seeking compliance July 2009, February 2011 and May 2014. Meeting with SBDC, applicant
andth Cotswold held on 18 November 2014, further fieldwork at site ongoing. Denham, The Cotswold Bucks CC Bronze Age Post excavation Continue to pursue Lea Quarry Archaeology and Romano- assessment due July through BCC (2010) British field 2011. Informed in Sept planning. systems and 2012 that developer not bustum burials commissioned PX work.
24 Highlighted to BCC planning Sept 2013 & Planning Compliance Notice issued Dec 2013. Thames Valley Archaeological Services commissioned to publish report and archive all supplied by Cotswold in January 2015. Dorney Rowing Oxford Bucks CC Multi-period Draft publication reports Monitor progress Lake & Archaeology sites received and agreed with publication and Maidenhead November 2012. deposition of Windsor and Second volume (of 3) archive. Eton Flood Relief formally published Scheme December 2013.
Site Archaeological Local Principal Situation Action required Contractor Planning Archaeological (Date fieldwork Authority Interest completed) Great Network Chiltern DC Medieval moat Report received by HER Pursue agreed Missenden, Bury Archaeology and pottery and comments sent publication of Farm (2002) production. November 2009 summary in Post-medieval Records of Bucks. barns.
Princes Oxford Non-planning Re-excavation Partly published in Pursue with Risborough, Archaeology HLF project and restoration Records of contractor. Whiteleaf Hill (2006) with BCC as of scheduled Buckinghamshire 2007. client Neolithic oval Proposed publication in barrow PPS – progress uncertain. Client raised with
25 contractor in 2014. Taplow, Berry Hill Wessex Bucks CC Early Iron Age HER reports submitted. Work to date only Farm Archaeology and Roman Further mineral merits illustrated boundaries extraction consented. summary report. May be appropriate to combine with any further investigation.
Agenda Item 8
ARCHAEOLOGY IN MILTON KEYNES
To: Buckinghamshire Historic Environment Forum
Date: March 2015
Author: Senior Archaeological Officer, Conservation and Archaeology, Milton Keynes Council
A. PURPOSE OF REPORT
1. To inform the Forum of recent archaeological matters in Milton Keynes.
B. FIELDWORK PROJECTS
1. Attached is a list of fieldwork projects (Events) undertaken in the Milton Keynes area between July and December 2014.
2. A particular highlight was the resistivity survey and trial trenching commissioned by the council and carried out in Stantonbury parish by Headland Archaeology to inform proposals for a new country park at Stanton Low. The initial resistivity survey was partly conducted at twice the ‘normal’ resolution and produced a very detailed plan of the late 17th century manor and gardens constructed by Sir John Wittewronge. Subsequent targeted trial trenching revealed the well-preserved foundations of the manor house, an ornamental pond and various pathways. A management plan including designation proposals will be produced in coming months.
C. PLANNING
1. Between 1st July and 31st December 2014 there were 177 consultations in respect of archaeological matters as a direct result of planning applications, pre-application enquiries, and schemes by statutory undertakers and other agencies.
D. HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT RECORD
1. A business case for the appointment of an HER assistant is currently in preparation.
E. OUTREACH
1. In September the Senior Archaeological Officer conducted a group guided walk of historic and archaeological sites in the Ouzel valley as part of Heritage Open Days.
27 2. Milton Keynes Archaeology Day – see Appendix 1 for full report.
F. CONSERVATION MATTERS
1. Loughton and Great Holm Parish Council have undertaken a review of the Loughton Conservation Area with the assistance of the Council’s Conservation and Archaeology Team. The review proposes a revised boundary plus management proposals. These include a number of small scale boundary alterations to reflect altered property boundaries since the original designation or revisions to areas that are felt to now warrant, or conversely, not warrant designation. The principal boundary change is the inclusion of the Equestrian Centre within the conservation area. The review document also sets out the management proposals for the conservation area as required by The Act. It is expected that the changes outlined will be approved as a delegated decision on 10th March 2015.
G. PROPOSED ACTION
1. The Forum is asked to note this report.
28 Appendix 1:
Milton Keynes Archaeology Day 2014
Post-Event Report
Introduction
On Saturday 8th November 2014 hundreds of people of all ages came through the doors of the Central Library to enjoy a range of activities and talks at the 8th annual Milton Keynes Archaeology Day.
Organised by the Conservation & Archaeology Team, the event began in a single library meeting room in 2007. Subsequently the event has grown in scope and appeal and is now held across the Central Library with talks in the Exhibition Space and interactive displays, activities and workshops from the library foyer and upstairs to the Children's Library.
Despite this expansion the budget for the event remains extremely modest, with expenditure principally covering just the printing of posters, refreshments for the contributors and travel expenses for the speakers.
Since inception the aim of Archaeology Day has been to promote the understanding of archaeology and the work of archaeologists both in Milton Keynes and further afield to the widest possible audience. The fact that the event has always been free is fundamental to this inclusiveness and popularity.
Talks, Displays and Activities
For the third year tables in the IT area next to the Children’s Library were taken over by a hands-on archaeology workshop. Hosted by Border Archaeology who are undertaking archaeological work in the Western Expansion Area and Strategic Reserve Sites, these activities for young people gave a
29 practical insight into the varied methods and skills used by modern archaeologists to over 40 young people. Many of the participants in the workshop stopped by after attending an archaeology themed ‘Story Time’ in the Children’s Library.
Another very popular aspect of the event is the displays in the foyer and on the half-landing from active local fieldwork groups and societies. This year participants included Wing Heritage Project, Northamptonshire’s Community Landscape and Archaeology Survey Project (CLASP) and the Upper Nene Archaeological Society (UNAS) plus Archaeology Day regulars Magiovinium Metal Detecting club whose wide-ranging collections of artefacts proved as popular as ever. Also present in the foyer was Ros Tyrrell, Finds Liaison Officer from the Portable Antiquities Scheme for Bucks and MK who was on hand to identify any treasures brought in by the public.
As in previous years the biggest draws of the day were the two talks held in the Exhibition Space (former Local Studies Library). In the morning Sadie Watson from Museum of London Archaeology gave an assured lecture on the recent British Archaeological Award winning excavations at the Bloomberg site. Detailing both the amazing preservation of Roman buildings and artefacts encountered prior to the recent redevelopment of the site in addition to the post-WWII discovery of the Temple of Mithras and the subsequent controversy regarding its preservation.
The afternoon talk was by Dr John Gater (GSB Prospection Ltd), well known as Time Team’s resident geophysical survey (Geofizz!) expert. John’s talk
30 was an entertaining romp through the history of Time Team as well as a clear exposition of the various survey techniques, how they work and why they sometimes don’t! John’s celebrity status was underlined by his reception and a record audience for an Archaeology Day lecture of 73. Statistics and Audience Feedback
Figures from the automatic door count for the day were unavailable as the system experienced a fault. However, on the basis of previous years and the high head count for the talks and activities the total audience estimate is around 400. Helpers, those running workshops, speaking or manning stands and displays on the day numbered 24, not including library staff and volunteers.
Feedback was collected on the day by 3 library volunteers from 56 respondents who gave an overwhelmingly positive rating for the event (51% Very Good / 49% Good). A ‘tag cloud’ constructed from responses to the question: ‘Which 3 words would you use to describe your experience of today’s visit?’ forms the cover to this report.
The feedback also showed a broad age distribution, with over 50% of respondents aged under 45. The postcodes collected show attendees from all the surrounding counties and also London, Reading and Gloucester.
Future Events
Next year’s event will be held on Saturday 14th November. The venue is likely to be the Central Library as in previous years, however this has not yet been confirmed and alternative venues will be evaluated. Updates to the programme will appear throughout the year.
Contact:
Nick Crank, Senior Archaeological Officer Conservation & Archaeology, Development Management
External Links
Border Archaeology http://www.borderarchaeology.com/
CLASP - Community Landscape Archaeology Survey Project http://claspweb.org.uk/
GSB Prospection Ltd http://www.gsbprospection.com/
MOLA – Museum of London Archaeology http://www.mola.org.uk/
UNAS – Upper Nene Archaeological Society http://unas.org.uk/
Wing Heritage Group http://wingheritage.org/
31
Fieldwork events in Milton Keynes July to December 2014
Name Dates Event Organisation Summary Publication
Stanton Low Country Park July Geophysical Headland Archaeology Resistivity survey and targeted trial No Survey & Trial trenching on site of post-medieval trenching manor house and gardens
Land NW of Kickles Farm, August Trial trenching MOLA Northampton Early to middle Iron Age settlement No Newport Pagnell
Motel Building, Newport September Building Archaeological Solutions Ltd Building record of ‘American Style’ No Pagnell Services recording motel prior to demolition
Bradwell Memorial Hall, August Watching Brief Souterrain Archaeological Negative watching brief No Vicarage Road, Bradwell Services Ltd
47 High Street, Olney September Watching Brief Cotswold Archaeology Negative watching brief No
1 Rectory Fields, Little September Watching Brief Souterrain Archaeological Saxon-Norman to medieval No 33 Woolstone Services Ltd occupation evidence
Bushfield School, Moon October Trial trenching MOLA Northampton Negative evaluation No Street, Wolverton
4 High Street, Sherington Oct 2013 - Watching Brief Cotswold Archaeology Negative watching brief No Sept 2014
The Salt Box, Bedford December Excavation Albion Archaeology Roman and post-medieval activity No Road, Lavendon
Western Expansion Area, Nov 2014– Excavation Border Archaeology Late Iron Age to Romano-British Yes Agenda Item 8 Area 11, Site F Feb 2015 settlement
Eagle Fm South, Nov 2014- Trial trenching Border Archaeology Awaiting report ?? Wavendon ongoing
Appendix 1
Agenda Item 9
AGENDA ITEM
EMERGENCY ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECORDING FUND
To: Buckinghamshire Historic Environment Forum
th Date: 10 February 2015
Authors: Report of the Acting Treasurer
A. PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
1 To review the operation of the emergency recording fund.
B. PROPOSED ACTION
2 The Forum is invited to NOTE:
a) use of the Emergency Recording Fund
b) the current status of the fund
c) and REVIEW the Emergency Recording Fund Protocol
C. RESOURCES
3 The current balance is approximately £3,000. Payments are still awaited from Milton Keynes and Wycombe District Council for 2014/15.
D. SUPPORTING INFORMATION
The Emergency Recording Fund was used in October 2014 to fund the excavation of a Roman casket burial, found by a metal-detectorist during a rally on land near Whitchurch, Aylesbury.
The burial was discovered by John Steele during a metal-detecting event run by Weekend Wanderers, a Hampshire-based detecting group, in October 2014 in a field near Whitchurch, Aylesbury. After uncovering some of the metal finds and pottery the event organiser, Peter Welch, contacted Ros Tyrrell, the County Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme at Buckinghamshire County Museum Trust. She alerted Eliza Alqassar, Archaeological Officer at Buckinghamshire County Council.
Buckinghamshire County Council then commissioned Oxford Archaeology to excavate the burial using funding from the Bucks Historic Environment Forum’s Emergency Recording Fund. The excavation took place over three days, with Oxford Archaeology staff being assisted with the help of the detectorists and the landowners.
35 The excavation revealed a Roman (late 2nd century AD) wooden casket burial (1.10m long by 0.70m wide) with a rich assemblage of grave goods including two Samian ware cups, two Samian ware dishes, a pottery flagon or dish, two glass vessels, a bronze jug with decorated handle, a bronze patera (dish), an iron lamp, two unidentified lead objects and an urned cremation burial. The remains of the wooden casket were identified as an outline of iron nails and organic deposits within the burial pit (Oxford Archaeology 2014).
The urned cremation was excavated within the laboratory at Oxford Archaeology. Initial conclusions suggest it was an adult of high status. A red jasper intaglio ring depicting the Roman goddess Minerva and the god Mercury was found among the remains, along with hobnails from shoes.
Samian cup, intaglio and bronze handle. ©Oxford Archaeology
The burial is of particular interest and importance because it is rare to find them with multiple metal, glass and ceramic vessels. Iron lamps, or open lamp holders, are particularly rare in late 2nd century AD burials. Similarly, burials with bronze vessels of such quality are also scarce. Comparable casket burials include one from Wendover and another from Thornborough. This rich burial contains a characteristic combination of relatively rare object types, of which the decorated jug is individually the most important and, because of the unique detail of its decoration, a piece of national importance, enhanced by association with a securely dated burial context (Oxford Archaeology 2014, 11).
The finds have been cleaned and analysed by specialists at Oxford Archaeology, and a report has been written about the discovery. The landowners and the finder very generously donated the finds to Buckinghamshire Museum. The County Museum will be fundraising later in the year to raise the £3,000 needed to get all the finds, especially the fragile bronze flagon, properly conserved to enable further study and display.
36 The excavation cost was £1572, the micro-excavation of the cremation was £1400 and the report was £1600. Therefore we have spent a total of c.£5,000 to date. Further costs anticipated to complete archive – finish excavating the flagon base, label pottery, package for archive – can we justify these?
The Museum has agreed to pay conservation costs (likely to be c.£3,000) but would need to fundraise for this.
E. BACKGROUND PAPERS
Protocol for the Operation of the Buckinghamshire Emergency Archaeological Recording Fund
CONTACT OFFICER: ELIZA ALQASSAR 01296 383798
37
Agenda Item 9 Appendix 1
Protocol for the Operation of the Buckinghamshire Emergency Archaeological Recording Fund by the Countywide Archaeological Advisory Committee (CAAC)
1. Purpose
The purpose of the fund is to enable the emergency recording of important archaeological remains (including above and below ground features, artefacts and associated environmental deposits) which are unavoidably under imminent threat of significant damage or destruction without adequate provision for their recording. The fund covers the administrative areas of Aylesbury Vale District Council, Chilterns District Council, Milton Keynes Council, South Bucks District Council and Wycombe District Council.
2. Criteria
To be eligible for funding the following criteria must be met:
1. Where applicable, the procedures for obtaining archaeological advice set out in Planning Policy Guidance 16 must have been followed and appropriate safeguards secured through the planning process. 2. There must be good reason to believe that the remains are likely to be of more than local importance (as defined in the Buckinghamshire Archaeological Management Plan). 3. There must be an imminent threat of significant damage or destruction and all reasonable efforts must have been made to avoid or minimise that threat. 4. The cost of the proposed work should be no more than is necessary to record, and where appropriate recover, the threatened remains. Wider survey to establish the context of discoveries is not covered. All reasonable efforts should be made to ensure that the work is undertaken in a cost-effective manner. Projects costs should include the consolidation of the archive and preparation of a summary report but not full analysis and publication which should be the subject of a post- excavation assessment submitted to the CAAC (see below). 5. All reasonable efforts must have been made to secure funding or "contributions in kind" from the developer and other sources (e.g. English Heritage for remains of national importance). In some cases the fund might be used to provide "match funding" . Public bodies and utilities with legal obligations to the environment will be expected to discharge their legal and ethical obligations in full.
3. Procedure for release of funds
Funds may be released by the Treasurer on request from the relevant Archaeological Officer or, for portable antiquities, Museum Officer to the Treasurer. The Treasurer will consult the Chair, or in their absence the Vice-Chair, of the Countywide Archaeological Advisory Committee prior to any expenditure exceeding £1000. A written report must be submitted to the next CAAC meeting explaining:
• The circumstances of the investigation
39 • Its outcome, including an assessment of importance • The justification for the expenditure in relation to the criteria specified in section 2 above • Any proposals for further analysis and publication with appropriate justifications and costings
4. Procedure for the maintenance of the fund
The fund is to be a rollover fund administered by the Treasurer of the CAAC. The Treasurer should seek to maintain the fund between upper and lower limits defined by the CAAC. The treasurer should report to each CAAC meeting on:
• The current level of the fund • The need for additional contributions to the fund • The suitability of the current upper and lower limits
The failure of any voting organisation on the CAAC to contribute to the fund may, at the discretion of the CAAC, lead to a review of this protocol.
40 Agenda Item 10 Buckinghamshire Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme [PAS], based in the County Museum Trust
The total of records of objects entered on the PAS database in Buckinghamshire in 2013 was 682 but 2014 saw this rise to 1071. This has been helped by a hardworking volunteer, uploading part of the backlog of paper records onto the database. The Finds Liaison Officer (FLO) would like to record her thanks, to him for all this work. The start of 2014 was quite quiet but detecting activity picked up after Easter. A detectorist, who regularly reports his finds, has been detecting in an area north west of Aylesbury. This was at the request of the landowner and in cooperation with Mike Farley. This has produced a substantial quantity of objects including a pair of Saxon saucer brooches, buried together [donated to the Museum], Roman and medieval pottery and a complete Tudor purse-hanger. All these records will add up to an interesting distribution map when the loose ends have been tied off.
In early October last year the FLO was contacted by the Weekend Wanderers organiser, who was hosting a group of holidaying Americans. They had started a week of detecting north of Whitchurch and one of them had uncovered something curious. It was suggested that it needed checking by an archaeologist. What they had unearthed was Samian pottery, iron and copper alloy vessels possibly a complex Roman burial group. As the FLO is not equipped to excavate and record what could be unstable objects, she contacted the County Archaeology Service to see if the Emergency Excavation Fund could help. Eliza Alqassar took up the challenge and commissioned Oxford Archaeology. They came and excavated a wooden box containing a number of grave goods, including two samian ware cups, two samian ware dishes, a pottery flagon, two glass vessels, a bronze jug with decorated handle, a bronze patera or dish, an iron lamp holder, two unidentified lead objects and an urned cremation burial. Also, with the cremated bone, was a fine jasper intaglio. The finder, who had gained a lot from helping the dig, was happy to donate his interest in the objects, as was the landowner. All the objects are now the property of the County Museum, who will be looking to their conservation and long term survival. Despite the unexpected nature of the project everything happened as a model of cooperation. In addition the FLO recorded 215 father finds discovered by the Americans from the fields around the site.
Four days before Christmas, the FLO was invited to record the finds made by detectorists at the Weekend Wanderers Xmas Rally, south of Buckingham. Within half an hour of arriving and preparing to record, news came that something interesting had been found. As the light went at the end of the day a hoard of more than 5,000 silver coins, wrapped in a damaged lead parcel, had been carefully excavated. The coins had been piled onto a thin rectangle of lead sheet with cut edges. The longer edges had then been lifted and folded over on themselves and the ends pinched together to make an elliptical parcel. Through the damage on the upper surface a tightly packed, jumble of coins could be seen. They did not appear to have been laid in any order and there was no trace of, or room for them to have been in leather pouches. The coins were in excellent condition and will be cleaned by in the British Museum and a report prepared for the Coroner by Gareth Williams, Curator of Early Medieval Coins at the British Museum. The quick identification of a few of the coins suggests that they are probably silver pennies of Ethelred and Cnut whose reign ended in 1035. Full examination of the hoard may well change this initial view. There will be no valuation of the coins until the Coroner has declared them to be Treasure, under the current act. So, final decisions about the final ownership of the hoard have not been made yet. The local detector clubs are visited on a regular basis to record the member’s finds. Detecting rallies in Bucks are attended to the same end when the FLO is invited and has enough information. The voluntary nature of the scheme means we are unable to insist on the FLO being invited to attend to record. Weekend Wanderers do however, invite the FLO and have held rallies
41 in Stone, Lenborough (on 2 occasions) & Poundon which were attended (the last minute nature of the organisation sometimes makes this difficult). Treasure finds
The table shows the potential treasure items found in the county since September last year. These are currently being processed through the system of reporting and inquests. The Coroner is aware of these objects but has not ruled on all of them yet.
Metal Period Date Description Parish Gold Uncertain Modern? Pendant [may not qualify as Treasure] Buckingham Silver gilt Medieval 1200-1500 Annular brooch with beasts Kingsey Silver Early Medieval 700-900 Decorated strap end Kingsey Silver Post medieval 1600-1700 Pendant showing Charles I. Kingsey Gold Post medieval 1600-1700 Finger ring Coleshill Silver gilt Medieval 1200-1400 Finger ring Mentmore [Crafton] Silver Medieval 1154-1185 Coin hoard [9 pennies & 5 cut halves] Coleshill Silver Post Medieval 1670-1750 Decorated thimble Ickford Silver Post Medieval 1500-1700 Dress hook Ellesborough Silver gilt Roman 43-410AD Finger ring [damaged] Quainton Silver Post Medieval 1500-1700 Spoon bowl?[damaged] E. Claydon Silver Post Medieval 1500-1700 Lace tag? Haddenham Silver Early Medieval 1035 Coin hoard 5190 pennies & 2 cut halves Lenborough Gold Post Medieval 1600-1700 Finger Ring Quainton Ros Tyrrell 20.2.15
42