DOCSLIB.ORG

SMA 2000.Pdf

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
SMA 2000.Pdf SOUTH MIDLANDS ARCHAEOLOGY The Newsletter of the Council for British Archaeology, South Midlands Group (Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire) NUMBER 30, 2000 CONTENTS Page Editorial Bedfordshire 1 Buckinghamshire 9 Northamptonshire 33 Oxfordshire 43 Publications 90 Review 90 Index 91 Notes for Contributors 100 EDITOR: Barry Home CHAIRMAN: Ted Legg 'Beaumont' 17 Napier Street Church End Bletchley Edlesborough Milton Keynes Dunstable, Beds MIC2 2NF LU6 2EP HON SEC: Shelagh Lewis TREASURER: Jon Hitchcock Old College Farmhouse 75D Princes Street 2 Magdalen Close Dunstable Syresham Beds. Northants LU6 3AS NN13 5YF Typeset by Barry Home ISSN 0960-7552 EDITORIAL This volume, number 30, the last one of the century and of the mffiennium, has even more contributors than any previous volume as the publication continues to chronicles the work carried out in our region. When we reached volume 20 a cumulative index was produced, since then each volume has had its own index. Now we have reached the milestone of number 30 we are going to produce another cumulative index of all volumes to date. We printed off hundreds of copies of the previous index and still have a good many left so this time we are going to take full advantage of the technology available and put it up on the World Wide Web. For those who do not use the web, but have a computer, we will make a floppy disk copy available if people send a disk and a stamped addressed envelope. For those who wish to have a paper copy we will make them available at cost. In conclusion I would like to thank all those who sent in reports and ask that they, and anyone else, send in articles for SMA 31. Please send a note, however short, of any work carried out in the four counties. Copy date for SMA 31 is 31st March 2001; please refer to Notes for Contributors. Barry Home AIFA The CBA Spring Conference was held on 15th April 2000 at the Community Hall, Woodstock, Oxfordshire. The subject of this year's spring conference was "Death and Burial in the South Midlands". An introduction from Ted Legg, the new chairperson, followed opening cups of coffee, tea and biscuits. Five speakers gave short, but excellent talks accompanied by slides and overheads. Barry Home told the audience about "Skeletons I have known"; Andy Chapman spoke about "The Bronze Age Barrow Cemetery at Gayhutst, Buckinghamshire"; Mark Holmes talked about the "Excavations adjacent to Wing Churchyard ". This was followed by lunch. Angela Boyle then started the afternoon talks with "What can we learn from Human Remains"; Colin Clarke spoke on the subject of "Death and Burial in Roman Wallingford"; followed by Andy Chapman again, this time telling us about "Two Burial Sites in Northamptonshire". Each speaker answered questions from the audience after their individual talks. The afternoon finished with closing remarks from Ted Legg, followed by tea, coffee and biscuits for anyone who wished to stay. The conference was attended by approximately 70 people, including 10 members of the committee. auis Edbury Bedfordshire BEDFORDSHIRE The watching brief tmcovered a further extent of stratified features and deposits that dated from the Saxo-Norman BEDFORDSHIRE COUNTY ARCHAEOLOGY period to the late medieval. Many features of post-medieval SERVICE date were also recorded during construction of the site access, some of which may seal earlier deposits. Bedford, Cutler Hammer Sportsground (FL 0203 4737) Mike Luke and Gary Edmondson Archaeological evaluation comprised geophysical survey Biggleswade, Stratton Local Centre (FL 2027 4420) (undertaken by West Yorkshire Archaeology Service) and Mike Luke, Matt Edgeworth and Rob Edwards trial excavation over a 2.2 ha study area. A trial trench evaluation followed by an open area excavation was The earliest human activity within the study are,a is indicated undertaken over a Study Area 0.8 ha in by three Bronze Age ring ditches. The ditches of two of these extent. This was located to the north ofpreviously excavated areas were examined by trial excavation and found to be c 1.6 m which had revealed extensive Saxon and medieval wide and 03 m deep. They varied in diameter from 19m to settlements. 22 m. Although a small number of internal features were identified none contained human remains. The earliest evidence for human activity comprised a presumed Bronze Age ring ditch, 15 m in diameter. No Residual pottery within later features suggests early-middle diagnostic artefacts were recovered from the ditch fills Iron Age unspecific activity took place within the study area. althoug,h the ditch was truncated by a small pit containing A number of pits and ditches contained late Iron Age/early Iron Age pottery. Roman pottery, which also occurred as residual finds within Dispersed later features. Although no clear focus was discernible it is Saxon settlement features were identified over likely a farmstead of this period was situated within the the western half of the excavation. These comprised a large study area. water pit, possible hearth and isolated pits and postholes. The small pottery assemblage contemporary with this A system of ditched boundaries was established within the activity was dominated by shell tempered Maxey-type study area during the Roman period. These form rectangular wares with a single sherd of sand tempered Ipswich ware. enclosures and trackways. Although no clear focus was Trial excavation to the north suggest this is the most northern identified, the presence of pits, isolated postholes and a extent of the Saxon settlement. hearth suggest these were associated with settlement. It is likely that this is the continuation of the Roman settlement The majority of the features dated to the medieval period. originally believed to be centred on ICempston Church End. These comprised ditched enclosures which contained both pit clusters, probable water pits and isolated features. Although no buildings were located the quantity of pottery Biddenham, 43-45 Main Road (FL 0226 4989) and animal bone in the fills of these, suggests they were Martin Wilson and Matt Edgeworth occupied rather than simply animal compounds. The majority of the pottery can be dated to the 12th-14th An archaeological evaluation carried out in November 1998 centuries. Locally manufactured sand tempered fabrics at a proposed residential development at Biddenham, west predominate with small quantities of regional imports from of Bedford, revealed a range of archaeological features and Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and an artefact assemblage, indicative of occupation during the Essex. A limited quantity of tile and brick of late Saxo-Norman period. The site was situated within the medieval/post medieval date was recovered. These were not northern perimeter of a large oval enclosure of unknown present in sufficient quantities to suggest a tiled building. antiquity (HER 15271). In summary the open area excavation has identified the Further investigations were undertaken between February northern limit of the Saxon and medieval settlements which and May 1999, carried out in stages, comprising excavation arelatoi.vn to have extended over 10 ha. and watching briefs. Excavation on the new building footprint revealed a large area of disturbance, understood to be an extraction pit, of Dunstable, Grove House Gardens (FL 180 224) unlmown date, but infilled in recent years. Two east-west Mike Luke and Mark Phillips aligned parallel ditches, c 63 m apart, were investigated, each containing 12th-13th century ceramics, which could A watching brief was undertaken during construction of possibly have been the footings of a timber-framed sewer manholes and compound. A single pit was observed structure. An area of limestone paving laid over one of these contained post-medieval artefacts. ditches and a later cobbled surface demonstrated the re-use of this site in the later medieval period. 1 Bedfordshire Eggington, Land Off Leighton Road (SP 9631 2587) patches proved to be a ntunber of intercut pits, usually Matt Edgeworth and Martin Wilson rounded or oval in plan with a shallow profile. The fills were dark, containing a large proportion of charcoal, moderate An archaeological evaluation was carried out in June 1999 amounts of daub or burnt clay, and small quantities of in advance of the creation of two new lakes, on land to the pottery. north-east of Eggington, South Bedfordshire. The development lay within an area of pasture, containing The medieval period was characterised by a series of e,arthwork remains of part of the township's medieval field renewed boundary ditches. Certain smaller elements of system. The surviving ridge and furrow was surveyed. these formed enclosures in the south-eastem part of the site. Eight trial trenches were then machine excavated. No A number of pits also dated to this period. Finds evidence archaeological features were located. The finds from the suggests that the enclosure ditches had gone out of use by topsoil comprised isolated pottery sherds and a horseshoe the end of the medieval period. nail, all of 13th-14th century date. Field name evidence indicates that the development area was formerly imown as The Myres, indicating the presence Flitton, Church Of St John The Baptist (IL 059 359) of marshy ground. The excavated evidence suggests that Nick Shepherd, Tony Walsh and Mark Phillips during the Saxo-Norman and medieval periods it represented an intermittently used area of marginal land on Two separate episodes of archaeological recording were the periphery of the township. undertaken at the Church of St John the Baptist. The replacement of sections of timber flooring in the nave Leighton Buzzard, AB Saints' Church (SP 9183 2486) required the removal of sub-floor fill. Relatively compacted Martin Wilson layers beneath the fill may derive from earlier phases of use of the church or possibly even pre-date the existing An archaeological evaluation and subsequent watching structure.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Tiountfee of Oxford and Berks, Or Some Or One of Them
    4373 tiountfee of Oxford and Berks, or some or one of said parishes, townships, and extra-parochial or them, or in the parish of South. Hinksey, in other places, or any of them, which it may be neces- the liberty of the city of Oxford, and the county sary to stop up, alter,, or divert by reason of the of Berks, and terminating at or near the poiat construction of the said intended works. of junction of the London and Birmingham and Midland Railways, at or near Rugby, in the And it is farther intended, by such Act or Acts,, parish of Rugby, in the county of Warwick; to vary or extinguish all existing rights of' privi- which said intended railway or railways, and leges in any manner connected with the lands pro- other works connected therewith, will pass from, posed to be purchased or taken for the purposes in, through, or into, or be situate within the of the said undertaking, or which would in any Several parishes, townships, and extra-parochial manner impede or interfere with the construction, or other places following, or some of them (that is maintenance, or use thereof; and to confer other to say), South Hinksey and North Hinksey, in= the rights and privileges. liberty of the city of Oxford, and in the county of Berks, or one of them; Cumner and Botley, in the And it is also intended, by such Act or Acts, county of Berks; St. Aldate, and the liberty of the either to enable the Great Western Railway Com- Grand Pont, in the city of Oxford, and counties of pany to carry into effect the said intended under- Oxford and Berks, or some or one of them; Saint taking^ or otherwise to incorporate a company, for Ebbes, St.
    [Show full text]
  • Consultation Technical Report
    Making Meaningful Connections Consultation Technical Report East West Rail Consultation: 31 March – 9 June 2021 This document contains the full Consultation Technical Report, without the Appendices. To access the Appendices, please visit www.eastwestrail.co.uk 01. Introduction 18 - 26 07. Project Section B: Bletchley and the Marston Vale Line 100 - 229 1.1. Chapter Summary 18 7.1. Chapter Summary 101 1.2. East West Rail 19 7.2. Introduction 104 1.3. The Project 19 7.3. Service Concepts 109 1.4. Consultation 23 7.4. Bletchley Station 141 1.5. Technical Report 26 7.5. Fenny Stratford Additional Track 144 02. The Case for East West Rail 27 - 31 7.6. Level Crossings on the Marston Vale Line 146 2.1. Chapter Summary 27 7.7. Marston Vale Line Infrastructure Upgrade 228 2.2. The overall case for East West Rail 28 08. Project Section C: Bedford 230 - 299 2.3. Benefits of railways over road improvements 31 8.1. Chapter Summary 230 03. Project Objectives 32 - 42 8.2. Introduction 234 3.1. Chapter Summary 32 8.3. Bedford St Johns 238 3.2. Introduction 33 8.4. Bedford Station 250 3.3. Safety 34 8.5. North Bedford 268 3.4. Environment 34 8.6. Conclusion 297 3.5. EWR Services 34 09. Project Section D: Clapham Green to The Eversdens 300 - 371 3.6. Connectivity 36 9.1. Chapter Summary 301 3.7. Customer Experience and Stations 37 9.2. Introduction 303 3.8. Powering EWR Services 38 9.3. Option Development 306 3.9.
    [Show full text]
  • The Perils of Periodization: Roman Ceramics in Britain After 400 CE KEITH J
    The Perils of Periodization: Roman Ceramics in Britain after 400 CE KEITH J. FITZPATRICK-MATTHEWS North Hertfordshire Museum [email protected] ROBIN FLEMING Boston College [email protected] Abstract: The post-Roman Britons of the fifth century are a good example of people invisible to archaeologists and historians, who have not recognized a distinctive material culture for them. We propose that this material does indeed exist, but has been wrongly characterized as ‘Late Roman’ or, worse, “Anglo-Saxon.” This pottery copied late-Roman forms, often poorly or in miniature, and these pots became increasingly odd over time; local production took over, often by poorly trained potters. Occasionally, potters made pots of “Anglo-Saxon” form using techniques inherited from Romano-British traditions. It is the effect of labeling the material “Anglo-Saxon” that has rendered it, its makers, and its users invisible. Key words: pottery, Romano-British, early medieval, fifth-century, sub-Roman Archaeologists rely on the well-dated, durable material culture of past populations to “see” them. When a society exists without such a mate- rial culture or when no artifacts are dateable to a period, its population effectively vanishes. This is what happens to the indigenous people of fifth-century, lowland Britain.1 Previously detectable through their build- ings, metalwork, coinage, and especially their ceramics, these people disappear from the archaeological record c. 400 CE. Historians, for their part, depend on texts to see people in the past. Unfortunately, the texts describing Britain in the fifth-century were largely written two, three, or even four hundred years after the fact.
    [Show full text]
  • Public-Private Partnerships Financed by the European Investment Bank from 1990 to 2020
    EUROPEAN PPP EXPERTISE CENTRE Public-private partnerships financed by the European Investment Bank from 1990 to 2020 March 2021 Public-private partnerships financed by the European Investment Bank from 1990 to 2020 March 2021 Terms of Use of this Publication The European PPP Expertise Centre (EPEC) is part of the Advisory Services of the European Investment Bank (EIB). It is an initiative that also involves the European Commission, Member States of the EU, Candidate States and certain other States. For more information about EPEC and its membership, please visit www.eib.org/epec. The findings, analyses, interpretations and conclusions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the EIB or any other EPEC member. No EPEC member, including the EIB, accepts any responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained in this publication or any liability for any consequences arising from its use. Reliance on the information provided in this publication is therefore at the sole risk of the user. EPEC authorises the users of this publication to access, download, display, reproduce and print its content subject to the following conditions: (i) when using the content of this document, users should attribute the source of the material and (ii) under no circumstances should there be commercial exploitation of this document or its content. Purpose and Methodology This report is part of EPEC’s work on monitoring developments in the public-private partnership (PPP) market. It is intended to provide an overview of the role played by the EIB in financing PPP projects inside and outside of Europe since 1990.
    [Show full text]
  • South Caldecotte Development Framework AMENDED DD 120319 Low Res.Indd
    ANNEX B Urban Design & Landscape Architecture South Caldecotte Development Framework Supplementary Planning Document REVISED CONSULTATION DRAFT www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/udla February 2019 South Caldecotte Development Framework SPD This document has been prepared by Milton Keynes Council’s Urban Design and Landscape Architecture Team. For further information please contact: David Blandamer Urban Design and Landscape Architecture Placemaking Milton Keynes Council Civic Offices 1 Saxon Gate East Milton Keynes MK9 3EJ T +44 (0) 1908 254836 F +44 (0) 1908 252329 E [email protected] 2 Urban Design & Landscape Architecture Contents SECTION 1 SECTION 3 INTRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 1.1 Introduction 7 3.1 Introduction 35 1.2 Role of the Development Framework 7 3.2 The Vision 35 1.3 Status of Development Framework 7 3.3 Land Uses 36 1.4 Planning Policy Background 73.4 Landscape and Open Space Strategy 36 1.5 Planning Summary 103.5 Movement Framework 38 3.6 Design 41 SECTION 2 3.7 Sustainability 44 3.8 Indicative Development Framework Plan 46 THE SITE AND ITS CONTEXT 2.1 Introduction 13 SECTION 4 2.2 South Caldecotte 13 DELIVERY 2.3 Surrounding Area and Edge Conditions 14 2.4 Topography, Views and Drainage 18 4.1 Infrastructure Delivery 49 2.5 Landscape Character 20 2.6 Habitat and Vegetation 22 4.2 Management and Maintenance 49 2.7 Access and Movement 244.3 Outline Application 49 2.8 Heritage 284.4 Design and Access Statements 49 2.9 Utilities 30 2.10 Opportunities and Constraints 32 www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/udla 3 South
    [Show full text]
  • Prehistoric, Romano-British, and Anglo-Saxon Activity at Whitelands Farm, Bicester
    Prehistoric, Romano-British, and Anglo-Saxon Activity at Whitelands Farm, Bicester Jon Martin with contributions by Alistair Barclay, Philippa Bradley, Lorrain Higbee, Kayt Marter Brown, Mandy Jay, Jacqueline I. McKinley, Janet Montgomery, J. Peter Northover, Maura Pellegrini, Ruth Pelling, Chris J. Stevens, Sarah F. Wyles, and illustrations by S.E. James and Karen Nichols SUMMARY Excavations undertaken by Wessex Archaeology at Whitelands Farm south-west of Bicester revealed a multi-period site ranging from the early Bronze Age to the mid Anglo-Saxon period. A total of eighteen areas were investigated, but the density of features across the site was very varied. Area 1 contained a scatter of middle to late Iron-Age settlement features, a rock-cut ditch, and pit clusters. Most features recorded in Area 7 were late Iron Age and reveal evidence for settlement and agriculture, the exceptions being a Romano-British ditch and a Beaker burial. Areas 14, 15, and 16 contain the remains of two enclosure ditches, stone-lined tanks and culverts, quarry pits, ditches, corn driers/ ovens, pits, and post-hole structures, mostly dated to the late Iron Age or Romano-British period, and providing evidence for settlement, domestic activity, and quarrying. Stone-lined tanks and associated stone-lined channels in Area 16 contained evidence for grain processing. These areas also revealed some mid Anglo-Saxon features and re-use of one of the stone-lined tanks. PROJECT BACKGROUND programme of archaeological excavations on land south-west of Bicester, Oxfordshire (NGR A 457100 222000; Fig. 1) was carried out in 2008 by Wessex Archaeology before development of the site for housing.
    [Show full text]
  • Trades. Bre 263
    BUCKUGHA:WS:SHlRE.] TRADES. BRE 263 J.awrence James k Son, Haddenham; Smith, Bartholomew George Edlcs- :BOOT & SHOE .REPAIRERS. Thame borough, Dul!stable Bailey Victor J. Crown la. Wycom~ Leslie Waiter, Chalfont St. Peter, .Smith }"rank, 3 William street,Slough Biggs S. 1 g Germain st. Chesham Gerrard's Cross S.O -lmith John, High street, Winslow Birch l''redk. Cnddington, .Aylesbury Litchfield Jn. Oxford st. Bletchley rd. ~m~th Joseph, 7 Oxford rd. Wycombel Gray C. Hambleden, Henley-on-Thm1 Fenny Stratford, Bletchley :Smith Wm. Park st. Bletchley road, Johnson Charles, Queen's rd. Marlow Loakes Frederick, Wing rd. Linslade, Fenny Stratford, Bletchley King James, Stratford rd.Buckingham Leighton Buzzard .Sonster James, New Bradwell, Wol- Lewis Thos. II Newland st. Wycombe Love Hy.H.New Bradwell,Wolvrtn.S.O verton S.O Newens Thomas, New road, Linslade, Lovell David, Tingewick, Buckingham Spicer John, Bierton, .Aylesbury Leighton Buzzard Lunnon & Ranee, West st. Marlow :Spring C. Brook st. Chalvey, Slough Roberts Bros.226 Desboro' rd.Wycmbe Lyman George, Stoke Goldington, 3tacey F. W. 5 Frogmoor gardens, Small Chas. Fdk. Haddenham,Thame Newport Pagnell Wycombe Mcllroy W. 7 & 13 Market sq . .Aylesbry ~tandage Geo. 1.1- Cre~don st. ~ycmbe :BRACE MANUFACTURERS Maguire & Son, 14 Brocas st. Eton, ::-.tone John, .As ton Clmton, Trmg _ . · Windsor Stroud William, London rd. Wycombe Duerdoth Frederick Wilham (& belt), Manton James, 17 Church street, Sutton John, Gerrard's Cross S.O 79 High street, Chesham Wolverton S.O Swift Robert, Padbnry, Buckingham Price & Almond, 105 & 107 Welling- Marchant C. R, Son & Garrard, Chal- Tapping Richard, Market pl.
    [Show full text]
  • Uplands 06.01.2020
    Democratic Services Reply to: Amy Barnes Direct Line: (01993) 861522 E-mail: [email protected] 20 December 2019 SUMMONS TO ATTEND MEETING: UPLANDS AREA PLANNING SUB-COMMITTEE PLACE: COMMITTEE ROOM 1, COUNCIL OFFICES, WOODGREEN, WITNEY DATE: MONDAY 6TH JANUARY 2020 TIME: 2.00 PM (Officers will be in attendance to discuss applications with Members of the Sub-Committee from 1:30 pm) Members of the Sub-Committee Councillors: Jeff Haine (Chairman), Geoff Saul (Vice-Chairman), Andrew Beaney, Richard Bishop, Mike Cahill, Nathalie Chapple, Nigel Colston, Julian Cooper, Derek Cotterill, Merilyn Davies, Ted Fenton*, David Jackson, Neil Owen and Alex Postan (*Denotes non-voting Member) RECORDING OF MEETINGS The law allows the council’s public meetings to be recorded, which includes filming as well as audio-recording. Photography is also permitted. As a matter of courtesy, if you intend to record any part of the proceedings please let the Committee Officer know before the start of the meeting. _________________________________________________________________ A G E N D A 1. Minutes of the meeting held on 2 December 2019 (copy attached) 2. Apologies for Absence and Temporary Appointments 3. Declarations of Interest To receive any declarations of interest from Councillors relating to items to be considered at the meeting, in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s Local Code of Conduct, and any from Officers. 1 4. Applications for Development (Report of the Business Manager – Development Management – schedule attached) Purpose: To consider applications for development, details of which are set out in the attached schedule. Recommendation: That the applications be determined in accordance with the recommendations of the Business Manager – Development Management.
    [Show full text]
  • The Roman Sites of South-West Leicestershire
    PLATE I HIGH CROSS—FROM NORTH HIGH CROSS—FROM SOUTH THE ROMAN SITES OF SOUTH-WEST LEICESTERSHIRE BY ARTHUR J. PICKERING, F.G.S. PART I VENON/E TRIPONTIUM Preface THE following notes on the Roman Sites of South-West Leicester­ shire are of a somewhat fragmentary character. They will be found, however, to make some contribution to present day know­ ledge of the Midlands during the Roman occupation and will, the writer hopes, pave the way for excavation of a more ambitious character. The writer is convinced that systematic search and enquiry would reveal a number of other sites in this corner of the county at present unrecorded. Hinckley, Higham-on-the-Hill, Market Bosworth and Peckleton, where some evidence of Roman occupation has come to light, would possibly be found to be homesteads of the Roman-British farmer similar to Barwell and Sapcote. There is here every indication that in early forest clearings the land was tilled and stock raised for the important market town of Ratse Coritanorum. Owing to the lack of vigilance and to the superficial resem­ blance of Roman building material to what may be found on the site of any old cottage, there can be no doubt that much valuable evidence is often overlooked and for ever lost to us. Whatever historical interest these notes may afford to the antiquarian, their value has been considerably enhanced to the student by the descriptive and comparative notes on the coarse pottery contributed by Mr. B. H. St. J. O'Neil, of the Office of Works. His invaluable help in the examination of this material, and also in the revision of the complete type-script of this paper for the press, places the writer under a great debt of gratitude.
    [Show full text]
  • June 2021 368
    June 2021 368 1 Notes from the Chair Blimey! June already ... ... and only a couple of weeks until we can officially say it is summer! (Not that the May weather seemed to have had that memo). Exciting times are ahead for us all. With the easing of lockdown we are now able to look forward to the theatre coming to town, and by that I mean The Green. The Mikron Theatre, the amazing annual Flower & JUNE 2021, No:368 Produce Show, a Village Party and, of course, Aunt Sally, which has started up again! What is not to get excited about? Useful Contacts All of the above will of course be explained in more detail further in the North Aston News News, but with months of not really being able to announce anything Telephone: (01869) 347356 except cancellations and Covid reports, I’m sorry I just had to list it all! Email: [email protected] In other news, I’m really sorry to have to announce but I will be stepping Lucinda Fuoco - NAPM Chair Telephone: (01869) 340588 down as Chair at the end of the year, at the latest. I have so enjoyed the Email: [email protected] role, but unfortunately due to personal circumstances I cannot continue Sue Hatzigeorgiou, NAPM Treasurer with it. I have discussed this decision with Sue and Annie and they have Telephone: (01869) 347727 both agreed to stay for a little longer in their roles, which is fantastic Email: [email protected] because whoever then takes over from me is in exceptional hands.
    [Show full text]
  • Members and Parish/Neighbourhood Councils RAIL UPDATE
    ITEM 1 TRANSPORT COMMITTEE NEWS 07 MARCH 2000 This report may be of interest to: All Members and Parish/Neighbourhood Councils RAIL UPDATE Accountable Officer: John Inman Author: Stephen Mortimer 1. Purpose 1.1 To advise the Committee of developments relating to Milton Keynes’ rail services. 2. Summary 2.1 West Coast Main Line Modernisation and Upgrade is now in the active planning stage. It will result in faster and more frequent train services between Milton Keynes Central and London, and between Milton Keynes Central and points north. Bletchley and Wolverton will also have improved services to London. 2.2 Funding for East-West Rail is now being sought from the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority (SSRA) for the western end of the line (Oxford-Bedford). Though the SSRA have permitted a bid only for a 60 m.p.h. single-track railway, excluding the Aylesbury branch and upgrade of the Marston Vale (Bedford-Bletchley) line, other Railtrack investment and possible developer contributions (yet to be investigated) may allow these elements to be included, as well as perhaps a 90 m.p.h. double- track railway. As this part of East-West Rail already exists, no form of planning permission is required; however, Transport and Works Act procedures are to be started to build the missing parts of the eastern end of the line. 2.3 New trains were introduced on the Marston Vale line, Autumn 1999. A study of the passenger accessibility of Marston Vale stations identified various desirable improvements, for which a contribution of £10,000 is required from this Council.
    [Show full text]
  • The North Oxfordshire Grim's Ditch
    THE NORTH OXFORDSHIRE GRIM’S DITCH: AN ENIGMA WITHIN AN ENIGMA Tim Copeland THE ‘CINDERELLA’ OF LARGE SCALE LATE IRON AGE/EARLY ROMAN ENCLOSURES. AT THE TIME THAT THIS MONUMENT WAS CONSTRUCTED THERE WAS NO ‘OXFORDSHIRE’ AND ‘GRIM’ WAS OF ANGLO- SAXON ORIGIN. WE HAVE TO THINK HERE ON A REGIONAL, OR EVEN NATIONAL, SCALE. The late Iron Age major sites Crawford did a lot of fieldwork on foot and in the air (the ‘father’ of fieldwork as we know it) and discovered sections of the NOGD south of the River Evenlode. He published his findings in ‘Antiquity’ Issue 15 in 1930 under the title ‘Grimsdyke in Wychwood’. He suggested that the NOGD might have been constructed about 370 AD to stop invading Saxons attacking the villas. NOGD CHARACTERISTICS I • Area: 80sq km • Linear bank and ditch: 40km with gaps • Bank: 2m high(?) and 7m wide • Ditch:1.75m deep • Ditch: 6.8m wide • Possible palisade in front of the ditch • No traces of previous occupation within the enclosed area EXCAVATIONS AT BLENHEIM AND MODEL FARM DITCHLEY 1936 • It was decided that the structure was completed in the early AD 40s against the Roman threat. It was then deliberately filled in almost immediately when it was seen to be redundant. A cross-section of the NOGD at Ditchley in 1936. Note the presence of a ‘palisade trench’ beyond the ditch. This occurs at many points on the north circuit. THE NOGD AT LONG HANBOROUGH Having been covered by woodland for at least a 1000 years, this must be close to its full height and depth.
    [Show full text]