Land North of Bitham Park, Westbury, Wiltshire

ARCHAEOLOGICAL WRITTEN SCHEME OF INVESTIGATION FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL STRIP MAP EXCAVATION

CGMS and Wessex Archaeology

June 2017

Land North of Bitham Park, Westbury, Wiltshire Written Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Strip, Map and Record Excavation Contents

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Project background ...... 1 1.2 Scope of Document ...... 1 2 THE SITE ...... 2 2.1 Location, topography and geology ...... 2 3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND ...... 2 3.1 Introduction ...... 2 3.2 Previous investigation within the Site ...... 3 4 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 3 4.1 Aims and objectives ...... 3 5 EXCAVATION STRATEGY ...... 4 5.1 Excavation areas ...... 4 5.2 Fieldwork programme ...... 4 6 FIELDWORK METHODOLOGY ...... 4 6.1 Introduction ...... 4 6.2 Health and safety ...... 5 6.3 Service location ...... 5 6.4 Fieldwork ...... 5 6.5 Sampling strategy ...... 5 6.6 Recording ...... 6 6.7 Monitoring ...... 6 6.8 Reinstatement ...... 6 7 FINDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL...... 7 7.1 Finds ...... 7 7.2 Environmental sampling ...... 7 7.3 Radiocarbon dating ...... 8 7.4 Human remains ...... 9 7.5 Treasure ...... 9 8 POST-EXACVATION AND REPORTING ...... 9 8.1 Report ...... 9 8.2 OASIS ...... 10

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9 PUBLICATION OF RESULTS ...... 10 10 STORAGE AND CURATION ...... 10 10.1 Museum ...... 10 10.2 Preparation of Archive ...... 10 10.3 Discard policy ...... 11 10.4 Copyright ...... 11 10.5 Security copy ...... 11 11 PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STAFFING ...... 11 11.1 Personnel ...... 11 12 QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCEDURES ...... 12 12.1 Quality Management System ...... 12 12.2 Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) Registered Organisation ...... 13 13 INSURANCE AND HEALTH AND SAFETY ...... 13 13.1 Policy and Risk Assessment ...... 13 14 REFERENCES ...... 13

Figures

Figure 1: Proposed Archaeological Mitigation Plan

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Land North of Bitham Park,

Westbury,

Wiltshire Project Design for an Archaeological Strip, Map and Record Excavation

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project background 1.1.1 This document represents a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) to undertake a programme of archaeological Strip, Map and Record on Land North of Bitham Park, Westbury, Wiltshire (Hereafter “the Site”) centred on National Grid Reference (NGR) 487714, 152148 (Figure 1).

1.1.2 Planning permission for 300 dwellings, t h e creation of a new roundabout access from Trowbridge Road, creation of a new emergency/cycle and pedestrian access from coach road, open space, drainage works and ancillary works was granted on appeal by Wiltshire Council (WC) (ref: 14/09262/OUT, APP/Y3940/W/15/3130433), conditional on a programme of archaeological work.

Condition 11 states:

No development shall take place on the site until a programme of archaeological work with a written scheme of investigation has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The development shall take place in accordance with the approved programme of archaeological work.

1.1.3 In order to inform the application prior to its determination a programme of geophysical survey (Headland Archaeology 2014) and trial trench evaluation (WA 2014b) was undertaken at the Site. Following the granting of planning permission, a further stage of trial trench evaluation (CA 2017) was undertaken at the Site to further inform on the archaeological resource and upon which a suitable archaeological mitigation could be devised based on the results of all work undertaken at the Site.

1.1.4 Following consultation by CgMs with the Wiltshire County Archaeological Service (WCAS) the archaeological advisor to WC a programme of archaeological mitigation to target the results of the two previous phases of evaluation has been agreed.

1.2 Scope of Document 1.2.1 This Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) sets out the strategy and methodology that will be employed in order to undertake the programme of archaeological work required as part of Condition no. 11, attached to the planning consent. It requires the approval of the Wiltshire Council Archaeology Service (WCAS), prior to the commencement of the fieldwork.

1.2.2 In format and content this document conforms with current best practice and to the guidance outlined in Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MoRPHE, Historic England 2015) and the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists’ (CIfA) Standard and guidance for archaeological excavation (CIfA 2014a.

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2 THE SITE

2.1 Location, topography and geology

2.1.1 The Site comprises four separate pasture fields, combining to form a sub-trapezoidal area, extending across approximately 10 hectares. The Site is currently occupied by pasture fields, divide by hedgerows It is bounded by the A350 Trowbridge Road to the west, Coach Road to the east, Bitham Park to the south and the Westbury to Pewsey railway line to the north (Figure 1).

2.1.2 The two proposed mitigation areas targeting the results of the previously undertaken evaluations (WA 2014b and CA 2017) are 1.04 ha and 0.04 ha in size and are located in the central and southern parts of the Site respectively (Figure 1).

2.1.3 The Site slopes very gently from east (60m above Ordnance Datum (aOD)) to west (57m aOD), overlooking the south-flowing Bitham Brook on the far side of Trowbridge Road .

2.1.4 The underlying geology of the Site is mapped by the British Geological Survey (BGS online) as at the boundary between Cretaceous Greensand to the south, and Jurassic Clay, Mudstone and Sandstone to the north .

3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

3.1 Introduction 3.1.1 Westbury’s iconic landmark, the White Horse on the slopes of Bratton Camp, partially overlooks the Site. Though often thought to possibly have been cut to commemorate King Alfred’s victory in AD 878 over the Danes at the battle of Eổandun (Edington), it is generally held to be an 18th century creation, with no documentary evidence to indicate its presence before the 1720’s

3.1.2 By the 15th century, Westbury was an important town for the wool trade, with documentary references to several fulling mills in the town. This relatively prosperous boom for the town lasted through until the early part of the 17th century, though important events associated with the wool trade, such as the Sheep Fair, persisted through until the 20th century.

3.1.3 Evidence for archaeological activity in the immediate area of the Site is sparse. Large sub- circular/ovate cropmarks of uncertain date and origin on aerial photographs covering Bitham Park, including one in the south-west corner of the site have been suggested to have been clay quarry pits (WA 2015).

3.1.4 Construction work for Bitham Brook Primary School in the early 1990s revealed the remains of two Romano-British burials (WA1993). In 1993 an evaluation and subsequent excavation on land immediately south of Bitham Park revealed evidence for medieval ridge and furrow cultivation, with associated field boundary ditches. Prehistoric activity in the general vicinity was also suggested through the recovery of broadly undiagnostic worked flint, and a fragment of saddle quern (WA 1993).

3.1.5 In 2004 (WA 2004) an evaluation in advance of the proposed Westbury Bypass identified a high density of substantial pits and ditches/gullies of predominantly Early Iron Age date to the southeast of the Site. A magnetometer survey directly to the west of the site was undertaken in May 2013 (ASD 2013), a subsequent 14 trench evaluation (HA 2013) found several pits, postholes and ditches containing abraded worked flint, but no dating evidence. The features were assumed to be prehistoric. A further evaluation and

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subsequent strip, map and record excavation on the site (WA 2014a, 2015) encountered a number of undated land management features.

3.2 Previous investigation within the Site Geophysical Survey 3.2.1 A geophysical survey was conducted at the Site in April 2014 (Headland Archaeology 2014). The survey identified possible traces of former open field cultivation, together with other cultivation effects and ditch-like linear markings of uncertain significance.

3.2.2 Whilst there did not appear to be any concentrations of archaeological features which would suggest the presence of substantial settlement remains, or other such focus of sustained archaeological activity, the evaluation trench array targeted both geophysical anomalies identified, and apparent blank areas to ground-truth the geophysical results.

Trial trench evaluation 3.2.3 Works carried out in July 2014 (WA 2014b) on the Site, identified a series of gullies, ditches and pits concentrated in the western portion of the Site. Pottery from these features suggested two distinct phases of activity, pertaining to the Early/Middle Iron Age and Romano-British periods, suggesting activity dating to these periods in the general area.

3.2.4 Works undertaken in 2017 (CA 2017) examined the possibility that the archaeological activity identified in 2014 (WA 2014b) might continue beyond the areas identified during the first evaluation (WA 2014b). The results of the 2017 evaluation (CA 2017) demonstrated the presence of a concentration of archaeological activity, recorded on a north – south axis to the west of the site. Although these features were undated some of them appear to be continuations of features identified in the previous phase of evaluation and may date to the. A concentration of features was identified in trenches 10 and 14, although it remains unclear as to the wider nature and date of these features, although they could potentially date to the Iron Age or Romano-British periods and are considered likely to be field systems.

3.2.5 The presence of medieval ridge and furrow cultivation in 13 out of the 20 excavated trenches demonstrated that the Site has been subjected to prolonged and intensive agricultural practises in the past which may have truncated or displaced features and artefacts and account for the lack of Iron Age or Romano-British finds recovered.

3.2.6 Environmental evidence from both phases of evaluation could provide no indication of specific domestic settlement activities taking place in the immediate vicinity and no indication of the date of these features.

4 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

4.1 Aims and objectives 4.1.1 The aims of the archaeological strip, map and record are to

 Clarify the presence/absence and extent of any buried archaeological remains within the Site that may be impacted by development;  Identify, within the constraints of the investigation, the date, character and condition of any surviving remains within the Site;  Assess the degree of pre-existing impacts to sub-surface horizons and to document the extent of archaeological survival of buried deposits;

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 Specific aims will be to date and confirm the nature of the archaeological features previously recorded in the two phases of evaluation at the Site.  Identify whether the features previously identified pertain to Iron Age / Romano British settlement activity and if present can continuity of occupation between these periods be identified;  To determine whether buried soils or occupation horizons are preserved on the Site;  To further refine the results of the previous evaluation work undertaken at the Site and to better understand the use and exploitation of the local environment.

5 EXCAVATION STRATEGY

5.1 Excavation areas 5.1.1 The level of the site will be raised 1m+ in order to facilitate construction at the required heights above current ground level. Within archaeologically sensitive areas of the site which are not being raised 1m+ an excavation by archaeological Strip, Map and Record excavation is proposed to mitigate any impacts which may be caused. The remaining areas of the Iron Age/Romano British field system will be preserved in-situ underneath the current overburden and make up layers.

5.1.2 The areas to be subject to Strip, Map and Record are shown on Figure 2. They are as follows:

• A mitigation area of c.1.04 ha in size to target trenches 8 and 12 (WA 2014b) and trenches 10 and 14 (CA 2017); and

• A mitigation area of c.0.04ha in size to target trench 18 (CA 2017)

5.1.3 Should archaeological features be revealed, which clearly continue and require further investigation to clarify and identify their nature, on Site discussions will be held with CgMs and WCAS to establish an appropriate level of contingency to extend the excavation area/s if circumstances dictate and allow.

5.1.4 Equally, should it become clear that the archaeology is running out, the size of the mitigation area may be reduced. This would be subject to approval following on Site discussions with CgMs, the archaeological advisors to Wiltshire Council .

5.2 Fieldwork programme 5.2.1 It is proposed to excavate the Site as an uninterrupted programme of work.

5.2.2 It is anticipated that the field work will be undertaken by a team of up to four archaeologists over a period of up to 5 weeks..

5.2.3 Sufficient contingency time if required will be allocated at the end of the 5-week period to ensure the completion of the mitigation works should there be delays as a result of adverse weather conditions or through the extension of the mitigation areas.

6 FIELDWORK METHODOLOGY

6.1 Introduction 6.1.1 The archaeological mitigation works will be carried out in accordance with the relevant guidance given in the Chartered Institute for Archaeologist's Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Excavation (revised 2014). 4

6.2 Health and safety 6.2.1 Health and Safety considerations will be of paramount importance in conducting all fieldwork. Safe working practices will override archaeological considerations at all times.

6.2.2 All work will be carried out in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1992, and all other relevant Health and Safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice in force at the time.

6.2.3 Wessex Archaeology will produce a Risk Assessment before the commencement of any fieldwork for approval by all parties.

6.3 Service location 6.3.1 The Client will provide information regarding the presence of any below/above ground services. Before excavation commences, the areas will be walked over and inspected to visually identify, where possible, the location of above and below ground services.

6.3.2 Prior to groundwork, all archaeological areas will be both visually scanned for clues to indicate the location and alignment of unrecorded services, and electronically scanned using a proprietary cable avoidance tool (CAT). Where necessary, all signals will be marked and investigated by hand-excavated inspection pits.

6.4 Fieldwork 6.4.1 Two 3600 mechanical excavators equipped with toothless grading buckets will be used to remove the overburden (topsoil/subsoil) under the constant supervision of a qualified professional archaeologist. Machine excavation will continue down to the first recognisable archaeological horizon, as identified in the evaluation trenches.

6.4.2 Spoil will be stored adjacent to the excavation area. Topsoil and subsoil will be excavated separately to ensure no cross contamination and stored separately on either side of the line of the route. The final location of spoil storage may be subject to the prevailing ground conditions on Site and any further restrictions yet to be determined.

6.4.3 During and on completion of the machine excavation the exposed surface will be cleaned by hand and all archaeological features will be planned using a Total Station or GPS system.

6.4.4 Further excavation of archaeological features or deposits will then be undertaken by hand. Excavation and sampling will be undertaken as specified in this document, and will be sufficient to resolve the principal aims of the excavation.

6.4.5 Mitigation areas will be delineated by the spoil stored adjacent to the edge of excavation and if required by the use of plastic mesh fencing and road irons (unless otherwise instructed to erect Heras security fencing). Any areas of deeper excavation will be fenced using nettlon type fencing and road irons. Where localised excavation depth exceeds 1.20m these areas will be secured by Heras security fencing. Appropriate signage will be put in place to indicate areas of deep excavation.

6.5 Sampling strategy 6.5.1 All archaeological features will be sampled sufficiently to characterise and date them. However, the following strategy will be employed as a minimum sample level:

• 50% (by plan area) of each post hole;

• 50% (by plan area) of each pit; 5

• Up to 10% (by plan area) of each linear feature;

• 100% of ditch terminals;

• 100% of intersections between linear features will be examined;

• Human burials see section 7.4 below

6.5.2 The above strategy represents a minimum level of intervention, with more extensive excavation to be undertaken where appropriate following agreement with WCAS, CgMs and Wessex Archaeology.

6.6 Recording 6.6.1 All exposed archaeological features and deposits will be recorded using Wessex Archaeology's pro forma recording sheets and recording system. Details of Wessex Archaeology's recording system are available on request.

6.6.2 Areas under archaeological observation will be surveyed using a Total Station/GPS and tied in to the Ordnance Survey.

6.6.3 The real time kinematic (RTK) survey of all archaeological features will be carried out using a Leica Viva series GNSS connected to Leica’s SmartNet service or Total Station Theodolite (TST). All survey data will be recorded in Ordnance Survey National Grid coordinates and heights above Ordnance Datum (Newlyn), as defined by OSGM15 and OSTN15, to a three-dimensional accuracy limit of 50 mm

6.6.4 A complete drawn record of excavated archaeological features and deposits will be compiled. This will include both plans and sections, drawn to appropriate scales (1:20 for plans, 1:10 for sections), and with reference to a Site grid tied to the Ordnance Survey National Grid. The Ordnance Datum (OD) height of all principal features and levels will be calculated and plans/sections will be annotated with OD heights.

6.6.5 A full photographic record will be made during the fieldwork using digital cameras equipped with an image sensor of not less than 10 megapixels. Where appropriate provision will be made for black and white photography of significant features and structures. The photographic record will illustrate both the detail and the general context of the principal features, significant artefacts and the site as a whole (utilising photographic scales as appropriate). Digital images will be subject to managed quality control and curation processes which will embed appropriate metadata within the image and ensure long term accessibility of the image set.

6.7 Monitoring 6.7.1 WCAS will be notified at least ten working days prior to commencement of work on Site of the start date and will be informed at this time by Wessex Archaeology of key staff.

6.7.2 Reasonable access to the Site will be arranged for representatives of WCAS and the Local Planning Authority, who may wish to make Site inspections to ensure that the archaeological investigation is progressing satisfactorily.

6.8 Reinstatement 6.8.1 Where instructed to do so Wessex Archaeology will backfill the Site. Where undertaken this will only take place following the agreement and signing off of the Site by WCAS acting on behalf of the local planning authority.

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7 FINDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL.

7.1 Finds 7.1.1 Finds will be treated in accordance with the relevant guidance given in the Chartered Institute for Archaeologist's Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Excavation (revised 2014), the UK Institute of Conservators Guidelines “Conservation Guideline No 2” and the Museums and Galleries Commissions “Standards in the Museum Care of Archaeological Collections (1991)” excepting where they are superseded by statements made below.

7.1.2 All artefacts from excavated contexts will be retained, except those from features or deposits of obviously modern date. No finds will, however, be discarded without the prior approval of the Local Planning Authority’s Archaeological Advisors.

7.1.3 Arrangements under normal circumstances would be made with the Wiltshire Museum, Devizes for the deposition of the Site archive and, subject to agreement with the legal landowner(s), the artefact collection. However, at the current moment the Wiltshire Museum, Devizes is closed to taking archives. Until this has been resolved or an alternative depository has been identified the archive and artefact collection will be held at the offices of WA at Salisbury.

7.1.4 A suitable metal detector will be used to enhance artefact recovery during the course of the fieldwork. Spoil dumps along with archaeological areas will be scanned.

7.1.5 Specialist advice and conservation needs should unexpected, unusual or extremely fragile and delicate objects be recovered, will be sought. Costs will be agreed with the Client on discovery. Advice on dealing with conservation aspects of the archive will be sought from WA’s in-house conservator based at Portway House, Salisbury, as appropriate. Any artefacts requiring conservation or specific storage conditions will be dealt with immediately in line with First Aid for Finds (Watkinson and Neal 1998). Ironwork from stratified contexts will be X-rayed and stored in a stable environment along with other fragile and delicate material. The X-raying of objects and other conservation needs will be undertaken by Wessex Archaeology in-house conservation staff or other appropriate approved conservation centre.

7.1.6 All retained artefacts will, as a minimum, be washed, weighed, counted and identified. All artefacts recovered during the excavations on the Site are the property of the landowner. They are to be suitably bagged, boxed in accordance with the guidance given by the relevant museum and generally in accordance with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologist's Standards and guidance for the collection, documentation, conservation and research of archaeological materials (CIfA 2014b) and the Museums and Galleries Commissions Standards in the Museum Care of Archaeological Collections (1992). On completion of the archaeological post-excavation programme and with the permission of the landowner it is anticipated that any artefacts will be deposited with the relevant museum.

7.1.7 Information will be obtained from the designated Museum concerning conditions and arrangements for the deposition of finds.

7.2 Environmental sampling 7.2.1 The collection and processing of environmental samples will be undertaken in general accordance with English Heritage guidelines (English Heritage 2011).

7.2.2 Bulk environmental soil sample sizes will be as per the EH guidelines, with the option to review this following on site discussion / preliminary processing of samples. Bulk 7

environmental soil samples for the recovery of plant macro fossils, wood charcoal, small animal bones and other small artefacts will be taken as appropriate from well-sealed and dateable contexts or features such as occupation layers, floor surfaces, in situ burning layers, ditches and pits. Bulk samples will be 40 litres in size for large deposits such as ditch fills, or 100% of smaller deposits such as ovens, pits and postholes. Samples will not be taken from the intersection of features.

7.2.3 Where deposits or features containing significant environmental potential are identified, advice will be sought, regarding sampling size and strategy, from the appropriate Wessex Archaeology specialist and/or the Historic England Regional Science Advisor, and agreed with the WC Archaeologist.

7.2.4 Where appropriate monolith and/or contiguous column samples will be taken. Monoliths will be taken from key and representative sequences on the site. These will be examined in laboratory conditions by a geoarchaeologist to further elucidate the depositional history of the Site and enable sub-sampling for microfossils and radiocarbon samples as appropriate. Particular attention will be paid to stases and buried land surfaces, with soil micromorphology considered.

7.2.5 Bulk environmental soil samples will be processed by flotation and scanned to assess the environmental potential of deposits, but will not be fully analysed. The residues and sieved fractions will be recorded and retained with the project archive. The monoliths will be subject to detailed description by the geoarchaeologist and sub-samples taken as appropriate for microfossils and radiocarbon dating, should suitable material exist. Samples may include those for pollen, diatoms, foraminifera, ostracods as deemed appropriate by the geoarchaeologist. These will be assessed, but not fully analysed at WA and the pollen/ diatoms by our external specialist.

7.2.6 Where appropriate samples may be taken and sieved to aid in artefact recovery. For both inhumations and cremation related deposits, the burial deposit will be sampled and processed following the specialist guidelines. In the case of samples from cremation related deposits the flots will be retained on a 0.5 mm mesh, with residues fractionated into 4 mm, 2 mm and 1 mm. In the case of samples from inhumation deposits, the samples will be artefact sieved through 9.5 mm and 1 mm mesh sizes. The coarse fractions (9.5 mm) will be sorted with any finds recovered given to the appropriate specialist together with the finer residues

7.2.7 Suitable samples for radio carbon dating will be subsampled from the processed and identified plant remains in the bulk samples or well stratified remains from the monoliths as deemed appropriate.

7.2.8 Assessment analysis of charcoal from industrial contexts may provide useful data on both availability of species and their management and exploitation for fuel. This will be undertaken in tandem with assessment of slag and any other industrial by products that may be found.

7.3 Radiocarbon dating 7.3.1 Where appropriate and in consultation with WCAS and CgMs consideration will be given to the radiocarbon dating, or other appropriate technique, of significant finds, features/structures and deposits, particularly where this would enable more secure or closer dating to be obtained.

7.3.2 Other dating or scientific investigation techniques will be discussed and agreed to as appropriate in consultation with WCAS and CgMs ,particularly if evidence for industrial activity is found.

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7.4 Human remains 7.4.1 In the event of discovery of any human remains (articulated or disarticulated, cremated or unburnt), they will be left in situ, covered and protected. Wessex Archaeology will notify WCAS and CgMs of the remains immediately and a Ministry of Justice Licence will be obtained by Wessex Archaeology prior to any further disturbance (including where remains are to be left in situ).

7.4.2 Following discussions with WCAS and CgMs , the need for and appropriateness of their excavation/removal or sampling as part of the works will be determined. Where deemed appropriate, the human remains will be fully recorded, excavated and removed from the Site, subject to compliance with the relevant Ministry of Justice Licence which will be obtained by Wessex Archaeology immediately on the discovery of human remains.

7.4.3 Should human remains require excavation, this and post-excavation processing will be undertaken in accordance with Wessex Archaeology protocols, current guidance documents (e.g. McKinley 2013) and in line with the standards set out in CIfA Technical Paper 13 Excavation and post-excavation treatment of cremated and inhumed remains (McKinley and Roberts 1993). Appropriate specialist guidance/site visits will be undertaken if required. The final deposition of human remains following analysis will be in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Justice Licence.

7.5 Treasure 7.5.1 In the event of discovery of artefacts covered or potentially covered by The Treasure Act 1996 and Treasure (Designation) Order 2002, their excavation and removal will be undertaken following notification of the WCAS and CgMs .

8 POST-EXACVATION AND REPORTING

8.1 Report 8.1.1 On completion of the fieldwork a methodology for processing, sampling and the analysis of all artefacts and ecofacts recovered during the strip, map and sample will be determined, commensurate to the complexity and character of the data recorded. Within 3 months of completion of fieldwork a draft strip, map and record report will be prepared and submitted for approval to CgMs and WCAS. Once approved, digital (in pdf format) and bound (if required) copies will be forwarded to CgMs and WCAS .

8.1.2 Should human remains be identified and excavated, reporting will take longer to complete to enable appropriate analysis to be undertaken

Particular emphasis will be given to placing the results of the works into the context of the archaeology of the area and include a statement on the archaeological significance of the results.

8.1.3 A copy of the archive report and surveyed spatial digital data (.dxf or shapefile format) relating to the archaeological findings will be deposited with the Wiltshire HER..

8.1.4 The report will include the following elements:

 A non-technical summary;  Project number, planning reference numbers, site/accession code, dates of fieldwork and Ordnance Survey NGR;

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 An account of the background to the project and circumstances of work  The aims and methods used in the fieldwork;  Plans and section drawings at appropriate scales to locate the Site and excavated and projected archaeological deposits;  The tabulation of all artefacts recovered from the archaeological works, listed by context and by material type;  A consideration of the archaeological and environmental potential of deposits;  A consideration of the sites archaeological significance in its broader historic and landscape setting;  Where appropriate, a reconsideration of the methodology employed;  Recommendations regarding further archaeological mitigation work necessary on site in advance of, or during, development;  References to all primary and secondary sources consulted; and  Details of the archive and its proposed location. • details of the archaeological organisation and personnel involved

8.2 OASIS 8.2.1 An OASIS online record (http://oasis.ac.uk/pages/wiki/Main) will be initiated and key fields completed on Details, Location and Creators Forms. All appropriate parts of the OASIS online form will be completed for submission and this will include an uploaded .pdf version of the entire report (a paper copy will also be included with the archive). Subject to any contractual requirements on confidentiality, copies of the OASIS record will be integrated into the relevant local and national records and published through the Archaeology Data Service ‘ArchSearch’ catalogue.

9 PUBLICATION OF RESULTS

9.1.1 If considered appropriate, a short report on the results of the archaeological works will be prepared for publication in a suitable journal. . Other forms of publication (e.g. ‘popular publication’, electronic media/Internet) may be employed where appropriate. The final nature and most appropriate form of publication media and all publication matters will be discussed and agreed in advance with CgMs and WCAS.

10 STORAGE AND CURATION

10.1 Museum 10.1.1 The designated receiving museum will be the Wiltshire County Museum. The Curator of Archaeology will be contacted in advance of the fieldwork for an accession number/Site code and to obtain information regarding the appropriate archive preparation standards.

10.2 Preparation of Archive 10.2.1 The complete Site archive, which will include paper records, photographic records, graphics, artefacts, ecofacts and digital data, will be prepared following the standard conditions for the acceptance of excavated archaeological material by the appropriate Museum, and in general following nationally recommended guidelines (SMA 1995; Brown 2011; ADS 2013; CIfA 2014c.

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10.2.2 All archive elements will be marked with the Site/accession code and a full index will be prepared.

10.2.3 It is proposed in principle that, subject to the wishes of the landowner, the entire archive (including the finds) will be donated to and deposited with Wiltshire County Museum. Provision has been made for the cost of long term storage in the post-fieldwork costs.

10.2.4 Until final deposition with the museum, the archive will be stored at the offices of WA in Salisbury

10.3 Discard policy 10.3.1 Wessex Archaeology follows the guidelines set out in Selection, Retention and Dispersal of Archaeological Collections (SMA 1993), which allows for the discard of selected artefact and ecofact categories which are considered to be of little or no research value. Categories of material that are likely to be targeted for selective retention include ceramic and stone building materials and industrial residues. Other categories may be targeted in the basis of provenance (unstratified or poorly stratified material or undated material from chronologically mixed contexts, e.g. animal bone). Any selection strategy proposed will be fully discussed with the museum prior to implementation, and all dispersal of artefacts from the assemblage will be fully documented in the project archive.

10.3.2 The discard of environmental remains and samples follows nationally recommended guidelines (SMA 1993 and 1995; English Heritage 2011).

10.4 Copyright 10.4.1 The full copyright of the written/illustrative archive relating to the site will be retained by WA under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 with all rights reserved. The Museum, however, will be granted an exclusive licence for the use of the archive for educational purposes, including academic research, providing that such use shall be non- profitmaking, and conforms to the Copyright and Related Rights Regulations 2003.

10.5 Security copy 10.5.1 In line with current best practice (e.g. Brown 2011) a security copy of the written records will be prepared in the form of a digital PDF/A file on completion of the project. PDF/A is an ISO-standardised version of the Portable Document Format (PDF) designed for the digital preservation of electronic documents through omission of features ill-suited to long- term archiving.

11 PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STAFFING

11.1 Personnel 11.1.1 The fieldwork will be directed and supervised by experienced archaeologists from WA's core staff, who will be on site at all times for the length of archaeological fieldwork as required. The overall responsibility for the conduct and management of the project will be held by WA's Project Manager, who will visit the Site as appropriate to monitor progress and to ensure that the scope of works herein is adhered to. The appointed Project Manager and experienced archaeologists will be involved in all phases of the investigation through to its completion. Overall the Project Manager will retain responsibility for the project. All communication between WA and the Client will be directed through the Project Manager in the first instance.

11.1.2 Wessex Archaeology will agree in advance with CgMs the composition of the project team and any sub-contractors that may be used. All archaeological personnel will be full time professional archaeological staff. The following key project staff are proposed 11

Project Manager Damian De Rosa BA, MCIfA Fieldwork director TBC

11.1.3 The analysis of the finds and environmental data will be undertaken by Wessex Archaeology core staff or external specialists. The work will be carried out under the supervision of the departmental managers. Information on WA and external finds and environmental specialists can be provided on request for agreement by the Client/Curator. Specialists likely to be engaged on the project include:

 Paleoenvironment Inés López-Dóriga, PhD, MA, BA  Soils and sediments Dave Norcott BA, MSc, MCIfA  Waterlogged wood Michael Bamforth MCIfA  Animal Bone Lorrain Higbee, BSc, MSc, MCIfA  Human Bone Jackie McKinley, BTech  Flint/Worked Stone Matt Leivers, BA, PhD  Prehistoric Pottery Matt Leivers, BA, PhD Rachel Seager Smith BA, MCIfA  Roman Pottery Rachel Seager Smith BA, MCIfA  Medieval Pottery Lorraine Mepham, BA, MCIfA  Metalworking debris Phil Andrews, BSc, MCIfA, FSA  Finds Manager Matt Leivers, BA, PhD  Environmental Manager Matt Leivers, BA, PhD , MCIfA  Reports Manager Pippa Barclay, BA, MPhil, MCIfA

11.1.4 Wessex Archaeology reserves the right, due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. annual leave, sick leave, maternity, retirement etc.) to replace nominated personnel with alternative members of staff of comparable expertise and experience.

12 QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCEDURES

12.1 Quality Management System 12.1.1 Wessex Archaeology is an ISO 9001 accredited organisation (certificate number FS 606559), confirming the operation of a Quality Management System which complies with the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 – covering professional archaeological and heritage advice and services. The award of the ISO 9001 certificate, independently audited by the British Standards Institution (BSI), demonstrates Wessex Archaeology’s commitment to providing quality heritage services to our clients. ISO (the International Organisation for Standardisation) is the most recognised standards body in the world, helping to drive excellence and continuous improvement within businesses.

12.1.2 Wessex Archaeology operates a Project Management system. Projects are assigned to individual managers who monitor their progress and quality, and control budgets from inception to completion, in all aspects including Health and Safety etc. At all stages the manager will carefully assess and monitor performance of staff and adherence to objectives, timetables and budgets, while the manager's performance is monitored in turn by the Regional Manager who will ensure that the project meets Wessex Archaeology's 12

quality standards and is adequately programmed and resourced within Wessex Archaeology‘s portfolio of project commitments. A formal written report is made to the Executive Management Group once a month by the Regional Manager.

12.2 Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) Registered Organisation 12.2.1 Wessex Archaeology is a Registered Organisation with the CIfA. Wessex Archaeology endorses the CIfA’s Code of Conduct (CIfA 2014d) and Regulations for professional conduct (CIfA 2014e).

12.2.2 All core staff would be of a standard approved by Wessex Archaeology, be employed in line with the CIfA’s Code of Conduct, and be members of the CIfA or a similar appropriate institute.

13 INSURANCE AND HEALTH AND SAFETY

13.1 Policy and Risk Assessment 13.1.1 Health and safety considerations will be of paramount importance in conducting all fieldwork. Safe working practises will override archaeological considerations at all times.

13.1.2 All work will be carried out in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1992, and all other relevant Health and Safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice in force at the time.

13.1.3 Wessex Archaeology will supply a copy of their Health and Safety Policy and a Risk Assessment to the Client before the commencement of any fieldwork. The Risk Assessment will have been read and understood by all staff attending the Site before any groundwork commences.

13.1.4 Wessex Archaeology has both public liability (£10,000,000) and professional indemnity insurance (£5,000,000).

13.1.5 Wessex Archaeology will ensure that all work is carried out to within the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1992.

14 REFERENCES

Archaeology Data Services (ADS) 2013 Caring for Digital Data in Archaeology: a guide to good practice. Archaeology Data Service & Digital Antiquity Guides to Good Practice

ASD (Archaeological Services – Durham University), 2013, Land north of The Mead, Westbury, Wiltshire: geophysical survey, unpublished client report no. 3163

British Geological Survey, Geology of Britain Viewer. Accessed on 22/03/2017 at: http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html

Brown, D.H. 2011 (revised edition). Archaeological archives; a guide to best practice in creation, compilation, transfer and curation. Archaeological Archives Forum

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists [CIfA] 2014a Standards and Guidance for archaeological excavation. CIfA, Reading

-- 2014b Standard and guidance for the collection, documentation, conservation and research of archaeological materials. CIfA, Reading

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-- 2014c Standard and Guidance for the creation, compilation, transfer and deposition of archaeological archives. CIfA, Reading

-- 2014d Code of Conduct. CIfA, Reading

-- 2014e Regulations for professional conduct (revised 2015). CIfA, Reading

Cotswold Archaeology 2017. Land North of Bitham Park, Westbury, Wiltshire Archaeological Evaluation. CA Report ref: 770502

English Heritage 2011 Environmental Archaeology; a guide to theory and practice of methods, from sampling and recovery to post-excavation. Swindon: Centre for Archaeology Guidelines 2nd edition

HA (Headland Archaeology), 2013, Land at The Mead, Westbury, Wiltshire: Trial Trenching Report, unpublished client report no. MEAD/01.

McKinley, J. I. and Roberts C.1993 CIfA Technical Paper No 13 Excavation and post- excavation treatment of cremated and inhumed human remains

McKinley, J. I. 2013 ‘Cremation: Excavation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Material from Cremation-Related Contexts’ in S. Tarlow and L. Nilsson Stutz (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of the Archaeology of Death and Burial, Oxford University Press 147- 171

Museums and Galleries Commission 1992 Standards in the Museum Care of Archaeological Collections

Society of Museum Archaeologists [SMA] 1993 Selection, Retention and Dispersal of Archaeological Collections. Society of Museum Archaeologists

-- 1995 Towards an Accessible Archaeological Archive, Society of Museum Archaeologists

Watkinson, D. and Neal, V. 1998 First Aid for Finds. Rescue and United Kingdom Institute for Conservation Archaeology Section, 3rd Edition

WA (Wessex Archaeology), 2004, Westbury proposed eastern By-Pass Wiltshire unpublished client report no. 57070.02

WA (Wessex Archaeology), 2014a, Land West of Trowbridge Road, Westbury, Wiltshire, Archaeological Evaluation Report, unpublished client report, ref. 106980.03

Wessex Archaeology, 2014b. Land North of Bitham Park, Westbury, Wiltshire. Archaeological Evaluation Report. WA Ref: 105190.02

WA (Wessex Archaeology), 2015, Land West of Trowbridge Road, Westbury, Wiltshire, Archaeological Strip, Map and Sample Excavation, Report Ref. 106981.02

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