Land on Seaton Hill, William Prance Road, Plymouth, PL6 5ZD, 17/01288/FUL Archaeological Field Evaluation
Prepared for
CDS Superstores (International) Limited Tamar House, Thornbury Road, Forresters Business Park, Plymouth, PL6 7LP By
Report Number 122
28th November 2017
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Contents
Land on Seaton Hill, William Prance Road Archaeological Field Evaluation
Page
Summary .......................................................................................................................... 3 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 4 1.1 Project Background and Proposals ........................................................................... 4 1.2 Objectives ................................................................................................................. 4 1.3 Legislative Framework .............................................................................................. 4 1.4 Location, Topography and Geology .......................................................................... 5 1.5 Archaeological background ...................................................................................... 5 2 Methodology ................................................................................................................ 7 3 Results .......................................................................................................................... 9 3.1 Stratigraphical evidence ........................................................................................... 9 4 Conclusions ................................................................................................................. 12 5 Bibliography ................................................................................................................ 13 6 Appendices ................................................................................................................. 14 6.1 Appendix I Figures .................................................................................................. 14 6.2 Appendix II Plates ................................................................................................... 24 6.3 Appendix III Context Inventory ............................................................................... 36 Acknowledgements and Copyright ................................................................................ 40
Figures
Figure 1. Location of archaeological evaluation trenches (T1-T9 as surveyed) overlaid onto proposed development plan. ..................................................................................... 14 Figure 2. Plan of Trench 1 showing Culvert 104 and HV Cable. .............................................. 15 Figure 4. Plan of Trench 3 showing Demolition material 303. ............................................... 17 Figure 5. Plan of Trench 4 showing Foul Drainage Pipe 404. ................................................. 18 Figure 6. Plan of Trench 5 showing Fe Water Pipes. .............................................................. 19 Figure 7. Plan of Trench 6 showing HV cables, Fe Water Main and Tarmac Path (605). ........ 20 Figure 8. Plan of Trench 7 showing Brick Culvert 704. ........................................................... 21 Figure 9. Plan of Trench 8 showing HV cable, Drains (805, 806 and 807) and Manhole (808). .................................................................................................................................... 22 Figure 10. Plan of Trench 9 showing Culverts 906 and 907. ................................................... 23
Plates Plate 1. Trench 1, view to W of Culvert 104. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections. ............................... 24 Plate 2. Trench 1, view to S of Culvert 104. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections. ................................ 24 Plate 3. Trench 1, view to W of HV Cable. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections. .................................. 25 Plate 4. Trench 2, view to N of Ditch 207 and Wall 208. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections. ............. 25 Plate 5. Trench 2, view to E of Ditch 207. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections. ................................... 26 Plate 6. Trench 3, view to N of Demolition 303. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections. ......................... 26 Plate 7. Trench 3, view to S of Demolition 303. Scales in 0.5m sections. .............................. 27 Plate 8. Trench 4, view to E. Scales in 0.5m sections. ............................................................ 27 Plate 9. Trench 4, view to W showing Foul Pipe 404. Scales in 0.5m sections. ...................... 28 Plate 10. Trench 4, view to S of sample section. Scales in 0.5m sections. ............................. 28 Plate 11. Trench 5, view to S showing natural 506 and redeposited. Scales in 0.5m sections. .................................................................................................................................... 29
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Plate 12. Trench 5, view to W of section through bund. Scales in 0.5m sections. ................. 29 Plate 13. Trench 5, view S of x2 Fe Water Pipes Scale in 0.5m sections ................................ 30 Plate 14. Trench 6, view S of 150mm Fe Water Main and HV cable. Scale in 0.5m sections. 30 Plate 15. Trench 6, view W of 150mm Fe Water Main. Scale in 0.5m sections. .................... 31 Plate 16. Trench 6, view S of HV cable. Scale in 0.5m sections. ............................................. 31 Plate 17. Trench 6, view S perimeter bund. Scale in 0.5m sections ....................................... 32 Plate 18. Trench 6, view S of Tarmac Path (605). Scale in 0.5m sections. .............................. 32 Plate 19. Trench 7, view S of Culvert 704. Scale in 0.5m sections. ......................................... 33 Plate 20. Trench 7, view N of Culvert 704. Scale in 0.5m sections. ........................................ 33 Plate 21. Trench 8, view to W of Ditches 805, 806, 807 and Manhole 808. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections. ...................................................................................................................... 34 Plate 22. Trench 8, view to W of HV cable. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections .................................. 34 Plate 23. Trench 9, view N of Culverts 906 and 907. Scale in 0.5m sections. ......................... 35 Plate 24. Trench 9, view E of section. Scale in 0.5m sections. ............................................... 35 Front cover: View to the south west of Trench 8.
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Summary Black Mountains Archaeology Ltd were commissioned by CDS Superstores (International) Limited to carry out an archaeological field evaluation ahead of a proposed mixed-use development at Land on Seaton Hill, William Prance Road, Plymouth PL6 5ZD to inform on the nature and extent of any archaeological remains on the site (17/01288/FUL). The archaeological field evaluation consisted of the excavation of nine 10m x 2m trenches in areas where low made ground cover has been demonstrated during geotechnical investigation. The present report sets out the results of the archaeological field evaluation in accordance with the advice provided by Dr John Salvatore (Plymouth City Council Archaeologist). The archaeological field evaluation demonstrated the presences of services, culverts and other below ground brick and concrete built structures associated with the area’s former use as an army barracks and MOD residential housing. No deposits or features of archaeological significance were recorded. The evaluation also demonstrated that the site has been significantly disturbed, down to several metres in places, with almost all trenches encountering redeposited natural clay-loams and weathered Upper Devonian Slate bedrock. Due to the level of disturbance found in all trenches the potential for any further archaeological deposits or features surviving across the site must now be considered poor. The field evaluation was undertaken to the professional standards of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Standard and guidance for an archaeological field evaluation. Published 2014.
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1 Introduction 1.1 Project Background and Proposals 1.1.1 Black Mountains Archaeology Ltd were commissioned by CDS Superstores (International) Limited to carry out an archaeological field evaluation ahead of a proposed mixed-use development at Land on Seaton Hill, William Prance Road, Plymouth PL6 5ZD to inform on the nature and extent of any archaeological remains on the site (17/01288/FUL). The proposed development consists of the erection of an office building (Class B1), retail superstore (Class A1 [bulky goods]), cafe (Class A3), 350 space car park, landscaping and associated works. 1.1.2 The present report sets out the results of the archaeological field evaluation in accordance with the advice provided by Dr John Salvatore (Plymouth City Council Archaeologist). 1.1.3 The field evaluation was undertaken to the professional standards of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Standard and guidance for an archaeological field evaluation. Published 2014.
1.2 Objectives 1.2.1 The definition of an archaeological Field Evaluation as set out by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) is a programme of non-intrusive and/or intrusive fieldwork which determines the presence or absence of archaeological features, structures, deposits, artefacts or ecofacts within a specified area or site on land, intertidal zone or underwater. If such archaeological remains are present the field evaluation defines their character, extent, quality and preservation, and enables an assessment of their significance in a local, regional, national or international context as appropriate. 1.2.2 The purpose of field evaluation is to gain information about the archaeological resource within a given area or site (including its presence or absence, character, extent, date, integrity, state of preservation and quality), in order to make an assessment of its merit in the appropriate context, leading to 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 to mitigate a threat to the archaeological resource.
•
The formulation of a proposal for further archaeological investigation within a programme of research. 1.2.3 (Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Standard and guidance for an archaeological field evaluation Published 2014)
1.3 Legislative Framework 1.1.1. Planning legislation is set out in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Detailed advice on archaeology in the English planning process was originally contained in Planning Policy Guidance 16: Archaeology and planning (PPG 16) and works affecting the setting of an ancient monument, protected through implementation of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, were covered by Planning
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Policy 16: Archaeology and planning (Annex 3). Planning Policy Guidance 15: Planning and the historic environment (PPG 15) presented the Government’s advice on the handling of historic buildings and landscapes in the planning process. Both PPG 15 and 16 were superseded in England by Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning and the Historic Environment (PPS 5) from March 2010.The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published on 27th March 2012 replacing the government’s advice on the historic environment (archaeology and built heritage) in the planning process (Section 12). Detailed policy advice is set out in Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment (2014). Historic England’s Good Practice Advice Notes 1, 2 and 3 (4 forthcoming) supersedes the PPS 5 Practice Guide. 1.1.2. Statutory protection in the historic environment is set out by The Ancient Monument and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. There is a presumption in favour of preservation in-situ concerning sites, monuments and buildings of national importance (scheduled/listed), and there exists in the current NPPF a presumption in favour of preservation in-situ of all types of heritage assets. 1.3.1 Relevant Plymouth City Council and South West Devon Joint policies on the historic environment include draft policies DEV21 (Conserving the Historic Environment) and DEV 22 (Development affecting the Historic Environment); and Plymouth Local Development Framework, policy CS03 Historic Environment.
1.4 Location, Topography and Geology 1.1.3. The proposed development area (Figure 1) is located on disused land in the Crownhill area on Seaton Hill, William Prance Road, Plymouth PL6 5ZD (NGR [SX] 249247,59218). The proposed development area is bounded to the east by the TA Centre, south and west by William Prance Road and north by the Apex Derriford Business Park. Formerly the site of the Seaton (Crownhill) Barracks, demolished in the 1990s, the site is now covered in scrub vegetation and small trees. 1.1.4. The general geology is superficial made-ground (Lewis et al 2017) overlying sedimentary bedrock of the Upper Devonian Slate Formation formed approximately 359-385 million years ago in the Devonian Period (British Geological Survey). The made ground is principally derived of demolition material from the former barrack buildings.
1.5 Archaeological background 1.1.5. The proposed development area is located on the site of the former the Seaton (Crownhill) Barracks located to the east of the Victorian Crownhill Fort (SAM 1020571). The fort was built after the 1859 Royal Commission report on the defence of Britain. This followed the launch of the Second French Empire’s first iron-clad ship (La Gloire) and Lord Palmerston’s government became concerned with defence against the new generation of ships and long-range artillery. The construction of the fort, by Major Edmund Du Cane (Royal Engineer), was started in 1863 and completed
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1.1.6.
1.1.7.
1.1.8.
1.1.9.
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nine years later. The fort was later nicknamed one of Palmerston’s Follies after the threat from France diminished with the exile of Napoleon III in 1872. The fort and Crownhill area was used in the late 19th century for military training and in the early 20th century a recruitment centre for the First World War and home to the Royal Corps of Signals. Crownhill was used as a staging area for Allied troops for the D-Day invasion and was also later used by the Royal Engineers to support the Falklands Campaign. Crownhill Fort was decommissioned in 1986 and acquired by the Landmark Trust a year later who have carried out an extensive refurbishment into holiday lets. The Egg Buckland Tithe Map 1840 records the proposed development area as several fields (ref: 682 and 707) under an arable regime adjoining Coleridge Lane. Ordnance Survey mapping clearly shows the evolution of the proposed development. The First Edition (1870) map shows an unaltered fieldscape, however, with the publication of the Second Edition (1906) map the Crownhill Hutments (barracks) are shown extending east from Tavistock Road and into the western periphery of the proposed development area. The Third Edition (1913) map shows an unaltered pattern of development. The Fourth Edition (1933) map shows an extension to the Crownhill Hutments (barracks) east cover the entirety of the proposed development area. Rows of barrack blocks are shown together with semi-detached gardened accommodation around a simple road plan of several north/south aligned roads. By the publication of the 1952 Ordnance Survey map the Crownhill Hutments had been demolished and replaced with Montgomery Close, a development of new accommodation. The name of the barracks also changes around this time to Seaton Barracks. By the publication of the Ordnance Survey 1992 map Montgomery Close had been demolished. There is no evidence of prehistoric or Roman activity in the proposed development area. Around 5km to the north is the Dartmoor National Park, a preserved prehistoric landscape. Several possible Bronze Age burial mounds (barrows) are known from the wider area, two possible ploughed-out barrows northeast at Plymouth Airport together with some isolated flint tool finds at Derriford Hospital and three barrows southeast at Coleridge Farm (Hutchings 2014, 8-9). Coleridge Farm is mentioned in the Doomsday Book as Coleridge and is one of several farms (including Bircham and Derriford farms) in the area dating to the medieval period. Previous investigations in the immediate locale have failed to identify any significant archaeological deposits (Smith 2014). Similarly, Hutchings (2014, 8) notes previous investigations in the wider area around Derriford, including Crownhill, with limited discoveries of archaeological significance.
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2 Methodology 2.1.1 The archaeological field evaluation consisted of the excavation of nine trenches, totalling 180 square metres, in accordance with the advice provided by Dr John Salvatore (Plymouth City Council Archaeologist) and agreed trench location plan (Figure 1). The evaluation was carried out between 13th – 15th November 2017. All trenches are focused on central and southern parts of the proposed development area where shallow made ground was identified by Lewis et al (2017). The evaluation of these areas was considered an opportunity to test any undisturbed archaeological deposits that may survive located beneath the made ground. The northern area of the proposed development area demonstrated a greater depth of made ground and therefore the risk of the groundworks to the potential buried archaeological resource was thought to be diminished. The plant provided was in the form of a JCB sized back acting excavator with a 1.8m wide grading bucket. The trenches were laid out using a Geomax Zenith 35 Pro GNSS/Glonass (GPS) Receiver and data logger. The survey was conducted to Ordnance Survey National Grid and Datum with a 20mm tolerance. 2.1.2 The rationale for the trench locations is set out below: 1. Trench 1, 10m x 2m and is positioned over the main building’s foundations and stairwell. 2. Trench 2, 10m x 2m and is positioned over the main building’s foundations, lift shaft and stairwell. 3. Trench 3, 10m x 2m and is positioned over the main building’s foundations. 4. Trench 4, 10m x 2m and is positioned over the main building’s foundations. 5. Trench 5, 10m x 2m and is positioned over the main building’s foundations. 6. Trench 6, 10m x 2m and is positioned over the main building’s foundations. 7. Trench 7, 10m x 2m and is positioned over the main building’s foundations. 8. Trench 8, 10m x 2m and is positioned over the main building’s foundations and stairwell. 9. Trench 9, 10m x 2m and is positioned over the main building’s foundations, double lift shaft and stairwell. 2.1.3 All trench sections were cleaned by hand and sample sections recorded in detail. No features or deposits of archaeological origin were identified in any of the nine trenches. However, services were encountered in all trenches except Trench 3, which had a significant depth of demolition material. The archaeological recording techniques conformed to the best industry standard; all deposits were recorded using a single continuous context numbering system. All contexts were recorded with the trench number prefix (e.g. context 03 in Trench 1 = 103) and are summarised in Appendix III. All trenches and sections were photographed in digital using a Fujifilm FinePix S4800 super wide (30x) 24-720mm camera at 16mp. In all trenches, natural deposits were encountered and recorded beneath made ground and redeposited natural. Each section of the trench was inspected and sample sections were hand cleaned and recorded, and the trench measured, before being back-filled. All trenches were backfilled with the excavated material.
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2.1.4 No finds were recovered, all material being recent (late 20th century). No deposits with palaeoenvironmental potential were encountered. 2.1.5 The field evaluation was carried out to the standards of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists’ Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Field Evaluations (2014). 2.1.6 A digital copy of the report will be supplied to the Plymouth HER and the Local Authority. An OASIS (Online AccesS to the Index of archaeological investigationS) record will be commenced upon submission of this document to the local authority in order to facilitate the generation of an HER reference number and subsequent record for the Historic Archive England (NRHE), AIP (Archaeological Investigations Project) and ADS (Archaeology Data Service).
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3 Results 3.1 Stratigraphical evidence 3.1.1 The archaeological field evaluation consisted of the excavation of nine trenches, totalling 180 square metres, in accordance with the advice provided by Dr John Salvatore (Plymouth City Council Archaeologist) and agreed trench location plan. Trench 1 was shortened to 6m in length to avoid disturbing the earthen bund site boundary. Trench 2 was also shortened to 8.5m in length due to the presence of a mature tree at the north end of the trench. Trench 8 was moved 2.5m south east of its original position to avoid a brick-built manhole. Live electricity cables were noted in Trenches 1, 2, 3, 6, 8. Water mains, water pipes and foul pipes were noted in Trenches 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8. Redundant heating pipes that were located within large brick-built culverts were noted in Trenches 7 and 9. 3.1.2 The results of each evaluation trench are detailed below and contextual information can be found in Appendix III. 3.1.3 Trench 1 (Figures 1-2; Plates 1-2) 3.1.4 Trench 1 was located against the site boundary to William Prance Road. The trench was 6m in length and 2.8m wide with an average depth of 0.7m. The trench was aligned E-W. The Trench terminated at a modern concrete capped red brick structure (104) that occupied the greater area of the trench. A live electricity cable, possibly 11KV, was identified in the NW corner of the trench at 122.090mOD. No archaeological deposits or features were identified in the trench. 3.1.5 Red brick structure 104 was capped with concrete slabs measuring 0.62m x 0.92m. Built of modern perforated red brick in quarter bond pattern, six courses were visible in section (102). The centre of the structure was un-capped and a brick-filled void was noted. A short section (0.47m long) of an identical red brick structure (105) was noted in the N trench section with two quarter bonded courses visible. There was no evidence of any archaeological deposits or features. 3.1.6 Trench 2 (Figures 1 and 3; Plates 4-5) 3.1.7 Trench 2 was located to the east of trench one in a copse of trees. The northern end of the trench was curtailed by the presence of a mature tree. The trench measured 10m in length by 2m in width with a depth of 1m. Live services in the form of a 11KV high voltage cable was identified at 122.007mOD traversing north end of trench. This is an eastward continuation of the high voltage cable noted in Trench 1. A large concrete wall (208), measuring 0.34m wide and exposed to a depth of 1m, was found against the west facing section at the south end of the trench together with a water pipe, which was aligned against the wall and demolition material found around the wall. An E-W aligned ditch (207) was noted in the centre of the trench back-filled with demolition material (202). There was no evidence of any archaeological deposits or features. 3.1.8 Trench 3 (Figure 1 and 4; Plates 6-7) 3.1.9 Trench 3 was located in the centre and to the north of the investigation area. The trench measured 10m in length by 2m in width with a maximum depth of 1.8m.
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3.1.10 A significant depth of demolition material (303) was noted in the trench together with a large concrete slab. The demolition material appeared to have filled a large void possibly indicating the presence of cellars or a bunker. 3.1.11 A HV cable was noted in the north end of the trench. A sondage was excavated in S end of trench and natural weathered bedrock was noted beneath demolition 303 at 1.8m in depth. No evidence of any archaeological deposits or features was present in the trench. 3.1.12 Trench 4 (Figure 1 and 5; Plates 8-10) 3.1.13 Trench 4 was located in the centre west of the investigation area. The trench measured 10m in length by 2m wide and had an average depth of 0.5m. A single 150mm foul drainage pipe was encountered in the western end of trench (404) and some demolition material (405) noted in the eastern end of the trench. Natural weathered bedrock (Upper Devonian Slate) was encountered at 0.45m in depth (403) uniformly along the length of the trench. Overlying this deposit was redeposited natural bedrock (402) and topsoil (401). There was no evidence of any archaeological deposits or features. 3.1.14 Trench 5 (Figures 1 and 6; Plates 11-13) 3.1.15 Trench 5 was positioned through the perimeter earthen bund. The trench measured 10m in length by 2m in width and with a maximum depth (through bund) of 1.6m. Natural weathered bedrock (Upper Devonian Slate) was encountered at 1.6m in depth in a sondage excavated at the NW end of the trench (506). Above this, redeposited material formed a sequence of interbedded layers (505, 504, and 503) before being sealed by a large modern earthen bund (502). Two cast iron water pipes were identified in the SE half of the trench. The northern pipe had a 3� diameter and was located at 121.138mOD and the southern pipe had a 1½� diameter and was located at 121.144mOD. A large concrete slab (507) was noted in the SE corner of the trench at 121.395mOD. No evidence of any archaeological deposits or features was present in the trench. 3.1.16 Trench 6 (Figures 1 and 7; Plates 14-18) 3.1.17 Trench 6 was positioned partially through the southern perimeter earthen bund. The trench measured 10m in length by 2m in width, with a maximum depth of 1.5m. Redeposited weathered bedrock (Upper Devonian Slate) was identified between 0.9m and 1.5m in depth (604). A 150mm cast iron water main, aligned E-W and at 121.734mOD, was noted in the southern end of the trench cut into 604. Also contained within this deposit (604) was a high voltage cable aligned NW-SE at 121.905mOD. A second high voltage cable was noted in the north end of the trench at 122.072. In between both electricity cables were a 1m wide tarmac path (605). There was no evidence of any archaeological deposits or features. 3.1.18 Trench 7 (Figure 1 and 8; Plates 19-20) 3.1.19 Trench 7 was positioned through part of the southern perimeter earthen bund. The trench measured 2m in width but was shortened to 6.5m in length to avoid a concrete road surface at its northern end and was abandoned at 122.255mOD (1.4m in depth) due to the presence of a substantial brick culvert (704). The trench was excavated to a maximum depth of 1.8m (through the bund).
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3.1.20 Concrete capped brick culvert 704 measured 0.92m wide and was cut (703) into redeposited natural (702); the culvert had an internal depth of 0.5m. At least five quarter bonded brick courses were visible beneath the broken concrete capping slab before being obscured by rubble. Contained within 704 were two insulated 150mm pipes, possibly heat ducting. There was no evidence of any archaeological deposits or features. 3.1.21 Trench 8 (Figures 1 and 9; Plates 21-22) 3.1.22 Trench 8 was positioned through part of the southwestern perimeter earthen bund. The trench had to be moved 3m south to avoid a brick built manhole (808). The trench measured 13.3m in length by 2m in width and with a maximum depth of 0.9m. The trench contained a high voltage cable at the SW end at 122.970mOD and three drains (805-807 at 122.930mOD) which connected to the brick-built manhole (808 at 123.503mOD). 3.1.23 Natural weathered bedrock (Upper Devonian Slate) was noted in the base of the trench (804). This was overlaid by three successive layers (803, 802 and 801) of redeposited clay loam subsoils and demolition material. There was no evidence of any archaeological deposits or features. 3.1.24 Trench 9 (Figure 1 and 10; Plates 23-24) 3.1.25 Trench 9 was positioned to the south of Trench 2 adjacent to a N-S aligned old tarmac road. The natural weathered sedimentary bedrock (Upper Devonian Slate) was found at 0.55m and 0.8m (sondage) in depth (905). Cut into 905 were two concrete capped brick built culverts. One aligned N-S and only partially visible in the east facing section (906) and the other positioned near the centre of the trench on a E-W alignment (907). Both were constructed with a single brick course (width) and capped with concrete slabs. Culvert 906 contained four 150mm insulated pipes. Culvert 907 had been back filled with rubble so it is uncertain if this also contained insulated pipes. Culvert 906 is possibly the same culvert noted in Trench 7. The culverts appear to be carrying heating ducting. The overlying deposits were mixed clay loams (904), possibly redeposited, tarmac (903), redeposited natural weathered bedrock (902) and sandy loam topsoil (901). There was no evidence of any archaeological deposits or features.
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4 Conclusions 4.1.1 The archaeological field evaluation demonstrated the presences of services (some live), culverts and other below ground brick and concrete built structures associated with the area’s former use as an army barracks and MOD residential housing. No deposits or features of archaeological significance were recorded in any of the trenches. 4.1.2 The evaluation also demonstrated that the site has been significantly disturbed, down to several metres in places (e.g. Trench 3), with almost all trenches encountering redeposited natural clay-loams and weathered Upper Devonian Slate bedrock. 4.1.3 Due to the level of disturbance found in all trenches the potential for any further archaeological deposits or features surviving across the site must now be considered poor.
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5 Bibliography British Geological Survey, 2017, Geology of Britain Viewer, accessed 26/06/2017 (http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html) Cherry, B, and Pevsner, N, The Buildings of Devon. Yale University Press. Hutchings, J, 2014, Derriford Roundabout and William Prance Road Major Scheme, Plymouth. MOLA unpublished report. Lewis, R, Wilson, P and White, A, 2017, The Range, Seaton Hill, Plymouth. Desk-study and Intrusive Geotechnical and Geo-Environmental Investigation Report. Plymouth Local Development Framework https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/sites/default/files/AdoptedLocalDevelopmentFr ameworkPolicies.pdf
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6 Appendices 6.1 Appendix I Figures
Figure 1. Location of archaeological evaluation trenches (T1-T9 as surveyed) overlaid onto proposed development plan.
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Figure 2. Plan of Trench 1 showing Culvert 104 and HV Cable.
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Figure 3. Plan of Trench 2 showing Wall 208, Ditch 207 and HV Cable.
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Figure 4. Plan of Trench 3 showing Demolition material 303.
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Figure 5. Plan of Trench 4 showing Foul Drainage Pipe 404.
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Figure 6. Plan of Trench 5 showing Fe Water Pipes.
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Figure 7. Plan of Trench 6 showing HV cables, Fe Water Main and Tarmac Path (605).
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Figure 8. Plan of Trench 7 showing Brick Culvert 704.
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Figure 9. Plan of Trench 8 showing HV cable, Drains (805, 806 and 807) and Manhole (808).
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Figure 10. Plan of Trench 9 showing Culverts 906 and 907.
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6.2 Appendix II Plates
Plate 1. Trench 1, view to W of Culvert 104. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections.
Plate 2. Trench 1, view to S of Culvert 104. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections.
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Plate 3. Trench 1, view to W of HV Cable. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections.
Plate 4. Trench 2, view to N of Ditch 207 and Wall 208. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections.
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Plate 5. Trench 2, view to E of Ditch 207. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections.
Plate 6. Trench 3, view to N of Demolition 303. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections.
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Plate 7. Trench 3, view to S of Demolition 303. Scales in 0.5m sections.
Plate 8. Trench 4, view to E. Scales in 0.5m sections.
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Plate 9. Trench 4, view to W showing Foul Pipe 404. Scales in 0.5m sections.
Plate 10. Trench 4, view to S of sample section. Scales in 0.5m sections.
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Plate 11. Trench 5, view to S showing natural 506 and redeposited. Scales in 0.5m sections.
Plate 12. Trench 5, view to W of section through bund. Scales in 0.5m sections.
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Plate 13. Trench 5, view S of x2 Fe Water Pipes Scale in 0.5m sections
Plate 14. Trench 6, view S of 150mm Fe Water Main and HV cable. Scale in 0.5m sections.
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Plate 15. Trench 6, view W of 150mm Fe Water Main. Scale in 0.5m sections.
Plate 16. Trench 6, view S of HV cable. Scale in 0.5m sections.
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Plate 17. Trench 6, view S perimeter bund. Scale in 0.5m sections
Plate 18. Trench 6, view S of Tarmac Path (605). Scale in 0.5m sections.
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Plate 19. Trench 7, view S of Culvert 704. Scale in 0.5m sections.
Plate 20. Trench 7, view N of Culvert 704. Scale in 0.5m sections.
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Plate 21. Trench 8, view to W of Ditches 805, 806, 807 and Manhole 808. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections.
Plate 22. Trench 8, view to W of HV cable. Scale 1m in 0.5m sections
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Plate 23. Trench 9, view N of Culverts 906 and 907. Scale in 0.5m sections.
Plate 24. Trench 9, view E of section. Scale in 0.5m sections.
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6.3 Appendix III Context Inventory 6.3.1 Trench 1 6.3.2 Level of present ground surface: W end 122.626mOD, E end 122.220mOD. Trench length 6m, width 2.8m. Average depth 0.7m. Brick culvert present with concrete capping. Trench terminated at live services (at 122.090mOD) and red brick culvert structure 104 (at 121.845mOD). No evidence of any archaeological deposits or features was present in the trench. Context 101
Type Deposit
Depth 0m – 0.15m
102
Structure
0.15m – 0.5m
103 104
Structure Structure
0.7m 0.7m
105
Structure
0.17m
Description Mid-brown clay loam topsoil with frequent small (<0.05m) stones. Red brick structure (wall) of six courses quarter bonded. Modern perforated bricks. Equivalent to 104. Concrete slab culvert cover. Red brick built culvert under concrete slab 103. Equivalent to 102. Red brick structure, two quarter bonded courses visible in N section wall.
Period Modern Modern
Modern Modern Modern
Trench coordinates: E 249194.849, 59250.112; W 249188.716, 59250.308. All depths below present ground surface. N.b = not bottomed
6.3.3 Trench 2 6.3.4 Level of present ground surface: N end 122.318mOD, S end 122.577mOD. Trench length 10m, width 2m. Average depth 1m. Live services identified traversing N end of trench. Large concrete wall (208) noted against W facing section at the S end of the trench. An E-W aligned modern ditch was noted in the centre of the trench back-filled with demolition material (202). No evidence of any archaeological deposits or features was present in the trench. Context
Type
Depth
201
Deposit
0m – 0.22m
202
Deposit
203
Description
Period
Mid-brown clay loam topsoil with frequent small (<0.05m) stones.
Modern
0.22m – 0.4m
Demolition layer. Brick, concrete, slate, redeposited natural all held in a grey-brown sandy matrix. In the centre of the trench 202 is contained by 207.
Modern
Deposit
0.4m – 0.5m
Red-brown coloured redeposited natural weathered bedrock (Upper Devonian Slate).
Modern
204
Deposit
0.5m – 0.66m
Dark grey-brown clay loam with frequent small (<0.05m) stones.
Natural
205
Deposit
0.66m – 0.82m Mid-brown clay loam with frequent small (<0.05m) stones.
Natural
206
Deposit
0.82m – 1.31m Red-brown weathered sedimentary bedrock (Upper n.b Devonian Slate).
Natural
207
Cut
0.97m – 1.31m E-W aligned modern ditch cut filled with demolition material 202.
Modern
208
Structure
0.1m – 0.9m
Concrete block wall with cement render. Iron water pipe located parallel to and against wall.
Modern
Trench coordinates: N 249208.520, 59252.640; S 249208.520, 59252.640. All depths below present ground surface. N.b = not bottomed
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6.3.5 Trench 3 6.3.6 Level of present ground surface: N end 120.644mOD, S end 120.979mOD. Trench length 10m, width 2m. Maximum depth 1.8m. Trench 3 was located further east of Trench 2. A significant depth of demolition material (303) was noted in the trench together with a large concrete slab. HV cable noted in N end. A sondage was excavated in S end of trench and natural weathered bedrock was identified beneath demolition 303 at 1.8m in depth. No evidence of any archaeological deposits or features was present in the trench. Context
Type
Depth
301
Deposit
0m – 0.15m
302
Deposit
303
Deposit
304
Deposit
Description
Period
Mid-brown sandy loam topsoil.
Modern
0.15m – 0.5m
Red-brown redeposited weathered bedrock (Upper Devonian Slate).
Modern
0.5m – 1.7m
Grey sandy demolition deposit containing reinforced concrete, red brick, x3 core electrical cable, mortar (cement), metal fragments and rockwool insulation.
Modern
1.7m – 1.8m n.b Red-brown weathered sedimentary bedrock (Upper Natural Devonian Slate). Trench coordinates: N 249271.070, 59249.850; S , 249270.910, 59238.990. All depths below present ground surface. N.b = not bottomed
6.3.7 Trench 4 6.3.8 Level of present ground surface: E end 120.538mOD, W end 121.244mOD. Trench length 10m, width 2m. Average depth 0.5m. Single 150mm foul drainage pipe in W end of trench and some demolition material noted in E end of trench. No evidence of any archaeological deposits or features. Context
Type
Depth
401
Deposit
0m – 0.1m
402
Deposit
0.1m – 0.4m
403
Deposit
404
Cut
0.45m
405
Deposit
0.45m
Description
Period
Mid-brown sandy loam topsoil.
Modern
Red-brown redeposited weathered bedrock (Upper Devonian Slate).
Natural
0.4m – 0.45m Red-brown weathered sedimentary bedrock (Upper Devonian Slate).
Natural
Cut for foul drainage pipe
Modern
Demolition material. Grey sandy matrix, frequent red Modern brick fragments, cement and slate inclusions. Trench coordinates: E 298784.320, 219897.710; W 298784.170, 219895.330. All depths below present ground surface. N.b = not bottomed
6.3.9 Trench 5 6.3.10 Level of present ground surface: NW end 121.550mOD, SE end 122.151mOD. Trench positioned through perimeter earthen bund. Trench length 10m, width 2m, maximum depth (through bund) 1.6m. No evidence of any archaeological deposits or features was present in the trench. Context
Type
Depth
501
Deposit
0m – 0.1m
502
Deposit
0.1m – 1.15m
Description
Period
Mid-brown sandy loam topsoil.
Modern
Earthen bund composed of modern stone chippings and redeposited natural weathered bedrock.
Modern
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Depth
Land on Seaton Hill, William Prance Road Archaeological Field Evaluation
Context
Type
503
Deposit
1.15m – 1.25m Demolition material. Grey sandy matrix, frequent red brick fragments, cement and slate inclusions.
Modern
504
Deposit
1.25m – 1.3m
Mixed dark-brown silty clay loam.
Modern
505
Deposit
1.3m – 1.45m
Red-brown redeposited weathered bedrock (Upper Devonian Slate).
Modern
506
Deposit
1.45m – 1.6m n.b Red-brown weathered sedimentary bedrock (Upper Devonian Slate).
Natural
507
Deposit
0.9m
Description
Concreate slab in SE corner of trench.
Period
Modern
Trench coordinates: NW 249295.950, 59190.090; SE 249302.480, 59181.690. All depths below present ground surface. N.b = not bottomed
6.3.11 Trench 6 6.3.12 Level of present ground surface: N end 122.679mOD, S end 122.969mOD. Trench positioned partially through southern perimeter earthen bund. Trench length 10m, width 2m. Average depth 1.5m. Context
Type
Depth
601
Deposit
0m – 0.06m
602
Deposit
603
Structure
604
Description Sandy clay loam topsoil.
Period Modern
0.06m – 0.82m Earthen bund composed of modern stone chippings and redeposited natural weathered bedrock.
Modern
0.82m – 0.9m Thin layer of grey-brown redeposited weathered bedrock (Upper Devonian Slate).
Modern
Deposit
0.9m – 1.5m
Redeposited natural weathered bedrock in a red silty clay matrix.
Modern
605
Deposit
0.3m – 0.5m Tarmac path and foundations, 1m wide, 0.12m thick, flanked by concrete kerbs (0.05m x 0.15m).
Modern
606
Deposit
0.1m average Tarmac path surface redeposited in bund. thickness
Modern
Trench coordinates: N 249257.300, 59194.470; S 249257.980, 59185.950. All depths below present ground surface. N.b = not bottomed
6.3.13 Trench 7 6.3.14 Level of present ground surface: N end 123.672mOD, S end 124.117mOD. Trench positioned partially through southern perimeter earthen bund. Trench length 10m, width 2m. Average depth 1.4m. Trench terminates onto a large brick culvert (704). No evidence of any archaeological deposits or features. Context
Type
Depth
701
Deposit
0m – 1.3m
702
Deposit
Description Earthen bund composed of modern stone chippings and pale grey redeposited natural weathered bedrock.
1.3m – 1.8m n.b Redeposited natural weathered bedrock in a red sandy clay matrix. Frequent brick and concrete fragments (<0.1m).
Period Modern
Modern
703
Cut
1.8m n.b
Cut for concrete capped brick culvert.
Modern
704
Structure
1.8m n.b
Concrete capped brick culvert with two 150mm insulated pipes.
Modern
Trench coordinates: N 249198.940, 59187.230; S 249199.200, 59180.710; All depths below present ground surface. N.b = not bottomed
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6.3.15 Trench 8 6.3.16 Level of present ground surface: E end 123.110mOD, W end 123.773mOD. Trench length 13.3m, width 2m. Maximum depth 0.9m. Trench contained a high voltage cable and three drains connected to a brick-built manhole. No evidence of any archaeological deposits or features. Context
Type
Depth
801
Deposit
0 – 0.25m
802
Description
Period
Made ground, mixed modern material. Grey sandy matrix, frequent red brick fragments, cement and slate inclusions.
Modern
Deposit
0.25m – 0.35m Thin grey sandy layer of demolition material, brick, slate, cement.
Modern
803
Deposit
0.35m – 0.65m Redeposited mid brown clay-loam, frequent brick, cement and slate.
Modern
804
Deposit
0.65m – 0.9m Red-brown weathered sedimentary bedrock (Upper Devonian Slate).
Natural
805
Cut
0.5m
N-S aligned drain feeding into brick culvert 808.
Modern
806
Cut
0.5m
NW-SE aligned drain feeding into brick culvert 808.
Modern
807
Cut
0.5m
E-W aligned possible drain feeding into brick culvert 808.
Modern
808
Structure
Ground level Brick built manhole. No cover, filled in with 123.503mOD demolition material.
Modern
Trench coordinates: NE 249189.690, 59195.020; SW 249177.800, 59188.940. All depths below present ground surface. n.b = not bottomed
6.3.17 Trench 9 6.3.18 Level of present ground surface: N end 122.685mOD, S end 122.760mOD. Trench aligned N-S, length 10m, width 2m. Average depth 0.55m. Large concrete capped brick built culvert along east facing section and second culvert positioned on right angle (EW alignment) in the centre of the trench. No evidence of any archaeological deposits or features. Context
Type
Depth
Description
901
Deposit
0m – 0.1m
902
Deposit
0.1m – 0.2m Redeposited natural weathered bedrock in a red sandy clay matrix. Frequent brick and concrete fragments (<0.1m).
Modern
903
Deposit
0.2m – 0.25m Tarmac layer
Modern
904
Deposit
0.25m – 0.4m Mixed dark-brown silty clay loam.
Modern
905
Deposit
906
Structure
0.55m
Concrete capped brick culvert with four 150mm insulated pipes. Culvert aligned N-S. Single brick course wide.
Modern
907
Structure
0.55m
Concrete capped brick culvert with single 150mm insulated pipe. Culvert 0.74. wide aligned E-W. Single brick course wide.
Modern
Mid-brown sandy loam topsoil.
0.4m – 0.55m Red-brown weathered sedimentary bedrock (Upper Sondage = 0.8m Devonian Slate). Sondage at S end of trench 0.8m in depth.
Period Modern
Natural
Trench coordinates: N 249202.800, 59222.400; S 249202.640, 59212.220. All depths below present ground surface. n.b = not bottomed
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Acknowledgements and Copyright 6.3.19 The fieldwork was undertaken by Richard Lewis BA MCIfA and Dr Graham EyreMorgan MCIfA. The report and illustrations were prepared by Richard Lewis. The author would like to thank Mr Mike Boundy for his help and support during the project. Thanks also to Dr John Salvatore (Plymouth City Council Archaeologist) for helpful archaeological advice and support. 6.3.20 The copyright of this report is held by Black Mountains Archaeology Ltd, who have granted an exclusive licence to CDS Superstores (International) Limited and their clients enabling them to use and reproduce the material it contains. Ordnance Survey maps are reproduced under licence 100058761. Black Mountains Archaeology Ltd retains copyright of any annotations.
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Yn rhan o'n hawydd i wella ansawdd ein gwasanaeth, rydym yn croesawu unrhyw adborth y gallwch ei ddarparu. As part of our desire to improve our quality of service we welcome any feedback you are able to provide. Archaeoleg Mynydd Du Cyf/Black Mountains Archaeology Ltd Swyddfa Gofrestredig/Registered Office. Waenllapria, Bryn Llanelli/Llanelly Hill, Y Fenni/Abergavenny, NP7 0PT. Cofrestredig yng Nghymru, Rhif y Cwmni/Registered in Wales, Company No. 10679784 FfĂ´n/Tel. 07834715033 E-bost/Email. richard@bmarchaeology.com Gwefan/Web. https://blackmountainsarchaeology.com/ Cymdeithasol/Social. https://twitter.com/bmarchaeology?lang=en-gb 41