HeritageCollective
Archaeological Impact Assessment
Land West of the B3105 Relief Road, Trowbridge
On behalf of HGT Developments LLP
November 2015
Project Ref: 1854
Project Number: 1854 Authored by: Karl Hulka Reviewed by: Mark Doods Date: November 2015
Document version M:\HC\Projects\Projects 1501- 2000\Projects 1801-1900\15.1854 - Land West of the B3105 Releif Road, Trowbridge\1854\Reports\1854 LWB3105 - AIA (15.11.30) v.5.docx
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CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 1.0 INTRODUCTION 5 2.0 PLANNING FRAMEWORK 7 3.0 GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY 10 4.0 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND 12 5.0 SITE CONDITIONS AND THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 25 6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 26 SOURCES CONSULTED 28
APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: Site location maps APPENDIX 2: Wiltshire HER map and list APPENDIX 3: Historic maps and images Appendix 3.1: 1575 Saxton’s WILTONIAE Comitatus Appendix 3.2: 1610 Speed’s Map of Wiltshire Appendix 3.3: 1773 Andrews and Drury’s Map of Wiltshire Appendix 3.4: 1808 Ordnance Surveyors Drawing Appendix 3.5: 1838 Tithe Map of Hilperton Appendix 3.6: 1887 Ordnance Survey map Appendix 3.7: 1901 Ordnance Survey map Appendix 3.8: 1924 Ordnance Survey map Appendix 3.9: 1936 Ordnance Survey map Appendix 3.10: 1945 Aerial Photograph Appendix 3.11: 1969 Ordnance Survey map Appendix 3.12: 1978 Ordnance Survey map Appendix 3.13: 2006 Google Earth Image Appendix 3.14: Archaeological Investigations of Hilperton Relief Road APPENDIX 4: Current proposals for the application site
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The site known as Land west of the B3105 Relief Road, Trowbridge, is proposed for development.
The desk-based assessment suggested that the application site has a high potential for later prehistoric activity associated with a possible Bronze Age barrow adjacent to the application site and a number of Bronze Age and Iron Age areas of occupation in close proximity to the application site. A high potential for Roman activity was also indicated, evidenced by a number of rural farmsteads and areas of agricultural activity within the study area. The assessment also indicated a moderate to high potential for the medieval and post—medieval periods associated with agricultural activities located outside the settlements of Hilperton and Hilperton Marsh.
However, the archaeological monitoring of geo-technical works and a site- wide geo-physical survey failed to identify any significant or extensive remains.
Existing impacts on any surviving archaeological deposits and features will derive from the use of the land as agricultural fields from at least the early 19th century onwards, including the construction of field boundaries and drainage ditches across the application site itself.
Therefore, on the basis of the evidence presented in this assessment, it is advised that any further work should be limited to a watching brief carried out on intrusive groundworks associated with the proposed development.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 This archaeological impact assessment has been prepared by Karl Hulka (ACIfA), Director of Archaeology and Nick Garland (ACIfA), former archaeological consultant at Heritage Collective, on behalf of HGT Developments LLP. Documentary research was carried out by the authors.
1.2 This report is confidential to the Client and Heritage Collective UK Limited shall not be responsible for any use of the report or its contents for any purpose other than that for which it was prepared and provided. Should the Client require to pass copies of the report to other parties for information, the whole of the report should be so copied, but no professional liability or warranty shall be extended to other parties by Heritage Collective in this connection without explicit written agreement thereto by Heritage Collective. The report may be assigned by the Client by way of absolute legal assignment to a purchaser (or purchasers) of all or part of the site to which the report refers (“The Site”) without the consent of Heritage Collective being required and as such assignment shall be effective upon written notice thereof being given by the Client to Heritage Collective. No further assignments shall be permitted unless expressly agreed by Heritage Collective. In the event of the Client entering into a legal joint venture to develop the Site, the report can be regarded as having been issued by Heritage Collective jointly in favour of the Client and the joint venture partner(s), and in respect of the report Heritage Collective would owe the joint venture partner(s) the same duty of care that Heritage Collective owed to the Client when Heritage Collective were instructed to prepare the report to all the matters contained or referred to in the report.
1.3 The subject of this assessment is the site known as Land West of the B3105 Relief Road, Trowbridge, here after referred to as the ‘application site’. The application site is located to the west of the historic core of the village of Hilperton and is centred at National Grid Reference (NGR) ST (3)86542 (1)59422 (Appendix 1). The application site is located in close proximity to Hilperton Conservation Areas (1 and 2), 500m to the NW of a scheduled monument, Lock up 40m north east of Church Farm (1019734)
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and 30m to the north-west of a registered park and garden, Trowbridge General Cemetery (1001587).
Application area showing new relief road (B3105)
1.4 HGT Developments LLP (The Client) has commissioned Heritage Collective to establish the archaeological potential of the site, and to provide guidance on ways to accommodate any relevant constraints identified. This assessment is in accordance with the national planning policy framework (NPPF) and the procedures set out in ‘Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-based Assessment’1.
1.5 The desk-based element of this assessment comprises an examination of evidence on the Wiltshire Historic Environment Record (HER) together with a range of archives and libraries including the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, National Monuments Record, The British Library and The National Archives. It incorporates the results of a comprehensive map regression exercise in order to review the impacts of existing development on potential underlying archaeological deposits. A site
1 Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. Standard and Guidance for historic desk-based assessment. CIfA (2014).
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walkover was conducted by Karl Hulka, Archaeology Director at Heritage Collective, on the 22nd May 2015 who also monitored geo-technical works between 9th and 22nd June 2015. This assessment is also supported by a geophysical survey of the entire site carried out between the 10th and 14th July 2015.
1.6 This impact assessment thus enables all relevant parties to assess the archaeological potential of the site and to consider the need for design, civil engineering and archaeological solutions to the potentials identified.
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2.0 PLANNING FRAMEWORK
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
2.1 Legislation regarding archaeology, including scheduled ancient monuments, is contained in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, amended by the National Heritage Act 1983 and 2002.
2.2 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published in March 2012 provides guidance for planning authorities, property owners, developers and others on the preservation and investigation of archaeological remains. The framework sets out the obligations placed on the local planning authority (Chapter 12) through the development and implementation of a local plan. The framework also sets out the need for the determining authority to ensure that they have sufficient information when making decisions on applications affecting the historic environment.
2.3 In summary, government guidance on archaeology contained within the NPPF provides a structure for making decisions:
where designated heritage assets (world heritage sites, scheduled monuments, listed buildings, protected wreck sites, registered parks and gardens, registered battlefields and conservation areas) are affected by development
where the settings of heritage assets are affected by development
where nationally important un-scheduled monuments are affected by development
2.4 In addition the National Planning Policy Framework:
• requires the applicant to provide proportionate information on heritage assets affected by the proposals and an assessment of the impact of the proposed development on the significance of the heritage asset
• places a duty on the decision making body to determine applications on the basis of sufficient evidence, gathered if necessary from field evaluation
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Local Policies
Wiltshire Core Strategy Development Plan Document 2015
2.5 The Wiltshire Core Strategy Development Plan Document 2015 was adopted on the 20th January 2015. This document replaced the South Wiltshire Core Strategy as well as a number of policies from the former District Councils Local Plans. The following policies are relevant to this assessment:
2.6 Core Policy 58: Ensuring the conservation of the historic environment
Development should protect, conserve and where possible enhance the historic environment.
Designated heritage assets and their settings will be conserved, and where appropriate enhanced in a manner appropriate to their significance, including:
i. Nationally significant archaeological remains
ii. World Heritage Sites within and adjacent to Wiltshire
iii. Buildings and structures of special architectural or historic interest
iv. The special character or appearance of conservation areas
v. Historic parks and gardens
vi. Important landscapes, including registered battlefields and townscapes.
Distinctive elements of Wiltshire’s historic environment, including non- designated heritage assets, which contribute to a sense of local character and identity will be conserved, and where possible enhanced. The potential contribution of these heritage assets towards wider social, cultural, economic
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and environmental benefits will also be utilised where this can be delivered in a sensitive and appropriate manner in accordance with Core Policy 572.
Heritage assets at risk will be monitored and development proposals that improve their condition will be encouraged. The advice of statutory and local consultees will be sought in consideration of such applications.
2 Core Policy 57- Ensuring high quality design and place shaping
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3.0 GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY
Geology
3.1 The British Geological Survey identifies the underlying solid geology as Kellaways Formation (Mudstone), on the northern part of the application site and Cornbrash Formation (Limestone), on the southern part of the application site. Both are sedimentary bedrocks formed during the Jurassic Period, approximately 161 to 168 million years ago in an area dominated by shallow seas.
3.2 No superficial geology has been identified within the application site3.
3.3 The geotechnical investigation identified that The Cornbrash Formation (limestone) overlies the Kellaways Formation (mudstone), with the former having been eroded to reveal the later. The extent of the limestone in broad terms follows the line of the stream which crosses the application site from east to west although the boundary is in places to the south of this. The upper part of both geological deposits had been weathered and is sealed by a relatively shallow silty sand topsoil and subsoil matrix varying from 0.2m to 0.4m thick.
Topography
3.4 The study area is located to the north-west of the village of Hilperton and north-east of the town of Trowbridge, located to the south of Horse Road and to the east of Wyke Road. The application site is located immediately to the southeast of the new Hilperton Relief Road, which was opened in October 2015. The boundary of the application site on this side comprises an open timber fence and is newly created as part of the Hilperton Relief Road works.
3.5 The application site is an irregularly shaped parcel of land measuring approximately 450m in length, 225m in width and enclosing an area of approximately 7.95 hectares. The application site is located across four fields enclosed by hedgerows and crossed by two small streams which run across the application site from the north-south and east-west, joining in the centre
3 British Geological Society online viewer http://www.bgs.ac.uk/ [date accessed 01.02.2015]
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of the site. The application site is bounded to the north and extreme south by the gardens of a number of residential properties that front onto Wyke Road and Horse Road. The remainder of the southern and south eastern boundaries are bounded by pasture and arable fields respectively. The western side of the site is bounded by a single track, road giving access to a row of garages and some commercial premises.
3.6 Within the application site the ground falls from the north and south, towards a stream which crosses the site from east to west. In the area of the stream the ground level is recorded at approximately 35.50m AOD, rising to 39.30m in the extreme south and 44.90m AOD in the extreme south.
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4.0 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
4.1 Timescales used in this report:
Prehistoric Palaeolithic 450,000 - 12,000 BC Mesolithic 12,000 - 4,000 BC Neolithic 4,000 - 1,800 BC Bronze Age 1,800 - 600 BC Iron Age 600 - AD 43
Historic Roman AD 43 - 410 Saxon/Early Medieval AD 410 - 1066 Medieval AD 1066 - 1485 Post Medieval AD 1486 - 1800 Modern AD 1800 - Present
4.2 This chapter considers the archaeological finds and features from within a 2km radius of the application site, held on the Wiltshire Historic Environment Record (HER), here after referred to as the ‘study area’, together with a map regression exercise charting the history of the site from the late 16th century to the present day.
4.3 Five Conservation Areas; Trowbridge, Trowbridge (Hilperton Road), Holt, Hilperton 1 and Hilperton 2, are located within the study area. A single scheduled monument known as ‘Lock-up 40m north east of Church Farm (1019734)’ and a Grade II registered park and garden, Trowbridge General Cemetery (1001587) are also located within the study area. The HER map and list are included in this report at Appendix 2, showing the distribution of entries in the vicinity of the application site. The map regression (Appendix 3) indicates that the application site was used as agricultural land from at least the early 19th century onwards, and possibly earlier, until the present day. The Hilperton Relief Road, which forms the eastern boundary of the application site, was under construction during the research for this assessment but has subsequently been completed and opened.
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Earlier Prehistoric – Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic
4.4 The Lower and Middle Palaeolithic archaeology of Wiltshire is dominated by a sizeable collection of unstratfied flint artefacts closely associated with the River Avon and its tributaries, located to the south of the study area4. While evidence for the Upper Palaeolithic is sparse in comparison5, Mesolithic activity is relatively rich, represented by a large collection of unstratified and stratified flint assemblages, recovered both through fieldwalking and excavation6. Archaeological excavations undertaken at Castle Meadow, Downton, located to the south-east of the study area and Cherhill, located to the north-east have uncovered evidence for Mesolithic occupation and flint working7.
4.5 Evidence for the Neolithic period in Wiltshire has been dominated by the examination of the Wessex chalklands; in particular Stonehenge and the Avebury landscape, now recognised on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. However, archaeological investigation across the remainder of the county has also revealed a number of faunal and human bone assemblages8, a large number of flint scatters9, and a number of ceremonial monuments including long barrows10, round barrows and round cairns11. This suggests a richly occupied landscape across the region during the Neolithic period.
4.6 A single find of Palaeolithic date has been uncovered within the study area. A handaxe, , was found in an area 750m to the east of the application site, however it was not recovered from within its original context (MWI1266).
4.7 An archaeological evaluation along Marine Drive, located 1.4km to the north- west of the application site, uncovered a single feature of Neolithic date (MWI1844). A small gully containing a single fill was uncovered, dated to the Late Neolithic period through the recovery of ten pieces of worked flint, including three scrapers and a blade. In addition, a number of unstratified Neolithic tools have also been uncovered during a watching brief for the excavation of a
4 Hosfield, R., Straker, V. and Gardiner, P. Palaeolithic and Mesolithic. In Webster, C.J. (ed). The Archaeology of South West England: South West Archaeological Research Framework - Resource Assessment and Research Agenda. Somerset County Council (2007), p31. 5 Ibid, p37 6 Ibid, p57 7 Ibid 8 Pollard, J. and Healy, F. Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. In: Webster, C.J. (ed). The Archaeology of South West England: South West Archaeological Research Framework - Resource Assessment and Research Agenda. Somerset County Council (2007), p75. 9 Ibid, p80 10 Ibid, p94 11 Ibid, p99
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pipeline in an area 1.6km to the north of the application site12 (MWI1845, MWI1846).
4.8 A small number of unstratfied flint tools and a single feature of Neolithic date have been uncovered within the study area. However, apart from a single unstratified Palaeolithic flint axe, the majority of these remains have been uncovered at some distance from the application site. Consequently the potential for encountering remains dating to this period within the application site is considered to be low.
Later Prehistoric – Bronze Age and Iron Age
4.9 The earlier Bronze Age period in the Wiltshire area is represented by a large number of funerary monuments, which in part illustrate the ongoing occupation and development of Late Neolithic sites in this area. Evidence for the Middle Bronze Age in the Wiltshire area is dominated by evidence for a number of settlements defined by several circular buildings, raised granaries, ponds and fence lines13. This includes the excavated site at Thorney Down, Winterslow, located to the south-east of the study area. While evidence for occupation in the Later Bronze Age has been difficult to identify, a number of a large scale linear earthworks were constructed during this period on the Salisbury Plain, also located to the south-east14. The development of these earthworks took place over a significant period (into the Middle Iron Age) and suggests a desire to divide land and establish definitive boundaries during this period. Excavations in the centre of Trowbridge in the 1970s and 80s, located to the south-west, revealed some evidence for Bronze Age occupation on the higher topographic area on which the town stands. The excavation of a palisade was interpreted by the excavators to represent a boundary, potentially of an enclosure site or perhaps part of the edge of a field system15.
4.10 A number of archaeological investigations across the study area have revealed evidence for Bronze Age occupation. This includes an excavation in the centre of
12 Context One Archaeological Services. Staverton Embankment Rising Main Diversion, Avon View Farm, Holt, Wiltshire. (2004). 13 Fitzpatrick, A. Later Bronze Age and Iron Age. In: Webster, C.J. (ed). The Archaeology of South West England: South West Archaeological Research Framework - Resource Assessment and Research Agenda. Somerset County Council (2007), p117. 14 Bradley, R., Entwistle, R. & Raymond, F. Prehistoric land divisions on Salisbury Plain: the work of the Wessex Linear Ditches Project. English Heritage Report 2. (1994). 15 Graham, A.H. & Davies, S.M. Excavations in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, 1977 and 1986-88. Wessex Archaeology Report No 2. (1993), p142.
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Trowbridge in 1988, located 1.6km to the south-west of the application site, which revealed a number of linear features that may represent a field system (MWI1271). A limited number of other features were also uncovered including a row of 6 post holes, possibly representing a fence line, and a number of pits. An area of probable Bronze Age settlement, including a number of pits, postholes and ditches, was also excavated at Palmers Close, located approximately 900m to the south-east of the application site (MWI1274).
4.11 Two further excavations in the study area revealed a small number of features of Bronze Age date. This includes an isolated pit found during an archaeological evaluation at Blue Hills House, Paxcroft (MWI1276), located approximately 1.6km to the east of the application site. An early to mid Bronze Age ditch was also uncovered during an evaluation at Marine Drive, 1km to the north-west of the application site (MWI1850). A single sherd of pottery, a single flint flake and frequent charcoal flecks were recovered from the fill of this feature.
4.12 An undated feature, located immediately to the east of the application site, may also provide evidence for the Bronze Age (MWI1360). A ring ditch initially identified on aerial photographs has been confirmed by a geophysical survey of part of the application site and the adjacent area as part of the development of the Hilperton Relief Road16. This feature has been interpreted as representing a Bronze Age barrow, or burial monument. The relief road was moved to the south to avoid the barrow monument and this feature is now located on the eastern side of the relief road (see Appendix 3.14).
4.13 In addition, a number of unstratified finds of a Bronze Age date have also been uncovered within the study area. This includes two barbed and tanged flint arrowheads, 400m to the south-west (MWI1269) and 1.2km to the south-east (MWI1275) and a small thumb scraper, 1.2km to the east of the application site (MWI1272).
4.14 A number of Iron Age settlement sites have been excavated across the county since the early 20th century, representing defended sites, enclosures and unenclosed areas of occupation17. The diversity and large number of these sites
16 Sims, D. Hilperton, East Trowbridge, Wiltshire: Archaeological Evaluation Report. Oxford Archaeology grey literature report (2004), p1. 17 Fitzpatrick, A. Later Bronze Age and Iron Age. In: Webster, C.J. (ed). The Archaeology of South West England: South West Archaeological Research Framework - Resource Assessment and Research Agenda. Somerset County Council (2007), p131.
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has meant that ‘Wessex’ remains one of the most well investigated areas of Iron Age Britain, providing a number of key data sets including the excavation of Little Woodbury, Salisbury, to the south of the study area18. Archaeological excavation in the centre of Trowbridge in 1988, located 1.6km to the south-west of the application site, revealed a single four post structure of an Iron Age date (MWI1278). The structure was interpreted as representing an elevated granary structure and may be indicative of occupation in the nearby area19.
4.15 A large oval enclosure of an Iron Age date has been identified initially through aerial photography in an area north of Paxcroft Farm, located 1.7km to the east of the application site (MWI1341). Part of the enclosure, not initially visible on the aerial photographs, was identified through a geophysical survey of the site. Subsequent excavation through the enclosure ditch uncovered three sherds of Iron Age pottery, a single burnt stone and fragments of cattle bone in the basal fill. A second ditched enclosure, also identified through aerial photography and dated to the Iron Age, has been identified 1.5km to the east of the application site (MWI1277). A small investigation of the site was undertaken as part of the construction of pipeline through this area and uncovered a number of pits and postholes dated to the Iron Age through pottery recovered from these features.
4.16 A further archaeological investigation at Marina Drive, located approximately 1km to the north-west of the application site, revealed a number of Iron Age features (MWI1852, MWI1853). This includes a single pit, containing pottery, flint and charcoal inclusions, and a posthole containing a number of pottery sherds. In addition, a number of sherds of Iron Age pottery were uncovered during fieldwalking 1.5km to the east of the application site (MWI1279).
4.17 A number of archaeological investigations across the study area have revealed evidence for both Bronze and Iron Age occupation, reflecting the wider corpus of archaeological evidence dating to the later prehistoric period across the county. The evidence within the study area includes a possible Bronze Age barrow immediately to the east of the application site and a number of Iron Age enclosure sites in close proximity. Consequently the potential for encountering remains dating to this period (particularly the Bronze Age) within the application site is considered to be moderate to high.
18 Ibid. 19 Graham, A.H. & Davies, S.M. Excavations in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, 1977 and 1986-88. Wessex Archaeology Report No 2. (1993), p142.
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Roman
4.18 Wiltshire was quickly occupied by the Roman Empire, following the Claudian conquest of AD 43. There is currently limited evidence for conquest period forts in the county, however, there is evidence from multiple sites including Late Iron Age occupation sites, to suggest the presence of the military in the 1st century AD20. A network of roads was established across Wiltshire in the early Roman period, many of which met at important junctions and led to the establishment of a number of settlements, including Wanborough, Mildenhall (both to the north-east) and Old Sarum (to the south-east)21. The Roman town of ‘Aquae Sulis’, now Bath, is located approximately 10km to the north-west of the application site and was also established early in the post conquest period.
4.19 Archaeological investigations in the centre of Trowbridge in 1980s, located approximately 1.6km to the south-west of the application site, revealed a number of features of a Roman date. This includes a large ditch containing pottery sherds and a 4th century Roman coin (MWI1286). A number of 1st century brooches and 3rd to 4th century Roman coins were also found as residual finds in later features.
4.20 Archaeological investigations as part of the Hilperton relief road, located immediately to the east of the application site, uncovered a large ditch that has been tentatively dated to the Roman period (see section 4.43). The southern edge of a ditch was uncovered as part of a trial trench evaluation and corresponded to a large enclosure identified through a geophysical survey of the road scheme. The tentative date of the possible enclosure was due to the fact that feature itself was cut through a 19th century soil horizon suggesting a post- medieval date. However, the excavators suspected that the excavated feature represented the latest in a number of recuts that respected the line of an earlier Roman enclosure ditch22.
4.21 A number of archaeological investigations at Upper Paxcroft Farm, located 1.2km to the south-east of the application site, revealed evidence for Roman agricultural activities and occupation. This includes a series of eight ditches
20 Griffths, N. The Roman Army in Wiltshire. In: Ellis, P. (ed). Roman Wiltshire and After. Papers in Honour of Ken Annable. Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society. (2001), p39-72. 21 Corney, M. The Romano-British nucleated settlements of Wiltshire. In: Ellis, P. (ed). Roman Wiltshire and After. Papers in Honour of Ken Annable. Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society. (2001), p5. 22 Sims, D. Hilperton, East Trowbridge, Wiltshire: Archaeological Evaluation Report. Oxford Archaeology grey literature report (2004), p6.
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containing Romano-British pottery and a larger east-west boundary ditch (MWI1286), suggesting a field system. A number of possible pits containing a large quantity of Roman pottery were uncovered in close proximity and may suggest that there is an area of nearby occupation associated with these field systems (MWI1292).
4.22 A number of Roman features were uncovered during an archaeological evaluation at Marina Drive, located 1km to the north-west of the application site (MWI1859). The features include a building that potentially forms part of a settlement that lay outside the confines of the site. A small evaluation at Paxcroft Mead, located 1.1km to the south-east of the application site, also revealed a single large ditch containing a quantity of Roman pottery (MWI1293).
4.23 A number of unstratfied finds dating to the Roman period have also been uncovered within the study area. This includes a coin of the Emperor Diocletion, 1.4km to the south-west of the application site (MWI1279), a number of roman pottery sherds found during fieldwalking, 1.3km to the east (MWI1287) and three residual sherds of pottery found during an excavation 1.5km to the south- west (MWI1294).
4.24 While there are no known Roman settlements located in close proximity to the study area, a series of archaeological investigations have revealed evidence for occupation surrounding the application site. This suggests that this area was probably occupied by a number of rural farmsteads and associated field systems during the Roman period. This may also include a possible Roman enclosure investigated as part of the Hilperton Relief Road and uncovered immediately to the south-east of the application site (see section 4.43). Due to the proximity of the application site to an area of dense archaeological evidence dating to the Roman period, the potential of encountering archaeological remains from these periods is considered to be high.
Saxon/ Early Medieval
4.25 In the Anglo-Saxon period the study area was located in the western part of the Kingdom of Wessex, with the boundary with the Somerset laying to the west23. Archaeological investigations in the centre of Trowbridge have uncovered
23 Graham, A.H. & Davies, S.M. Excavations in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, 1977 and 1986-88. Wessex Archaeology Report No 2. (1993), p142.
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evidence for the origins of this settlement during the Anglo-Saxon period (MWI1295). The available evidence suggests that the settlement was occupied intermittently from the 7th century onwards with evidence for early sunken feature buildings and later post built structures24. Evidence for a Saxo-Norman manorial complex and chapel was also uncovered, dating to the 10th century25. While there is limited evidence for contemporary settlements in this area, archaeological investigation at Westbury, to the south, suggests that it may too have origins in the Anglo-Saxon period. This is based on the recovery of a large assemblage of Saxon pottery during the excavation of a Romano-British settlement26, as well as its inclusion in Domesday.
4.26 Two sunken feature buildings of an Anglo-Saxon date were uncovered during archaeological investigations north of Paxcroft Farm, located approximately 1.6km to the east of the application site (MWI1296). While there were no finds uncovered in either structure, they were dated to this period due to their similarity to other features. The similarity in the fill of features defining each of the buildings suggests that they were contemporary in date and represent an area of occupation during this period.
4.27 Archaeological evidence suggests that the settlement of Trowbridge had origins in the Anglo-Saxon period and that there was some evidence for occupation in the wider study area, particularly 1.5km to the east of the application site. However, there is limited further evidence for this period in the study area or located in close proximity to the application site itself. Consequently the potential of encountering archaeological remains from these periods is considered to be low.
Medieval
4.28 The Domesday Survey records the manor of Trowbridge, or Straburg as it was known, as being held by a Saxon named Brictric, whose father had held it since the Norman invasion27. The survey also records that the Manor of Hilperton, the
24 Ibid, p142-144 25 Ibid, p144 26 Ibid, p142 27 Morris, J. (ed.) Domesday Book: Wiltshire. Chichester (1976).
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location of the application site, was held by the King under a number of tenants; Ansger the cook, William Corniole, Godwin Clack, and Ealdhild28.
4.29 The settlement of Trowbridge (MWI1298), located 1.6km to the south-west of the application site, probably grew from origins in the Anglo-Saxon period (see section 4.25). A motte and bailey castle was constructed in Trowbridge at some point in the early 12th century by Humphrey De Bohunne (MWI1297) and formed the centre for the growth of the town during the medieval period. A market was also granted to the town in 1200. Archaeological investigations within the modern town of Trowbridge have revealed several elements of the medieval town (MWI1313). This includes significant amounts of medieval pottery dating to between 1170 and 1225 and a large 12th century ditch possibly representing the town boundary. A number of truncated features (pits and postholes) dating to the 11th to 12th century were also uncovered.
4.30 A number of smaller settlements present across the study area also had origins in the medieval period. This includes the village of Hilperton, called 'Helperitune' in 1086, located 500m to the south-east of the application site (MWI1304) and the village of Hilperton Marsh, located immediately to the north (MWI1305). Three other settlements within the study area include Holt, located 2km to the north (MWI1864), Staverton, located 1.5km to the north-west (MWI1865) and Smallbrook, located 1km to the north-west (MWI1871). The majority of these settlements have been identified as medieval settlements due to documentary and place name evidence, although some earthworks including a trackway are visible near Bradleys Farm, Holt.
4.31 A number of archaeological investigations across the study area have revealed further evidence for occupation in the medieval period. This includes the investigation of preserved medieval property boundaries at the junction of Horse Road and Wyke Road, 100m to the north of the application site (MWI72693) and the discovery of a medieval limestone well during the construction of Hilperton relief road, also located 100m to the north-west (MWI72832). Part of a clay pipe feeding the well and some timber framework was also uncovered. In addition, several sherds of medieval pottery were uncovered during a watching brief at Avon View Farm, located 1.6km to the north of the application site (MWI1863).
28 Ibid
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4.32 A number of farmsteads of a probable medieval date are also present in the study area. This includes Brook Farm, which was the home of John Atte Brok in 1327 (MWI1301) and Paxcroft Farm, called 'Packlescroft' in 1249 (MWI1306), each located 1.6km to the south-east of the application site. These farms have been dated to the medieval period from place name evidence and documentary evidence. Evidence for ridge and furrow agriculture has also been identified from a geophysical survey at Cock Hill Farm, located 1.4km to the west of the application site (MWI64231) and during monitoring of geotechnical works as part of this assessment approximately 500m to the northeast of the application site, suggesting agricultural activities dating to this period.
4.33 A number of unstratfied finds dating to the medieval period have also been uncovered across the study area. This includes a 14th century limestone figure in the garden of 42 West Ashton Road, 1.7km to the south-west (MWI1307), a 13th to 14th century jug, 1.6km to the south-west (MWI1312), and fragments of 12th and 13th century pottery as residual finds during an evaluation at the Former Ushers Bottling Plant, located 1.4km to the south-west (MWI1314, MWI1315).
4.34 The documentary and archaeological evidence across the study area suggests the presence of a number of medieval settlements, including that of Hilperton Marsh immediately to the north of the application site. The evidence also suggests that the presence of a number of farmsteads and areas of field systems lay in the areas between these settlements. This may include the area of the application site itself, which lay in-between a number of medieval settlements such as Hilperton and Hilperton Marsh. Consequently, the potential of encountering archaeological remains from these periods is considered to be moderate to high and associated with agricultural activities.
Post-medieval
4.35 The application site in this period was located within the parish of Hilperton in the Oxford and Kimeridge Clay region of north and mid-west Wiltshire29. The remaining entries on the Wiltshire HER relate to post-medieval buildings, features and finds, illustrating the growth of the settlement of Trowbridge and nearby villages during this period.
29 Pugh, R.B. & Crittall, E. A History of the County of Wiltshire: Volume 7. The Victorian History of the Counties of England (1953).
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4.36 Saxton’s Map of Wiltshire dating to 1575 (Appendix 3.1) represents the earliest map of the study area in this assessment and illustrates the settlement of ‘Trubridge’, now Trowbridge and ‘Helpton’, now Hilperton. The position of the two settlements are reiterated on Speed’s Map of Wiltshire dating to 1610 (Appendix 3.2), although no further details are apparent. Andrew and Drury’s Map of Wiltshire dating to 1773 (Appendix 3.3) and the Ordnance Surveyors drawing of 1808 (Appendix 3.4) illustrate the general position of the application site in an open area immediately to the south-east of the village of Hilperton Marsh. However, these maps do not provide any further detail within the boundary of the application site itself.
4.37 The Tithe map of Hilperton dating to 1838 (Appendix 3.5) is the first map in this assessment to illustrate the application site in detail. This map shows the application site as located across five fields (located within four plots), which lay immediately to the south of a number of residential properties along an east- west orientated road. The fields represent a variety of shapes and sizes and are each divided by field boundaries. The map also shows that a small stream runs through the site from east to west. According to the accompanying apportionment the fields (plots 82, 87, 88 and 89) were owned by Walter Long and occupied by Thomas Lavington. The apportionment states that all of these fields were used for pasture.
4.38 The first edition OS map of 1887 (Appendix 3.6) illustrates that the application site continues to be occupied by a number of agricultural fields. The boundaries of these fields have not altered since the layout shown on the tithe map, however, the map does provide more detail on the fields themselves. This includes the presence of trees along the field boundaries between these fields and the inclusion of a number of paths running across the application site itself. This map also shows the presence of a ‘well’ to the east of the application site. A small ‘quarry’ is also shown immediately to the south of the application site boundary. The following OS maps of 1901 (Appendix 3.7), 1924 (Appendix 3.8) and 1936 (Appendix 3.9) illustrate no changes within boundary of the application site apart from the addition of a number of paths to the east of the application site. In addition, while none of these maps annotate the ‘well’ seen on the first edition map, the physical structure is still shown, suggesting it is still present to the east of the application site.
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4.39 Aerial photographs of the study area dating to 1945 (Appendix 3.10) illustrate the continued use of the application site as a series of agricultural fields, which follows the same alignment as seen on previous maps of the area. This use of the application site and the layout of the fields is reiterated by the following OS maps dating to 1969 (Appendix 3.11) and 1978 (Appendix 3.12), although by the later map several field boundaries had been removed to amalgamate a number of fields into larger areas. These maps also illustrate the continued development of the area of Hilperton Marsh by residential housing, to the north of the application site.
4.40 The Google Earth image of 2006 (Appendix 3.15) illustrates the current condition of the application site prior to the construction of the Hilperton bypass. This image shows the application site as being occupied by a number of arable fields, each divided by field boundaries and hedgerows. The eastern boundary of the application site marks the western edge of the easement for the Hilperton bypass (not shown) which at the time of writing is nearing completion.
Archaeological Investigation
4.41 An archaeological evaluation of the area between the two sides of the application site was undertaken in advance of the construction of the Hilperton Relief Road (Appendix 3.14). The initial phase of works consisted of a geophysical survey, which was followed by a trial trenching exercise consisting of the excavation of thirty-one trenches (measuring 20m x 2m) targeting the results of the survey30. Archaeological features were uncovered in a number of trenches, including those (Trenches 18 and 25) located in close proximity to the application site.
4.42 A large ditch was uncovered in Trench 18, located on the southern boundary of the application site. The southern edge of a ditch, estimated to measure 2.8m in width and 0.5m in depth, was uncovered and correlated to a large enclosure identified through the geophysical survey. The feature itself was cut through a 19th century soil horizon suggesting a post-medieval date, however, the excavators suspect that this represented the latest in a number of recuts that respected the line of a Roman enclosure ditch31.
30 Sims, D. Hilperton, East Trowbridge, Wiltshire: Archaeological Evaluation Report. Oxford Archaeology grey literature report (2004). 31 Sims, D. Hilperton, East Trowbridge, Wiltshire: Archaeological Evaluation Report. Oxford Archaeology grey literature report (2004), p6
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4.43 The excavation of Trench 25, revealed a curvilinear gully, measuring 0.4m in width and 0.15m in depth. The gully forms part of a circular feature, measuring approximately 12m in diameter and has been interpreted by the excavators to possibly represent a drip gully associated with a structure32. No dating evidence was recovered from the feature.
4.44 In addition, trenches along the northern most part of the road scheme (Trench 31) in the back garden of 116 Wyke Road revealed a number of features of a medieval date. This included two gullies and ditch, which may have formed part of a burgage plot and was dated to the medieval period by the recovery of glazed tile from these features.
32 Ibid, p6-7
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5.0 SITE CONDITIONS, FIELD INVESTIGATIONS AND THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
5.1 The application site is currently occupied by four fields, each defined by field boundaries and hedgerows and used for pasture, grown for hay/ silage. For the most part this land is well drained both as a result of the sloping ground and the underlying geology.
5.2 The application site appears to have been utilised as an area of agricultural fields since at least the mid 19th century and possibly earlier. The land use prior to that is unclear although the available evidence suggests that the application site lay on the periphery of the medieval settlements of Hilperton and Hilperton Marsh and was probably used as an area of agricultural activity during this period. During the later prehistoric and Roman periods the application site was located amidst areas of rural occupation and burial, as evidenced by a number of archaeological excavations within the study area and a geophysical survey adjacent to the application site (e.g the possible Bronze Age barrow – see section 4.12).
5.3 Existing impacts on any surviving archaeological deposits and features will derive from the use of the land as agricultural fields from at least the mid 19th century onwards, including the construction of field boundaries across the application site itself.
5.4 As no previous archaeological investigation had taken place within the application site and because of the archaeological remains recorded during the construction of the B3105 relief road, a geophysical survey of the entire application site was undertaken as part of this impact assessment. The survey also included a field to the southwest of the application site in order to provide as much context to the survey. This field does not form part of this development area. Results from geophysical surveys in advance of the new relief road suggest that the geology and soil types in this area produce well resolved and reliable results.
5.5 The full geophysical survey report is included at Appendix 5 and the summary of result states that:
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‘The survey has not identified any anomalies of archaeological origin. The presence of former field boundaries and ridge and furrow cultivation suggests the area has been used for agriculture since the medieval period. The remaining anomalies are modern in origin, relating to a trackway, made ground, scattered magnetic debris, ferrous objects and fencing.’
Development Proposals
5.6 The proposed development comprises the construction of a residential development with associated landscaping and new access routes (Appendix 5).
5.7 Foundations, service trenches, access roads and other intrusive groundworks will impact on the existing ground. These intrusions are likely to encounter 19th and early 20th century agricultural activities, including field boundaries and drainage ditches and possibly earlier archaeological features or deposits. The geophysical survey suggests that the possibility of encountering extensive remains of occupation associated with later prehistoric, Roman or medieval occupation is very unlikely. Intrusive groundworks associated with any element of the development may encounter as yet unknown archaeological remains but these are likely to be localised in extent and truncated by previous agricultural activity.
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6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 The site known as Land West of the B3105 Relief Road, Trowbridge, is proposed for development.
6.2 In line with the policies of the local planning authority and national government guidance as set out in paragraph 128 of the NPPF, an archaeological desk based assessment has been undertaken to clarify the archaeological potential of the application site, the significance of possible archaeological remains and assess the level of impact development proposals may have on any archaeology present. This has been supported by archaeological monitoring of geo-technical investigations as well as a geophysical survey of the entire application site.
6.3 The desk-based assessment suggested that the application site has a high potential for later prehistoric activity associated with a possible Bronze Age barrow adjacent to the application site and a number of Bronze Age and Iron Age areas of occupation in close proximity to the application site. A high potential for Roman activity was also indicated, evidenced by a number of rural farmsteads and areas of agricultural activity within the study area. The assessment also indicated a moderate to high potential for the medieval and post—medieval periods associated with agricultural activities located outside the settlements of Hilperton and Hilperton Marsh.
6.4 However, the archaeological monitoring of geo-technical works and a site- wide geo-physical survey failed to identify any significant or extensive remains.
6.5 Therefore, on the basis of the evidence presented above, it is advised that any further work should be limited to a watching brief carried out on intrusive groundworks associated with the proposed development.
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SOURCES CONSULTED
British Library The National Archives Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre Wiltshire Historic Environment Record
Primary Sources
British Library
Maps
Saxton’s WILTONIAE Comitatus 1575 Van den Keere’s Map of the County of Wilsthire 1605 Ordnance Surveyors Drawing 1808
OS Maps Wiltshire XXXVIII.4 1:2500 1887, 1901, 1924, 1936
The National Archives
IR 30/38/140 Tithe Map of Hilperton 1838 IR 29/38/140 Tithe Apportionment of Hilperton 1838
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre
Maps
Speed’s Map of Wiltshire 1611 Bloome’s Map of Wiltshire 1673 Kitchens’s Map of Wiltshire 1751 Andrew’s and Drury’s Map of Wiltshire 1773 Cary’s Map of Wiltshire 1787 Greenwood’s Map of Wiltshire 1829
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Secondary Sources
Newspapers/ journals/ reports
Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. Standard and Guidance for historic desk-based assessment. CIfA (2014). Context One Archaeological Services. Staverton Embankment Rising Main Diversion, Avon View Farm, Holt, Wiltshire. (2004). Corney, M. The Romano-British nucleated settlements of Wiltshire. In: Ellis, P. (ed). Roman Wiltshire and After. Papers in Honour of Ken Annable. Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society. (2001), p5-38. Griffths, N. The Roman Army in Wiltshire. In: Ellis, P. (ed). Roman Wiltshire and After. Papers in Honour of Ken Annable. Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society. (2001), p39-72. Fitzpatrick, A. Later Bronze Age and Iron Age. In: Webster, C.J. (ed). The Archaeology of South West England: South West Archaeological Research Framework - Resource Assessment and Research Agenda. Somerset County Council (2007), p117-144. Hosfield, R., Straker, V. and Gardiner, P. Palaeolithic and Mesolithic. In Webster, C.J. (ed). The Archaeology of South West England: South West Archaeological Research Framework - Resource Assessment and Research Agenda. Somerset County Council (2007), p23-60. Pollard, J. and Healy, F. Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. In: Webster, C.J. (ed). The Archaeology of South West England: South West Archaeological Research Framework - Resource Assessment and Research Agenda. Somerset County Council (2007), p75-102. Sims, D. Hilperton, East Trowbridge, Wiltshire: Archaeological Evaluation Report. Oxford Archaeology grey literature report (2004).
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Books Bradley, R., Entwistle, R. & Raymond, F. Prehistoric land divisions on Salisbury Plain: the work of the Wessex Linear Ditches Project. English Heritage Report 2. (1994). Ekwall, E. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-Names. Third edition. Oxford. (1947). Ellis, P. (ed). Roman Wiltshire and After. Papers in Honour of Ken Annable. Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society. (2001). Graham, A.H. & Davies, S.M. Excavations in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, 1977 and 1986-88. Wessex Archaeology Report No 2. (1993). Morris, J. (ed.) Domesday Book: Wiltshire. Chichester (1976) Pugh, R.B. & Crittall, E. A History of the County of Wiltshire: Volume 7. The Victorian History of the Counties of England (1953). Webster, C.J. (ed). The Archaeology of South West England: South West Archaeological Research Framework - Resource Assessment and Research Agenda. Somerset County Council (2007).
Internet
British Geological Society online viewer http://www.bgs.ac.uk/data/mapViewers/home.html [date accessed 11/05/2015] British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/ [date accessed 11/05/2015] Lewis, A Topographical Dictionary of England (1848), in http://www.british-history.ac.uk [date accessed 11/02/2015] English Heritage Thesaurus http://thesaurus.english-heritage.org.uk [date accessed 11/05/2015] Wiltshire Council http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ [date accessed 11/05/2015]
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