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Fosse Tillery FarmFosse Way, Brokenborough,
Wiltshire
Archaeological Watching Brief
for
on behalf of DMA Developments Ltd
Mr & Mrs P. Dear
CA Project: 3705 CA Report: 12029
April 2012
Fosse Tillery Farm Fosse Way, Brokenborough
Wiltshire
Archaeological Watching Brief
CA Project: 3705 CA Report: 12029
prepared by Sian Reynish, Project Supervisor and Alexandra Webster, Project Supervisor
date 24 April 2012
checked by Richard Young, Project Manager
date 24 April 2012
approved by Simon Cox, Head of Fieldwork
signed
date 24 April 2012
issue 01
This report is confidential to the client. Cotswold Archaeology accepts no responsibility or liability to any third party to whom this report, or any part of it, is made known. Any such party relies upon this report entirely
at their own risk. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means without permission.
© Cotswold Archaeology Building 11, Kemble Enterprise Park, Kemble, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 6BQ
t. 01285 771022 f. 01285 771033 e. enquiries@cotswoldarch.org.uk
© Cotswold Archaeology
Fosse Tillery Farm, Brokenborough, Wiltshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
CONTENTS
SUMMARY........................................................................................................................ 2
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 3
2. RESULTS (FIGS 2-3) .......................................................................................... 4
3. DISCUSSION....................................................................................................... 5
4. CA PROJECT TEAM ........................................................................................... 6
5. REFERENCES .................................................................................................... 6
APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS ..................................................................... 8
APPENDIX B: THE FINDS ............................................................................................... 9
APPENDIX C: OASIS REPORT FORM............................................................................ 10
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Fig. 1 Site location plan (1:25,000)
Fig. 2 The site, showing location of groundworks and archaeological feature (1:500 and
1:50)
Fig. 3 Pit 103; section and photograph
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© Cotswold Archaeology
Fosse Tillery Farm, Brokenborough, Wiltshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
SUMMARY
Project Name: Fosse Tillery Farm
Location: Fosse Way, Brokenborough, Wiltshire
NGR: ST 9097 8953
Type: Watching Brief
Date: 2-3 February 2012
Planning Reference: 11/01325/FUL
Location of Archive: To be deposited with Wiltshire Heritage Museum
Site Code: FTF 12
An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology during
groundworks associated with the construction of a horse arena (menage) at Fosse Tillery
Farm, Fosse Way, Brokenborough, Wiltshire.
A single pit/posthole was identified during the groundworks. This contained 90 sherds of
Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age pottery and poorly-preserved fragments of cattle long
bones.
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© Cotswold Archaeology
Fosse Tillery Farm, Brokenborough, Wiltshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 In February 2012 Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out an archaeological
watching brief at the request of DMA Developments Ltd on behalf of Mr & Mrs P.
Dear at Fosse Tillery Farm, Fosse Way, Brokenborough, Wiltshire (centred at NGR:
ST 9097 8953; Fig. 1). The watching brief was undertaken to fulfil a condition
attached to a planning consent granted by Wiltshire Council (WC) for the
construction of a horse arena (menage) (Planning ref: 11/01325/FUL). The objective
of the watching brief was to record all archaeological remains exposed during the
development.
1.2 The watching brief was recommended by Melanie Pomeroy-Kellinger, County
Archaeologist, WC and carried out in accordance with a detailed Written Scheme of
Investigation (WSI) produced by CA (2012) and approved by Melanie Pomeroy-
Kellinger. The fieldwork also followed the Standard and Guidance for an
archaeological watching brief (IfA 2008), the Statement of Standards and Practices
Appropriate for Archaeological Fieldwork in Wiltshire (Wiltshire County Council 1995),
the Management of Archaeological Projects 2 (English Heritage 1991), the
Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MORPHE): Project
Manager’s Guide (English Heritage 2006).
The site
1.3 The proposed development comprises an area of agricultural land immediately
south of the lane linking Brokenborough with the Fosse Way. The site encloses an
area of 894.6m2 and lies at approximately 95m AOD. The solid geology comprises
mudstone and limestone of the Forest Marble Formation (BGS 2012). A limestone
brash was encountered over much of the site.
Archaeological background
1.4 Archaeological interest in the site arises principally from its proximity to the Roman
Fosse Way, and from the identification during a preceding geophysical survey in the
vicinity of a number of archaeological features including part of an enclosure and
possible settlement features (Pomeroy-Kellinger, pers. comm).
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© Cotswold Archaeology
Fosse Tillery Farm, Brokenborough, Wiltshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
1.5 The Wiltshire Council Historic Environment Record (HER) also records a number of
archaeological sites in the vicinity. An enclosure and features are visible as
cropmarks immediately to the south of the site (HER ST98NW603). It is not clear if
these are the same features identified in the geophysical survey. A scatter of
medieval pottery (HER ST98NW471) was found in the same location in 1983. A
further scatter of medieval pottery was found to the north-west during the same
project (HER ST98NW472). In 2000 roman pottery, tile, a hobnail and some daub
were found immediately to the south of the site (HER ST98NW311). An undated
circular cropmark is visible to the north-west of the site (HER ST98NW608) and a
bronze age thumbnail scraper was found in the vicinity of these cropmarks in 2000
(HER ST98NW151).
Methodology
1.6 The fieldwork followed the methodology set out within the WSI (CA 2012). An
archaeologist was present during intrusive groundworks comprising the removal of
topsoil and subsoil within the horse arena (menage) (Fig. 2).
1.7 Where archaeological deposits were encountered written, graphic and photographic
records were compiled in accordance with CA Technical Manual 1: Fieldwork
Recording Manual (2007).
1.8 The archive and artefacts from the evaluation are currently held by CA at their
offices in Kemble. Subject to the agreement of the legal landowner the artefacts will
be deposited with Wiltshire Heritage Museum along with the site archive. A summary
of information from this project, set out within Appendix D, will be entered onto the
OASIS online database of archaeological projects in Britain.
2. RESULTS (FIGS 2-3)
2.1 The natural geological substrate 102, consisting of a light to mid yellowish brown
limestone brash, was revealed at an average depth of 0.3m below present ground
level (bpgl). This was overlain by mid yellowish brown clayey silt subsoil 101, and
dark greyish brown clayey silt topsoil 100.
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© Cotswold Archaeology
Fosse Tillery Farm, Brokenborough, Wiltshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
2.2 Pit 103, was identified towards the north-western corner of the site. It was cut into
the natural substrate and contained two fills, 104 and 105 (lower and upper fills
respectively). Both were similar in composition however fill 104 contained
considerably more stones. Sherds of Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age pottery
were recovered from both fills along with poorly-preserved fragments of cattle long
bones. The majority of the animal bones were recovered from fill 105.
The Finds and Palaeoenvironmental Evidence
2.3 The finds assemblage recovered from the watching brief is summarised in Appendix
B. The pottery assemblage consisted of 90 sherds weighing 788g. Forty-five
fragments of animal bone were also present. The assemblage was recovered from
two stratified deposits, the fills of a single pit, and could be dated from the Late
Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age. The level of preservation was good with the
majority of sherds displaying negligible levels of abrasion.
The pottery
2.4 The pottery from deposits 104 and 105 consisted of sherds in a fossiliferous
limestone-tempered fabric. Identifiable forms included a vessel, probably a jar, with
an everted rim with internal thickening and a second featuring an upright, simple rim.
Sherds from a carinated vessel, possibly a bowl, were also recorded. All of the
pottery was identified as material dating from the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age
and compares to previously recorded material from archaeological investigations in
Malmesbury (Brown 2006 and McSloy 2011).
Other artefacts
2.5 Forty five fragments of animal bone were recorded from deposits 104 and 105, the
majority (42 fragments) from fill 105. All comprise poorly-preserved fragments of
cattle long bones from which no further information could be derived.
3. DISCUSSION
3.1 Pit 103 contained 90 sherds of Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age pottery with
identifiable forms including a jar and a carinated bowl. This material was spread
equally between the two fills and suggests that deposition occurred within a limited
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© Cotswold Archaeology
Fosse Tillery Farm, Brokenborough, Wiltshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
timescale. It is possible that the pit was utilised as a rubbish pit with material being
deposited in two main events. The large stones in the lower fill may represent
material eroded into the pit from the spoil heap which is likely to have been located
next to the pit. Whether the feature was deliberately dug as a rubbish pit or had
another primary use could not be determined. Another possibility is that it could be a
cess pit with larger stones being deliberately deposited at the base to aid drainage.
However given the two distinct fills and the amount of finds retrieved this scenario
seems less likely.
3.2 The absence of further archaeological deposits may indicate that structural remains
associated with Roman occupation along the Fosse Way, cropmarks and findspots
(see above background above) either do not extend as far as or were not exposed
by the development.
4. CA PROJECT TEAM
Fieldwork was undertaken by Sian Reynish. The report was written by Sian Reynish
and Alexandra Webster. The illustrations were prepared by Jon Bennett. The finds
report was written by Angus Crawford. The archive has been compiled by Sian
Reynish, and prepared for deposition by James Johnson. The project was managed
for CA by Richard Young.
5. REFERENCES
BGS (British Geological Survey) 2012 Geology of Britain Viewer
http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geology viewer_google/googleviewer.html Accessed 10
February 2012
Brown, L. 2006, ‘The Later Prehistoric Pottery’, in Longman 2006, 131–4
CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2012 Fosse Tillery Farm, Fosse Way, Brokenborough, Wiltshire:
Written Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Watching Brief
6
© Cotswold Archaeology
7
Fosse Tillery Farm, Brokenborough, Wiltshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
Collard, M. and Havard, T., 2011 ‘The prehistoric and medieval defences of Malmesbury:
archaeological investigations at Holloway, 2005-2006’, Wiltshire Archaeol. Natur.
Hist. Mag. 104, 79–94
Longman, T. 2006 ‘Iron Age and later defences at Malmesbury: Excavations 1998-2000’,
Wiltshire Archaeol. Natur. Hist. Mag. 99, 104–64
McSloy, E, ‘Finds’, in Collard and Havard 2011, 87–8
© Cotswold Archaeology
Fosse Tillery Farm, Brokenborough, Wiltshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS
Trench 1 Present ground level, west end: 95.40m AOD; east end: 95.33m AOD No. Type Description Length
(m) Width (m)
Depth (m)
Spot-date
100 Layer Topsoil 0.18
101 Layer Subsoil 0.12
102 Layer Natural substrate
103 Cut Circular pit/posthole 0.92 0.87 0.37
104 Fill Lower fill of 103 0.64 0.14 LBA-EIA
105 Fill Upper fill of 103 0.92 0.87 0.23 LBA-EIA
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© Cotswold Archaeology
Fosse Tillery Farm, Brokenborough, Wiltshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
APPENDIX B: THE FINDS
Context Description Count Weight(g) Date
104 Prehistoric pottery: fossiliferous limestone-tempered Bone: animal
45 3
411 3
LBA-EIA
105 Prehistoric pottery: fossiliferous limestone-tempered Bone: animal
45 42
377 395
LBA-EIA
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© Cotswold Archaeology
10
Fosse Tillery Farm, Brokenborough, Wiltshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
APPENDIX C: OASIS REPORT FORM
PROJECT DETAILS Project Name Fosse Tillery Farm, Fosse Way, Brokenborough, Wiltshire Short description
An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology during groundworks associated with the construction of a horse arena (menage) at Fosse Tillery Farm, Fosse Way, Brokenborough, Wiltshire. A single pit/posthole was identified during the groundworks containing 90 sherds of Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age pottery and poorly-preserved fragments of cattle long bones.
Project dates 2-3 February 2012 Project type Watching brief Previous work None Future work Unknown PROJECT LOCATION Site Location Fosse Tillery Farm, Fosse Way, Brokenborough, Wiltshire Study area (M2/ha) 894.60m2 Site co-ordinates ST 9097 8950 PROJECT CREATORS Name of organisation Cotswold Archaeology Project Brief originator Wiltshire Council Project Design (WSI) originator Cotswold Archaeology Project Manager Richard Young Project Supervisor Sian Reynish MONUMENT TYPE none SIGNIFICANT FINDS none PROJECT ARCHIVES Intended final location of archive Content
Physical Wiltshire Heritage Museum pottery, animal bone Paper Wiltshire Heritage Museum Trench sheet, context
sheets, sample sheets, photographic registers, WSI, section and plan
Digital Wiltshire Heritage Museum digital plan, digital photos
BIBLIOGRAPHY
CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2012 Fosse Tillery Farm, Fosse Way, Brokenborough, Wiltshire: Archaeological Watching Brief. CA typescript report 12029
site
Wiltshire
CotswoldArchaeology
t 01285 771022
f 01285 771033
w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
e enquiries@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
PROJECT TITLE
FIGURE TITLE
FIGURE NO.DATE
REVISION
SCALE@A4
PROJECT NO.
DRAWN BY
APPROVED BY
N
0 1km
Site location plan
Fosse Tillery Farm, Fosse WayBrokenborough, Wiltshire
24-02-2012001:25,000
3705JBPJM 1
Reproduced from the 2005 Ordnance Survey Explorer map with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office Crown copyright Cotswold Archaeological Trust 100002109
c
105
Section AA
104
pit103
W E95mAOD
0 1m
CotswoldArchaeology
Cirencester 01285 771022
Milton Keynes 01908 218320
w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
e enquiries@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk
PROJECT TITLE
FIGURE TITLE
FIGURE NO.DATE
REVISION
SCALE@A4
PROJECT NO.
DRAWN BY
APPROVED BY
Pit 103: Section and photograph
Pit 103, looking north (scale 0.4m)
Fosse Tillery Farm, Fosse WayBrokenborough, Wiltshire
24-02-2012001:20
3705JBPJM 3
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