P
LAND OFF FOSSE WAY
AND MAIN STREET
SYSTON
LEICESTERSHIRE:
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ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK
BASED ASSESSMENT
A
PCA Report Number: R12659
October 2016 PRE-CONSTRUCT ARCHAEOLOGY LTD
Land off Fosse Way, Syston, Leicestershire: An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment
Local Planning Authority: Charnwood Borough Council
Planning Application: Pre-planning
Central National Grid Reference: SK 620 120
Written and Researched by Donald Sutherland
Project Manager: Kevin Trott
Commissioning Client: Marrons Planning on behalf of Pukka Pies Ltd.
Contractor: Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd
Midlands Office 17 – 19 Kettering Road Little Bowden Market Harborough Leicestershire LE16 8AN
Tel: 01858 468333 / 07730 762587
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.pre-construct.com
© Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd
October 2016
The material contained herein is and remains the sole property of Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd and is not for publication to third parties without prior consent. Whilst every effort has been made to provide detailed and accurate information, Pre- Construct Archaeology Ltd cannot be held responsible for errors or inaccuracies herein contained.
PCA Report Number: R12659 An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment for Land off Fosse Way, Syston, Leicestershire: © Pre-Construct Archaeology Limited, October 2016
CONTENTS
1 Non-Technical Summary ...... 3 2 Introduction ...... 5 3 The Site and Proposed Scheme ...... 7 4 Planning Background ...... 13 5 Archaeological and Historical Background ...... 16 6 Potential Archaeological Resource and Significance ...... 35 7 Impact on the Buried Archaeological Deposits ...... 37 8 Conclusions, Significance and Recommendations ...... 39 9 Acknowledgements ...... 41 10 Bibliography ...... 42
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: LRHER SEARCH RESULTS WITHIN A 1KM CENTRED ON SK 620 120 ...... 44 Appendix 2: Site Photographs ...... 61
FIGURES
Figure 1: Site Location ...... 9 Figure 2: Detailed Site Location ...... 10 Figure 3: Photo Location Plan ...... 11 Figure 4: Proposed Development ...... 12 Figure 4: Proposed Development ...... 25 Figure 5: LRHER Locations ...... 26 Figure 6: Ridge and Furrow Map...... 27 Figure 7: 1962 Aerial Photograph ...... 28 Figure 8: 1778 Enclosure Map ...... 29 Figure 9: 1884-5 OS Map ...... 30 Figure 10: 1930 OS Map...... 31 Figure 11: 1952 OS Map...... 32 Figure 12: 1976 OS Map...... 33
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1 NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY
1.1 Pre-Construct Archaeology Limited has been commissioned by Marrons Planning on behalf of Pukka Pies Ltd. to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment in advance of the proposed development on land off Fosse Way, Syston, Leicestershire. The development site lies c.170m to the north-northwest of the historic core of the settlement which is a designated Conservation Area.
1.2 This report provides an assessment of the archaeological potential of the site based on the known archaeological record supplied by the Leicestershire and Rutland Historic Environment Record (LRHER) within the vicinity and wider environs of the site. This assessment will also consider how historical and existing land use within the study site and its environs may have impacted upon that potential, and how any intended future development may further impact on any archaeological remains.
1.3 Consideration is given to the significance of the archaeological potential in respect of guidelines outlined by Historic England within the criteria of National, Regional and Local significance. In addition, the Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Historic Landscape Characterisation Project was consulted as a reference to aid identification and understanding of potential regional and locally significant historic landscape profiles surviving within, and in the vicinity of, the study site.
1.4 Twelve elements of Prehistoric activity were identified within the 1km search radius conducted for this report which related to a variety of activities including burials.
1.5 Six elements of Roman activity were identified in the 1km vicinity of the development site which includes two Roman roads and a number of findspots.
1.6 The discovery of five elements of Anglo-Saxon archaeology in the 1km search radius supports the probable Anglo-Saxon origins of Syston.
1.7 Only three instances of medieval archaeology were identified in the HER search, which is perhaps surprising due to the presence of Syston in the Domesday Book and the fact that the development site lies just outside the historic core of the village. The instances include a Grade I Listed church and a number of finds identified in systematic field-walking surveys.
1.8 A considerable amount of post-medieval activity was identified in the 1km vicinity of the site including a large number of Grade II Listed buildings. This is perhaps unsurprising due to the site’s location in relation to the town
1.9 However, due to the fact that a large portion of the development site has undergone considerable disturbance during sand and gravel extraction operations in the 1980s, archaeology is only likely to survive in certain portions of the site.
1.10 As a consequence of the findings of this desk-based assessment and the potential for there being extant archaeological remains on the site, the local planning authority may require that a
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programme of archaeological fieldwork is carried out prior to the development in order to assess the surviving archaeological resource. For example, an archaeological observation of areas likely to impacted upon by the development, which are not likely to have been affected by gravel extraction, may be stipulated, in order to determine whether archaeological deposits survive in situ.
1.11 The necessity for any further archaeological work will be decided by Leicestershire County Council and their archaeological advisors. Early consultation should be undertaken with to identify the scope and extent of any such work.
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2 INTRODUCTION
2.1 Outline
2.1.1 This Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment for land off Fosse Way, Leicestershire (Figures 1 & 2) has been prepared in order to provide supporting documentation for planning application. At the time of writing this report the proposed development consisted of a commercial building measuring 4,750m2 and an area for car parking, service yard and storage around the building measuring 8,200m2. The development also included the diversion of an existing water course. The building envelope of approximately 4,750m2 will be built upon a raised level platform created at the site from cut and fill activities. However, any actions involving invasive groundworks are likely to impact on any surviving, underlying archaeological remains.
2.1.2 An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment is undertaken in order that the local authority may formulate an appropriate response to any identified archaeological resource. The report aims to assess the archaeological potential of the site and to examine the likely impact of the proposed development upon the archaeological resource. This assessment may be followed by a requirement for further archaeological monitoring or investigation.
2.1.3 The Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment is required as part of the planning process and accords with National Planning Policy Framework (2012). The document states:
Where a site on which development is proposed includes or has the potential to include heritage assets with archaeological interest, local planning authorities should require developers to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation (Chapter 12, Section 128)
2.1.4 This report has been prepared in accordance with the ‘Standards and guidance for historic environment desk-based assessment’ (2014) published by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.
2.1.5 An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment is undertaken in order that the local authority may formulate an appropriate response to any identified archaeological resource. This assessment may be followed by a requirement for further archaeological monitoring or investigation.
2.1.6 This Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment was written and researched by Donald Sutherland of Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd. Research has included the examination of historical maps, relevant reports and publications, and a search of the Leicester and Rutland Historic Environment Record (LRHER). A site visit was undertaken by the author on the 21st of September 2016.
2.2 Report Objectives
2.2.1 As defined by the Charted Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA 2014), an Archaeological Desk- Based Assessment aims to:
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Desk-based assessment will determine, as far as is reasonably possible from existing records, the nature, extent and significance of the historic environment within a specified area. Desk-based assessment will be undertaken using appropriate methods and practices which satisfy the stated aims of the project, and which comply with the Code of conduct, Code of approved practice for the regulation of contractual arrangements in field archaeology, and other relevant by-laws of the CIfA. In a development context desk-based assessment will establish the impact of the proposed development on the significance of the historic environment (or will identify the need for further evaluation to do so), and will enable reasoned proposals and decisions to be made whether to mitigate, offset or accept without further intervention that impact.(CIFA 2014)
2.2.2 A Desk-Based Assessment should consist of:
…analysis of existing written, graphic, photographic and electronic information in order to identify the likely heritage assets, their interests and significance and the character of the study area, including appropriate consideration of the settings of heritage assets and, in England, the nature, extent and quality of the known or potential archaeological, historic, architectural and artistic interest. Significance is to be judged in a local, regional, national or international context as appropriate. (CIfA 2014)
2.2.3 The Desk-Based Assessment is required in order to assess the merit of the archaeological resource and lead towards one or more of the following:
• The formulation of a strategy to ensure the recording, preservation or management of the resource.
• The formulation of a strategy for further investigation, whether or not intrusive, where the character and value of the resource is not sufficiently defined to permit a mitigation strategy or other response to be devised.
• The formulation of a proposal for further archaeological investigation within a programme of research.
2.2.4 The degree to which archaeological deposits survive on site will depend upon previous land- use and so consideration is given to the destructive effect of past and present activity from a study of the information available. In order that the appropriate archaeological response may be identified the impact of the proposed development is also considered.
2.2.5 The Desk-Based Assessment usually forms the first stage in the process of archaeological assessment and may, if the quality of the archaeology and the perceived impact warrants it, be followed by further mitigation measures.
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3 THE SITE AND PROPOSED SCHEME
3.1 Study Area
3.1.1 The study site is located on land off Fosse Way, Leicestershire. The study site is centred at NGR SK 620 120 (Figure 1).
3.1.2 The plot of land is comprised of an irregularly shaped area of relatively flat, largely grassed over land, measuring approximately 60,700m2 (Figure 2). To the south of the site lies High Street, beyond which lies commercial buildings. To the east of the site lies a recycling yard and railway. To the west, the site is bounded by Fosse Way with agricultural fields and a timber and fencing centre beyond. To the north an artificial lake and sailing club. The site is accessed via a metal gate off Fosse Way, in the centre of the site’s western boundary, but can also be accessed by foot via a gap in the site’s southern boundary.
3.2 Geology
3.2.1 The British Geological Survey indicates that the underlying bedrock geology on site comprises ‘Branscombe Mudstone Formation’ – Mudstone. This is a sedimentary bedrock that formed in a local environment previously dominated by hot deserts. The geology formed in the Triassic Period, around 200-217 million years ago (BGS viewer 2016).
3.2.2 Overlying the bedrock, the superficial geology consists of Alluvium – Clay, Silt, Sand and Gravel. These deposits formed up to 2 million years ago in the Quaternary Period in a local environment previously dominated by rivers (BGS viewer 2016).
3.3 Topography & Site Visit
3.3.1 A site visit was undertaken by the author on the 21st of September 2016. The aim of the visit was to assess the aspect, character, condition and setting of the site and to identify any impacts or constraints not otherwise known. Photographs were taken during the visit and are included in Appendix 2, with their locations shown on Figure 3.
3.3.2 The site is accessed via a metal gate off Fosse Way, in the middle of the site’s western boundary (Plate 1). The site consists of an irregularly shaped area of land which is largely grassed over but has overgrown, wooded areas around its boundaries and an overgrown area in the southwest (Plates 2, 7, 9 and 10).
3.3.3 The site is relatively flat despite some slight undulations and depressions in the southeast and some very slight undulations in the northeast (Plates 5, 6 and 8). The site is currently separated into two areas by a narrow but deep waterway/drainage ditch which runs on a roughly east- west alignment (Plate 12). A drain was also observed in the south of the site, adjacent to the southern boundary (Plate 11).
3.3.4 The site is bounded on all sides by narrow strips of woodland which consist of mature and semi- mature trees, brambles and hawthorn (Plates 2, 3, 4 and 7). This separates the site from Fosse
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Way in the west, beyond which lies an agricultural field and a timber and fencing centre. To the south of the site lies High Street which separates the site from a variety of commercial buildings. To the east of the site lies a recycling centre and railway. To the north of the site lies a sailing club and artificial lake (Plate 4).
3.4 The Proposed Scheme
3.4.1 At the time of writing this report, the proposed development consisted of a commercial building measuring 4,750m2 and an area for car parking, service yard and storage around the building measuring 8,200m2. The development also included the diversion of an existing water course.
3.4.2 The building footprint of approximately 4,750m2 will be built upon a raised level platform created at the site from cut and fill activities. The undertaking of any below groundworks e.g. foundation construction, landscaping, services installation, ground reduction etc., will inevitably risk impacting on any surviving in situ archaeological deposits.
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L I N C S
S T A F F S L E I C E S T E R S H I R E Syston Site Location
R U T L A N D Leicester W E S T M I D L A N D S
N O R T H A N T S C A M B S
W A R W I C K S
N
462000/313000
The Site
462000/310500
0 1km
Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 2016 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2016 30/09/16 MR Figure 1 Site Location 1:2,000,000, 1:500,000 & 1:20,000 at A4 N
462000/312525
462000/311600
0 250m
Crown copyright 2016. All rights reserved. License number PMP36110309 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2016 30/09/16 MR Figure 2 Detailed Site Location 1:5,000 at A4 N
4 5 6
2
3
1
7
12
8 11
9 10
0 100m
Crown copyright 2016. All rights reserved. License number PMP36110309 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2016 30/09/16 MR Figure 3 Plate Locations and Directions 1:2,500 at A4 Reproduced from a drawing by Architects le1 (September 2016)
N
0 50m Figure 4 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2016 Plan of the Proposed Development 30/09/16 MR 1:1,250 at A4 An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment for Land off Fosse Way, Syston, Leicestershire: © Pre-Construct Archaeology Limited, October 2016
4 PLANNING BACKGROUND
4.1 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
4.1.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was adopted on 27 March 2012, and now supersedes the Planning Policy Statements (PPSs). The NPPF constitutes guidance for local planning authorities and decision-takers both in drawing up plans and as a material consideration in determining applications. In summary, current national policy provides a framework which protects nationally important designated Heritage Assets and their settings. In appropriate circumstances it requires applicants to seek adequate information (from desk based assessment and field evaluation where necessary) to enable informed decisions regarding the historic environment and provides for the investigation by intrusive or non- intrusive means of sites not significant enough to merit in-situ preservation.
4.1.2 Chapter 12 of the NPPF concerns the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment, with the following statements being particularly relevant to the proposed development:
128. In determining applications, local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance. As a minimum the relevant historic environment record should have been consulted and the heritage assets assessed using appropriate expertise where necessary. Where a site on which development is proposed includes or has the potential to include heritage assets with archaeological interest, local planning authorities should require developers to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation.
129. Local planning authorities should identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset that may be affected by a proposal (including by development affecting the setting of a heritage asset) taking account of the available evidence and any necessary expertise. They should take this assessment into account when considering the impact of a proposal on a heritage asset, to avoid or minimise conflict between the heritage asset’s conservation and any aspect of the proposal.
132. When considering the impact of a proposed development on the significance of a designated heritage asset, great weight should be given to the asset’s conservation. The more important the asset, the greater the weight should be. Significance can be harmed or lost through alteration or destruction of the heritage asset or development within its setting. As heritage assets are irreplaceable, any harm or loss should require clear and convincing justification. Substantial harm
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to or loss of a grade II listed building, park or garden should be exceptional. Substantial harm to or loss of designated heritage assets of the highest significance, notably scheduled monuments, protected wreck sites, battlefields, grade I and II* listed buildings, grade I and II* registered parks and gardens, and World Heritage Sites, should be wholly exceptional.
4.1.3 Additionally:
141. Local planning authorities should make information about the significance of the historic environment gathered as part of plan-making or development management publicly accessible. They should also require developers to record and advance understanding of the significance of any heritage assets to be lost (wholly or in part) in a manner proportionate to their importance and the impact, and to make this evidence (and any archive generated) publicly accessible. However, the ability to record evidence of our past should not be a factor in deciding whether such loss should be permitted.
4.1.4 In considering any planning application for development, the local planning authority will now be guided by the policy framework set by the NPPF.
4.1.5 The NPPF also states:
214. For 12 months from the day of publication, decision-takers may continue to give full weight to relevant policies adopted since 2004 even if there is a limited degree of conflict with this Framework.
215. In other cases and following this 12-month period, due weight should be given to relevant policies in existing plans according to their degree of consistency with this framework (the closer the policies in the plan to the policies in the Framework, the greater the weight that may be given).
4.2 Local Planning Policy
4.2.1 The NPPF requires local planning authorities to set out a ‘positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment’ (12.126).
4.2.2 The development site lies within the borough of Charnwood and is governed by its local planning policy. The local plan for Charnwood is made up of the Charnwood 2011 to 2028 Core Strategy (2015) and saved policies from the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan (2004).
4.2.3 The development area lies approximately 170m north-northwest of the Syston Conservation Area and although specific policies relating to conservation areas will not apply, the proximity may necessitate greater observance of the character of the area during the planning process.
4.2.4 Relevant policy provisions within Charnwood Borough Council’s local plan are provided below:
Charnwood 2011 to 2028 Core Strategy (2015):
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Policy CS14: Heritage
We will conserve and enhance our historic assets for their own value and the community, environmental and economic contribution they make. We will do this by: • requiring development proposals to protect heritage assets and their setting; • supporting development which prioritises the refurbishment and re-use of disused or under • used buildings of historic or architectural merit or incorporates them sensitively into regeneration schemes; • working with our partners to prepare Conservation Area Character Statements, Landscape Character Assessments and Village Design Statements; • supporting developments which have been informed by and reflect Conservation Area Character Appraisals, Landscape Character Appraisals and Village Design Statements; • supporting developments which incorporate Charnwood’s distinctive local building materials and architectural details; • supporting the viable and sustainable use of heritage assets at risk of neglect or loss, providing such development is consistent with the significance of the heritage asset, especially where this supports tourism or business development; • securing improvements to the following ‘at risk’ heritage assets through our major developments:
o the Temple of Venus, Garendon Park, Ashby Road, Loughborough o the Triumphal Arch, Garendon Park, Ashby Road, Loughborough o Roman villa north of Hamilton Grounds Farm, Barkby Thorpe o Garendon Park, Ashby Road, Loughborough o Shepshed Conservation Area o Taylor’s Bell Foundry, Freehold Street, Loughborough
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5 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
5.1 Introduction
5.1.1 In order to assess the potential of the archaeology within the development area, an examination of archaeological entries in the Leicestershire and Rutland Historic Environment Record (LRHER) has been made within a 1km radius of the site (Figure 5 and Appendix 1).
5.1.2 The purpose of the HER search is to identify known designated and undesignated archaeological sites and finds in the vicinity in order to predict the likely archaeological conditions within the development area itself. It is important to understand that many of the entries on the HER result from chance discoveries, and are therefore at best a small and unrepresentative sample of the total buried heritage.
5.1.3 The information derived from the HER is supplemented by other archaeological, documentary and cartographic resources. No finds were identified in the vicinity of the site on the Portable Antiquities Scheme’s (PAS) database.
5.2 General History
5.2.1 The settlement of Syston is likely to have its origins in the Anglo-Saxon period and despite the existence of a Roman road (the Fosse Way) in close proximity there is little evidence of earlier habitation. Syston features in the Domesday Book of 1086 and was certainly a settlement by at least this time. The town developed slowly until the 1800s when the coming of the canal and railway led to growth and an escalation of industry within the town.
5.3 Prehistoric (450,000 BC – AD 42)
5.3.1 Twelve elements of prehistoric activity were identified in the 1km search radius carried out for this report.
5.3.2 A dispersed Early Bronze Age barrow cemetery is recorded on the floodplain at the confluence of the rivers Soar and Wreake, c.675m west-southwest from the proposed development site (Figure 5, no.8). There are five known barrows in this area at present with potential for more buried under alluvium. A further Bronze Age burial was identified during widening of the Wreake Railway Bridge in 1873, c.570m northwest from the development site (Figure 5, no.9). During the works a Middle Bronze Age rapier along with a fragment of human skull was recovered from gravel c.19’ from the surface and 11’ below the bed of the river (Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society 1888).
5.3.3 Deposits found during test pitting in 2002 including cracked stones and charcoal deposits suggest a possible Bronze Age burnt mound (Beamish 2002) which lies southwest of Lewin Bridge, c.455m north from the development area (Figure 5, no.6).
5.3.4 Photographs show cropmarks of two possible ring ditches, one with a central pit-like feature west of Bourden Farm, c.625m northeast from the development site; a possible pit alignment is
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also visible (Figure 5, no.4). Two further possible ring ditches were also noted on aerial photographs, this time north of Wanlip Road, c.800m southwest from the development site (Figure 5, no.5). Another cropmark of a possible ring ditch was noted on aerial photographs as lying southwest of Bourden Farm, c.550m northeast from the development site (Figure 5, no.7).
5.3.5 A number of findspots were also identified in the vicinity of the development site. The Leicestershire Museums Service holds 24 flints including scrapers and blade cores that were recovered from Drift Hill, c.810m north from the development site (Figure 5, no.1); two Palaeolithic implements were also apparently found in gravel here. During field-walking in the 1980s early Neolithic blades and flint cores were recovered from northeast of Pontylue Farm, c.715m southwest from the proposed development site (Figure 5, no.2). Another field-walking exercise in the 1980s revealed a small amount of flint, including a core and a scraper, north of Wanlip Road, c.775m southwest from the development site (Figure 5, no.3). A Bronze Age axe was probably found near Gate Hangs Well, c.665m north from the development site, in 1901 however the exact location of where this was found is not certain (Figure 5, no.10).
5.3.6 Two programmes of field-walking in 1983 recovered a number of prehistoric flint artefacts including struck flint, flint blade cores, flint flakes, flint scrapers and a retouched flint blade. The first of these took place south of Syston mills, c.640m southwest of the development site (Figure 5, no.11) and the second northeast of Pontylue Farm, approximately 575m to the southwest of the development site (Figure 5, no.12).
5.4 Roman (43 AD to 409 AD)
5.4.1 Six instances of Roman activity were identified in the 1km search radius carried out for this report.
5.4.2 Two of these instances relate to Roman roads. The first of these is the Fosse Way Roman Road which lies immediately to the west of the development site (Figure 5, no.13). This road connected Ratae Corieltauvorum (Leicester) with Lindum Colonia (Lincoln) to the northeast with Corinium (Cirencester) and Isca Dumnoniorum (Exeter) to the southwest. The route to the north of Leicester is predominantly marked by the A46 and the precise location and alignment of the road has been identified by excavation at Narborough and in Leicester. Geophysical survey undertaken in December 2005, by Stratascan, revealed a series of parallel linear anomalies which are tentatively interpreted as ditches associated with the Fosse Way; this was confirmed by a subsequent archaeological evaluation (Harvey 2006).
5.4.3 The second potential Roman Road is known as ‘Le Strete’ and lies c.560m southeast of the proposed development site (Figure 5, no.14). In 1396, the main road from Melton to Leicester was called ‘Le Strete’ and the road is referred to as ‘the Streete’ in the Glebe Terrier in 1612. The fact that ‘Street’ names normally refer to Roman roads suggests that it has its origins on the Roman period and the road is presumably a continuation of Sawgate/Kirby Lane. Geophysical survey in 2011 suggested the possible route of the road near Kirby Bellars and
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possible east-west linears were noted in a further geophysical survey as lying off Leicester Road, Melton Mowbray in 2016 (Roseveare & Armstrong 2016).
5.4.4 In 1989 a Roman copper alloy coin was found in the garden of 7 Barry Drive, c.720m east of the development site (Figure 5, no.15). The coin has been identified as an unofficial copy of an ‘AE4’ Roman coin, dating to AD 348-361.
5.4.5 An archaeological watching brief undertaken at Meadow Lane Quarry, c.330m west of the development site by ULAS in 2000 recovered a single Roman pin (Figure 5, no.18). Only modern material was found in the topsoil and subsoil however the pin was recovered during a metal detecting survey of the site. The watching brief also revealed palaeo-channels containing ‘bog oak’ fragments and a mammoth tusk fragment which were found during gravel extraction and were sealed below the alluvial clay and the ground (Higgins 2000).
5.4.6 Two episodes of field-walking in 1983 recorded a number of Roman finds. The first of these took place south of Syston mills, c.640m southwest of the development site (Figure 5, no.16) and the second northeast of Pontylue Farm, approximately 575m to the southwest of the development site (Figure 5, no.17).
5.5 Anglo-Saxon (AD 411 – 1066)
5.5.1 The study area lies just outside the historic core of Syston (Figure 5, no.23) which is referred to in the Domesday Book of 1086 and is likely to have its origins in the Anglo Saxon period; the location of the historic core is deduced by historic landscape maps.
5.5.2 In the Domesday Book the settlement is referred to as Sitestone. The name derives from ‘Sigestein’ (a male personal name) and ‘tun’ (farmstead, village, small estate) and therefore means ‘The settlement associated with the people of Cyfel’ (Bourne 2003, p.85). A watermill is mentioned in Syston in the Domesday Book which potentially dates to the Anglo-Saxon period and is thought to lie c.545m west-northwest of the development site (Figure 5, no.22).
5.5.3 Due to the probable early origins of the settlement, the historic settlement core is recorded on the HER database as being Anglo Saxon in origin. This settlement core, which has been deduced by landscape maps, lies approximately 130m southeast of the development site (Figure 5, no.23).
5.5.4 An Anglo-Saxon sword blade was found on the site of a new school opposite the end of Millstone Lane, c.755m east of the proposed development site (Figure 5, no.19). Additionally, an Anglo-Saxon loom-weight and pottery were found in 1967 southwest of Lewin Bridge, c.795m north from the development site (Figure 5, no.20).
5.5.5 A waterlogged ditch running at a tangent to the Fosse Way and a small drainage gulley were revealed during test pitting in 2002 (Beamish 2002) at a site southwest of Lewin Bridge, c.305m north of the development site (Figure 5, no.21). Radiocarbon dating of these dated them to the
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mid/late Anglo-Saxon period. Waterlogged wood (woven withies) and important palaeo- geological information was also recorded.
5.6 Medieval (AD 1067 – 1539)
5.6.1 As mentioned previously, Syston is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. The presence of Syston in the Domesday Book confirms that the historic settlement core of the village dates from at least the Early Medieval period.
5.6.2 The book states that in the land of Hugh de Grandmesnil (Williams and Martin 2003, p.635):
Swein holds of Hugh in Syston 9 carucates of land. There is land for 6 ploughs. In demesne is 1 [plough]; and 17 villans with a priest and 1 bordar and 11 sokemen have 6 ploughs. There is a mill rendering 12d, and 16 acres of meadow. It was worth 30s; now 40s.
5.6.3 Only three instances of medieval archaeology were identified in the HER search, perhaps surprising due to the presence of Syston in the Domesday Book and the development site’s proximity to the historic core of the village (Figure 5, no.23).
5.6.4 The Church of St. Peter & St. Paul is a Grade I Listed church which lies on Lower Church Street, c.345m east-southeast of the development site (Figure 5, no.24). Parts of the church date to the 13th century with further work in the 14th century and it was substantially restored in the late 19th century; it is constructed of pink granite rubble with white limestone dressings.
5.6.5 Medieval pottery was also recovered from two episodes of field-walking which took place in 1983. The first of these took place south of Syston mills, c.640m of the development site (Figure 5, no.25) and the second northeast of Pontylue Farm, approximately 575m to the southwest of the development site (Figure 5, no.26).
5.7 Post-medieval (AD 1540 – 1900)
5.7.1 A significant amount of post-medieval activity was identified in the vicinity of the development area through the LRHER search. This included a large number of Grade II Listed buildings which were concentrated in the core of Syston. Due to the number of these, only those within 250m of the development site will be discussed as these are the most likely to be impacted by any development.
5.7.2 A post-medieval watermill has been identified as lying c.550m northwest of the development site (Figure 5, no.27). The mill is mentioned as a corn mill in 1606 and is shown as disused in the 1880s OS map. The 1904 OS map shows the mill as in use although much altered, as (apparently) a manufacturer of fibrous board.
5.7.3 The Thatched Cottage is a Grade II Listed timber framed house which lies c.235m east- southeast of the development site (Figure 5, no.28). The house dates to the late 16th or early 17th century and is constructed of roughcast render over a timber frame on a plinth with a thatched roof. At 16 Bath Street, c.215m southeast from the development site, is another Grade
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II Listed timber framed house (Figure 5, no.29). The house is probably early 17th century with later, 19th century, additions and is timber framed with original brick nogging and a Welsh slate roof. Stone House lies approximately 205m southeast of the development site and is a Grade II Listed cottage with a probable 17th century core but was refenestrated etc. in c.1904 (Figure 5, no.30). The building is roughcast render with stone quoins and a thatched roof. At 17 Bath Street, c.235m southeast from the development site, is a Grade II Listed house with probable early 18th century core (Figure 5, no.31). The house is constructed of brick with a Welsh slate roof on a plinth.
5.7.4 The former turnpike road which ran from Melton Mowbray to Leicester lies c.600m southeast of the development site (Figure 5, no.32). The road was created by the Act of 1st Authorisation in 1763-4 and expired in 1872; this is now Melton Road and continues on into the A607.
5.7.5 A double-arched bridge over the River Wreake is Grade II Listed and lies c.820m west from the development site (Figure 5, no.33). The bridge is constructed of granite rubble with brick dressing and has a span of two shallow arches, with a brick cutwater in central pier and brick pilaster above it, on each side.
5.7.6 Bails Cottage lies at 18 Bath Street, c.230m southeast from the development site (Figure 5, no.34). This Grade II listed house dates to the late 18th century and is constructed of brick on a cobble plinth with a Welsh slate roof.
5.7.7 The Melton Mowbray Navigation ran from the old basin near the railway station at Burton Street all the way to the Leicester Navigation at Syston and lies c.575m northwest from the proposed development site (Figure 5, no.35). The Act to make the Wreake River navigable from Melton Mowbray to the Leicester Navigation at Turnwater Meadow was passed in 1791. It was completed in 1797, and was extended to Oakham in 1803. The navigation was closed in 1877 (Hadfield 1970).
5.7.8 The Midland Counties Railway was opened in 1840 and went to Nottingham and Derby; it lies c.130m southwest from the development site (Figure 5, no.36). The line was initially built to supply Leicester with coal from the Nottinghamshire coalfield but was extended to Rugby in order to link London to the North. In 1844 the North Midland, Midland Counties and Birmingham & Junction Railways were all merged to create the Midland Railway. The expansion of the company's coal traffic to London in the late C19th led to quadrupling of the track, with widening from the Red Hill Tunnel to Leicester taking place in 1872-4 (Pollard, Brooks & Thorne 2013, p.10-12).
5.7.9 The Midland Railway, Syston to Loughborough line lies immediately to the east of the development site (Figure 5, no.37). The line was built to link Stamford and Peterborough and the Syston - Melton Mowbray, and Stamford - Peterborough sections were opened in 1846, but due to opposition, the Melton Mowbray section's opening was delayed until 1848 (Leleux 1984, p.91-3).
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5.7.10 Savage’s Hole lay c.430m south of the development site (Figure 5, no.38) and was a water storage site for the railway. It was filled in during the 50s-60s using rubble from Leicester's demolished slums.
5.7.11 A rifle range is sown on the late 19th century OS map and the Epoch 2 (1904) but is shown as disused by the time of the Epoch 3 (1930) map. The range was located c.95m east of the proposed development site (Figure 5, no.39).
5.7.12 Post-medieval pottery was recovered from two episodes of field-walking which took place in 1983. The first of these took place south of Syston mills, c.640m southwest of the development site (Figure 5, no.40) and the second northeast of Pontylue Farm, approximately 575m to the southwest of the development site (Figure 5, no.41).
5.8 Modern (1901 – Present)
5.8.1 Three elements of modern heritage were identified in the LRHER search of the area.
5.8.2 The Syston War Memorial Clock Tower is Grade II Listed and lies c.620m southeast of the development site (Figure 5, no.42). The memorial commemorates those who fell in both world wars and consists of a stone tower with clock faces to the front and rear and bronze inscription panels. A lion sits on top of the memorial. It was moved to this position in 1972 as part of a road improvement scheme.
5.8.3 The Wreake Valley Community College lies c.630m east-northeast of the development site (Figure 5, no.43). It was built in 1967-71 by Gollins, Melvin, Ward & Partners and is described as 'a bravely monumental image of a huge ziggurat'. The ziggurat is composed of an enclosed auditorium below a two-storey top-lit library surrounded by classrooms.
5.8.4 The Syston Conservation Area lies c.170m south-southeast development site. It was designated in October 1975 and covers the historic settlement core of the town either side of the High Street and bounded by the Melton Road (Figure 5, no.44). The Area includes a broad range of buildings, domestic, commercial, public and industrial, from the 17th century to the present day, based on a medieval pattern of streets including a village green.
5.9 Undated Archaeological Features/Earthworks
5.9.1 Alongside the known datable archaeology, two heritage elements have been which have not been datable.
5.9.2 A possible rectilinear enclosure of unknown date was identified in the 1970s as lying close to the Fosse Way, c.420m south-southwest of the development site (Figure 5, no.45)
5.9.3 Human remains were found whilst digging a service trench c.260m southeast from the proposed development site probably in 1983 (Figure 5, no.46). There were no associated finds or dating evidence.
5.10 Negative Archaeological Investigations
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5.10.1 Seven known archaeological investigations have been conducted in the 1km search radius which have had negative results.
5.10.2 An archaeological field evaluation was conducted by ULAS in 2000 on land at Charnwood Edge, c.825m northwest from the development site, in advance of proposed office building development (Figure 5, no.47). Twelve trenches were excavated which contained traces of furrows but no deposits of archaeological significance.
5.10.3 A topsoil magnetic susceptibility survey was carried out by ULAS in 2001, on land west of Fosse Way, immediately to the west of the development site, over the Fosse Way (Figure 5, no.48). Variations in susceptibility were mapped but failed to reveal any convincing archaeological or geomorphological patterning.
5.10.4 An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by ULAS in 2003 during groundworks for the construction of sheltered housing on land at 1340-1346, Melton Road, c.530m east-southeast from the development site (Figure 5, no.49). No significant archaeological finds were located during the watching brief.
5.10.5 A watching brief was carried out on groundworks for residential development at 18-22 Brook Street, c.310m southeast from the development site (Figure 5, no.50). The site was heavily disturbed across the front however the rear, an area of former gardens, was undisturbed. No archaeological finds or features were recorded.
5.10.6 Trial trenching was carried out in advance of proposed residential development at 66 High Street, c.230m southeast from the development site (Figure 5, no.51). No archaeological finds or features were recorded - the demolished factory had truncated the site.
5.10.7 A watching brief was undertaken on groundworks at Syston Health Centre, c.490m east- southeast from the development site (Figure 5, no.52). No archaeological finds or features were recorded.
5.10.8 Three test pits were excavated in 2014, on land adjacent to Fosse Way, c.355m north from the development site (Figure 5, no.53). No features of archaeological interest were uncovered.
5.11 Cartographic Evidence
5.11.1 Historic maps showing the study area, spanning from 1778 to the late 20th century have been examined for this desk based assessment.
5.11.2 The Enclosure Map of 1778 (Figure 8) depicts the development site as covering four separate fields with a small river or water way bisecting the site. At this time a roughly rectangular field owned by Samuel Pickard Junior lies in the northeast of the site. To the northwest lies a rectangular field owned by M. Chamberlain; in the southwest corner of this field, a smaller rectangular enclosure is also depicted. To the south of this lies an irregularly shaped field belonging to Francis Lewin which is bounded on the south by the waterway. To the south of this is the final field which is also irregular in shape and is owned by John Lewin.
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5.11.3 The 1884-5 OS Map (Figure 9) shows no significant changes to the development site except for the loss of the smaller enclosure in the northwest field. However, at this time a railway is now represented immediately to the east of the site with additional lines to the south and west. A rifle range is recorded to the east of the railway line that lies to the west of the site.
5.11.4 The OS Map of 1930 again shows very little change to the site itself except that a pump is noted in the north of the field north of the waterway at this time (Figure 10).
5.11.5 The 1952 OS Map shows very little change to the site or its environs however at this time the rifle range is no longer represented to the west of the site (Figure 11).
5.11.6 There are no major changes within the study area in the 1976 OS Map however the pump is no longer represented in the field north of the waterway at this time and the waterway is now labelled as a ‘Drain’. Increased development appears to have occurred in Syston to the site’s southeast (Figure 12). The artificial lake is not evident in this map and must have been introduced at some point after 1976. Likewise, internal boundaries that exist at this time and separate the northern portion of the site into three distinct fields do not exist today.
5.11.7 The 1989 OS map represents the site as covering an area which appears to contain two irregularly shaped lakes (Figure 13). These lakes are likely to reflect the excavations for the extraction of sand and gravel which took place in the 1980s prior to the restoration of the land to agricultural use.
5.11.8 An undated ridge and furrow map for the area was also consulted which shows no evidence or ridge and furrow within the development site however ridge and furrow is noted in fields immediately to the south of the site which have now been built upon (Figure 6).
5.11.9 An aerial photograph shows the site much as it is dictated in the historic OS maps, as three distinct fields which are grassed over and relatively clear (Figure 7).
5.12 Historic Landscape Characterisation
5.12.1 The Leicestershire and Rutland Historic Landscape Characterisation project places the development site within landscape characterised as ‘Fields and Enclosed Land – Small Irregular Fields’. This category includes fields not assigned to other historic landscape types including small meadows and closes not occurring next to settlement boundaries. This HLC type will include fields with both sinuous and straight boundaries. Examples of this HLC type may date from as early as the 13th century although other examples are likely to have a later date, possibly as late as the 16th century. Where straight boundaries dominate fields are likely to be later in date.
5.12.2 The general field boundaries were in existence from at least 1778 despite some loss of boundaries at some point after 1976. Due to the generally straight boundaries of these fields however it is likely that these are later examples of this HLC type and date to the post-medieval period. The archaeological potential for these fields is considered Low and where fields have
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remained in permanent pasture for a significant period, archaeological potential will be higher. Fields over 1ha are considered to have an archaeological potential due to their size (Leicestershire County Council 2010).
5.12.3 The development site appears to have remained relatively clear until 1981 when permission for gravel extraction was granted. Although the extent of the gravel extraction on the site is unclear, it will have had a significant impact upon any buried archaeological remains.
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Contains Ordnance Survey data Crown copyright and database right 2016 Figure 5 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2016 LRHER Locations 30/09/16 MR 1:12,500 at A3 N
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Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2016 30/09/16 MR Figure 6 Plan of Ridge and Furrow 1:8,000 at A4 N
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Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2016 30/09/16 MR Figure 7 Aerial Photograph (4208), April 1962 1:4,000 at A4 N
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Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2016 30/09/16 MR Figure 8 Enclosure map, 1778 Approx. 1:4,000 at A4 N
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Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2016 30/09/16 MR Figure 9 Ordnance Survey map, 1884/1885 1:4,000 at A4 N
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Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2016 30/09/16 MR Figure 10 Ordnance Survey map, 1930 1:4,000 at A4 N
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Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2016 30/09/16 MR Figure 11 Ordnance Survey map, 1952 1:4,000 at A4 N
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Crown copyright 1976. All rights reserved. License number 36110309 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2016 30/09/16 MR Figure 12 Ordnance Survey map, 1976 1:4,000 at A4 N
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Crown copyright 1989. All rights reserved. License number 36110309 Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd 2016 30/09/16 MR Figure 13 Ordnance Survey map, 1989 1:4,000 at A4 An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment for Land off Fosse Way, Syston, Leicestershire: © Pre-Construct Archaeology Limited, October 2016
6 POTENTIAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE AND SIGNIFICANCE
6.1 Introduction
6.1.1 The following outline of the potential archaeological resource is based upon the portions of the development site which have not been affected by the sand and gravel extraction operations that occurred in the 1980s (see Section 7.1). Portions of development that lie within the affected area are unlikely to have any surviving archaeological remains due to the levels of disturbance that will have occurred during these operations.
6.2 Prehistoric
6.2.1 Twelve elements of prehistoric activity were identified in the 1km vicinity of the development site, including a number relating to burial activities. However, as the closest of these was c.455m north of the site, the potential for encountering archaeological remains associated with this period is considered to be Low. The potential for archaeologically significant prehistoric remains (i.e. evidence of settlement or funerary activity) being encountered on the site is also Low.
6.3 Roman
6.3.1 Six elements of Roman activity were identified within the vicinity of the study area including a number of findspots and two roads, one of which runs immediately adjacent to the west of the site. Therefore, the potential for archaeologically significant Roman remains (i.e. evidence of settlement or funerary activity) being encountered on the site is Low. Should such remains be encountered they would have local significance and, depending on their quality and the state of preservation, potentially regional significance. The potential for the survival of other, less significant, Roman remains within the study area is considered to be Low.
6.4 Anglo-Saxon
6.4.1 The recording of Syston in the Domesday Book indicates the settlement’s origins may have begun within the Saxon period. Five elements of Anglo-Saxon activity were identified in the vicinity of the development site which perhaps supports this possibility however only the potential Anglo-Saxon core of the settlement is within 300m of the site. Therefore, the potential for archaeologically significant Anglo-Saxon remains (i.e. evidence of settlement or funerary activity) being encountered on the site is Low. Should such remains be encountered they would have local significance and, depending on their quality and the state of preservation, potentially regional significance. The potential for other, less significant, archaeology from this period is Low.
6.5 Medieval
6.5.1 The LRHER search recorded only three instances of medieval activity in the vicinity of the study area all of which lies to the south of the development site, within the historic core of the town. This evidence, along with the fact that the site has remained undisturbed in recent history, and
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lies just outside the historic core of the town, makes the potential for medieval remains relating to settlement surviving on the site Low. The archaeological potential of encountering evidence of medieval agricultural land-use is considered to be Low.
6.6 Post-medieval
6.6.1 Post-medieval activity in the vicinity of the site is considerable. However, cartographic evidence demonstrates the study site has been clear since at least 1778. The potential for significant post-medieval remains surviving on the site is therefore Low whilst potential of encountering evidence of post-medieval agricultural land-use is considered to be Low.
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7 IMPACT ON THE BURIED ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEPOSITS
7.1 Previous Land Use and Existing Impacts
7.1.1 The documentary and historic maps consulted indicate that the area has been under field from at least 1778 and has remained largely unchanged up until the 1980s when a large portion of the site was heavily disturbed during activities relating to the extraction of sand and gravel.
7.1.2 In 1981 permission was granted to Jelsons (Estates) Ltd for the extraction of sand and gravel and the restoration of the land to agricultural use. The planning permission restricted the extraction within the following areas: a distance from the centre line of the sewage pumping main of 16 feet plus the depth of the working; within 21 feet of the top of the banks of the minor watercourse crossing the site and the minor watercourse adjoining the north-eastern boundary of the site (unless a stream diversion has been approved); a strip of land 30 feet in width between the edge of the excavation and highway boundary to the Fosse Way and High Street, Syston; a strip of land 52.5 feet in width between the railway boundary and the edge of excavation. The application form stated that the maximum excavation depth would be 14 feet (Nigel Hunt pers.comm.).
7.1.3 This known past land use is likely to have had a significant impact on the buried archaeological resource however, there is the potential for some limited areas of the site to remain largely undisturbed. Relevant to the development itself these areas would include the strip of land abutting the High Street; an area of land adjacent to the waterway running across the site (however in this case it should be noted that the 1989 OS map does not show this area as having been preserved – Figure 13); according to the 1989 OS map (Figure 13), a strip running across the centre of the site, on a roughly southwest-northeast alignment, also appears to be un-excavated. However, it cannot be confirmed whether or not this strip was affected at any time by the extraction works. The strip appears to correspond with the route of a track and may simply be the remains of an access route during the extraction process.
7.2 Impact of Proposed Development on the Archaeological Resource
7.2.1 At the time of writing this report, the proposed development consisted of a commercial building measuring 4,750m2 and an area for car parking, service yard and storage around the building measuring 8,200m2. The development also included the diversion of an existing water course.
7.2.2 All aspects of the proposals that include the excavation of intrusive foundation groundworks and insertion of services (water/electricity) may impact upon any potential buried archaeological remains.
7.3 Impact of Proposed Development on Heritage Assets
7.3.1 There are no designated heritage assets within the development site itself. However, a number of listed buildings lie within the vicinity of the study area.
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7.3.2 The closest heritage asset is Stone House which lies c.205m southeast of the development site. As the site is currently separated from this by a number of existing buildings and a tree line, development is unlikely to directly impact this heritage asset. However, any development will likely be expected to be sympathetic to its surroundings and the wider character of the town.
7.3.3 The proposed development site lies approximately 170m northwest of the Syston Conservation Area. The proposed development is unlikely to have a directly impact upon the conservation area. The development site is shield form the conservation area by large hedges and a number of existing industrial complexes.
7.4 Ground Soil Contamination
7.4.1 No ground soil contamination data was available at the time this report was prepared.
7.5 Existing Services
7.5.1 It is unknown to the author as to the extent of services laid through the study site however a drain was visible in the south of the site.
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8 CONCLUSIONS, SIGNIFICANCE AND RECOMMENDATIONS
8.1 This assessment aimed to identify the potential for the occurrence of archaeological remains on the site based on the results of a local Heritage Environment Record search of the study site, to assess the potential and known land-use and assess its impact on the survival of these remains and hence their significance. In addition, the potential impact of the proposed development on its surroundings and the Heritage Assets within it was also considered.
8.2 The assessment concluded:
• The potential for remains of Prehistoric activity surviving on the site is low. The potential for significant remains from this period is low. If in-situ remains associated settlement or funerary activity were found, it would have a local and possibly regional archaeological and historic significance. • The potential for remains of Roman activity surviving on the site is low and that the potential for remains of significant archaeological interest, for example, in-situ settlement activity, is low. • The potential for significant Saxon remains e.g. relating to settlement or funerary practice is low. If in-situ remains associated settlement or funerary activity were found, it would have a local and possibly regional archaeological and historic significance. The potential for less significant remains of Saxon activity surviving on the site is low. • The potential for remains associated with medieval settlement is low and for agricultural activity surviving on the site is low. If this was encountered, this would be of local significance only. • The potential for remains associated with post-medieval settlement is low and for agriculture activity surviving on the site is low. If this was encountered, this would be of local significance only.
8.3 The study shows that the presence of archaeological remains of regional or local importance on the site itself cannot be demonstrated. Additionally, due to the fact that a large portion of the study area has been heavily disturbed during sand and gravel extraction activities in the 1980s the potential for archaeology across the site is significantly diminished. However, because some limited areas of the site potentially remained relatively undisturbed during these works there is still potential for archaeology within parts of the site and some archaeological mitigation may be required during any development although there is no indication that these areas have not been reinstated following extraction works.
8.4 As the presence (and quality) of archaeological deposits on the site is unknown, development is not entirely precluded. However, the fact that the site lies in an area which holds a number of
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known prehistoric burials increases the potential for regionally significant archaeological remains existing on the site; again, this potential is tempered by past usage of the site.
8.5 Due to the fact that a large portion of the site is likely to have been heavily disturbed by past activities a programme of archaeological observation on the potentially undisturbed areas may be an adequate response. The necessity for any further archaeological work will be decided by Leicestershire County Council and early consultation should be undertaken to identify the scope and extent of any such work.
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9 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd would like to thank the following people and organisations for their co- operation and assistance during the project:
• Marrons Planning on behalf of Pukka Pies Ltd. for commissioning this report.
• Mark Roughley for compiling the illustrations.
• Kevin Trott for editing the report.
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10 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Beamish, M., 2002, Results of test pit and trench evaluation at land adjacent to the Fosse Way, Syston, Leicestershire, Unpublished
Bourne, J., 2003, Understanding Leicestershire & Rutland Place Names
CIfA 2014. Institute of Field Archaeologists. Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Desk- Based Assessments
Hadfield, C., 1970, The Canals of the East Midlands (including part of London)
Harvey, J., 2006, An archaeological evaluation by trial trenching at the proposed Aylestone Park and Ride scheme, Site 35, Leicester Lane, Enderby, Unpublished
Higgins, T., 2000, An archaeological watching brief: Syston Quarry – Meadow Lane, Syston, Leicestershire, Unpublished
Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society, 1888, Transactions of the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society, Vol. 9 (1888), pp.25-6
Leicestershire County Council, 2010, The Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Historic Landscape Characterisation Project
Leleux, R., 1984, A Regional History of the Railways of Great Britain: Volume 9, The East Midlands.
Pollard, R., Brooks, T. & Thorne, R., 2013, Midland Main Line Statement of History and Significance, Unpublished
Roseveare, M.J. & Armstrong, K., 2016, Geophysical Survey Report, land off Leicester Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, Unpublished
Williams, A. and Martin, G.H., (eds.), 2003, Domesday Book: A Complete Translation, Penguin Books, London
Cartographic Sources
Ridge and Furrow Map 1962 Aerial Photograph 1778 Enclosure Map 1884-5 Ordnance Survey Map 1930 Ordnance Survey Map 1952 Ordnance Survey Map 1976 Ordnance Survey Map
Websites
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British Geological Survey: Geology of Britain viewer (accessed October 2016) http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html
British History Online (Accessed October 2016): Britishhistory.ac.uk
Charnwood Borough Council Planning: https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/planningpolicy
Historic England 2015a: Historic Environment Good Practice Advice in Planning Note 1 https://content.historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/gpa1-historic-environment- local-plans/gpa1.pdf/
Historic England 2015b: Historic Environment Good Practice Advice in Planning Note 2 https://content.historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/gpa2-managing-significance- in-decision-taking/gpa2.pdf/
Historic England 2015c: Historic Environment Good Practice Advice in Planning Note 3 https://content.historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/gpa3-setting-of-heritage- assets/gpa3.pdf/
National Planning Framework Policy www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/6077/2116950.pdf
Portable Antiquities Scheme: www.finds.org.uk, accessed October 2016
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Appendix 1: LRHER SEARCH RESULTS WITHIN A 1KM CENTRED ON SK 620 120
Map Ref. Grid Ref. HER No. Name Monument Types Date Range Description
Prehistoric
The Museums Service have 24 flints including scrapers and blade cores from "Drift Hill, Notts 500000 BC? to 1 SK 621 129 MLE7005 Prehistoric flint from Drift Hill Findspot (sic) near Lewin Bridge". 2 Palaeolithic 1501 BC? implements were apparently found here, 'in gravel between Syston and Sileby'. Fieldwalking in the 1980s recovered early Prehistoric flint from north-east 4000 BC to 3001 2 SK 615 114 MLE7159 Findspot Neolithic blades and blade cores. Early of Pontylue Farm BC Neolithic. Fieldwalking in the 1980s produced a small Prehistoric flint from north of 3 SK 613 115 MLE7425 Findspot 4000 BC to 801 BC amount of flint including a core and a scraper. Wanlip Road Early Neolithic to Late Bronze Age. Photographs show cropmarks of two possible SK 629 125 (142m Cropmarks west of Bourden Pit Alignment 2500 BC? to 801 4 MLE789 ring ditches, one with a central pit-like feature, by 123m) Farm Ring Ditch BC? and a pit alignment. SK 612 115 (116m Possible Bronze Age ring 2500 BC? to 801 Two possible ring ditches were noted on vertical 5 MLE1005 Ring Ditch by 73m) ditches north of Wanlip Road BC? aerial photographs. Deposits found during test pitting in 2002, Possible Bronze Age burnt 2500 BC? to 801 cracked stones and charcoal deposits, suggest 6 SK 620 126 MLE9587 mound south-west of Lewin Burnt Mound? BC? a possible Bronze Age burnt mound. Bridge Beamish, M. 2002. Results of test pit and trench
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Map Ref. Grid Ref. HER No. Name Monument Types Date Range Description
evaluation at land adjacent to the Fosse Way, Syston, Leicestershire. SK 628 124 (42m Ring ditch cropmark south west 2500 BC? to 801 A cropmark of a ring ditch was noted on aerial 7 MLE18557 Ring Ditch by 42m) of Bourden Farm BC? photographs. Bronze Age? A dispersed barrow cemetery on the floodplain at the confluence of the rivers Soar and Wreake. There are five barrows known at present, with SK 6035 1309 2350 BC to 1501 the potential for more buried under alluvium. 8 MLE21343 Cossington barrow cemetery Barrow Cemetery (1455m by 2055m) BC Two were noted south of the Wreake as cropmarks (MLE1005), three have been excavated (see MLE527, MLE538 and MLE540). Early Bronze Age. A Middle Bronze Age rapier was "found with a fragment of human skull [102.1874] 19' from the surface and 11' below the bed of the river in Bronze Age burial, Wreake 1500 BC to 1001 gravel lying on red marl under 17-18' of bluish 9 SK 615 125 MLE1002 Inhumation Railway Bridge BC mud, while widening the railway bridge over the river Wreake for the Midland Co, June 1873." Transactions of the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society. Vol 9 (1888), p25-6 A socketed Bronze Age axe was probably found Bronze Age axe, possibly from near the Fosse Road near Gate Hangs Well in 10 SK 622 128 MLE6294 Gate Hangs Well or Findspot 1000 BC to 801 BC 1901. Handsworth Villas The Spurway Collection includes a socketed bronze axe (length 0.98). The socket is split. It
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has been stripped. The Spurway ticket reads "found in white clay 10 yards from Gate Hangs Well on the Fosse Road, September 1901". An additional ticket reads 'information from faded Spurway label read under UV lighting: "found in white clay in excavation trench, Handsworth Villas, Barkby Lane (?), 1901".' On March 27th 1905 John Spurway exhibited to the LAS 'A Bronze Celt, found at Barkby, near the Fosse'. Horwood says 'a socketed celt has been found also in the neighbourhood of Syston, near the River Soar and Fosse Road'.
The exact location will probably not be known with certainty. Handsworth Villas cannot be located. Spurway obviously preferred the Gate Hangs Well attribution and as he had more information this should probably be preferred. In 1983, fieldwalking recovered Roman, Early Systematic SK 613 114 (261m 1983 fieldwalking, south of Medieval, Late Medieval and post-Medieval 11 ELE8150 Fieldwalking - by 443m) Syston mills pottery sherds, struck flint, flint flakes and flint Survey scrapers.
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In 1983, fieldwalking recovered Roman, Early Systematic Medieval, Late Medieval and post-Medieval SK 615 114 (308m 1983 fieldwalking, north east of 12 ELE2580 Fieldwalking - pottery, flint blade cores, struck flint, flint flakes, by 437m) Pontylue Farm Survey flint blades, flint scrappers, flint core and a retouched flint blade.
Roman
Roman road connecting Leicester (Ratae Corieltauvorum) with Lincoln (Lindum Colonia) to the NE and Cirencester (Corinium) and Exeter (Isca Dumnoniorum) to the SW. Route north of Leicester predominantly marked by the A46, to the S it follows the A5460, and then the B4114. The precise location and alignment of the Roman Road, the Fosse Way, has been SP 538 978 identified by excavation at Narborough and in 13 (17500m by MLE1380 Fosse Way Roman Road Road AD 43 to AD 409 Leicester (Western Boulevard). 36124m) The Fosse at High Cross was apparently recorded during two sets of excavations in 1955. Geophysical survey, undertaken by Stratascan in December 2005, on behalf of the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) for Leicestershire County Council, revealed a series of parallel linear anomalies to the west of the survey area tentatively interpreted as ditches associated with the Fosse Way. <1>
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Subsequent field evaluation by ULAS confirmed the interpretation, the western half of the sand and gravel causeway upon which the road sat was exposed and sectioned. Immediately to the west a number of ditch-like features were identified, together with an area of hardstanding, possibly an early road surface. An early 1st century brooch was recovered. <2> <1> Unpublished document: Stowe, Simon. 2006. Geophysical survey report: Aylestone park and ride scheme. p. 3 & 7, figs. 6 & 7 <2> Unpublished document: Harvey, James. 2006. An archaeological evaluation by trial trenching at the proposed Aylestone Park and Ride scheme, Site 35, Leicester Lane, Enderby. In 1396, the main road from Melton to Leicester was called 'Le Strete'. It is also mentioned in the 1612 Glebe Terrier (the King's highway called 'the Streete'). 'Street' names normally refer to SK 662 149 Roman roads. It is presumably a continuation of 14 (13025m by MLE8839 Le Strete, Roman road Road AD 43 to AD 409 Sawgate/Kirby Lane. 7015m) LIDAR appears to show earthworks under the ridge and furrow at SK 725 174/SK 726 174. Presumably the road went through the small Roman town to the south-west of Kirby Bellars
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(see MLE8840). Geophysical survey in 2011 suggested the possible route of the road near Kirby Bellars. <1> "[Kirby Bellars SK727177] Geophysical survey provided evidence for the continuation of a known Roman road (Le Strete), as well as settlement to the west and possible quarrying to the south-east. <2> Possible east/west linears were noted at SK 740 175 during geophysical survey in 2016. <4> <1> Unpublished document: 2011. Geophysical survey at Kirby Bellars. <2> Journal: 2012. Britannia, Volume 43. Vol 43 (2012), p309 <3> Journal: Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society. 2012. Transactions of the Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society, Volume 86. Vol 86 (2012), p232 <4> Unpublished document: Roseveare, MJ & Armstrong, K. 2016. Geophysical Survey Report, land off Leicester Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. In 1989 a Roman copper alloy coin was found in 15 SK 630 120 MLE7784 Roman coin from 7, Barry Drive Findspot AD 348 to AD 361 the garden of 7, Barry Drive. It was identified as
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an 'unofficial copy' of an 'AE4' Roman coin of 348-361 date range. In 1983, fieldwalking recovered Roman, Early Systematic SK 613 114 (261m 1983 fieldwalking, south of Medieval, Late Medieval and post-Medieval 16 ELE8150 Fieldwalking - by 443m) Syston mills pottery sherds, struck flint, flint flakes and flint Survey scrapers. In 1983, fieldwalking recovered Roman, Early Systematic Medieval, Late Medieval and post-Medieval SK 615 114 (308m 1983 fieldwalking, north east of 17 ELE2580 Fieldwalking - pottery, flint blade cores, struck flint, flint flakes, by 437m) Pontylue Farm Survey flint blades, flint scrappers, flint core and a retouched flint blade. An archaeological watching brief is being undertaken by ULAS during gravel extraction at Meadow Lane Quarry, Syston. The strip of the topsoil and subsoil revelaed modern pottery sherds and artefacts. A metal detector survey had found a Roman pin as well as modern An archaeological watching SK 6143 1209 Watching Brief artefacts. The watching brief during the actual 18 ELE6935 brief: Syston Quarry – Meadow - (477m by 304m) ULAS 2000 quarrying of the gravel has revealed the Lane, Syston, Leicestershire presence of palaeochannels containing 'bog oak' fragments sealed below the alluvial clay and the ground and a mammoth tusk fragment was also found. Higgins, T. 2000. An archaeological watching brief: Syston Quarry – Meadow Lane, Syston,
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Leicestershire.
Anglo Saxon
An Anglo-Saxon sword blade was found on the Anglo-Saxon sword, Wreake 19 SK 630 121 MLE6118 Findspot AD 410 to AD 649 site of a new school (now Wreake Valley Valley College College) opposite the end of Millstone Lane. Saxon loomweight and pottery In 1967 a Saxon loomweight was found in this 20 SK 621 129 MLE19929 Findspot AD 410 to AD 1066 from west of Lewin's Bridge vicinity A waterlogged ditch running at a tangent to the Fosse Way and a small drainage gulley were revealed during test pitting in 2002. Radiocarbon dating dated them to the mid/late Anglo-Saxon SK 62066 12516 Saxon site south-west of Lewin Ditch period. Waterlogged wood (woven withies) and 21 MLE9586 AD 650 to AD 1066 (56m by 108m) Bridge Site important palaeogeological information was recorded. Beamish, M. 2002. Results of test pit and trench evaluation at land adjacent to the Fosse Way, Syston, Leicestershire. Possible site of medieval AD 850 to AD A watermill is mentioned in Syston in the 22 SK 615 123 MLE998 Watermill watermill, Syston Mills 1539? Domesday book. The medieval and post-medieval historic core of the village has been deduced by using SK 625 116 (697m Historic settlement core of 23 MLE1008 Village AD 850 to present landscape maps, etc. by 607m) Syston Known as Sitestone in 1086 (Domesday Book). Sigestein (OE male personal name) + OE tun
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'farmstead, village, small estate'. 'Settlement associated with Sigestein'. Bourne, Jill. 2003. Understanding Leicestershire & Rutland Place Names. p85
Medieval
Parish Church, partially 13th Century, with early 14th Century and Perpendicular work, and Church of St. Peter & St. Paul, SK 626 118 (37m Church – Grade I externally substantially as restored by Ordish, 24 MLE13920 Lower Church Street (East AD 1201 to present by 19m) Listed c.1870-80. Pink granite rubble with white Side) limestone dressings. West tower, nave with clerestory and two aisles, and chancel In 1983, fieldwalking recovered Roman, Early Systematic SK 613 114 (261m 1983 fieldwalking, south of Medieval, Late Medieval and post-Medieval 25 ELE8150 Fieldwalking - by 443m) Syston mills pottery sherds, struck flint, flint flakes and flint Survey scrapers. In 1983, fieldwalking recovered Roman, Early Systematic Medieval, Late Medieval and post-Medieval SK 615 114 (308m 1983 fieldwalking, north east of 26 ELE2580 Fieldwalking - pottery, flint blade cores, struck flint, flint flakes, by 437m) Pontylue Farm Survey flint blades, flint scrappers, flint core and a retouched flint blade.
Post-medieval
Post-medieval watermill. The mill was SK 615 124 (26m Post-medieval watermill, Syston AD 1540 to AD 27 MLE999 Watermill mentioned as a corn mill in 1606. It is shown as by 25m) Mills 1899 disused on the 1880s OS map, though by the
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Epoch 2 (1904) map it is in use, though much altered, as (apparently) a manufacturer of fibrous board. House. Late 16th century or early 17th century. Timber Framed Roughcast render over timber frame on a plinth. SK 623 118 (20m The Thatched Cottage, 72 High 28 MLE13917 House – Grade II AD 1567 to present Thatched roof. Of the timber frame, just the wall by 9m) Street (North Side) Listed plate and two vertical studs above the door are visible. 1 ½ storeys, House, probably early 17th century, with later (19th Century) addition. Timber framed with Timber Framed SK 624 118 (21m original brick nogging. Three bays of square 29 MLE13884 16 Bath Street (North Side) House – Grade II AD 1601 to present by 15m) panelled timber framing on a granite rubble Listed plinth with a middle rail in the outer upper bays, and arch bracing. Welsh slate roof. Cottage, probably with 17th Century core, refenestrated etc., in c.1904. Roughcast render with stone quoins. Thatched roof. 1½ storeys. SK 623 117 (12m Stone House, 16 Turn Street House – Grade II Over the door, stuccoed plaque records the 30 MLE13927 AD 1601 to present by 13m) (West Side) Listed name 'Stone House' and all the details on this elevation probably belong to the refurbishment of 1904 when the house, which was formerly two dwellings, was extended with a rear range. House, probably with early 18th century core. SK 624 118 (15m House – Grade II 31 MLE13886 17 Bath Street (South Side) AD 1701 to present Brick with Welsh slate roof on a plinth. 2 by 15m) Listed storeyed, a 3 unit plan with 2 bays to right of
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doorway, and one left of it, each with a 3-light horizontally-sliding sash window. Plinth interrupted between the two right-hand windows. The northern part of the turnpike road running from Melton Mowbray to Barkby, then Leicester, then on to Lutterworth. Also a short section from Barkby to Barkby village. Includes what became SK 6727 1270 the A607. Turnpike Road, Melton AD 1763 to AD 32 (15516m by MLE21272 Toll Road The 1777 (Prior) map seems to show the Mowbray to Leicester 1872 12853m) turnpike running through Frisby on the Wreake, though the 1826 (Greenwood) and late 19th century OS maps show it running to the south of the village. 1763-4 Act of 1st Authorisation. Expired 1872. Double-arched bridge over the Melton Mowbray Navigation, 1790. Granite rubble with brick SK 611 121 (10m Bridge Over River Wreake, Bridge – Grade II 33 MLE13773 AD 1767 to present dressing. Span of 2 shallow arches, with brick by 22m) Meadow Lane (North Side) Listed cutwater in central pier and brick pilaster above it, on each side. Parapets rendered over stone. SK 624 118 (12m Bails Cottage, 18 Bath Street House – Grade II House. Late 18th century. Brick on cobbled plinth 34 MLE13885 AD 1767 to present by 10m) (North Side) Listed with Welsh slate roof. 2 storeyed. The navigation ran from the old basin near the SK 67 17 (14479m AD 1797 to AD railway station at Burton Street all the way to the 35 MLE16302 Melton Mowbray Navigation Canal by 7114m) 1877 Leicester Navigation at Syston. It is a derelict navigation, opened in 1797 and abandoned in
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1877. It had always had problems - flooding and water shortages. The Act to make the Wreake River navigable from Melton Mowbray to the Leicester Navigation at Turnwater Meadow was passed in 1791, and it was completed in 1797, and was extended to Oakham in 1803. It was closed in 1877. The Navigation was 14.75 miles long with 12 locks, the boats being 86 feet long with a beam of 14 feet 6 inches. Hadfield, Charles. 1970. The Canals of the East Midlands (including part of London). p92-4, p191-3 The railway opened in 1840 and went to Nottingham and Derby. In 1841 Thomas Cook famously used it for an excursion to take temperance supporters to Loughborough for a meeting. SK 60 15 (9232m Midland Counties Railway, The line is part of the 'pioneering phase' of 36 MLE16078 Railway AD 1840 to present by 17897m) Nottingham & Derby railway development (up to 1841). It was intially built to supply Leicester with coal from the Nottinghamshire coalfield but was extended to Rugby in order to link London to the North. The routes were surveyed by Charles Blacker Vignoles in 1835 (following an earlier survey by
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George Rennie and William Jessop) and based on his plans an Act was obtained in 1836. The line of c.60 miles was opened in three stages in 1839-40. In 1844 the North Midland, Midland Counties and Birmingham & Junction Railways were all merged to create the Midland Railway. The expansion of the company's coal traffic to London in the late C19th led to quadrupling of the track, with widening from the Red Hill Tunnel to Leicester taking place in 1872-4 (engineer J.S. Crossley). Pollard, Richard; Brooks, Tom & Thorne, Robert. 2013. Midland Main Line Statement of History and Significance. p10-12, Unpublished Line built 1846-8 via Melton, Saxby, Oakham, Manton and Stamford to Peterborough. The Midland Railway was created in 1844 from the MCR, Birmingham & Derby Junction Railway and the North Midland Railway. SK 83 16 (39892m Midland Railway, Syston to 37 MLE16080 Railway AD 1846 to present Syston and Peterborough Railway, built to link by 16846m) Peterborough Stamford and Peterborough. The Syston - Melton Mowbray, and Stamford - Peterborough sections were opened in 1846, but due to opposition, the Melton Mowbray section's opening was delayed until 1848. Part of the line
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was later used for express trains between London and Nottingham, which resulted in the sharp curve at Saxby being eliminated in 1892. The area served by the railway was a popular fox-hunting district, and during the hunting season, large numbers of hunters and their entourage, particularly from London, used the railway. Leleux, Robin. 1984. A Regional History of the Railways of Great Britain: Volume 9, The East Midlands. p91-93 Savage's Hole was a water storage site for the SK 621 114 (89m AD 1850? to AD 38 MLE19734 Savage's Hole, South Junction Reservoir railway. It was filled in during the 50s/60s using by 94m) 1950? rubble from Leicester's demolished slums. A rifle range is shown on the late 19th century OS SK 6175 1232 AD 1867? to AD 39 MLE21242 Rifle range east of Syston Mill Rifle Range map and the Epoch 2 (1904) but is shown as (372m by 791m) 1920? disused by the time of the Epoch 3 (1930) map. In 1983, fieldwalking recovered Roman, Early Systematic SK 613 114 (261m 1983 fieldwalking, south of Medieval, Late Medieval and post-Medieval 40 ELE8150 Fieldwalking - by 443m) Syston mills pottery sherds, struck flint, flint flakes and flint Survey scrapers. In 1983, fieldwalking recovered Roman, Early Systematic SK 615 114 (308m 1983 fieldwalking, north east of Medieval, Late Medieval and post-Medieval 41 ELE2580 Fieldwalking - by 437m) Pontylue Farm pottery, flint blade cores, struck flint, flint flakes, Survey flint blades, flint scrappers, flint core and a
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retouched flint blade.
Modern
WWI and WWII war memorial, a stone tower with clock faces to the front and rear and bronze SK 6248 1139 (7m Syston War Memorial Clock War Memorial – 42 MLE20755 AD 1921 to present inscription panels. A lion sits on top of the by 7m) Tower Grade II Listed memorial. It was moved to this position in 1972 as part of a road improvement scheme. Built 1967-71, by Gollins, Melvin, Ward & Partners. Described as 'a bravely monumental SK 630 122 (146m Wreake Valley Community Further Education image of a huge ziggurat'. The ziggurat is 43 MLE19815 AD 1967 to present by 140m) College College composed of an enclosed auditorium below a two-storey top-lit library surrounded by classrooms. Syston is a small industrial town within the Borough of Charnwood. The Conservation Area was designated in October 1975 (01/10/1975), an area of 11 ha, composed of the historic settlement on either side of the High Street and SK 6255 1175 44 DLE537 Syston Conservation Area Conservation Area AD 1975 to present bounded by the Melton Road. The Area (526m by 462m) includes a broad range of buildings, domestic, commercial, public and industrial, from the 17th century to the present day, based on a mediaeval pattern of streets including a village green. The town was described in White’s
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Directory of 1846 as a 'large and well built village upon a pleasant declivity'. The substantial Victorian and 20th century industrialisation and urban expansion of the settlement is not included in the Area.
Undated
Possible rectilinear enclosure Rectilinear In the 1970s an evening class reported a 45 SK 618 116 MLE996 cropmark south of West - Enclosure? rectangular soil mark close to the Fosse Way. Junction Human remains were found whilst digging a 46 SK 624 118 MLE1006 Undated burial, High Street Inhumation - service trench, probably in 1983. There were no associated finds or dating evidence.
Negative Archaeological Programmes
An archaeological field evaluation of land at Charnwood Edge Syston Road, Cossington, An archaeological field was undertaken by ULAS in advance of SK 61721 13002 evaluation of land at Evaluation ULAS 47 ELE5621 - proposed office building development. Twelve (163m by 161m) Charnwood Edge, Syston road, 2000 trenches were excavated which contained Cossington, Leicestershire traces of furrows but no deposits of archaeological significance. A topsoil magnetic susceptibility survey was A geophysical survey at land SK 6194 1268 Geophysical carried out by ULAS at land west of Fosse Way, 48 ELE6928 west of Fosse Way, Syston, - (548m by 470m) Survey ULAS 2001 Syston. Variations in susceptibility were Leicestershire (Northern area) mapped but failed to reveal any convincing
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archaeological or geomorphological patterning.
An archaeological watching brief was An archaeological watching undertaken by ULAS during groundworks for SK 6284 1180 brief during groundworks on Watching Brief the construction of sheltered housing on land at 49 ELE6940 - (127m by 86m) land at 1340-1346 Melton Road, ULAS 2003 1340-1346, Melton Road, Syston. No significant Syston, Leicestershire archaeological finds were located during the watching brief. A watching brief was carried out on groundworks Watching Brief for residential development. The site was heavily SK 62372 11661 Archaeological watching brief at 50 ELE4971 Northamptonshire - disturbed across the front. The rear, an area of (80m by 73m) 18-22, Brook Street, Syston Archaeology 2004 former gardens, was undisturbed. No archaeological finds or features were recorded. Trial trenching was carried out in advance of SK 62422 11828 An archaeological evaluation at Evaluation ULAS proposed residential development. No 51 ELE4181 - (28m by 37m) 66, High Street, Syston 2005 archaeological finds or features were recorded - the demolished factory had truncated the site. An archaeological watching A watching brief was undertaken on SK 62749 11795 Watching Brief 52 ELE4525 brief at Syston Health Centre, - groundworks. No archaeological finds or (67m by 64m) ULAS 2005 Melton Road, Syston features were recorded. Initially, two test pits were to be excavated, but one was unable to be excavated due to its Watching Brief 2014 watching brief, land proximity to the main carriageway. In September 53 SK 6210 1250 ELE9520 MOLA - adjacent to Fosseway, Syston 2014 a single test pit, 2.0m by 1.0m was Northampton 2014 excavated to 1.35m. No features of archaeological interest were uncovered.
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Appendix 2: Site Photographs
Plate 1: View facing west towards site entrance.
Plate 2: View facing southeast across site.
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Plate 3: View facing west across northern boundary of site.
Plate 4: View facing west-northwest towards artificial lake.
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Plate 5: View facing southwest across northeast of site.
Plate 6: View facing south-southwest across northeast of site.
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Plate 7: View facing northeast across northeast of site.
Plate 8: View facing southwest across southeast of site.
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Plate 9: View facing north-northeast across site with overhead cables in view.
Plate 10: View facing west-northwest across southern boundary of site.
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Plate 11: View facing southwest towards southern boundary of site.
Plate 12: View facing east across south of site and drain.
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