Woodsmith Mine Sneaton North Yorkshire

Programme of Archaeological Work

for Collins Earthworks

on behalf of Sirius Minerals PLC

CA Project: 660829 CA Report: 18716

Document Number: TBC

December 2018

Woodsmith Mine Sneaton North Yorkshire

Archaeological Watching Brief

CA Project: 660829 CA Report: 18716

Document Number: TBC

Document Control Grid Revision Date Author Checked by Status Reasons for Approved revision by A 18/11/2018 Ed Grenier SRJ Internal Quality Assurance SRJ review

This report is confidential to the client. Cotswold Archaeology accepts no responsibility or liability to any third party to whom this report, or any part of it, is made known. Any such party relies upon this report entirely at their own risk. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means without permission.

CONTENTS

SUMMARY ...... 3

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 4

2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND ...... 5

3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 9

4. METHODOLOGY ...... 10

5. RESULTS (FIGS 2-22) ...... 10

6. DISCUSSION ...... 25

7. CA PROJECT TEAM ...... 26

10. REFERENCES ...... 27

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS ...... 29

APPENDIX B: OASIS REPORT FORM...... 33

1 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Fig. 1 Site location plan (1:25,000) Fig. 2 Site location plan, showing area of observed groundworks and archaeological features (1:5000) Fig. 3 Plan of observed groundworks, showing location of archaeological features (1:1500) Fig. 4 Plan of observed groundworks, showing location of archaeological features (1:300) Fig. 5 Trench 11, looking north-east (photograph) Fig. 6 Trench 22, looking north-east (photograph) Fig. 7 Ditch 2010: section (scale 1:20) Fig. 8 Wheel ruts 2012 & 2014, looking west (photograph) Fig. 9 Ditch 2016 and wheel ruts 2012 & 2014 (photograph) Fig. 10 Lidar, showing palaeochannels 2004 and 2018 and ditch 2016 Fig. 11 Trench 23, looking north-west (photograph) Fig. 12 Palaeochannel 2004, looking west (photograph) Fig. 13 Ditch 2002, looking west (photograph) Fig. 14 Ditch 2002: section (1:20) Fig. 15 Trench 24, looking south-west (photograph) Fig. 16 Trench 25, looking north-west (photograph) Fig. 17 Trench 25, showing disturbance prior to site strip (photograph) Fig. 18 Wheel ruts 1007, looking east (photograph) Fig. 19 Ditch 1002, looking north (photograph) Fig. 20 Pit 1014: section (1:20) Fig. 21 Ditch 1018: section (1:20) Fig. 22 Trench 26, looking east (photograph) Fig. 23 Culvert 5003, looking south-east (photograph)

2 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

SUMMARY

Project Name: Woodsmith Mine Location: Sneaton, North Yorkshire NGR: 489446 505168 Type: Programme of Archaeological Works Date: June to December 2018 Planning Reference: North York Moors Park Authority Planning Reference: NYM/2014/0676/MEIA Location of Archive: To be deposited with Scarborough Museum Site Code: DNF 17

An Archaeological Watching Brief was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology between June and December 2018 at Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire. The fieldwork was undertaken to satisfy the requirements of condition 95 of planning permission NYM/2014/0676/MEIA.

Archaeological interest in the site is derived from its location within the North York Moors National Park, which is known to contain extensive examples of Late Neolithic rock art and is rich in well preserved prehistoric funerary and settlement remains.

The works comprised a watching brief during the mechanical stripping of overburden from six areas down to the natural geological substrate.

This revealed two sinuous features, interpreted as silted palaeochannels, as well as partial elements of at least two field systems. Although these field systems remained undated artefactually, they have been assigned to either the pre-medieval period or the post- medieval period based on their relationships with one another, their morphological characteristics and cartographic analysis

In addition, a stone lined culvert of probable post-medieval date and two undated pits were also identified.

3 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Between June and December 2018, Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out a programme of archaeological works at Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire (centred at NGR: 489446 505168; Fig. 1). The programme of archaeological works was commissioned by Collins Earthworks on behalf of Sirius Minerals PLC.

Fig. 1 Site location plan (1:25,000)

1.2 The programme of archaeological works was undertaken to fulfil a condition (Condition 95) attached to a planning consent granted by North York Moors National Park Authority (NYMNPA; the local planning authority) for the winning and working of polyhalite by underground methods (Planning reference: NYM/2014/0676/MEIA).

1.3 The planning condition requiring a WSI was approved by the NYMNPA via a commitment by Sirius Minerals to follow the methodology as previously approved within detailed Written Schemes of Investigation (WSI) produced by CA (2016 & 2017) and approved by the NYMNPA acting on the advice of Graham Lee. The

4 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

fieldwork also followed Standard and guidance: Archaeological watching brief (CIfA 2014) and Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Excavation (CIfA 2014). The site 1.4 The consented site is situated approximately 5km to the south of Whitby and 20km to the north-west of Scarborough. The site encompasses an area of approximately 50ha (Fig. 2); the north-western part of which comprised a series of rectilinear fields, with an associated farmhouse and ancillary farm buildings. The south-eastern part of the site is occupied by a combination of Whinny Wood and the Haxby and Belt Plantations. The site lies at approximately 212m above Ordnance Datum aOD in the west and south, sloping downwards to approximately 170m aOD in the north-east.

1.5 The underlying bedrock geology of the area is mapped as sandstone and mudstone of the Moor Grit, Scarborough, Cloughton and Saltwick Formations, formed during the Jurassic Period. This comprised siltstone and mudstone in the west of the site and mudstone, sandstone and siltstone in the east of the site (BGS 2018). The encountered geological substrate comprising firm mid-yellow orange to mid-blue grey sandy clay was observed across the site.

2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

2.1 The site has been the previous subject of desk-based assessments (CA 2012a, 2012b and 2014a), and an Environmental Statement (Royal Haskoning DHV 2014). A geophysical survey has also been undertaken (GSB Prospection 2012) as well as watching briefs (CA 2014b) and archaeological monitoring (CA 2018). The following section is summarised from these sources.

2.2 A small number of non-designated heritage assets have been identified within the mine head development area.

Prehistoric (pre-43 AD) 2.3 A prehistoric findspot has been recorded beyond the immediate south-eastern boundary of the site within the Haxby Plantation. This comprised an unstratified assemblage of Mesolithic and later material, including Bronze Age arrowheads, scrapers and knives. Within the wider landscape, Ugglebarnby Moor, located to the immediate west of the site, contains a dense concentration of recorded prehistoric sites.

5 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

Insert Fig 2

6 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

2.4 Moorland within this part of the North York Moors National Park contains extensive examples of Late Neolithic rock art. Moorland within the Park is also typically rich in well preserved prehistoric funerary and settlement remains. This includes cairns, barrows, and numerous other features, particularly of Bronze Age and Iron Age date (2400 BC to AD 43).

Roman (AD 43) to modern 2.5 There are no recorded heritage assets of Roman or early medieval date within the site. However, the parish boundary between Sneaton and Eskdaleside-cum- Ugglebarnby may have its origins in the medieval period. By the middle of the 11th century the village of Sneaton, in the Hundred (Saxon administrative division) of Langbaurgh, had a population of 40 villagers, three smallholders and eight freemen (Domesday Book). It is not known when the area of Dove’s Nest Farm was first enclosed from the surrounding moorland for cultivation.

2.6 The site is likely to have continued in agricultural use throughout the medieval period, with areas of ridge and furrow agriculture and medieval settlements such as Sneatonthorpe, known locally.

2.7 An embanked boundary survives as an overgrown earthen bank c. 1m in height. It forms the boundary between Haxby Plantation and the Belt Plantations to the south.

2.8 Ordnance Survey mapping shows little change within the site from the middle of the 19th century to the present day. The road defining the western boundary of the site was in existence from this time, as was Dove’s Nest Farm, its associated fields and Haxby Plantation.

Undated 2.9 Several undated features have been identified, including a cluster of five circular earthworks located within Haxby Plantation, within the south-east of the site. These earthworks comprise depressions defined by low earthen banks, comparable to Bronze Age ring cairns observed elsewhere within the National Park. An earthwork platform was also identified in association with one of these possible ring cairns. A further earthwork was identified c. 100m to the east of these features. A pond, of uncertain origin, was identified to the north-east, also within Haxby Plantation.

7 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

2.10 A possible low, earthen mound was identified in the north-east of the proposed development site during Lidar survey (Furgo 2014), and this was confirmed during a follow-up field survey. The possible mound is oval in plan, and measures c.17m by c. 15m. Field assessment found it to be no greater than c. 0.3m-0.5m in height.

2.11 An oval-shaped enclosure is located in the north-east of the site. The north/south oriented enclosure measures c. 30m by c. 20m, and comprises a semi-oval, water- filled ditch (c. 2m wide), partially enclosing a central island. The ditch is broken to the north by a causeway, allowing access to the interior. It is uncertain what function this enclosure serves, though it is associated with a modern drain and probably relates to water management. A small enclosure has been identified on aerial photographs, on the northern boundary of the site. A second enclosure has also been identified on Ugglebarnby Moor, c. 600m west of the site, and a linear feature, probably a modern service, has been recorded to the north-west of site.

Previous archaeological investigation 2.12 Geophysical survey of much of the minehead area has been undertaken (GSB Prospection 2012); a few anomalies of potential archaeological significance were identified, which were further investigated during limited trial pitting.

2.13 Archaeological watching briefs were undertaken by CA prior to the construction of temporary drilling rig platforms at Doves Nest Farm (CA 2013). No significant archaeological features, finds or deposits were identified during these works. Further watching briefs were conducted during the excavation of 48 trial pits. These revealed undated features, comprising three ditches, a probable pit and two postholes. Two of the ditches are on a similar alignment, and in a similar location, to an anomaly identified during the geophysical survey. A mound identified from the Lidar survey was found to be of probable geological origin (CA 2014b).

2.14 A further Programme of Archaeological Works was undertaken at the site by Cotswold Archaeology between September 2015 and October 2017 (CA 2018). No archaeological remains predating the post medieval/modern periods were found during the course of this fieldwork. The remains of two ditches and two pits were revealed. The watching brief concluded that the ditches form part of a post- medieval/modern field system, with the ditches either depicted on historic Ordnance survey mapping or forming the apparent continuation of depicted boundaries. Although no dating evidence was recovered, the cartographic evidence and

8 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

morphological characteristics suggests a date within the post-medieval/modern period for the field system.

2.15 A watching brief carried out during the demolition of Dove’s Nest Farmhouse confirmed it is of modern construction. The First Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1853 depicts the farmhouse, with an associated access track leading from a road defining the western boundary of the site. Fields associated with the farm and Haxby Plantation are also depicted.

3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

3.1 The objectives of these archaeological works remain the same as those detailed within the previous WSI produced by CA encompassing the Phase 2 and 3 works (CA 2016 and 2017). These were to:

 Preserve by record archaeological deposits;  record the nature of the main stratigraphic units encountered;  assess the overall presence, survival and potential of structural and industrial remains;  assess the overall presence, survival, condition, and potential of artefactual and ecofactual remains.

3.2 The specific aims of the work were to:

 Research the development of prehistoric monument complexes;  Investigate the development of funerary monuments and changing burial and memorial practices;  Prospect for Iron Age settlement in upland areas;  Study the production, distribution and use of artefacts and support the dissemination and synthesis of information on Iron Age and Roman finds;  record any evidence of past settlement or other land use;  recover artefactual evidence to date any evidence of past settlement that may be identified;  sample and analyse environmental remains to create a better understanding of past land use and economy.

9 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

4. METHODOLOGY

4.1 No separate WSI was prepared for this stage of fieldwork, which followed the previously agreed methodology set out within the WSI (CA 2016 and 2017). An archaeologist was present during intrusive groundworks comprising the stripping of overburden (topsoil and subsoil) down to the natural substrate in the areas shown on the attached plan (Fig. 2).

4.2 Where archaeological deposits were encountered written, graphic and photographic records were compiled in accordance with CA Technical Manual 1: Fieldwork Recording Manual.

4.3 The archive from the evaluation is currently held by CA at their offices in Milton Keynes and following completion of the project will be deposited with Scarborough Museum. A summary of information from this project, set out within Appendix B, will be entered onto the OASIS online database of archaeological projects in Britain.

5. RESULTS (FIGS 2-22)

5.1 This section provides an overview of the fieldwork results (Figs 3 & 4). Detailed summaries of the recorded contexts are to be found in Appendix A. The programme of archaeological work recorded two sinuous features, interpreted as silted palaeochannels, as well as two pits, six ditches and a stone-lined culvert, all of which remained undated. No archaeological finds, features or deposits predating the modern period were observed within Trenches 11 and 24.

Trench 11 (Figs 2, 3 & 5) 5.2 Trench 11 was situated on flat ground within an area of plantation woodland (Haxby Plantation; Fig. 5). The natural substrate (3001), comprising light yellow red clay was encountered at a depth of 0.28m below present ground level (bpgl). This was sealed by dark brown black silty clay topsoil (3000), which contained a high organic content. No finds, features or deposits of archaeological significance were encountered within this trench.

10 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

Fig. 3

11 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

Fig. 4

12 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

Fig. 5 Trench 11, looking north-east

Trench 22 (Figs 2, 4 & 6 to 10) 5.3 Trench 22 was located in a rough pasture field at the northern limit of the site. The natural substrate (2001), comprising light yellow grey sandy clay, with occasional rounded stones, was encountered at a depth of 0.3m bpgl (Fig. 6). This was overlain by mid grey brown silty clay topsoil (2000).

Fig. 6 Trench 22, looking north-east

13 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

5.4 Located at the north-eastern corner of the trench was feature 2026, which superficially had the appearance of a pit in plan. Investigation of the feature found it was amorphous in form, with an asymmetrical profile, irregular sloping sides and an uneven base. It was filled by a sterile brown silt fill (2027) from which no dateable material was recovered. It is interpreted as representing a naturally formed feature.

5.5 North-west/south-east orientated ditch 2010 (Fig. 7; section DD) was identified for a length of 18m, cutting the natural substrate (2001). It measured 0.41m wide and 0.14m deep with steeply sloping concave sides and a slightly irregular base. No finds were recovered from its mid grey brown silt fill (2011). Sealing fill 2011 was topsoil 2000.

Fig. 7 Ditch 2010: section (scale 1:20)

5.6 Cutting the topsoil and subsequently the fill 2011 of ditch 2010 were parallel east/west orientated features 2012 and 2014 (Fig. 8), interpreted as probable wheel ruts. They were identified for a length of approximately 30m, separated from each other by a c. 1.25m gap. Both contained a similar mid grey brown silty clay fill (2013 & 2015 respectively) and remained unexcavated.

Fig. 8 Wheel ruts 2012 & 2014, looking west (1m scales)

14 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

5.7 Located approximately 16m to the south of wheel ruts 2012 and 2014 was similarly east/west orientated feature 2016 (Fig. 9). Although parallel with these wheel ruts (2012 & 2014), ditch 2016 is considered likely to represent a field boundary ditch, forming an element of the medieval/post-medieval field system. Ditch 2016 coincides with a feature depicted on the Lidar survey (Fig. 10)

Wheel ruts 2012 and 2014

Ditch 2016

Fig. 9 Ditch 2016 and wheel ruts 2012 & 2014 (Google Earth imagery 2018)

Ditch 2016

Palaeochannels 2004 and 2018

Fig. 10 Lidar, showing palaeochannels 2004 and 2018 and ditch 2016

15 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

5.8 Emanating from the western baulk of Trench 22 was north-east/south-west orientated ditch 2020. It measured 14.85m long with a light grey brown sandy silt fill (2021) from which no finds were recovered.

5.9 Coincidental with the south-eastern end of ditch 2020 was sinuous feature 2018, interpreted as a probable palaeochannel. It was identified for a length of approximately 30m, emanating from the western baulk of the trench. No finds were recovered from its light grey brown silt fill (2019). Palaeochannel 2018 corresponds with a sinuous feature identified through on the Lidar (Fig. 10) and geophysical surveys. The relationship between ditch 2020 and palaeochannel 2018 could not be determined.

Trench 23 (Figs 2, 4, & 11 to 14) 5.10 Trench 23 was located to the immediate south of Trench 22 in a rough pasture field towards the northern limit of the site. The natural substrate (2001), comprising light yellow grey sandy clay, with occasional rounded stones, was encountered at a depth of 0.3m bpgl (Fig. 11). This was overlain by mid grey brown silty clay topsoil (2000). All identified features cut the natural substrate and were sealed by the topsoil unless otherwise stated.

Fig. 11 Trench 23, looking north-west (1m scale)

16 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

5.11 North-west/south-east orientated paleochannel 2004 was revealed for a length of approximatley 60m extending from the southern baulk of the trench and exiting through the western baulk (Fig. 12). It measured between approximately 10m and 20m wide. No finds were recovered from its mottled light brownish red and dark reddish brown silty clay fill (2005).

Fig. 12 Palaeochannel 2004, looking west (2m scale)

5.12 Cutting the fill 2005 of palaeochannel 2004 was north-west/south-east orientated ditch 2002 (Fig 13 & 14; section CC). It was revelaed for a legth of c. 60m eminating from the western baulk of the trench and terminating approximately 4m from the southern baulk. It measured 0.47m wide and 0.25m deep with moderately steeply sloping uneven sides and a tapered base. No finds were recovered from its dark grey brown silty clay fill (2003).

17 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

Fig. 13 Ditch 2002, looking west (0.5m scale)

Fig. 14 Ditch 2002: section (1:20)

Trench 24 (Figs 2, 3 & 15) 5.13 Trench 24 was situated on flat ground within an area of plantation woodland (Haxby Plantation; Fig. 15). The natural substrate (4002), comprising light brownish grey clay was encountered at a depth of 0.81m below present ground level (bpgl). This was overlain by grey brown silty clay subsoil (4001), measuring 0.16m thick, which was in turn sealed by sealed by dark grey brown silty clay topsoil (4000), which contained a high organic content. No finds, features or deposits of archaeological significance were encountered within this trench.

18 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

Fig. 15 Trench 24, looking south-west Trench 25 (Figs 2, 3 & 16 to 21) 5.14 Located towards the south-western corner of the site, Trench 25 was located within an area of former arable land. The natural geological substrate (1001), comprising light orange yellow clay was encountered at a depth of 0.24m bpgl (Fig. 16). This was overlain by mid grey brown silty clay topsoil (1000) which measured 0.24m thick. The majority of the possible features identified within this Trench likely relate to modern wheel ruts associated with the current development or previous agricultural use of the site (Fig. 17).

19 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

Fig. 16 Trench 25, looking north-west

Fig. 17 Trench 25, showing disturbance prior to site strip (Google Earth Imagery 2018) 5.15 Emanating from the eastern baulk of the trench was probable wheel rut 1004, it was recorded for a length of approximately 11m before terminating. The continuation of this feature was identified c. 14m to the north-west as parallel wheel ruts 1007 (Figs 17 & 18).

5.16 No finds were recovered from their respective dark grey brown silty clay fills (1005 and 1008), which were derived from topsoil.

20 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

Fig. 18 Wheel ruts 1007, looking east (1m scales)

5.17 North/south orientated feature 1002 was located centrally within the trench (Fig. 19). It had the appearance of a ditch in plan and follows the alignment of the surrounding field system. On excavation it shared characteristics indicative of wheel ruts excavated elsewhere on site, however, it is tentatively interpreted as the highly truncated base of a field boundary ditch. No finds were recovered from its dark grey brown silty clay fill (1003), which is derived from gradual natural silting.

21 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

Fig. 19 Ditch 1002, looking north (0.5m scale)

5.18 Located approximately 60m to the south-west of wheel ruts 1007 were further wheel ruts 1012 and 1010 (Fig. 17).

5.19 Located within the south-western part of the site was circluar pit 1014 (Fig. 20; section AA). It measured 0.5m long, 0.6m wide and 0.19m deep with steeply sloping sides and an uneven base. No finds were recoverd from its single dark grey brown silty clay fill (1015).

Fig. 20 Pit 1014: section (1:20)

22 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

5.20 Located to the immediate east was pit 1016. It was sub-oval in plan and measured 0.95m long, 0.55m wide and 0.17m deep, with moderately steeply sloping sides and an uneven base. No finds were recovered from its single dark grey brown clay silt fill (1017).

5.21 Located on the boundary between Trench 25 and Trench 26 was broadly north- east/south-west orientated ditch 1018 (Fig. 21; section BB). It was recorded for a length of 5.8m, measuring 0.5m wide and 0.11m deep. It had an asymmetrical profile, with a steeply sloping south-eastern side and a gradually sloping north- western side. No finds were recovered from its single light grey brown clay silt fill (1019).

5.22 This feature corresponds with a field boundary first depicted on the 1853 Ordnance Survey Map and shown on current mapping.

Fig. 21 Ditch 1018: section (1:20)

Trench 26 (Figs 2, 3, 20 & 21) 5.23 Located towards the south-western corner of the site, Trench 26 was located within an area of former arable land. The natural geological substrate (5002), comprising brownish yellow sandy clay was encountered across the majority of the trench at a depth of 0.5m bpgl (Fig. 22), however, in places the natural was not revealed. The natural substrate was overlain by grey brown silty clay subsoil (5001), measuring 0.2m thick. This was in turn sealed by dark grey brown clay silt topsoil (5000) which measured 0.3m thick.

23 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

Fig. 22 Trench 26, looking east

5.24 Revealed for a length of 35m, emanating from the southern baulk of the trench was north-west/south-east orientated culvert 5004 (Fig. 23). It measured 0.67m wide and 0.2m deep, with moderately steeply sloping sides and a flat base. Within the construction cut were two parallel rows of deliberately placed sandstone blocks, placed on edge, with a c. 0.2m gap between. These were capped by a further sandstone block.

Fig. 23 Culvert 5003, looking south-east (0.3m scale)

24 © Cotswold Archaeology Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works

6. DISCUSSION

6.1 The programme of archaeological works identified limited archaeological remains within the area of observed groundworks. The watching brief has demonstrated that archaeological remains relating to prehistoric funerary and settlement remains were not present within the site.

6.2 No archaeological remains conclusively predating the post medieval/modern periods were found during the course of this watching brief. The remains of six ditches, two pits, two palaeochannels, one culvert and extensive modern disturbance in the form of wheel ruts were revealed.

Field Systems 6.3 The watching brief identified ditches and agricultural features across the site. The alignments of the ditches form at least two co-axial field systems. The ditches have been grouped into those oriented north-west/south-east (Field System 1) and those orientated broadly north/south and east/west (Field System 2).

6.4 Field System 1, comprised ditches 2016, 1002 and 1018. Although no dating evidence was recovered, the cartographic evidence and morphological characteristics suggests a date within the post-medieval/modern period for the field system, with the ditches either depicted on historic Ordnance survey mapping or conforming to the pattern of the established field systems as depicted on current and historic Ordnance Survey mapping. The surrounding field systems predominantly relate to Parliamentary Enclosures of the post-medieval period, with surviving elements of earlier medieval strip fields also present.

6.5 Field System 2, comprised ditches 2010, 2020 and 2002. No dateable material was recovered from the fill of these ditches, which could not be attributed to the putative post-medieval field system. As such it remains difficult to confidently date the field system, although given its differing alignment to the current field arrangement, it is suggested that it pre-dates the post-medieval period.

Post-medieval (1540 to 1800) 6.6 A culvert of likely post-medieval date was identified within Trench 26. This was broadly parallel with the B1416 road, located approximately 250m to the south-west.

Modern (1800 to present) 6.7 Evidence of modern disturbance was identified across the site, presumably associated both with the sites former agricultural uses and the current development, as evidenced by wheel ruts identified penetrating the natural substrate. It is not considered that this has had an adverse effect on any potential buried archaeological features or deposits.

Undated 6.8 It was not possible to attribute undated pits 1014 and 1016, recorded in Trench 25, to any of the identified phases of activity and they remain undated.

Natural Features 6.9 An extensive, sinuous, but broadly linear feature (2004), on a broadly north- west/south-east alignment, was exposed during the watching brief. The feature was interpreted as a probable palaeochannel based on its morphology and fill characteristics. It was recorded in Trench 23 as feature 2004, measuring between approximately 10m and 20m wide. A further palaeochannel or winterbourne (2018), probably of more recent date was recorded in Trench 22.

6.10 The absence of significant archaeological deposits within the area of observed groundworks may indicate that any potential remains associated with prehistoric activity either do not extend as far as the development, were not exposed by the development, or have been removed by previous activity.

7. CA PROJECT TEAM

7.1 Fieldwork was undertaken by Ed Grenier, Molly Day and Robert Falvey. The report was written by Stuart Joyce. The illustrations were prepared by Tom Brown. The archive has been compiled by Emily Evans and prepared for deposition by Hazel O’Neill. The project was managed for CA by Stuart Joyce.

10. REFERENCES

BGS (British Geological Survey) 2018 Geology of Britain Viewer http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html Accessed 23 January 2018

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2012a Doves Nest North, North York Moors: Heritage Desk- Based Assessment. CA Report No. 12385

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2012b Potash Exploration, Dove’s Nest, Sneaton, North York Moors: Heritage Desk-Based Assessment. CA Report No. 12108

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2013 Potash Exploration, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works (Phase 2). CA typescript report 13504

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2014a Minehead at Land at Doves Nest Farm, Sneaton, North Yorkshire, Archaeological Watching Brief (Phase 4; June to July 2014). CA typescript report no 14309

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2014b Potash Minehead, Doves Nest Farm, North York Moors: Heritage Desk-Based Assessment. CA Report No. 14146

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2016 Minehead at Land at Doves Nest, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Written Scheme of Investigation for a Programme of Archaeological Works. Document number: 660829/D

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2017 Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire Phase 3: Written Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Watching Brief, Document number: 40-COT-WS-70-EN-PL-0003

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2018 Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire Phases 2 & 3: programme of Archaeological Work, Document number: 40-COT-WS-8324-EN-PD- 00001_Rev 1

CIfA, 2014 Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Watching Brief. Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (Reading)

CIfA 2014 Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Excavation. Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (Reading)

Furgo 2014 York Potash Pipeline Ariel LiDAR Survey: Survey report

GSB Prospection Ltd 2012 Geophysical Survey at Potash Minehead Site North York Moors: Geophysical Survey Report 2012/63

RHDHV (Royal HaskoningDHV) 2014 York Potash Project Mine, MTS and MHF Environmental Statement: Part 2, Chapter 13 Cultural Heritage Ref: PB1110/303688/Lond

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS

Trench Context Type Fill Context Context Description Length Width Thickness Number of Interpretation (m) (m) (m) 11 3000 Layer Topsoil Dark brown black silty clay 0.28 with a high organic content 11 3001 Layer Natural Light yellow red clay - Substrate 22/23 2000 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay 0.3

22/23 2001 Layer Natural Light yellow grey sandy clay, Substrate with occasional rounded stones 23 2002 Cut Ditch North west/south-east 60 0.47 0.25 orientated. Moderately steeply sloping uneven sides and a tapered base 23 2003 Fill 2002 Fill of ditch Dark grey brown silty clay 60 0.47 0.25 23 2004 Cut Paleochannel North-west/south-east 60 10-20 orientated 23 2005 Fill 2004 Paleochannel mottled light brownish red and 60 10-20 dark reddish brown silty clay 22 2010 Cut Ditch Steeply sloping concave sides 0.41 0.14 and a slightly irregular base 22 2011 Fill 2010 Fill of ditch Mid grey brown silt 0.41 0.14

22 2012 Cut Wheel ruts

22 2013 Fill 2012 Fill of wheel ruts Mid grey brown silty clay

22 2014 Cut Wheel ruts

22 2015 Fill 2014 Fill of wheel ruts Mid grey brown silty clay

22 2016 Cut Ditch Linear, diffuse edges

22 2017 Fill 2016 Fill of ditch Mid brown silt with occasional stones 22 2018 Cut Palaeochannel Amorphous in plan, orientated 30 broadly nw/se 22 2019 Fill 2019 Fill of light grey brown silt 30 palaeochannel 22 2020 Cut Ditch North east/south-west 14.85 orientated 22 2021 Fill 2020 Fill of ditch Light grey brown sandy silt fill 14.85

22 2026 Cut Natural feature Asymmetrical profile, irregular sloping sides and an uneven base 22 2027 Fill 2026 Natural fill sterile brown silt

24 4000 Layer Topsoil dark grey brown silty clay 0.65

24 4001 Layer Subsoil 0.16 grey brown silty clay 24 4002 Layer Natural light brownish grey clay

25 1000 Layer Topsoil mid grey brown silty clay 0.24

25 1001 Layer Natural Light orange yellow clay

25 1002 Cut Ditch Nw/se orientated field 0.38 0.05 boundary ditch 25 1003 Fill 1002 Fill of ditch Light grey black silty clay 0.38 0.05

25 1004 Cut Wheel rut

25 1005 Fill 1004 Fill of wheel rut dark grey brown silty clay fills

25 1007 Cut wheel rut

25 1008 Fill 1007 Fill of wheel rut dark grey brown silty clay fills

25 1010 Cut wheel rut

25 1011 Fill 1011 Fill of wheel rut dark grey brown silty clay fills

25 1012 Cut wheel rut

25 1013 Fill 1012 Fill of wheel rut dark grey brown silty clay fills

25 1014 Cut Pit Circular pit with steeply 0.5 0.6 0.19 sloping sides and an uneven base 25 1015 Fill 1015 Fill of pit Dark grey brown silty clay 0.5 0.6 0.19

25 1016 Cut Pit Sub-oval in plan, with 0.95 0.55 0.17 moderately steeply sloping sides and an uneven base 25 1017 Fill 1016 Fill of pit dark grey brown clay silt 0.95 0.55 0.17

25 1018 Cut Ditch Broadly north-east/south-west 5.8 0.5 0.11 orientated. Asymmetrical profile, with a steeply sloping south-eastern side and a gradually sloping north- western side 25 1019 Fill 1018 Fill of ditch Light grey brown clay silt 5.8 0.5 0.11

26 5000 Layer Topsoil dark grey brown clay silt 0.3

26 5001 Layer Subsoil grey brown silty clay 0.2

26 5002 Layer Natural brownish yellow sandy clay

26 5003 Masonry Stone culvert Two parallel rows of 35 0.67 0.2 deliberately placed sandstone blocks, placed on edge, with a c. 0.2m gap between. These were capped by a further sandstone block. 26 5004 Cut Cut of culvert Moderately steeply sloping 35 0.67 0.2 sides and a flat base 26 5005 Fill 5004 Fill of cut Brown grey clay silt 35 0.67 0.2

APPENDIX B: OASIS REPORT FORM

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Name Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Works Short description An Archaeological Watching Brief was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology between June and December 2018 at Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire. The fieldwork was undertaken to satisfy the requirements of condition 95 of planning permission NYM/2014/0676/MEIA.

The works comprised a watching brief during the mechanical stripping of overburden from six areas down to the natural geological substrate.

This revealed two sinuous features, interpreted as silted palaeochannels, as well as partial elements of at least two field systems. Although these field systems remained undated artefactually, they have been assigned to either the pre-medieval period or the post-medieval period based on their relationships with one another, their morphological characteristics and cartographic analysis

In addition, a stone lined culvert of probable post-medieval date and two undated pits were also identified. Project dates June to December 2018 Project type Watching Brief Previous work Watching Brief (CA 2013) Geophysical survey (GSB 2014) Programme of Archaeological Works (CA 2017) Future work Unknown PROJECT LOCATION Site Location Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire Study area (M2/ha) 50 ha Site co-ordinates 489446 505168 PROJECT CREATORS Name of organisation Cotswold Archaeology Project Brief originator Organisation who wrote the brief Project Design (WSI) originator Cotswold Archaeology Project Manager Stuart Joyce Project Supervisor Ed Grenier, Molly Day and Robert Falvey MONUMENT TYPE none SIGNIFICANT FINDS none PROJECT ARCHIVES Intended final location of archive Content Physical none none Paper Scarborough Museum WSI, Pro-forma recording sheets and registers Digital Scarborough Museum Digital photographs, digital survey records. BIBLIOGRAPHY CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2018 Woodsmith Mine, Sneaton, North Yorkshire: Programme of Archaeological Work. CA typescript report 18716