It was agreed with the North Somerset Archaeologist that a geophysical survey of the site should be undertaken in the first instance along with a watching brief along the haul road in order to keep operations moving. The results showed a number of potential archaeological features including two parallel linears in the south which corresponded with a rectilinear enclosure feature extending beyond the site in aerial photographs. The features were subsequently targeted with trial trenching and the majority of the site proved to be of no archaeological interest. However, the discovery of three burials within the enclosure ditch meant that there were potentially more burials. A portion of the southern area of the site was cordoned off whilst Lanpro negotiated the signing off of the reminder of the site for the client to proceed with groundworks.
There followed a stripping back of the area of the site containing the enclosure which exposed 15 further graves. Grave goods indicated that the cemetery was in use from around the late 5th century through to the 8th century AD. The cemetery limits appear to respect the extent of the enclosure within the site which was evidenced as Romano-British.
Work on this sensitive archaeological site continued into the autumn, throughout the process of the enabling works and the early phase construction works with minimal impact as a result of close collaboration between Lanpro, the client and the North Somerset Archaeologist.
It was agreed with the North Somerset Archaeologist that a geophysical survey of the site should be undertaken in the first instance along with a watching brief along the haul road in order to keep operations moving. The results showed a number of potential archaeological features including two parallel linears in the south which corresponded with a rectilinear enclosure feature extending beyond the site in aerial photographs. The features were subsequently targeted with trial trenching and the majority of the site proved to be of no archaeological interest. However, the discovery of three burials within the enclosure ditch meant that there were potentially more burials. A portion of the southern area of the site was cordoned off whilst Lanpro negotiated the signing off of the reminder of the site for the client to proceed with groundworks.
There followed a stripping back of the area of the site containing the enclosure which exposed 15 further graves. Grave goods indicated that the cemetery was in use from around the late 5th century through to the 8th century AD. The cemetery limits appear to respect the extent of the enclosure within the site which was evidenced as Romano-British.
Work on this sensitive archaeological site continued into the autumn, throughout the process of the enabling works and the early phase construction works with minimal impact as a result of close collaboration between Lanpro, the client and the North Somerset Archaeologist.
| Project: | Locking Parklands, Somerset | |
| Client Name: | St Modwen Homes | |
| Council Name: | North Somerset Council | |
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