Archaeology South-East ASE

Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross, East Sussex

Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment (Heritage Statement)

NGR578365 122402

Prepared for CLM Planning Ltd

Project No. 160278 Report No. 2016141

April 2016

Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross, East Sussex

Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment (Heritage Statement)

Prepared for AMI Structural Ltd

Katya Harrow

Project No. 160278 Report No. 2016141 HER Ref. No. 143/16

April 2016

Prepared by: Katya Harrow Senior Archaeologist

Reviewed and Ron Humphrey Assistant Director approved by:

Date of Issue: 29-04-16

Revision: 1

Archaeology South-East, Units 1 & 2 2 Chapel Place Portslade East Sussex BN41 1DR

Tel: 01273 426830 Fax: 01273 420866 [email protected] www.archaeologyse.co.uk

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

Summary

This Desk-Based Assessment has been prepared for Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross, East Sussex. The site has lain in fields since at least the early 18th century. The proposed development comprises the construction of 25 dwellings, with associated gardens, access road and parking areas.

The assessment has concluded that:

 There are no known designated heritage assets within the site;  There are a range of heritage assets from the prehistoric, Romano- British, medieval and post-medieval periods within the wider study area;  The site has moderate potential for as yet unknown non-designated heritage assets (archaeological remains), particularly those dating to the Romano-British period, to be present;  Where such remains are present they may be impacted on by groundwork, particularly in areas where new buildings are proposed;  Past activity will have had some impact on the archaeological resource within the site; and,  The proposed development may have some impact on the wider setting of nearby designated heritage assets.

i Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Site Topography and Geology

3.0 Planning Background

4.0 Archaeological and Historical Background

5.0 Cartographic Evidence

6.0 Walkover Survey

7.0 Assessment of Heritage Potential and Significance

8.0 Previous Impacts on Heritage Potential

9.0 Impact of Proposed Development

10.0 Preliminary Recommendations for Further Work

11.0 Conclusions

12.0 Acknowledgments

References

Plates

Figures

Appendix 1: Summary Table of Heritage Assets

ii Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Fig. 1 Site location and heritage assets

Fig. 2 Site plan

Fig. 3 Richard Taylor’s map of Streatfield Borough, part of the manor of Rotherbridge, the property of Sir Thomas Webster, 1734 [ESRO ref SHE 6/1/8/2]

Fig. 4 Ordnance Surveyor’s draft, c.1800

Fig. 5 Ewhurst Tithe map, 1843 [ESRO ref PAR 324/21/1]

Fig. 6 Ordnance Survey, 1872

Fig. 7 Ordnance Survey, 1898

Fig. 8 Ordnance Survey, 1909

Fig. 9 Ordnance Survey, 1929

Fig. 10 Ordnance Survey, 1976

Fig. 11 Ordnance Survey, 1991

Fig. 12 Proposed site plan

iii Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Archaeology South-East (a division of the Centre for Applied Archaeology UCL) has been commissioned by CLM Planning Ltd on behalf of AMI Structural Ltd to carry out an archaeological appraisal in relation to a prospective development at Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross. The appraisal comprises a desk-based assessment (DBA) and preliminary walkover survey (Fig. 1).

1.2 This report follows the recommendations set out by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists in their Standards and Guidance for archaeological desk-based assessment (CIfA 2014). The aim of this assessment is to present a synthesis of readily available archaeological and historical data relating to the site and its environs, in order to identify any known or potential heritage assets within the site. This information has been used, where possible, to ascertain the location, extent, date, character, condition and significance of any identified heritage assets and to consider the likely impact of the proposed development upon them.

1.3 The site is centred on National Grid Reference 578365 122402 (Fig. 1). For the purposes of this assessment, the extents of the site have been taken to be those identified in the plans by Roger Howells, Architect, provided by CLM Planning Ltd. It covers an area of approximately 1.0ha. For the purposes of the archaeological assessment a wider study area of 1 km radius has been considered to place the site within its wider context (Fig. 1). Information beyond this limit has been included where considered relevant.

1.4 The site is an L-shaped area of land, which comprises the northern and central part of a moderately-sized field. It is bound to the north by Northiam Road, to the east and south by fields, and to the west by residential development. To the north-west is the village bowling green.

1.5 In drawing up this desk-based assessment, cartographic and documentary sources and archaeological data relating to the study area were obtained from the East Sussex Historic Environment Record (HER) and from East Sussex Records Office at The Keep, Falmer. Listed Building and Conservation Area data was acquired from Historic England and Rother District Council. Relevant sources held within the Archaeology South-East library were utilised, and appropriate on-line databases interrogated. These included: Heritage Gateway, National Heritage List for England, and the Magic website, which holds government digital data on designated sites (Scheduled Monuments, Registered Historic Parks and Gardens and Registered Historic Battlefields) in GIS map form. It should be noted that other material may be held in other collections.

1.6 It should be noted that this form of non-intrusive appraisal cannot be seen to be a definitive statement on the presence or absence of archaeological remains within any area but rather as an indicator of the area’s potential based on existing information. Further non-intrusive and intrusive investigations such as geophysical surveys and machine-excavated trial trenching may be needed to

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross conclusively define the presence/absence, character and quality of any archaeological remains.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

2.0 SITE TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY

2.1 Location and Topography

2.1.1 The site is situated on the southern side of Northiam Road (B2165), a principal route which leads east from the centre of Staplecross (Fig. 2). The topography slopes very gradually southwards from the northern edge of the site. Towards the northern end of the eastern boundary is a water-filled ditch, towards which the ground slopes more sharply.

2.2 Geology

2.2.1 According to the British Geological Survey 1:50,000 scale geological mapping, available online1, the natural geology of the site comprises Mudstone of the Wadhurst Clay Formation. No superficial deposits are recorded.

2.2.2 Borehole data accessed via the British Geological Survey website indicates two borehole investigations were undertaken approximately 250m north-west of the site in December 1988, to a depth of 6.00m. The first report records tarmac over fill to a depth of 0.20m, overlying 1.20m of firm grey brown clay, overlying 1.10m of stiff grey friable clay and 3.50m hard grey friable clay.2 The second report records 0.20m of topsoil overlying 0.30m of firm damp clay, overlying 1.0m of stiff grey brown clay and 4.50m of hard shaley clay.3

1 http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html, accessed 05/04/16. 2 http://scans.bgs.ac.uk/sobi_scans/boreholes/15609536/images/15553707.html, accessed 05/04/16 3 http://scans.bgs.ac.uk/sobi_scans/boreholes/15609537/images/15553708.html, accessed 05/04/16

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

3.0 PLANNING BACKGROUND

National Planning Policy

3.1 National Planning Policy Framework

3.1.1 Government policies relating to planning are given in the National Planning Policy Framework. Section 12 (paragraphs 126 – 141) of the Framework (Conserving and enhancing the historic environment) outlines policies relating to the historic environment and the key role it plays in the Government’s definition of sustainable development, the principle which underpins the document.

3.1.2 The Framework requires that local planning authorities ‘should set out in their Local Plan a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment’, recognising that ‘heritage assets are an irreplaceable resource’ and should be conserved ‘in a manner appropriate to their significance’.

3.1.3 The Framework requires that planning applicants should ‘describe the significance of any heritage assets affected’ by their application, ‘including any contribution made by their setting’.

3.1.4 The NPPF is supported by Planning Policy Guidance, launched in March 2014 (http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/). In specific relation to historic environment issues, further guidance is provided by Historic Environment Good Practice Advice in Planning Notes 1 to 3, issued by Historic England and the Historic Environment Forum. (http://historicengland.org.uk/advice/planning/planning-system/).

Local Planning Policy

3.2 Rother Local Plan Core Strategy (2014)

3.2.1 The Core Strategy is the key planning policy document within the Rother Local Plan. It sets the overall vision and objectives for development in the district up to 2028 and contains 'core policies' that address key issues facing the district. With regards to the historic environment, the following policy applies:

Policy EN2: Stewardship of the Historic Built Environment

Development affecting the historic built environment, including that both statutorily protected and the non-statutorily protected, will be required to:

(i) Reinforce the special character of the district’s historic settlements, including villages, towns and suburbs, through siting, scale, form and design;

(ii) Take opportunities to improve areas of poor visual character or with poor townscape qualities;

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

(iii) Preserve, and ensure clear legibility of, locally distinctive vernacular building forms and their settings, features, fabric and materials, including forms specific to historic building typologies;

(iv) Make reference to the character analysis in Conservation Area Appraisals, where relevant;

(v) Reflect current best practice guidance produced by English Heritage and HELM;

(vi) Ensure appropriate archaeological research and investigation of both above and below-ground archaeology, and retention where required.

3.2.2 The following policy addresses general development considerations:

Policy OSS4: General Development Considerations

In addition to considerations set out by other policies, all development should meet the following criteria:

(i) It meets the needs of future occupiers, including providing appropriate amenities and the provision of appropriate means of access for disabled users;

(ii) It does not unreasonably harm the amenities of adjoining properties;

(iii) It respects and does not detract from the character and appearance of the locality;

(iv) It is compatible with both the existing and planned use of adjacent land, and takes full account of previous use of the site;

(v) In respect of residential development, is of a density appropriate to its context, having due regard to the key design principles.

3.3 Site Planning Background

3.3.1 There is one historic planning application for the site:

Application No. RR/2014/1256/P:

Outline: Erection of 25 dwellings with vehicular access onto Northiam Road (B2165). (Decision: Approved 23/07/15).

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

4.0 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

4.1 Introduction

4.1.1 The following section summarises the known information relating to designated and non-designated heritage assets in the study area derived from the sources set out in 1.5 and including additional heritage assets, where appropriate, identified from field survey. The identified heritage assets have been assigned an identifying number shown in bold in the text, and are tabulated in Appendix 1 and shown plotted on Fig. 1.

4.2 Heritage Assets

4.2.1 Heritage assets comprise a site, building, place, area or landscape of heritage interest and thus include buildings, archaeological sites and landscape features such as ancient woodland and hedgerows. Designated heritage assets are designated by statute, while non-designated heritage assets can be locally listed by the local planning authority and/or listed on county historic environment record databases, although this is not a definitive record of potential heritage assets – further examples may exist in an unrecognised or unrecorded form and absence from the HER database does not reduce or negate the significance of any potential heritage asset.

Designated Heritage Assets

Listed Buildings 4.2.2 There are twenty-three listed buildings within the study area. All site numbers refer to Fig. 1:

 Bowling Alley Cottages (23) – 43m from the site  Marigolds (37) – 84m from the site  South View (41) – 131m from the site  Post Office Cottage, Staplecross Post Office and the cottage attached, the premises occupied by Precision Optics, Wheelwrights (39) – 138m from the site  The Cross Inn (16) – 142m from the site  The Mill House (44) – 168m from the site  The Old Mill (45) – 171m from the site  Kent Cottage, The Old Bakery and The Polhills (35) – 175m from the site  Edgell Cottage (34) – 183m from the site  Brewery House (25) – 185m from the site  Manor Cottage and Stratfield Cottage (36) – 185m from the site  Outbuilding adjoining Brewery House on the north east (38) – 190m from the site  Solomon’s Garden (7) – 194m from the site  Forge House and Forge Cottage (15) – 213m from the site  Brayburn Farm Barn (33) – 213m from the site  School House and Nos 1 & 2 School Terrace (40) – 257m from the site  Brabans and Brabans Cottage (32) – 287m from the site

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

 Spilsted Farmhouse (42) – 330m from the site  The Grange (43) – 433m from the site  Wrens Cottage (46) – 480m from the site  Wattlehill Farmhouse (29) – 486m from the site  Beaconsfield House (31) – 888m from the site  The Old Oak Cottage (14) – 927m from the site

4.2.3 There are no examples of the following nationally designated heritage assets within the study area: Scheduled Monuments, Conservation Areas, Registered Historic Parks and Gardens, Historic Battlefields.

Non-Designated Heritage Assets

Ancient Woodland 4.2.4 Ancient Woodland is defined as woodland known to have existed since 1600, and which may therefore contain archaeological features relating to historic woodland management. Numerous areas of ancient woodland are scattered across the study area; the site itself contains no ancient woodland and the closest area of ancient woodland is Bowlingalley Wood, which lies approximately 140m north of the site.

Archaeological notification areas 4.2.5 East Sussex County Council, who advise the local planning authorities on archaeological matters, have identified various archaeological notification areas (ANAs) throughout the county. These areas have no statutory status or protection, but are intended to be treated as a material consideration during the processing of planning applications. It must be stressed that these areas are not exclusive. Sites outside them can contain archaeological remains of major importance that may be presently unknown. Conversely not every part of these areas will inevitably contain archaeological remains. Their boundaries are not necessarily precise. All are plotted on Fig. 1:

 DES11226: Colliers Green, Post-medieval farm complex.  DES11229: Colliers Green, Medieval and post-medieval hamlet  DES9299: Hastings to Ashford Roman road  DES8719: Stainsmore Wood  DES9954: Wattlehill

4.2.6 The site itself lies immediately outside the boundary of ANA DES9299, relating to the Hastings to Ashford Roman Road.

4.3 Archaeological Periods

4.3.1 The timescale of the archaeological periods referred to in this report is shown below. The periods are given their usual titles. It should be noted that for most cultural heritage assessment purposes the boundaries between them are not sharply distinguished, even where definite dates based on historical events are used. All site numbers refer to Fig. 1.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

Prehistoric: Palaeolithic (c. 750,000 BC - c. 10,000 BC) Prehistoric: Mesolithic (c. 10,000 BC - c.5,000 BC) Prehistoric: Neolithic (c. 5,000 BC - c.2,300 BC) Prehistoric: Bronze Age (c. 2,300 BC - c. 600 BC) Prehistoric: Iron Age (c. 600 BC - AD 43) Romano-British (AD 43 - c. AD 410) Early Medieval (c. AD 410 - AD 1066) Medieval (AD 1066 - AD 1540) Post-medieval (AD 1540 to date)

4.5 Previous Archaeological Investigations

4.5.1 The HER records eleven previous archaeological investigations within the study area, seven of which comprised historic building recording. The remaining four investigations comprised:

 EES15970 The Old Cartsheds, Bodiam Road, Ewhurst: watching brief. All features and finds were in keeping with modern building development.  EES17171 Cross View, Staplecross: watching brief. No associated monuments recorded.  EES17384 Solomans Cottage, Ewhurst: geophysical survey. The results showed a large number of strong magnetic responses interpreted as remains of a building seen on the Ewhurst Tithe map (1843). Other features identified included a slightly curved linear feature corresponding to a small field lynchet still visible on the ground as a shallow bank which probably reflects a field boundary seen on the 1899 OS map. To the south of the boundary are a series of ‘fuzzy’ linear features at right angles to the lynchet and very likely to be plough marks which were not investigated further.  EES17385 Solomans Cottage, Ewhurst: Excavation revealed the remains of a hard standing or floor surface (rather than wall foundations) although the small excavation trenches means that it has not been possible to establish whether the surface is inside or outside of the building. From the finds recovered the building is most likely to have been of timber frame construction (although no post holes were identified), possibly partially tile hung or with a tiled roof as there were small quantities of broken peg tiles present.

4.6 Prehistoric

4.6.1 Prehistoric material within the Weald tends to be sparse (Gardiner 1990). The region was covered in dense forest throughout this period, and much of the known settlement pattern concentrates around the rim of the Weald, exploiting the better soils of the Chalk and Greensand. The small amount of prehistoric material that is known from the area tends to be of Mesolithic date and reflects activities associated with resource exploitation, often on a seasonal basis, and mainly comprises evidence for hunter-gather activity. Neolithic hunters may have re-used similar locations to their Mesolithic forebears, but their impact on the environment was significantly greater, as evidenced by the number of stone

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

axes and pollen evidence for small-scale agricultural exploitation of the more tractable soils.

4.6.2 Agricultural activity from the Neolithic onwards and the presence of Bronze Age barrows (burial mounds) within the High Weald points to some level of permanent settlement during these periods. The Iron Age saw the exploitation of iron ore deposits, and the presence of fortified hilltop enclosures suggesting some level of control of this industry.

4.6.3 The HER records two entries of prehistoric date within the study area:

 Neolithic stone axe (1);  Site of Iron Age/Roman? Bloomery (2).

4.7 Romano-British

4.7.1 Evidence for Romano-British activity in the Weald is sparse, confined mainly to roads and ironworking sites. Few settlement sites have been found in the Weald (Rudling 1999), although some sites such as villas at Chiddingfold in Surrey and Wiggonholt in West Sussex are known from the less bleak periphery. There is little evidence for agricultural activity in the region at this time (Gardiner 1990).

4.7.2 In addition to one entry recorded as either Iron Age/Roman date (2, above) the HER records three entries of Romano-British date within the study area:

 Rochester To Hastings Roman Road (3), which runs north-south through the centre of the village of Staplecross, a short distance west of the site;  Morgay: Roman? pit and undated linear earthwork (4);  Badland Wood: Roman pottery finds (5).

4.8 Early Medieval

4.8.1 During the Anglo-Saxon period, the Weald was largely covered by the great forest of Andredeswald, within which the site was located. The heavily forested nature of the region limited early medieval settlement, and the iron-working industry seems to have shrunk in scale in comparison with that during the Roman period. Many settlements in the area originated as outlying forest pasture of manors situated on the more fertile soils. Many of the north – south aligned roads, tracks and footpaths in the region originated at this time as droveways.

4.8.2 The name Staplecross is of particular interest, as the term stapol is normally defined as a post or pillar of wood or stone, which frequently occurs in the names of late Anglo-Saxon hundred meeting-places (Blair 2013). The Domesday survey of 1086 describes lands held by the Count of Eu in Staple hundred (Staple, Staplehā), including nearby Ewhurst, recorded as ‘Werste’, and Lordine (11), recorded as ‘Lordistret’ (Mawer & Stenton 2001; Williams & Martin 1992). Staplecross is located at the centre of Staple hundred, and is presumed to be where the hundred meeting-place was located, perhaps

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

marked by a cross, to which a post was a precursor (Mawer & Stenton 2001; Glover 1997).

4.8.2 The HER records no entries of early medieval date within the study area.

4.9 Medieval

4.9.1 A settlement was focused around the crossroads of Staplecross in the medieval period. Staplecross is recorded in documentary sources as Stapele in c.1180 and atte Cruche de Staple in 1296. During this period areas of woodland in the surrounding area were cleared (assarted) to create fields (Source: historic landscape characterisation data, East Sussex HER).

4.9.2 The HER records seven entries of medieval date within the study area:

 Flettice Wood: a concentration of 12th/13th century pottery (6);  Staplecross: medieval crossroads settlement (7);  Solomon's Garden, Sedlescombe Road: 15th century Grade II listed building (8);  Bloomery (9);  Soloman's Cottage: 15th century building (10);  Lordine: dispersed medieval settlement and farm (11);  Colliers Green: medieval hamlet (12).

4.10 Post-Medieval to Modern

4.10.1 During the post-medieval period, there was an increase in development and activity throughout the study area. Historic maps show that the general pattern of development was focused on small villages and hamlets, with isolated farmsteads amongst a rural and wooded landscape. Historical directories indicate that by the late 19th century Staplecross was a thriving village with a school for 120 children and a variety of commercial services including a post office, grocer and draper, baker, boot and shoe maker, butcher, wheelwright, carpenter and blacksmith (Kelly 1882).

4.10.2 As well as four entries which are recorded as medieval to post-medieval (9-12, above) the HER records 34 entries of post-medieval date within the study area:

 Miles Farm: post-medieval farmstead (13);  The Old Oak Cottage: 17th century building (14);  Forge House and Forge Cottage, Forge Lane: 17th century & 18th century building. (15);  The Cross Inn: 18th century inn (16);  Lockyer's Wood: large scatter of post-medieval pottery (17);  Post-medieval (or earlier) house platforms and other earthworks (18);  Hobby Hobbs Farm: 19th century brickworks (19);  Wattle Hill: post-medieval brickworks (20);

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

 19th century smock mill, partially demolished and converted to dwelling (21);  Site of Beacon Mill, demolished (22);  Bowling Alley Cottages: 18th century building (23);  Line of 300 in-situ anti-tank cubes (24);  Brewery House: 19th century building (25);  A cluster of post-medieval ponds (26);  Staplecross Lion: WW1 & 2 memorial (27);  Spilsteads: 16th century building (28);  Wattlehill Farmhouse: 17th century building (29);  19th century brick kiln (30);  Beaconsfield House 18th century building (31);  Brabans and Brabans Cottage: 18th century or earlier building (32);  Brayburn Farm Barn: 19th century building (33);  Edgell Cottage: early 19th century building (34);  Kent Cottage, The Old Bakery and The Polhills: three 18th century cottages (35);  Manor Cottage and Stratfield Cottage: 18th century building (36);  Marigolds: 18th century building (37);  Outbuilding adjoining Brewery House on the north east: late 18th or early 19th century building (38);  Post Office Cottage, Staplecross Post Office and the cottage attached, the premises occupied by Precision Optics, Wheelwrights: early 19th century range of cottages (39);  School House and Nos 1 & 2 School Terrace: early 19th century building (40);  South View: early 19th century building (41);  Spilsted Farmhouse: 18th century building (42);  The Grange: late 18th – early 19th century building (43);  The Mill House: early 19th century building (44);  The Old Mill: dated 1815. (45);  Wrens Cottage, Staplecross: 18th century or earlier building (46).

4.11 Other

4.11.1 The HER records the following entries of unknown date:

 Wapple Wood: Bell pits for extracting iron ore (47);  Flettice Wood: An area of bell pits, undated, but perhaps associated with the bloomery identified nearby (48);  Cinderbank Field: Slag heap (49);  Ore pits: Extractive pits near Cinderbank Wood (50);  Gill Field: Extractive pits (51).

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

5.0 CARTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE

5.1 The earliest map available for the site is an estate map of 1734 by Richard Taylor of Frant, showing the copy and freehold land in Streatfield Borough, part of the Manor of Rotherbridge and property of Sir Thomas Webster (Fig. 3). The map is colour-coded to indicate cultivation and shows that at that date the site formed pasture land, with a small meadow at its northern end, and was in the copyhold of Thomas Sheather. The map also depicts a large pond straddling the eastern boundary of the Site.

5.2 The Ordnance Surveyor’s draft of c.1800 (Fig. 4) is not at a scale which allows for detailed interpretation; however, it shows that, with the exception of buildings at the Staplehurst crossroads, there was a general absence of development along the southern side of Northiam Road at this date, suggesting that the site remained as farmland.

5.3 The Ewhurst tithe map of 1843 (Fig. 5) shows the site formed part of Plot 559, ‘Middle Field’, arable land owned and occupied by John Hyland. The site remained as farmland when the Ordnance Survey map of 1872 was produced (Fig. 6). This map also depicts hedged boundaries to the east and west, following established boundaries which are identifiable on the tithe map and probably those shown on the estate map of 1734. The subsequent maps of 1898, 1909 and 1929 show no changes (Figs. 7-9). Between 1929 and 1976 (Fig. 10), Staplecross underwent a period of expansion, with an increase in residential development, including housing on Cricketers Field, west of the site, and an increase in development along the southern side of Northiam Road, away from the centre of the village towards Colliers Green to the east. The northwest corner of the field occupied by the site was developed as a bowling green. No further changes occurred between 1979 and 1991 (Fig. 11).

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

6.0 WALKOVER SURVEY

6.1 A walkover survey of the site was undertaken by the author on 7th April 2016. The objective of the walkover survey was to identify historic landscape features not plotted on existing maps, together with other archaeological surface anomalies or artefact scatters, and also to assess the existence of constraints or areas of disturbance that may have impacted upon the predicted archaeological resource. The walkover survey was rapid, within the parameters of the project, and was not intended as a detailed survey.

6.2 The site comprises an L-shaped area of land, which forms the central and northern part of a moderately-sized field (Plates 1 and 2). Beyond the site boundary to the north-west is the village bowling green, which occupies what was the north-west corner of the field. To the north, a dense hedge of brambles, shrubs and small trees defines the site’s boundary along Northiam Road. The site boundaries to the southern and eastern sides of the bowling green are respectively of timber post-and-wire and post-and-rail fencing. The western boundary of the site comprises concrete post and chainlink fencing behind small trees and brambles, beyond which lies residential housing (Plate 3). The eastern site boundary is formed by a shallow ditch, with a belt of mature trees along its western side, which separates the site from the field to the east of it (Plate 4). This hedge marks a field boundary identifiable on the tithe map of 1843 and the estate map of 1734, and is specifically shown as a hedged boundary on the Ordnance Survey map of 1872. As the hedge forms an integral part of a pre-1845 field system it can be defined as important under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997. Towards the northern end of the tree belt is a large water-filled ditch, which the surrounding land slopes sharply down to (Plate 5). This is shown on the estate map of 1734 (Fig. 3) and appears to be a former pond, which may have originated as a clay or marl pit before serving as a stock-watering pond. The southern boundary of the site runs across the present field and is not enclosed. The site is currently fallow and grassed, and a small number of slight undulations, probably related to past agricultural activity, are visible. Close to the eastern boundary of the site, approximately halfway along its length, is a brick-edged drain or manhole with metal cover (Plate 6).

6.3 No designated heritage assets are located within the site. Two listed buildings, Bowling Alley Cottages (23) and Marigolds (37), lie on the northern side of Northiam Road, in close proximity to the site (Plate 7). Just over 200m from the site lies a group of listed buildings (Brabans and Brabans Cottage (32), Brayburn Farm Barn (33) and Spilsted Farmhouse (42)), which form a distinct area of historic settlement east of the main village core; the site forms part of the wider, more distant setting of these buildings. Due to the intervening distance and built environment, the site makes no contribution to the setting of the other designated heritage assets within the study area.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

7.0 ASSESSMENT OF HERITAGE POTENTIAL AND SIGNIFICANCE

7.1 Introduction

7.1.1 A preliminary review of the cultural heritage evidence detailed earlier indicates there are no known heritage assets within the proposed development area. The site lies immediately outside of an Archaeological Notification Area which highlights the potential for Romano-British remains. Known heritage assets are mainly concentrated around the crossroads of Staplecross village; however, the wider study area includes a number of known heritage assets.

7.1.2 It is considered that there is the potential for as yet unknown heritage assets of archaeological interest (i.e. below-ground archaeological remains) to be present within the proposed development area.

7.2 Prehistoric

7.2.1 The results of the research carried out as part of this study have established that limited prehistoric remains have been found within the wider study area, west and south-west of Staplecross village. However, this may reflect the paucity of archaeological investigation in this area rather than a true absence of remains and the possibility that as yet unknown remains of this date may be present on site cannot be discounted.

7.2.2 The potential of the site to contain as yet unknown heritage assets of this date is considered to be low.

7.3 Romano-British

7.3.1 Romano-British remains are known within the south-western part of the study area, and the site lies immediately outside the boundary of the ANA relating to the Hastings to Ashford Roman Road (DES9299).

7.3.2 The potential of the site to contain as yet unknown heritage assets of this date is considered to be moderate.

7.4 Early Medieval

7.4.1 The study area has produced no evidence for activity in the early medieval period; however, this may reflect the paucity of archaeological investigation in this area rather than a true absence of remains, and the significance of Staplecross during this period is suggested by place-name evidence. The possibility that as yet unknown remains of this date may be present on site cannot be discounted.

7.4.2 The potential of the site to contain as yet unknown heritage assets of this date is considered to be low.

7.5 Medieval

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

7.5.1 A settlement existed at Staplecross in the medieval period, focused on the crossroads, where one known medieval building remains extant, and medieval remains have been identified within the wider study area. The possibility that as yet unknown remains of this date may be present on site cannot be discounted, although the site is likely to have lain in fields during this period. Should such remains be present they are perhaps most likely to comprise cut features representing earlier field boundaries and artefacts.

7.5.2 The potential of the site to contain as yet unknown heritage assets of this date is considered to be low.

7.6 Post-medieval

7.6.1 During the post-medieval period the site appears to have comprised fields, and has remained as such up to the present day.

7.6.2 The potential of the site to contain as yet unknown heritage assets of this date is considered to be low.

7.7 Summary of Potential

7.7.1 A desk-based assessment can generally only consider the potential of a site in principle. As is the case here, its conclusions usually require testing by fieldwork in order to confirm whether remains are actually present and, if this is the case, to establish their character, condition and extent and thus indicate the weight that ought to be attached to their preservation. It must always be acknowledged that remains of a type for which there is no prior evidence may be found on a site by fieldwork.

7.7.2 The potential for discovery of new heritage assets has been revealed by a review of the known cultural heritage baseline in the immediate vicinity. The estimated potential for heritage assets being located within the Site can be summarised thus:

Prehistoric - Low Romano-British - Moderate Early Medieval - Low Medieval - Low Post-medieval – Low

7.7.3 To conclude, the site is considered to lie within an area of generally moderate potential for the Romano-British and early medieval periods, and low potential for the prehistoric, medieval and post-medieval periods.

7.8 Preliminary Assessment of Significance

7.8.1 The significance of a heritage asset is ‘the value of a heritage asset to this and future generations because of its heritage interest.’ (NPPF 2012, Glossary). Given that this desk-based assessment has only been able to establish the potential for heritage assets to be present within the site in principle the

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross significance of such assets cannot be conclusively determined at the present time. The available evidence from the wider study area would suggest that any assets present are most likely to be of local to perhaps regional significance.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

8.0 PREVIOUS IMPACTS ON HERITAGE POTENTIAL

8.1 The site is known to have formed farmland from at least the early 18th century to the present date. Agricultural cultivation may have disturbed earlier shallow archaeological deposits.

8.2 The excavation of the former pond close and a modern manhole/drain close to the eastern boundary of the site are likely to have had a severe localised impact on any buried archaeological deposits.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

9.0 IMPACT OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

9.1 In considering the significance of the impact of the development on any heritage assets that are present it is necessary to understand both the significance of the asset and the likely degree of impact (e.g. how much of the asset will be destroyed). Although presence/absence and significance of any heritage assets on the site is undetermined there is potential for such assets to be present. As heritage assets are a fragile and non-renewable resource such impacts on them are considered to be adverse.

9.2 The potential impact of the proposed development in relation to the setting of designated heritage assets has been assessed following the approach set out in Historic England guidance (Historic England 2015). The assessment follows the three-step approach set out in the guidance: identifying the heritage assets affected and their settings; assessing whether, how and to what degree setting makes a contribution to the significance of the heritage asset(s); and assessing the effect of the proposed development on the significance of the asset(s).

9.3 The proposed development (Drawing no. 1322/SK15; Fig.12) would occupy the whole of the site, comprising the construction of 25 dwellings arranged around a central road providing vehicular access from Northiam Road, with associated gardens, parking and a central landscaped area.

9.4 Impacts on designated heritage assets

Physical impacts on designated heritage assets

9.4.1 The proposed development would have no physical impact on designated heritage assets.

Setting issues relating to designated heritage assets

9.4.2 The proposed development may have some impact to the wider setting of the following heritage assets, which lie to the north-east of the site:

 Bowling Alley Cottages (23); and  Marigolds (37).

9.4.3 These listed buildings have both illustrative and aesthetic value as 18th century dwellings, and their significance is enhanced by their inter-relationship with each other and the adjacent non-designated historic dwellings, with which they form the eastern edge of the historic settlement of Staplecross. Their setting is therefore largely defined by their immediate historic environs and their wider setting by the open outlook to the south and east which preserves some sense of the historic rural setting of the village. However, this aspect of the assets’ setting has been altered by the presence of mid-late 20th century housing to the south/south-west, which has diminished the contribution that the buildings’ wider setting makes to their significance. The presence of the bowling green has also formalised part of the land.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

9.4.4 The site forms part of the wider open setting to the south/south-east of the two listed buildings, and is viewed in context with them from the west, looking across the bowling green, where it is perceived as an unobtrusive part of the open, rural setting of the village (Plates 8 & 9). As noted above, this aspect of the buildings’ setting has been diminished to some degree by existing development and the presence of the formal bowling green and its associated buildings; however, consideration of design matters will be of importance.

9.4.5 The proposed layout of the site (Fig. 12) indicates it would comprise a combination of short terraces, semi-detached and detached houses, and its grain and density would echo that of the adjacent housing of Cricketers Field. The short terraces, which are a notable characteristic of the village, would occupy the more prominent areas of the site towards the north end, with detached housing in the less visible area at the southern end of the site, which is at a lower level. The building forming units 1-5 at the northern end of the site, would occupy the most elevated and prominent position, particularly when viewed from the east in context with the historic buildings on the north side of Northiam Road. Careful consideration of the form and scale of this building in relation to the historic buildings will be required.

9.4.6 Looking towards Staplecross from the east, the site has an unobtrusive presence, and the existing hedge to the north boundary contributes to the rural feel (Plate 10). The eastern boundary hedge, ditch and former pond, are historic features which make a positive contribution to the wider setting of the nearby heritage assets. Retention of these features and the hedge to the north boundary would soften the impact of the proposed development, and reinforce the historic rural context.

9.4.7 The proposed development will utilise traditional materials comprising handmade clay tiles and natural slates for roofs, and red/brown brickwork and white weatherboard to walls. The use of high quality materials and detailing will be of importance given that the site forms part of the wider setting of the listed buildings to the north-east.

9.5 Impacts on non-designated heritage assets

9.5.1 As detailed in section 8, there is the potential for as yet unknown heritage assets of archaeological interest (i.e. below-ground archaeological remains) to be present within the proposed development area. Predicted impacts are likely to include excavations for foundation trenches and service trenches, and wider ground reduction/levelling for roads, gardens and other landscaping. All of these groundworks have the potential to damage or destroy buried archaeological deposits.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

10.0 PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER WORK

10.1 The assessment has outlined the archaeological potential of the site and examined the effects of existing impacts and as far as possible, the effects of the proposed impacts upon that potential. This assessment is based on a desk- based survey of existing information, and cannot therefore be considered to be a definitive statement on the presence or absence of archaeological deposits in any given area. A site assessed as having low potential may still contain unsuspected archaeological deposits. This section offers a suggested programme of further fieldwork which will confirm the presence or absence of archaeological deposits. It should be stressed that these recommendations are for information only and represent the professional opinion of Archaeology South-East. The requirement for and scope of any further archaeological work, will be determined by the Local Planning Authority (Rother District Council) and their archaeological advisors (East Sussex County Council).

10.2 The assessment has concluded that the site has moderate potential for Romano-British archaeology, with low potential for all other periods; however, this may reflect the dearth of archaeological investigations within the study area. Following advice from Greg Chuter, Assistant County Archaeologist, field evaluation is expected to further assess the archaeological potential of the site. Given the scale of the proposed development, it is recommended that a programme of geophysical survey is undertaken to clarify the archaeological significance of the site and whether development is acceptable. The results of this fieldwork should be included with any planning application and can be utilised to design further mitigation measures, as appropriate.

10.3 The above comments should be discussed with East Sussex County Council.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

11.0 CONCLUSIONS

11.1 The historical research carried out as part of this desk-based assessment has shown that the site has lain in fields since at least the early 18th century. Existing records suggest that the site has a moderate potential for Romano-British archaeology. There is a low potential for all other periods.

11.2 The assessment has concluded that:

 There are no known designated heritage assets within the site;  There are a range of heritage assets from the prehistoric, Romano-British, medieval and post-medieval periods within the wider study area;  The site has low to moderate potential for as yet unknown non-designated heritage assets (archaeological remains), particularly those dating to the Romano-British period, to be present;  Where such remains are present they may be impacted on by groundwork, particularly in areas where new buildings are proposed;  Past activity will have had some impact on the archaeological resource within the site; and,  The proposed development may have some impact on the wider setting of nearby designated heritage assets.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

12.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Archaeology South-East would like to thank the following for their help and advice in the preparation of this report:

Cos Polito, CLM Planning Ltd Andrew Crouch Sophie Unger, Historic Environment Record Officer, East Sussex County Council Greg Chuter, Assistant County Archaeologist, East Sussex County Council Staff of the East Sussex Records Office at The Keep, Falmer

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

REFERENCES

Blair, J. Holy Beams: Anglo-Saxon Cult Sites and the Place-Name Element Bēam in Bintley, M.D.J., & Shapland, M.G. (eds.), 2013. Trees and Timber in the Anglo-Saxon World. Oxford University Press.

CIFA, 2012 (revised ed.). Standards and Guidance for archaeological desk-based assessment. Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA).

Department for Communities and Local Government, 2012. National Planning Policy Framework.

English Heritage. 2008. Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance.

Gardiner, M., 1990. The Archaeology of the Weald – A Survey and a Review, Sussex Archaeological Collections 128.

Glover, J., 1997. Sussex Place Names. Countryside Books.

Historic England. 2015. The Setting of Heritage Assets. Historic Environment Good Practice Advice in Planning: 3

Kelly, E. R., 1882. Kelly's Directory of Sussex, London: Kelly & Co.

Mawer, A. & Stenton, F.M., 2001. The Place-Names of Sussex. Nottingham: English Place-Name Society.

Rother District Council. 2006. District Local Plan 2006.

Rother District Council. 2014. Rother Local Plan Core Strategy.

Rudling, D., 1999. Roman Sussex, in Leslie, K. & Short, B. (eds), An Historical Atlas of Sussex. Phillimore.

Williams, A., & Martin, G.H. (eds.), 1992. Domesday Book: A Complete Translation. London: Penguin.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

PLATES

Plate 1 Looking south across the site.

Plate 2 Looking north across the site.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

Plate 3 Looking northwest across the site towards Cricketers Field.

Plate 4 Ditch and mature trees forming the eastern boundary of the site, looking north.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

Plate 5 Former pond on the eastern boundary of the site, looking north-east.

Plate 6 Drain/manhole close to the eastern boundary of the site, looking north-west.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

Plate 7 Historic buildings, including Marigolds and Bowling Alley Cottages, north- west of the site beyond the bowling green.

Plate 8 Looking east along Northiam Road, with Bowling Alley Cottages to the left and the top part of the site to the right.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

Plate 9 Looking east to the site across the bowling green, from Northiam Road.

Plate 10 Looking west along Northiam Road showing the hedge forming the northern boundary of the site.

9 48

49 47

123000 50

46 51

26 17

40 14

33 12 28 42

45 38 32 44 37 25 23 36 39 41 35 15 27 The Site 1 30 16 21 7 34 8

122000

29 20

31 22

121000 Study area Listed Building 0 0.5km Monument 0 0

0 R0 oman Road 0 0

Contains Ordnance Survey data 8 A9 rchaeological Notification Area Crown copyright and database right 2016 7 7 5 5

The Site

© Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross Fig. 3 Project Ref: 160278 April 2016 Richard Taylor’s map of Streatfield Borough, part of the manor of Rotherbridge, Report Ref: 2016141 Drawn by: KRH the property of Sir Thomas Webster, 1734 [ESRO ref SHE 6/1/8/2] N

The Site (approx)

The Site

© Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross Fig. 6 Project Ref: 160278 April 2016 Landmark Historical Map Report Ref: 2016141 Drawn by: KRH Ordnance Survey, 1872 County: SUSSEX Published Date(s): 1872 Originally plotted at: 1:2,500 N

The Site

© Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross Fig. 7 Project Ref: 160278 April 2016 Landmark Historical Map Report Ref: 2016141 Drawn by: KRH Ordnance Survey, 1898 County: SUSSEX Published Date(s): 1898 Originally plotted at: 1:2,500 N

The Site

© Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross Fig. 8 Project Ref: 160278 April 2016 Landmark Historical Map Report Ref: 2016141 Drawn by: KRH Ordnance Survey, 1909 County: SUSSEX Published Date(s): 1909 Originally plotted at: 1:2,500 N

The Site

© Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross Fig. 9 Project Ref: 160278 April 2016 Landmark Historical Map Report Ref: 2016141 Drawn by: KRH Ordnance Survey, 1929 County: SUSSEX Published Date(s): 1929 Originally plotted at: 1:2,500 N

The Site

© Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross Fig. 10 Project Ref: 160278 April 2016 Landmark Historical Map Report Ref: 2016141 Drawn by: KRH Ordnance Survey, 1976 Mapping: Epoch 5 Published Date(s): 1976 Originally plotted at: 1:2,500 N

The Site

© Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross Fig. 11 Project Ref: 160278 April 2016 Landmark Historical Map Report Ref: 2016141 Drawn by: KRH Ordnance Survey, 1991 Mapping: Additional SIMs Published Date(s): 1991 Originally plotted at: 1:2,500 © Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross Fig. 12 Project Ref: 016278 April 2016 Report Ref: 2016141 Drawn by: KRH Proposed site plan Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

Appendix 1 - Summary Table of Heritage Assets (refer to Fig. 1) (Listed Building numbers are in italics)

Site HER/LBS NGR (TQ) Description Period No. No. 1 MES3823 TQ 7785 Neolithic stone axe found in 1954 in Prehistoric 2240 a field c300 yards west of Staple (centred) Cross war memorial. 2 MES3874 TQ 7738 Cripp's Corner: Site of Iron Prehistoric/ 2153 Age/Roman? Bloomery. Romano- British 3 MES2461 TQ 8056 Rochester To Hastings Roman Romano- 2150 Road. British (centred) 4 MES3869 TQ 777 Morgay: Roman? pit and undated Romano- 218 linear earthwork. British (centred) 5 MES3870 TQ 7733 Badland Wood: Roman pottery finds. Romano- 2165 British (centred) 6 MES3879 TQ 7910 Flettice Wood: A concentration of Medieval 2329 12th/13th century pottery. (centred) 7 MES20173 TQ 7814 Staplecross: Medieval crossroads Medieval 2238 settlement. (centred) 8 DES2976/ TQ 78116 Solomon's Garden, Sedlescombe Medieval 1233858 22316 Road: 15th century. Grade II listed building. 9 MES3827 TQ 7935 Bloomery. Medieval 2317 to Post- (centred) medieval 10 MES3838/ TQ 7930 Soloman's Cottage: 15th century Medieval MES24999 2269 building. to Post- (centred) medieval 11 MES19244 TQ 7915 Lordine: Dispersed medieval Medieval 2228 settlement and farm. to Post- (centred) medieval 12 MES19245 TQ 7907 Colliers Green: Medieval hamlet Medieval 2256 to Post- (centred) medieval 13 MES3835 TQ 7878 Miles Farm: Post-medieval Post- 2141 farmstead. medieval (centred) 14 MES3836/ TQ 7931 The Old Oak Cottage: 17th century Post- MES25157 2260 House. Grade II listed building. medieval / DES2972 1233854

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

15 MES3843/ TQ 7808 Forge House and Forge Cottage, Post- MES25356 2241 Forge Lane: 17th century & 18th medieval / century. Grade II listed building. DES2982/ 1233876 16 MES3848/ TQ 7816 The Cross Inn: 18th century Inn. Post- MES25372 2239 Grade II listed building. medieval / DES2988/ 1233926 17 MES3864 TQ 7879 Lockyer's Wood: Large scatter of Post- 2264 post-medieval pottery, mainly medieval (centred) wasters suggesting kiln site. 18 MES3868 TQ 7926 North Of Solomans Cottage: Post- Post- 2274 medieval (or earlier) house platforms medieval (centred) and other earthworks. 19 MES3875 TQ 7807 Hobby Hobbs Farm: 19th century Post- 2219 brickworks. medieval 20 MES3876 TQ 7838 Wattle Hill: Post-medieval Post- 2186 brickworks medieval (centred) 21 MES3905 TQ 781 19th century smock mill, partially Post- 224 demolished and converted to medieval dwelling 22 MES17049 TQ 78070 Site of Beacon Mill, demolished. Post- 21469 medieval 23 MES19241 TQ 7831 Bowling Alley Cottages, Northiam Post- / DES4202 2247 Road: 18th century. Grade II listed medieval 1276394 building. 24 MES19899 TQ 7813 Cripp's Corner: Line of 300 in-situ Post- 2126 anti-tank cubes. medieval (centred) 25 MES20172 TQ 7813 Brewery House: 19th century. Grade Post- / DES2955/ 2246 II listed building. medieval 1233808 26 MES21577 TQ 7929 A cluster of post-medieval ponds Post- 2265 north of Northiam Road, Ewhurst. medieval 27 MES24499 TQ 7813 Ewhurst, Staplecross Lion: WW1 & 2 Post- 2240 memorial. medieval 28 MES25378 TQ 7871 Spilsteads: 16th century building. Post- 2254 medieval 29 MES26023 TQ 7815 Wattlehill Farmhouse: 17th century. Post- / DES2989/ 2186 Grade II listed building. medieval 1233934 30 MES29323 TQ 787 Staplecross: 19th century brick kiln. Post- 224 medieval 31 DES2977/ TQ 78063 Beaconsfield House, Sedlescombe Post- 1233859 21477 Road: 18th century. Grade II listed medieval building.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

32 DES2971/ TQ 78679 Brabans and Brabans Cottage, Post- 1233853 22501 Northiam Road: 18th century or medieval earlier. Grade II listed building. 33 DES2975/ TQ 78599 Brayburn Farm Barn, Northiam Road: Post- 1233857 22553 19th century. Grade II listed building. medieval 34 DES4193/ TQ 78125 Edgell Cottage, Sedlescombe Road: Post- 1276353 22360 Early 19th century. Grade II listed medieval building. 35 DES4222/ TQ 78133 Kent Cottage, The Old Bakery and Post- 1276511 22426 The Polhills: Three 18th century medieval cottages. Grade II listed building. 36 DES4205/ TQ 78122 Manor Cottage and Stratfield Post- 1276397 22395 Cottage: 18th century. Grade II listed medieval building. 37 DES2984/ TQ 78262 Marigolds, Northiam Road: 18th Post- 1233891 22467 century. Grade II listed building. medieval 38 DES2944/ TQ 78136 Outbuilding adjoining Brewery House Post- 1233619 22475 on the north east: late 18th or early medieval 19th century. Grade II listed building. 39 DES4207/ TQ 78180 Post Office Cottage, Staplecross Post- 1276409 22444 Post Office and the cottage attached, medieval the premises occupied by Precision Optics, Wheelwrights, Staplecross: early 19th century range of cottages. Grade II listed building. 40 DES2946/ TQ 78138 School House and Nos 1 & 2 School Post- 1233621 22598 Terrace: early 19th century. Grade II medieval listed building. 41 DES2970/ TQ 78186 South View, Northiam Road: early Post- 1233852 22442 19th century. Grade II listed building. medieval 42 DES2985/ TQ 78715 Spilsted Farmhouse, Northiam Road: Post- 1233892 22541 18th century. Grade II listed building. medieval 43 DES4206/ TQ 78107 The Grange, Cripps Corner Road: Post- 1276398 21942 late 18th – early 19th century. Grade II medieval listed building. 44 DES2945/ TQ 78160 The Mill House, Staplecross: early Post- 1233620 22478 19th century. Grade II listed building. medieval 45 DES2956/ TQ 78159 The Old Mill, Staplecross: dated Post- 1233810 22486 1815. Grade II listed building. medieval 46 DES4208/ TQ 78224 Wrens Cottage, Staplecross: 18th Post- 1276411 22918 century or earlier. Grade II listed medieval building. 47 MES3881 TQ 7850 Wapple Wood: Bell pits for extracting Undated 2305 iron ore. (centred) 48 MES3899 TQ 7930 Flettice Wood: An area of bell pits, Undated 2315 undated, but perhaps associated with (centred) the bloomery identified nearby.

Archaeology South-East Land East of Cricketers Field, Staplecross

49 MES3900 TQ 7936 Cinderbank Field: Slag heap. Undated 2307 (centred) 50 MES3901 TQ 7915 Ore pits: Extractive pits near Undated 2300 Cinderbank Wood. (centred) 51 MES3902 TQ 794 Gill Field: Extractive pits. Undated 229 (centred)

Sussex Office Essex Office London Office Units 1 & 2 27 Eastways Centre for Applied Archaeology 2 Chapel Place Witham UCL Institute of Archaeology Portslade Essex 31-34 Gordon Square East Sussex BN41 1DR CM8 3YQ London WC1H 0PY tel: +44(0)1273 426830 tel: +44(0)1376 331470 tel: +44(0)20 7679 4778 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] www.archaeologyse.co.uk www.archaeologyse.co.uk www.ucl.ac.uk/caa