mitford estate, land west of morpeth,...

AD093

Mitford Estate,Land west of Morpeth,

Northumberland

Archaeological Evaluation

For further information please contact:AD Archaeology Ltd

South Shields Business Works,Henry Robson Way,

South Shields,NE33 1RF

Office: 0191 603 0377Email: [email protected]

Author Warren Muncaster

Commissioned by Mitford Estate

Project Number 093

OASIS Number adarchae1-203620

Date February 2015

mailto:[email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary 1

1. Introduction 2

2. Archaeological and Historical Background 3

3. Aims and Objectives 4

4. Methodology 4

5. Results of the Evaluation 5

6. Discussion 13

7. Bibliography 15

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Trench List 16

Appendix 2: Context List 17

Appendix 3: Finds List 20

Appendix 4: Palaeoenvironmental Assessment 21

Appendix 5: Written Scheme of Investigation 28

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Location of SiteFigure 2: Trench Plan showing Geophysical SurveyFigure 3 Plan and sections of Trenches 27, 29Figure 4: Plan and sections of Trench 34Figure 5: Plan and sections of Trench 38Figure 6: Plan and sections of Trench 40Figure 7: Plan and sections of Trench 44Figure 8: Plan and sections of Trench 45Figure 9: Plan and sections of Trenches 46, 47, 48Figure 10: Plan showing the projected course of archaeological features within

trenchesFigure 11: Plan and sections of Trenches 52, 55

LIST OF PLATES

Plate 1: View of Trench 15, facing southPlate 2: View of Trench 29, facing eastPlate 3: View of Trench 34, facing southwestPlate 4: View of ditch within Trench 38, facing northPlate 5: View of pits within Trench 40, facing northPlate 6: View of Trench 44, facing northwestPlate 7: View of Trench 44, facing southPlate 8: View of gully 4504 within Trench 45, facing westPlate 9: View of Trench 46, facing southwestPlate 10: View of ditch in Trench 47, facing northwestPlate 11: View of Trench 53, facing southwest

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AD Archaeology Mitford EstateProject No. 093 Archaeological Evaluation

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

AD Archaeology was commissioned by Mitford Estate to undertake an archaeologicaltrenching evaluation of agricultural land, immediately east of the A1 dualcarriageway, to the west of Morpeth, Northumberland (centred at NGR NZ 17968635).

As an earlier stage of work AD Archaeology undertook a geophysical survey at thesite (AD Archaeology 2014). This identified a number of anomalies many of whichwere centred upon two late prehistoric settlement enclosures, which are listed in theHistoric Environment Record (HER11111, 11112) and known as Spital Hill 1 & 2(located in fields 4 & 7 respectively).

The evaluation consisted of 59 trenches representing a 2% trenching samplingstrategy which was designed to test the results of the geophysical survey andestablish if significant archaeology occurs in areas of the site. Archaeological featuresof interest were present in 12 trenches with no features of archaeological significanceencountered in the northern portion of the site (Fields 1- 3).

With the exception of outlying features in T34 in Field 5 (refer 6.4), and a post-medieval boundary in T52 and T55 in Field 9 (of little archaeological interest) thearchaeologically sensitive trenches were all located in the vicinity of the knownsettlements of Spital Hill 1 & 2 enclosures of likely late prehistoric date. Two principalareas of archaeological sensitivity have been identified by the archaeologicalevaluation trenching:

1- Area containing archaeological features likely to be associated with the closehinterland of the late prehistoric settlements, Spital Hill 1 & 2, identified within T27,29, 38, 40, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48.2- Potential outlying archaeological features of likely prehistoric datehighlighted by the presence of archaeological features in T34 in Field 5.

A paleoenvironmental assessment of four samples from the site (appendix 4) proveda valuable exercise, with sample 2 from ditch 4404 in T44 producing evidence ofdomestic hearth waste comprising the charred remains of spelt wheat, a cereal cropconsistent with the provisional Iron Age date of the site.

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AD Archaeology Mitford, NorthumberlandProject No. 93 Archaeological Evaluation

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Project

1.1.1 AD Archaeology was commissioned by Mitford Estate to undertake anarchaeological trenching evaluation of land on the east side of the A1 dualcarriageway, to the west of Morpeth, Northumberland (centred at NGR NGR NZ 17968635).

1.1.2 As an earlier stage of work AD Archaeology undertook a geophysical survey atthe site (AD Archaeology 2014), which was itself preceded by a Desk-BasedArchaeological Assessment (Archaeological Practice 2013).

1.1.3 The evaluation consisted of 59 trenches and was carried out in accordancewith the approved Written Scheme of Investigation (Appendix 5). The evaluationtrenching aimed to test the results of the geophysical survey and establish ifsignificant archaeology occurs at the site, beyond the exclusion areas designatedaround known late prehistoric sites Spital Hill 1 and 2. A further stage of mitigationwill be necessary the exact methodology of which will be subject to the agreementof Northumberland County Council.

1.2 Location, Land-use and Geology (Figs 1, 2)

1.2.1 The site, centred at NGR NZ 1796 8635, encompasses eight arable fields atthe time of survey and as defined on figures 1 and 2 occupies a total area of 25.6ha.

1.2.2 The solid geology is formed by sedimentary bedrock of the StainmoreFormation from the Carboniferous period, overlain by a blanket of Devensian Tillfrom the ice age. Within the Wansbeck valley the superficial deposits consist ofundifferentiated river terrace deposits of gravel, sand and silt, and Devensianglaciofluvial deposits of sand and gravel (BGS 2014).

1.2.3 The main portion of the site to the north and west forms a level plateauabove the river Wansbeck, which lies within a steeply incised valley, levelling out to anarrow flood plain on the southern edge of Field 9. The west of the site is bound bythe embankment or cutting for the A1 dual carriageway and to the east by ScotchGill, which forms a deeply incised dene.

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2 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND (Figs 2, 3)

2.1 There is widespread archaeological evidence of settlement during the laterprehistoric period, indicative of a relatively high density of occupation across theNorthumberland Coastal plain and neighbouring areas of the plateau zone to thewest, where the site lies (Proctor 2009, Hodgson et al 2013). Many of these sites arecharacterised by enclosed settlements, rectilinear in plan, that were typicallyestablished in the period around 200 BC (Hodgson et al. 2013, 189). These form avital component of a settlement pattern with a long and complex development priorto this period with evidence of occupation at some sites from as early as the lateBronze Age.

2.2 Two known enclosed sites, Spital Hill 1 & 2; (HER 11111, 11112 respectively)lie within the development area. Cropmarks of Spital Hill 1 within Field 4, appear toshow a large sub-rectangular enclosure, up to c. 100m across, attached to a muchsmaller enclosure (Archaeological Practice 2013, p20). There is also a suggestion ofinternal features including sub-divisions and roundhouses from the cropmarks.Cropmarks of Spital Hill 2 within Field 7 are less well defined and consist of a sub-circular or oval enclosure with possible internal features (ibid). The proximity of thetwo sites, less than 200m apart, suggests they may form part of a single interrelatedsettlement. Several more rectilinear enclosures lie within a 1km zone of the site, thenearest, c. 300m to the east (HER 11115 Castle Plantation), and north-east (HER11119) of Mitford Castle (ibid.). A late Iron Age settlement excavated at PegswoodMoor (3km northeast of the site), differs in form to rectilinear sites and consisted ofan agglomeration of fields, enclosed areas, drove ways and associated roundhouses(Proctor 2009). The full extent of the site at Pegswood was not exposed andtherefore it is possible that a rectilinear enclosure may have lain in close proximitybeyond the area investigated.

2.3 The discovery of several hitherto unknown Pit Alignments or ‘pit-definedboundaries’ in recent years within the region (Fox Covert, Shotton (Hodgson etal.2013) and Wallsend (TWM 2012) suggests this early sub-division of the landscapewas once more widespread. Where scientifically dated they originated typically fromthe late Bronze Age or early Iron Age, suggesting an association with the earliestactivity identified at many of the later Iron Age enclosed settlements.

2.4 The fields of the site are divided between the townships of Mitford &Molesden (representing an amalgamation of two separate medieval vills) to thesouth and Spital Hill to the north. The site probably originally lay under theownership of the Baron of Mitford whose baronial castle lay at the nearby Mitfordvillage. The township of Spital Hill probably originated from a holding, assigned bythe Barony to the nearby hospital of St Leonard (Archaeological Practice 2013, p22).During the medieval period the site was largely given over to arable cultivation withaerial photography showing widespread ridge and furrow, now mostly ploughed out.

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2.5 The sequence and dating of the division and enclosure of former medievalagricultural land which established the pattern of fields that continues to themodern era is unknown. The dating of the historic township boundary that crossesthe site is also uncertain although it may potentially predate other field boundariesin the area and originate from the medieval period (Archaeological Practice 2013,p23). The present day field pattern is essentially the same as that depicted on the 1stedition Ordnance Survey, apart from the relatively recent, easterly realignment ofthe hedge line between Fields 7 and 8, and the construction of the A1 dualcarriageway sub-dividing the western fields in 1970. The neighbouring Lancaster Parkhousing estate to the east was also constructed in the 1970’s.

3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

3.1 The objective of the evaluation trenching was to establish the presence orabsence of archaeological remains on the site and to determine their nature, depth,importance and level of preservation.

3.2 Many of the evaluation trenches were focused primarily upon theinvestigation of geophysical anomalies (see appendix 1 Trench List) identified by theearlier survey (AD Archaeology 2014). The survey suggested that the Spital Hill 1 & 2settlements were associated with a wider network of fields/enclosures, associatedwith lower density settlement activity to the east, in particular within Field 5 and to alesser extent possibly within Field 6 and the western edge of Field 7 (AD Archaeology2014, p1).

4 METHODOLOGY

4.1 The evaluation was carried out in compliance with all the relevant codes ofpractice by suitably qualified and experienced staff. The evaluation was conducted inaccordance with the Written Scheme of Investigation (appendix 5) produced by ADArchaeology Ltd and approved by the Northumberland Conservation Team.

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5 RESULTS OF THE EVALUATION (Figs. 2-11)

Trenches containing features of archaeological interest are discussed in this section.The details of other trenches are tabulated and included in Appendix 1, whichcontains the following information: length of trench; maximum height of naturalsubsoil; ridge and furrow including wavelength between furrows; archaeologicalfeatures.

5.1 Field 1

5.1.1 Summary

Nine trenches (T1-9) were excavated in field 1 at the northern end of the site, noneof which contained features of archaeological interest other than ridge and furrow.The field was relatively large and slopes very slightly to the south where there islocalised waterlogging. Natural subsoil, consisting of yellow clay, was encounteredbeneath the ploughsoil at an average depth of 0.28m. Ridge and furrow, orientatednorthwest-southeast, was encountered in most trenches at an average wavelengthof between 4-6m (see appendix 1).

Geophysics evidenceThe geophysical survey did not identify any anomalies of archaeological interestwithin the field other than ridge and furrow. No archaeological features were foundat the site of several strong dipolar anomalies investigated by T1 and 2.

Trenches

5.1.2 Trench 7An irregular feature filled with grey, sandy clay filled of likely natural origin wasrecorded in the northern end of the trench.

5.2 Field 2

5.2.1 Summary

Field 2 was small and triangular in shape, where it had been truncated by the A1along its western side. Four trenches (T10-13) were excavated, none of whichcontained features of archaeological interest other than ridge and furrow. Ridge andfurrow, orientated northwest-southeast, was encountered in most trenches at anaverage wavelength of between 4-6m (see appendix 1). Natural subsoil, consisting ofyellow clay, was encountered beneath the ploughsoil at a depth of 0.27-0.31m.

Geophysics evidenceThe geophysical survey did not identify any anomalies of archaeological interestwithin the field other than ridge and furrow. No archaeological features were foundat the site of several dipolar anomalies investigated by T10, 12 and 13.

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5.3 Field 3 (Plate 1)

5.3.1 Summary

None of the thirteen trenches (T14-26) excavated in field 3 in the northern portion ofthe site contained features of archaeological interest other than ridge and furrowand a natural watercourse (T15, 16). Field 3 was the largest of the site and wasrelatively flat sloping very slightly to the south and east. Natural subsoil, consisting ofyellow clay, was encountered beneath the ploughsoil at an average depth of 0.27m.Ridge and furrow, was encountered in 30% of trenches, orientated mainly eastsouthwest - north northeast with an average wavelength of 5.5m(see appendix 1). Anumber of field drains were encountered that mostly followed the line of the formerfurrows.

Geophysics evidenceThe geophysical survey identified two linear positive anomalies of potentialarchaeological interest (T23 and T26) within field 3 which proved to be related tofield drains. An anomaly of probable natural origin represented a formerwatercourse headed towards a steep natural gully at the edge of the field leading into the dene (T15 and 16). No archaeological features were found at the site ofseveral large dipolar anomalies investigated by T1 and 2.

Trenches5.3.2 Trench 15 (Plate 1)Natural subsoil (1501), consisting of orangey yellow clay lay a minimum of 0.27mbelow the plough soil (1500). The trench was excavated to a maximum depth of 1min the vicinity of a wide depression (1503) 8.3m in width that represented a formernatural watercourse/ paleo channel, visible on the geophysical survey. Thedepression was filled by dark greyish brown clayey silt (1502), and had several fielddrains cut through it following the eastwards orientation of the depression headingtowards the dene. The trench was sealed by plough soil (1500).

5.3.2 Trench 16Natural subsoil (1601), consisting of yellow clay, lay a minimum of 0.30m below theplough soil. The line of the watercourse/ paleo channel (1604) could be traced acrossthe trench, and measured 3.3m in width. It was filled by dark greyish orange clay(1603). Three field drains were cut broadly following the eastwards orientation ofthe natural feature. The trench was sealed by plough soil (1600).

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5.4 Field 4 (Fig. 3; Plate 2)

5.4.1 Summary

Three trenches (T27-29) were excavated in Field 4 situated in the mid-portion of thesite which contained Spital Hill 1 Iron-Age settlement (refer 2.2), protected fromdevelopment within an exclusion area (Fig. 2). Field 4 was triangular in shape, whereit had been truncated along its western side by the A1. Trenches 27 and 29contained features of archaeological interest.

Natural subsoil, consisting of yellow clay, was encountered beneath the ploughsoil atan average depth of 0.27m. A remnant of ridge and furrow, orientated mainlysouthwestwards was encountered in two of the trenches at an average wavelengthof 5-5.8m (appendix 1).

Geophysics evidenceThe geophysical survey identified anomalies associated with Spital Hill 1 settlementand an outlying linear anomaly probably associated with it, which upon investigation(T27) broadly corresponded with a small ditch (2705).

Trenches5.4.2 Trench 27 (Fig. 3)A small ditch 2705 corresponded with a linear anomaly and cut across the mid-portion of the trench in a northwest-southeast direction heading towards the SpitalHill 1 settlement to the south with which it was probably associated. It measured1.09 by 0.45m in depth, and in profile its east side was moderately sloped with ashallower sloping opposing side. It was filled with a lower fill (2704) of sandy clay,silty on the base that was overlain by clean orangey yellow silty clay (2703), similarto the clay subsoil. A series of furrows orientated southwestwards at 5m intervals(wavelength) cut across the line of the ditch.

5.4.3 Trench 29 (Fig. 3, Plate 2)In the western end of the trench there was a shallow irregular feature (2904) ofuncertain origin (see below) containing burnt material within the fill that predatedthe ridge and furrow. The main portion of the feature was linear in plan andorientated east-west turning southwards at its eastern end, where it was also joinedby a slight spur on its northern side. Along the main length of its northern edge itmerged with a series of small irregular depressions filled with the same black fill asthe main body of the feature. It was filled by a black fill containing lenses of paleyellowish-white ash (2902). The dark fill (2902) lay on top of light grey-clay (2903)that extended along the length of the feature at its base and sides to a depth of0.10m and probably represents staining/ leaching of natural subsoil rather than a fill.The feature measured 0.82m by 0.11m excluding the pale staining along the edge ofthe cut, and in profile was very shallow and ill-defined in general. An assessment ofenvironmental sample 4/fill 2902, produced fired clay, oak charcoal, charred budsand bark (appendix 4). The irregular shape of the feature and presence of charred

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buds and bark within the fill suggests that it may represent a tree throw.

5.5 Field 5 (Figs. 4, 5, 6; Plates 3, 4, 5)

5.5.1 Summary

Twelve trenches (T31-40, 49) were excavated in field 5 on the east of the site, threeof which contained features of archaeological interest (T34, 38, 40). A pit and gullywere encountered in T34; 2 pits in T40; and a ditch in T38 (see below). Naturalsubsoil lay beneath the ploughsoil at an average depth of 0.28m, and mainlyconsisted of yellow clay. Ridge and furrow, orientated southeastwards wasencountered in most trenches at an average wavelength of 4.5-6.8m (appendix 1). Anumber of field drains were encountered that mostly followed the line of the formerfurrows. The field sloped towards the southeast and the dene which lay along itseastern boundary.

Geophysics evidenceThe geophysical survey identified several positive linear anomalies, a linear anomalyof likely natural origin and several dipolar anomalies (Appendix 1). Anomalies 12-17did not prove to be archaeological in origin. The anomaly of likely natural originproved to represent a former paleo-channel, and the dipolar anomalies investigatedby T34 and T40 proved to be associated with pits containing charcoal and burntstones of likely prehistoric origin.

Trenches5.5.2 Trench 34 (Fig. 4, Plate 3)Natural subsoil (3401), consisting of orangey yellow clay, lay a minimum of 0.25mbelow the plough soil (3400). The trench intersected a 5.8m wide hollow excavatedto a maximum depth of 0.75m that represented a former natural hollow/ paleochannel, visible on the geophysical survey running southeastwards towards the dene24m to the south. The base of the depression contained greyish-orangey brownsandy clayey silt (3407), overlain by orangey brown clayey silt (3406)

The trench was extended southwards slightly to fully expose pit 3405 and a furtherlength of gully 3403 which was cut by the pit and ran in an east-west orientationacross the natural hollow. In profile gully 3403 had steep sides and a flat basemeasuring up to 0.40m by 0.16m in depth. It was filled with greyish brown sandy clay(3402). The gully was cut by pit 3405 which was sub-circular in plan measuring amaximum diameter of 1.19m by 0.17m in depth. In profile the pit had moderatelysloping sides and a flattish base, which was filled with mixed greyish brown sandyclay (3404) containing charcoal flecks and inclusions of sub-angular sandstonefragments that were red and fractured suggesting they may represent heat fractured‘pot-boilers’ used for cooking. An assessment of the pit fill 3404 (sample 3, appendix4) produced fired clay and a large flot of charcoal containing hazel and oaksuggesting the pit contained waste from occupation activity. The archaeologicalfeatures were overlain by layer (3406) lying within the natural hollow.

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The western portion of the trench contained a series of furrows orientatedsouthwestwards at 5m intervals (wavelength).

5.5.3 Trench 38 (Fig. 5, Plate 4)Natural subsoil (3801), consisting of orangey yellow clay, lay a minimum of 0.30mbelow the plough soil (3800). Ditch 3803, orientated in a north northwestardsdirection was recorded in the eastern end of the trench. The ditch measured 3.3m inwidth by 0.75m, and in profile had a moderately sloped eastern side and a moregentle opposing western side, with a flat base. The lower fill (3805) consisted of greyand yellow clay similar to the natural subsoil, which was overlain by brownish greysilty clay (3804). The silted-up ditch was overlain by buried plough soil (3802) whichextended throughout most of the trench and consisted of the same fill as threefurrows orientated southwestwards at 5m intervals (wavelength). The feature wasobscured from the geophysical survey by the cover of buried soil; its orientation withthem ridge and furrow system, and the similarity of the fill with natural clay subsoilwhich contained an absence of magnetically enhance material.

5.5.4 Trench 40 (Fig. 6, Plate 5)Natural subsoil (4001), consisting of yellow clay, lay a minimum of 0.26m below theplough soil (4000). Two pits were exposed at the northern end of the trench only1.34m apart. The pits (4003, 4005) were similar in shape and size; they were sub-circular in plan and measured (respectively) 1.24m and 1.21m diameter by 0.14 and0.13m in depth. In profile they had generally steep sides and a concave base, andwere both filled with similar material to pit 3405 (refer 5.5.2) consisting of mixedgreyish brown clayey sand (4002, 4004 respectively) containing charcoal flecks andinclusions of sub-angular sandstone fragments that were red coloured and fractured.

5.6 Field 6 (Figs. 7, 8; Plates 6, 7, 8)

5.6.1 Summary

Five trenches (T41-45) were excavated in the northern portion of Field 6 which lies inclose proximity to both Spital Hill 1 and 2 settlements in the neighbouring fields 4and 7. Trenches 44 and 45 contained features of archaeological interest: a ditch andgully was recorded in T44; and several ditches and gullys in T45, including acontinuation of the ditch from T40. Natural subsoil was exposed beneath theploughsoil at an average depth of 0.28m, and mainly consisted of yellow clay. Ridgeand furrow, orientated southeastwards was encountered in most trenches at anaverage wavelength of 5-7m (appendix 1). A number of field drains wereencountered that mostly followed the line of the former furrows.

Geophysics evidenceThe geophysical survey identified several positive linear and curvilinear anomalies(18-22, 24), a linear anomaly of likely natural origin and several dipolar anomalies.The northern anomalies did not prove to be archaeological in origin. The anomaly in

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T44 lay close to the ditch as did the dipolar anomaly investigated by T45, but did notclosely correspond.

Trenches5.6.2 Trench 44 (Fig. 7; Plates 6, 7)Natural subsoil (4401), consisting of yellow clay, lay a minimum of 0.27m below theplough soil (4400). Ditch 4404 was orientated in an east northeastwards directionacross the mid-portion of the trench, with a smaller gully (4407) lying parallel 0.91mto the north. The ditch measured 6m by 0.61m in depth, and in profile the top edgehad eroded into a gentle slope particularly on its northern side, steepening to a u-shaped profile with a flat base. The lower fill (4406) consisted of greyish brown siltyclay with lenses of yellow clay similar to the natural subsoil. An assessment of ditchfill 4406 (sample 2, appendix 4) produced ‘domestic hearth waste’ of charred speltwheat, charcoal and charred heather twigs. Deposit 4406 was overlain by grey clayeysilt (4405), which was cut by a field drain (4402) that extended north-south acrossthe ditch. Gully (4407) terminated alongside the western edge of the trench. Itmeasured 0.71 by 0.23m depth, and was u-shaped in profile with a steeper northernside. The fill consisted of compact greyish brown clayey silt (4408). A field drain ranalong the western edge of the trench cutting the ditch. Both the ditch and gully wereoverlain by modern plough soil (4400).

5.6.3 Trench 45 (Fig. 8; Plate 8)Natural subsoil (4501), consisting of mainly yellow clay, lay a minimum of 0.27mbelow ground level, deepening in the southern portion of the trench to 0.60m whereit lay within a natural dip in the topography. Ditch 4502 in the southern portion ofthe trench represents a continuation of ditch 4404 recorded in T44 to the westrunning in the same east northeast direction. The ditch was not excavated within thetrench.

A small ditch/ gully (4504) ran broadly parallel, 1.06m to the north of ditch 4503 in asimilar arrangement to the ditch and gully in T44. Gully 4504 measured 1.36 by0.23m in depth, and in profile the feature had a wide flat base with a near verticalwestern side and a convex opposing east side. It was filled with brownish grey siltyclay (4509). At the southern end of the trench a small gully (4503) measuring 0.40 by0.14m in depth, intersected the southern side of ditch 4502. It was v-shaped inprofile and filled with greyish brown sandy clay (4508).

A small pit/ posthole (4511) measuring 0.38 by 0.44m by 0.20m in depth, wassituated in the mid-portion of the trench. It was sub-oval in plan and in profile wassteep sided with a rounded base. Its fill was similar in character to the pits in T34 andT40 in Field 5 (refer 5.5.2, 5.5.4) and consisted of mixed grey silty clay (4512)containing frequent inclusions of sub-angular sandstone fragments that were redcoloured and fractured.

Gully 4505 in the northern half of the trench ran in the same southeasternorientation as the furrows with which it may be related. It measured 1.00 by 0.23m

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in depth, and was u-shaped in profile. It was filled with a similar mid-brown slightlysandy clayey silt (4510) as the furrows. A series of six furrows orientatedsoutheastwards at 5m intervals (wavelength) were recorded across the trench.

The archaeological features in the southern portion of the trench were overlain by aburied soil horizon (4506) accumulated within the lower lying portion of the trench.

5.7 Field 7 (Figs. 9, 10; Plates 8, 9, 10)

5.7.1 Summary

The field contained Spital Hill 2 Iron-Age settlement (refer 2.2) which is protectedwithin an exclusion area and does not form part of the evaluation area (Fig. 10)leaving only a narrow strip available for evaluation. All three of the trenches (T46-48)excavated in the field contained features of archaeological interest: T46 and T48each contained a small ditch/ gully, and T47 contained a small ditch and a posthole.Natural subsoil was exposed beneath the ploughsoil at an average depth of 0.28m,and mainly consisted of yellow clay. Ridge and furrow, orientated southeastwardswas encountered in T47 and T48 at an average wavelength of 5m (Appendix 1). Anumber of field drains were encountered that mostly followed the line of the formerfurrows.

Geophysics evidenceThe geophysical survey identified no anomalies of archaeological interest beyondthose associated with ridge and furrow, which probably helped obscured thearchaeological features encountered in the trenches from the survey.

Trenches5.7.2 Trench 46 (Fig. 9; Plate 9)The trench was moved 10m westwards to avoid blocking a field entrance. Naturalsubsoil (4601), consisting of yellow clay, lay a minimum of 0.38m below the ploughsoil (4600). A small ditch (4602) cut across the mid-portion of the trench in anortheast-southwest direction. The profile of the ditch suggests it had been recut(4604), with the earlier cut (4602) measuring 0.67 by 0.30m in depth, and filled withgrey silty clay (4603). In profile the east side of recut 4604 was moderately slopedwhilst the opposing side was convex with a narrow slightly rounded base. Thepossible recut (4604) measured 1.06 by 0.15m in depth and was filled with darkbrown clayey silt (4605) which blends with the overlying topsoil. The ditch was cut bya furrow (4606) headed southwestward.

5.7.3 Trench 47 (Fig. 9; Plate 10)Natural subsoil (4701), consisting of yellow clay, lay a minimum of 0.27m below theplough soil (4700). A small ditch (4704) in the east end of the trench was orientatedapproximately northwest –southeast, and measured 1.17 by 0.50m in depth. Inprofile the feature was u-shaped with a channel along the base, which mayrepresent an earlier cut. The base was filled with dark brown clayey sand (4702),

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overlain by the principal fill of orange and grey silty clay (4703). A small irregularshaped posthole (4705) that measured 0.54 by 0.45m by 0.29m in depth, wassituated in the mid-portion of the trench. It was filled with grey silty clay (4706). Aflint flake was recovered from fill 4706.

A series of six furrows orientated southeastwards at 4.5 -6m intervals (wavelength)were recorded across the trench, cutting across gully 4704.

5.7.4 Trench 48 (Fig. 9)Natural subsoil (4801), consisting of yellow clay lay at a minimum depth 0.26mbelow the plough soil (4800). A small ditch (4802) in the east end of the trench wasorientated approximately north-south and measured 1.34 by 0.46m in depth. Inprofile the feature was u-shaped with a channel along the base, which mayrepresent an earlier cut. The base was filled with greyish brown clayey silt (4804),overlain by the main fill of brown and grey silty clay (4803). A piece of flint probablyrepresenting debitage (waste from tool making) was recovered from the lower fill(4804). An assessment of ditch fill 4803 (sample 1, appendix 4) produced charcoal,clinker/cinder and charred heather twigs.

A series of six furrows orientated southeastwards at 4.5 -6m intervals (wavelength)were recorded across the trench, cutting across gully 4704.

5.8 Field 9 (Fig. 11; Plate 11)

5.8.1 Summary

Ten trenches (T50-59) were excavated in field 9 which lies at the southern end of thesite, on low-lying sloping ground within the river valley. Two trenches contained theremains of a gully associated with a post-medieval field boundary (T52, 55). The low-lying position of the field meant that many of the trenches contained a substantialbuild-up of hillwash up to a maximum depth of 1.85m which overlay the naturalsubsoil (Plate 11). The natural subsoil itself varied considerably from gravel to siltyclay. Ridge and furrow could not be identified within the trenches.

Geophysics evidenceThe geophysical survey identified several positive and negative linear anomalies (37-44); several linear anomalies of likely natural origin and possible ridge and furrow.Most anomalies did not prove to be archaeological in origin and probably reflectdifferences in the natural subsoil and depth of hill wash, with the exception ofanomaly 37 (T52, 55) which represented a former field boundary. It is likely that theridge and furrow could not be identified within the trenches due to a similarity withthe hillwash through which they were presumably cut.

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Trenches5.8.2 Trench 52 (Fig. 11)

Natural subsoil (5201) consisted of silty clay with patches of gravel, at a minimumdepth of 0.30m below the plough soil (5200).

Gully 5203 at the west end of the trench was orientated north northwest-southsoutheast and measured 1.30m by 0.15m in depth. It was filled with dark brownclayey silt (5202) containing lenses of subsoil.

5.8.3 Trench 55 (Fig. 11)Natural subsoil (5501) varied from orange sand to yellow gravel, at a minimum depthof 0.28m below the plough soil (5500) at the northern end of the trench and 0.50mat the southern end where it was sealed by a layer of hillwash underlying the ploughsoil.

Gully 5504 at the north end of the trench was orientated north northwest-southsoutheast, and represents a continuation of gully (5203) excavated in T52. Itmeasured 1.80m in width and had a field drain (5503) cut along the western half ofits length.

6 DISCUSSION (Fig. 10)

6.1 Features of archaeological interest were present in 12 of the 59 trenchesexcavated none of which were situated in the northern portion of the site (Fields 1-3). With the exception of outlying features in T34 in Field 5, and a post-medievalboundary in T52 and T55 in Field 9 (of little archaeological interest) the trenches ofsignificance were all located in the vicinity of Spital Hill 1 & 2 settlements (refer 2.1).Two principal areas of archaeological sensitivity have been identified byarchaeological evaluation trenching:

1- A zone likely to contain archaeological features associated with thehinterland Spital Hill 1 & 2 late prehistoric settlements, identified withinT27, 29, 38, 40, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48.

2- An outer zone containing potential outlying archaeological features of likelyprehistoric date highlighted by the presence of archaeological features inT34 in Field 5.

6.2 The large ditch (4404/4502) exposed in T44 and 45 is presumably associatedwith a wider sub-division of the area around Spital Hill 1 and 2 with the slightlysmaller ditch (3803) within T38 also likely to be associated (Fig. 10), perhaps forminga return to this circuit. The projected line of the ditch (4404/4502) lies on the samepath as anomaly 36 in Field 7 (within the Spital Hill 2 excluded area) which probablyrepresents the enclosure ditch. The presence of a gully running broadly parallel tothe northern side of the ditch (4404/4502) at only c.1m distance in both T44 and T45is unlikely to be coincidental and the two features are likely to be associated or even

14


perhaps represent a precursor. The area was sub-divided by the small ditches/ gullysrecorded in the trenches within Field 7 (T46-48), and it is notable that the small ditchin T48 lies perpendicular to the western limit of anomaly 36 (see above) perhapsmarking the position of a ditch return. Evidence of occupation/activity to the southof ditch 4404/4502 is suggested by the presence of a small gully (4503) in T45, andby the small ditches heading southwards in T47, T48 (and posthole 4705 in T47).Although no evidence of roundhouses were found, two postholes identified in T45and T48 indicate the possibility that structures may lie in the vicinity.

6.3 The presence of archaeological evidence from two phases of activity (gully3402 cut by pit 3405) in T34 on the eastern fringe of Field 5 demonstrates thatoccupation of perhaps a localised and more sporadic nature occurred throughoutField 5, beyond the main core of settlement centered on Spital Hill 1 and 2. This ishighlighted by the presence of two similar pits (4003, 4005) within T40, albeit closerto Spital Hill 1 and 2.

6.4 A paleoenvironmental assessment (appendix 4) of four samples from the siteproved a valuable exercise. Sample 2 from ditch 4404 in T44 produced evidence ofdomestic hearth waste comprising the charred remains of spelt wheat, a cereal cropconsistent with the provisional Iron Age date of the site. An assessment of the fill(3404) of the pit in T34 noted a high proportion of charcoal and the presence of firedclay, coinciding with the presence of burnt stone ‘potboilers’ suggesting the pitcontained debris associated with occupation and possibly cooking. Further fired clayor abraded pot was recovered in sample 4 from the feature (2905) of indeterminatepurpose in T29.

6.5 Several geophysical anomalies (fig 3) identified by the survey proved to beassociated with field drains (T21, 26, 33, 41, 42) and it is likely other anomalies werecaused by drains that could not be discerned in the trenches due to their similaritywith surrounding subsoil. The path of the ditches identified within T44/ 45 and T38was not apparent in the survey (except anomaly 36 to the west, refer 6.2), thisabsence probably reflects a combination of factors including: obscuring caused byridge and furrow anomalies; a clayey fill within features similar to the surroundingsubsoil; and an established phenomena where there is a reduction in an anomaliesstrength further from the core of the settlement, due to a reduction in occupationdebris within the fill (Aspinall, Gaffney, Schmidt 2008 p145).

15


7 BIBLIOGRAPHY

A. Aspinall, C. Gaffney, A. Schmidt 2008 Magnetometry for archaeologists AltamiraPress

AD Archaeology 2014 Mitford Estate, Land west of Morpeth, NorthumberlandArchaeological Geophysical Survey (unpublished report)

BGS 2014 British Geological Survey, Geology of Britain viewer

Hodgson N. , McKelvey J. and Muncaster W. 2013 The Iron Age on theNorthumberland Coastal Plain: Excavations in advance of development 2002-2010,Tyne and Wear Museums

Proctor, J, 2009. Pegswood Moor, Morpeth: a later Iron Age and Romano-BritishFarmstead settlement. London, Pre-Construct Archaeology

The Archaeological Practice Ltd 2013 Mitford Estate, Land Adjacent To LancasterPark, Morpeth, Northumberland Archaeological Assessment (unpublished report)

TWM Archaeology 2012, Land East and West of Station Road, Wallsend,Archaeological Evaluation unpublished report (unpublished report)

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APPENDIX 1: TRENCH LIST

Trench Field Trench sizeall trenches1.8m width

Max. Hgt. ofnat. subsoil(AOD)l

Furrows(wavelength)

Anomaly Archaeology

1 1 55m 67.89 7 (5-6m) dipole no2 1 27.5m 68.01 2 (4.4m) dipole no3 1 55m 67.70 9 (2, 6m) no4 1 27.5m 68.24 4 (6.7-7.4m) no5 1 55m 67.92 - no6 1 27.5m 68.23 11 (4.5m) no7 1 55m 68.66 - no8 1 55m 68.93 7 (5m) no9 1 27.5m 67.22 6 (3.4m) no

10 2 55m 68.82 6 (5.5m) dipole no11 2 27.5m 68.55 3 (6m) dipole no12 2 55m 68.50 6 (6m) dipole no13 2 27.5m 68.90 6 (3.7-4.2m) dipole no14 3 55m 67.82 2 (-) dipole no15 3 27.5m 67.53 - dipole, nat.

featureNo, paleochannel

16 3 27.5m 67.82 - nat. feature No, paleochannel

17 3 55m 68.15 - no18 3 55m 68.11 4 (5.5m) no19 3 55m 68.08 - no20 3 27.5m 68.23 1 no21 3 27.5m 68.34 1 1 no22 3 27.5m 68.33 - no23 3 27.5m 68.11 - no24 3 55m 68.79 - no25 3 55m 68.50 no26 3 27.5m 68.25 3 (5.5m) 2 no27 4 55m 68.69 5 (5m) 11 Gully 270528 4 55m 68.97 2 (5.8m) no29 4 27.5m 68.98 1 Feature 290430 5 27.5m 68.02 5 (5.5m) no31 5 27.5m 67.63 6 (3.7-5.7m) no32 5 27.5m 65.43 5 (4.5-5.5m) no33 5 55m 67.03 8 (6-6.8m) 15, Dipole,

nat. featureno

34 5 55m 62.93 4 (5-5.3m) Dipole, nat.feature

Gully 3403, pit3405

35 5 27.5m 65.26 2 (9.3m) no36 5 27.5m 67.38 2 (6.2m) 14, dipole no37 5 27.5m 65.29 4 (6.5m) 12 no38 5 27.5m 65.37 3 (5m) Ditch 380339 5 27.5m 67.13 3 (6.5m) 12 no40 5 27.5m 68.24 - 13, dipole Pits 4003, 4005

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41 6 55m 68.18 1 19,21 no42 6 27.5m 68.73 6 (6m) 18 no43 6 27.5m 68.09 3 (7m) 20, 24 no44 6 27.5m 67.36 22 Ditch 4404

gully 440745 6 55m 66.59 6 (5m) dipole Ditch 4502,

4504, gully4503, 4505,posthole 4511

46 7 27.5m 68.94 1 Ditch 4602,recut 4604

47 7 55m 67.13 9 (4.5-6m) Ditch 4704,posthole 4705

48 7 55m 66.87 9 (5.5m) Ditch 480249 5 55m 42.75 16, 17 no50 9 27.5m 42.15 39 no51 9 55m 43.68 38, 40, 39 no52 9 27.5m 42.75 37 Gully520353 9 27.5m 37.79 nat. feature no54 9 55m 35.27 nat. feature no55 9 27.5m 39.64 37, 41 Gully550456 9 27.5m 36.26 44, nat.

featureno

57 9 27.5m 34.55 43, nat.feature

no

58 9 27.5m 35.96 no59 9 27.5m 45.48 42 no

APPENDIX 2: LIST OF CONTEXTS

Context Trench Description100 1 Topsoil101 1 Natural subsoil102 1 Fill of furrow103 1 Furrows200 1 Topsoil201 1 Natural subsoil202 1 Furrows300 1 Topsoil301 1 Natural subsoil302 1 Furrows400 1 Topsoil401 1 Natural subsoil402 1 Furrows500 1 Topsoil501 1 Natural subsoil600 1 Topsoil601 1 Natural subsoil602 1 Furrows

700 1 Topsoil701 1 Natural subsoil800 1 Topsoil801 1 Natural subsoil802 1 Furrows900 1 Topsoil901 1 Natural subsoil902 1 Furrows

1000 2 Topsoil1001 2 Natural subsoil1002 2 Furrows1100 2 Topsoil1101 2 Natural subsoil1102 2 Furrows1200 2 Topsoil1201 2 Natural subsoil

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Context Trench Description1202 2 Furrows1300 2 Topsoil1301 2 Natural subsoil1302 2 Furrows1400 3 Topsoil1401 3 Natural subsoil1402 3 Furrows1500 3 Topsoil1501 3 Natural subsoil1502 3 Buried soil1503 3 Natural feature1600 3 Topsoil1601 3 Natural subsoil1602 3 Furrows1603 3 Buried soil1604 3 Natural feature1700 3 Topsoil1701 3 Natural subsoil1702 3 Furrows1800 3 Topsoil1801 3 Natural subsoil1802 3 Furrows1900 3 Topsoil1901 3 Natural subsoil2000 3 Topsoil2001 3 Natural subsoil2002 3 Furrows2100 3 Topsoil2101 3 Natural subsoil2102 3 Furrows2200 3 Topsoil2201 3 Natural subsoil2300 3 Topsoil2301 3 Natural subsoil2400 3 Topsoil2401 3 Natural subsoil2500 3 Topsoil2501 3 Natural subsoil2600 3 Topsoil2601 3 Natural subsoil2602 3 Furrows2700 4 topsoil2701 4 Natural subsoil2702 4 Furrows2703 4 Fill of 16022704 4 Fill of 16022705 4 Cut of ditch2800 4 topsoil2801 4 Natural subsoil2802 4 Furrows

2900 4 Topsoil2901 4 Natural subsoil2902 4 Fill of 16022903 4 Grey staining2904 4 feature3000 5 topsoil3001 5 Natural subsoil3002 3 Buried soil3003 5 Furrows3100 5 topsoil3101 5 Natural subsoil3102 5 Furrows3200 5 topsoil3201 5 Natural subsoil3202 5 Buried soil3203 5 Furrows3300 5 topsoil3301 5 Natural subsoil3302 5 Furrows3400 5 Topsoil3401 5 Natural subsoil3402 5 Fill of 34033403 5 Cut of gully3404 5 Fill of 34053405 5 Cut of pit3406 5 Buried soil3407 5 Fill of paleochannel3408 5 paleaochannel3409 5 Furrows3500 5 Topsoil3501 5 Natural subsoil3502 5 Furrows3600 5 Topsoil3601 5 Natural subsoil3602 5 Furrows3700 5 Topsoil3701 5 Natural subsoil3702 5 Furrows3800 5 Topsoil3801 5 Natural subsoil3802 5 Buried soil3803 5 Cut of ditch3804 5 Fill of 34033805 5 Fill of 34053806 5 Field drain3900 5 Topsoil3901 5 Natural subsoil3902 5 Furrows4000 5 Topsoil4001 5 Natural subsoil4002 5 Fill of 4403

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Context Trench Description4003 5 Cut of pit4004 5 Fill of 40054005 5 Cut of pit4100 6 Topsoil4101 6 Natural subsoil4102 6 Furrows4200 6 Topsoil4201 6 Natural subsoil4202 6 Furrows4300 6 Topsoil4301 6 Natural subsoil4302 6 Furrows4400 6 Topsoil4401 6 Natural subsoil4402 6 Field drain4403 5 Fill of Field drain4404 6 Cut of ditch4405 6 Fill of 44044406 6 Fill of 44044407 6 Cut of gully4408 6 Fill of 44074409 6 Furrow4500 6 Topsoil4501 6 Natural subsoil4502 6 Cut of ditch4503 6 Cut of gully4504 6 Cut of gully4505 6 Cut of gully4506 6 Buried soil4507 6 Fill of 45024508 6 Fill of 45034509 6 Fill of 45044510 6 Fill of 45054511 6 Cut of posthole4512 6 Furrow4600 7 Topsoil4601 7 Natural subsoil4602 7 Cut of ditch4603 7 Fill of 46024604 7 Recut of ditch4605 7 Fill of 46024606 7 Furrow4700 7 Topsoil4701 7 Natural subsoil4702 7 Fill of 47044703 7 Fill of 47044704 7 Cut of ditch4705 7 Cut of posthole4706 7 Fill of 47044707 7 Furrow

4800 7 Topsoil4801 7 Natural subsoil4802 7 Cut of ditch4803 7 Fill of 48024804 7 Fill of 48024805 7 Buried soil4806 7 Furrow4900 6 Topsoil4901 6 Natural subsoil4902 6 Furrows5000 9 Topsoil5001 9 Natural subsoil5002 9 Hillwash5100 9 Topsoil5101 9 Natural subsoil5102 9 Hillwash5200 9 Topsoil5201 9 Natural subsoil5202 9 Fill of 52035203 9 Cut of gully5300 9 Topsoil5301 9 Natural subsoil5302 9 Hillwash5303 9 Natural clay subsoil5304 9 Hillwash5305 9 Hillwash5400 9 Topsoil5401 9 Natural gravel/sand5402 9 Natural clay subsoil5403 9 Hillwash5404 9 Natural clay subsoil5500 9 Topsoil5501 9 Natural subsoil5502 9 Hillwash5503 9 Field drain5504 9 Cut of gully5505 9 Fill of 55045600 9 Topsoil5601 9 Natural subsoil5602 9 Hillwash5700 9 Topsoil5701 9 Natural subsoil5702 9 Hillwash5800 9 Topsoil5801 9 Natural subsoil5802 9 Hillwash5900 9 Topsoil5901 9 Natural subsoil5902 9 Hillwash5903 9 Hillwash

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APPENDIX 3: LIST OF FINDS

trench context quantity type description date29 2902 v.small pieces Fired clay Abraded pot/Fired

clay?

34 3404 1 fragment Fired clay Fired clay ?47 4706 1 flint Flake-debitage ?47 unstratified 1 pot Sherd pot medieval48 4804 1 flint Flake-debitage ?

21


APPENDIX 4: PALAEOENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

on behalf ofAD Archaeology Ltd

Land to the west of Lancaster ParkMorpeth

Northumberland

palaeoenvironmental assessment

report 3666January 2015

22


Contents1. Summary 12. Project background 23. Methods 24. Results 35. Discussion 36. Recommendations 37. Sources 4

Appendix 1: Data from palaeoenvironmental assessment 5

© Archaeological Services Durham University 2015South Road Durham DH1 3LE tel 0191 334 1121 fax 0191 334 [email protected] www.dur.ac.uk/archaeological.services

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1. SummaryThe project

1.1 This report presents the results of palaeoenvironmental assessment of four bulksamples taken during archaeological works at land to the west of Lancaster Park,Morpeth, Northumberland.

1.2 The works were commissioned by AD Archaeology Ltd, and conducted byArchaeological Services Durham University.

Results1.3 The assessment provides evidence of domestic hearth waste comprising the charred

remains of spelt wheat. The occurrence of this cereal crop is consistent with theprovisional Iron Age date for the site. The presence of spelt chaff suggests the localproduction of this crop. Small charred plant debris comprising rhizomes, heathertwigs, and weed remains of damp grassy heathland is frequently recorded on lateprehistoric sites, although it is not exclusive to this period. The predominance of oakand hazel charcoal suggests these taxa were a readily available resource.

Recommendations1.4 The recovery of well-preserved charcoal and cereal remains associated with later

prehistoric settlement, demonstrates that other features that may be present on thesite have the potential to provide further information about the exploitation of fuelresources, crop husbandry practices and diet for this period. In accordance with thepalaeoenvironmental research aims and objectives outlined in the regional researchframework (Petts & Gerrard 2006), a number of key research priorities could beaddressed by targeted excavation and sampling. In this instance, the archaeologicalresource specifically addresses agenda items, SEii Palaeoenvironmental evidence,AG13 Charcoal analysis, Iii Settlements and Iiii Landscapes.

1.5 The flots should be retained as part of the physical archive of the site. The residueswere discarded following examination.


www.dur.ac.uk/archaeological.services

24


2. Project backgroundLocation and background

2.1 An archaeological evaluation was conducted by AD Archaeology at land to the westof Lancaster Park, Morpeth, Northumberland. Two known enclosed sites of late IronAge form (Spital Hill 1 & 2), lie within the boundary of the development area. Thisreport presents the results of palaeoenvironmental assessment of four bulk samplestaken from outlying features, comprising pit (3404) and ditch (4406), (4803) fills, andthe fill of a linear feature (2902) of uncertain origin containing burnt material.

Objective2.2 The objective of the scheme of works was to assess the palaeoenvironmental

potential of the samples, establish the presence of suitable radiocarbon datingmaterial, and provide the client with appropriate recommendations.

Dates2.3 Samples were received by Archaeological Services on 15th January 2015.

Assessment and report preparation was conducted between 19th and 27th January2015.

Personnel2.4 Assessment and report preparation was conducted by Lorne Elliott. Sample

processing was by Dr Magdolna Szilágyi.

Archive2.5 The site code is MT14. The flots and finds are currently held in the Environmental

Laboratory at Archaeological Services Durham University awaiting collection. Thecharred plant remains will be retained at Archaeological Services Durham University.

3. Methods3.1 The bulk samples were manually floated and sieved through a 500μm mesh. The

residues were examined for shells, fruitstones, nutshells, charcoal, small bones,pottery, flint, glass and industrial residues, and were scanned using a magnet forferrous fragments. The flots were examined at up to x60 magnification for charredand waterlogged botanical remains using a Leica MZ7.5 stereomicroscope.Identification of these was undertaken by comparison with modern referencematerial held in the Environmental Laboratory at Archaeological Services DurhamUniversity. Plant nomenclature follows Stace (1997). Habitat classifications followPreston et al. (2002).

3.2 Selected charcoal fragments were identified, in order to provide material suitable forradiocarbon dating. The transverse, radial and tangential sections were examined atup to x600 magnification using a Leica DMLM microscope. Identifications wereassisted by the descriptions of Schweingruber (1990) and Hather (2000), andmodern reference material held in the Environmental Laboratory at ArchaeologicalServices Durham University.

3.3 The works were undertaken in accordance with the palaeoenvironmental researchaims and objectives outlined in the regional archaeological research framework and

25


resource agendas (Petts & Gerrard 2006; Hall & Huntley 2007; Huntley 2010).

4. Results4.1 The samples comprised varying quantities of charcoal, clinker/cinder and coal, with

charcoal preservation ranging from good to poor due to mineral inclusions. Smallpieces of indeterminate abraded pot or fired clay were recovered from (2902) and alarger fragment of fired clay/CBM occurred in pit fill (3404). Tiny fragments of limewere noted in (4803). Context (3404) produced a large flot (>350ml) almost entirelycomposed of charcoal. Identified fragments indicated the presence of oak timber(heartwood) and hazel (stemwood). Additional identified charcoal from ditch fills(4406) and (4803) included birch (large branchwood/stemwood) and oak (sapwood).

4.2 Charred plant macrofossils were sparse with low numbers of sheep’s sorrel andsedge nutlets, and spelt wheat chaff present in (4406). Additional charred botanicalremains included heather twigs, rhizomes, bark and oak buds. Material suitable forradiocarbon dating is available. The results are presented in Appendix 1.

5. Discussion5.1 The assessment provides evidence of domestic hearth waste comprising the charred

remains of spelt wheat. The occurrence of this crop is consistent with the provisionallate prehistoric date for the site, as spelt wheat was the main cereal used during thisperiod (Huntley & Stallibrass 1995; Greig 1991). The presence of spelt chaff suggeststhe local production of this cereal crop.

5.2 Small charred plant debris comprising heather twigs, rhizomes and weed seeds ofdamp grassy heathland, may represent the remains of gathered hay for bedding orfodder, or probably represent the remains of burnt turves (Hall 2003), used as fuelor construction purposes such as roofing or earth ovens. These remains frequentlyoccur on later prehistoric sites, although they are not exclusive to this period.

5.3 The predominance of identified oak and hazel charcoal, particularly from pit fill(3404), suggests these taxa were a readily available resource. The specific choice ofthis fuelwood is unsurprising as they both burn well and give off considerable heat.

6. Recommendations6.1 The recovery of well-preserved charcoal and cereal remains associated with later

prehistoric settlement, demonstrates that other features that may be present on thesite have the potential to provide further information about the exploitation of fuelresources, crop husbandry practices and diet for this period. In accordance with thepalaeoenvironmental research aims and objectives outlined in the regional researchframework (Petts & Gerrard 2006), a number of key research priorities could beaddressed by targeted excavation and sampling. In this instance, the archaeologicalresource specifically addresses agenda items, SEii Palaeoenvironmental evidence,AG13 Charcoal analysis, Iii Settlements and Iiii Landscapes.

6.2 The flots should be retained as part of the physical archive of the site. The residueswere discarded following examination.

26


7. SourcesGreig, J R A, 1991 The British Isles, in W Van Zeist, K Wasylikowa & K-E Behre (eds)

Progress in Old World Palaeoethnobotany. RotterdamHall, A, 2003 Recognition and characterisation of turves in archaeological occupation

deposits by means of macrofossil plant remains. Centre for ArchaeologyReport 16/2003. English Heritage

Hall, A R, & Huntley, J P, 2007 A review of the evidence for macrofossil plant remainsfrom archaeological deposits in northern England, Research DepartmentReport Series no. 87. London

Hather, J G, 2000 The identification of the Northern European Woods: a guide forarchaeologists and conservators. London

Huntley, J P, & Stallibrass, S, 1995 Plant and vertebrate remains from archaeologicalsites in northern England: data reviews and future directions, ResearchReport No. 4, Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham andNorthumberland. Durham

Huntley, J P, 2010 A review of wood and charcoal recovered from archaeologicalexcavations in Northern England. Research Department Report Series no. 68.London

Petts, D, & Gerrard, C, 2006 Shared Visions: The North-East Regional ResearchFramework for the Historic environment. Durham

Preston, C D, Pearman, D A, & Dines, T D, 2002 New Atlas of the British and IrishFlora. Oxford

Schweingruber, F H, 1990 Microscopic wood anatomy. BirmensdorfStace, C, 1997 New Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge

27


Appendix 1: Data from palaeoenvironmental assessment

Sample 1 2 3 4Context 4803 4406 3404 2902Feature number 4802 4404 3405 2904Feature ditch ditch pit linearMaterial available for radiocarbon dating () ()Volume processed (l) 22 25 24 6Volume of flot (ml) 50 70 350 50Residue contentsCharcoal ++ + + (+)Coal / coal shale - - + -Fired clay - - + ++Lime ++ - - -Flot matrixBark (charred) - - - +Buds (charred) - - - +Charcoal ++ + +++ +Clinker / cinder ++ + - -Coal / coal shale ++ ++ + +Heather twigs (charred) + + - -Lime + - - -Rhizomes (charred) - + - -Roots (modern) + ++ - -Uncharred seeds + + - -Charred remains (total count)(c) Triticum spelta (Spelt Wheat) glume base - 2 - -(h) Rumex acetosella (Sheep’s Sorrel) nutlet - 1 - -(w) Carex sp (Sedges) trigonous nutlet - 1 - -Identified charcoal (presence)Betula sp (Birches) - -Corylus avellana (Hazel) ? - -Quercus sp (Oaks)

[c-cultivated; h-heathland; w-wet/damp ground. () may be unsuitable for dating due to size or species(+): trace; +: rare; ++: occasional; +++: common; ++++: abundant]

28

APPENDIX 5: WRITTEN SCHEME OF INVESTIGATION

WRITTEN SCHEME OF INVESTIGATION FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION ATLAND TO THE WEST OF LANCASTER PARK, MORPETH, NORTHUMBERLAND

1 Introduction

1.1 This written scheme of investigation represents a methods statement forundertaking an archaeological evaluation in advance of a proposed development ofland to the west of Lancaster Park, Morpeth, Northumberland. The site is centred atNGR NZ 1796 8635.

1.2 A Desk-Top-Assessment (Archaeological Practice 2013) and a geophysical survey(AD Archaeology 2014) have been undertaken in advance of the proposeddevelopment.

1.3 Policy relating to the assessment and mitigation of impacts to the heritageresource within the planning system is set out in the National Planning PolicyFramework. The Framework identifies that the planning system should perform ‘anenvironmental role’, contributing to and protecting the built and historicenvironment (NPPF 2012) and that the pursuit of ‘sustainable development’ includesseeking improvements to the built, natural and historic environment.

1.4 The Framework further clarifies that, in circumstances where heritage assets willbe damaged or lost as a result of development, Local Planning Authorities shouldrequire developers to record and advance the understanding of the asset to be lostin a manner appropriate to the significance of the asset. The evidence (and anyarchive) generated as part of the plan making process should be made publicallyaccessible; copies of the evidence generated should be deposited with the relevantHistoric Environment Record and archives with the relevant museum.

1.5 The National Planning Policy Framework states that “Where a site on which adevelopment proposal includes or has the potential to include heritage assets witharchaeological interest, local planning authorities should require developers tosubmit an appropriate assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation” NPPFpage 128. This Written Scheme of Investigation relates to the field evaluation stageof the project.

2 Archaeological and Historical Background

2.1 The archaeological and historical background of the site is recorded in detailwithin an earlier Desk-Based Assessment undertaken in 2013 (ArchaeologicalPractice 2013).

29


2.2 The widespread archaeological evidence of settlement across theNorthumberland Coastal plain and neighbouring areas of the plateau zone to thewest, where the site lies, is indicative of a relatively high density of occupationduring the later prehistoric period (Proctor 2009, Hodgson, McKelvey and Muncaster2013). Many of these sites are characterised by enclosed settlements, rectilinear inplan, that were typically established in the period around 200 BC (Hodgson et al.2013, 189). These form the main component of a settlement pattern with a long andcomplex development prior to this period with evidence of occupation at some sitesfrom as early as the late Bronze Age.

2.3 Two known enclosed sites, Spital Hill 1 & 2; ( HER 11111, 11112 respectively) liewithin the boundary of the development area. Cropmarks of Spital Hill 1 within Field4, appear to show a large sub-rectangular enclosure, up to c. 100m across, attachedto a much smaller enclosure (Archaeological Practice 2013, p20). There is also asuggestion of internal features including sub-divisions and roundhouses from thecropmarks. Cropmarks of Spital Hill 2 within Field 7 are less well defined and consistof a subcircular or oval enclosure with possible internal features (ibid). The proximityof the two sites, less than 200m apart, suggests they may form part of a singleinterrelated settlement. Several more rectilinear enclosures lie within a 1km zone ofthe site, the nearest, c. 300m to the east (HER 11115 Castle Plantation), and north-east (HER 11119) of Mitford Castle (ibid). A late Iron Age settlement excavated atPegswood Moor (3km northeast of the site), differs in form to rectilinear sites andconsisted of an agglomeration of fields, enclosed areas, drove ways and associatedroundhouses (Proctor 2009). The full extent of the site at Pegswood was not exposedand therefore it is possible that a rectilinear enclosure may have lain in closeproximity beyond the area investigated.

2.4 The discovery of several hitherto unknown Pit Alignments or ‘pit-definedboundaries’ in recent years within the region (Fox Covert, Shotton (Hodgson et al.2013) suggests this early sub-division of the landscape was once more widespread.Where scientifically dated they originated typically from the late Bronze Age or earlyIron Age, suggesting an association with the earliest activity identified at many of thelater Iron Age enclosed settlements.

2.5 The fields of the site are divided between the townships of Mitford & Molesden(representing an amalgamation of two separate medieval vills) to the south andSpital Hill to the north. The site probably originally lay under the ownership of theBaron of Mitford whose baronial castle lay at the nearby Mitford village. Thetownship of Spital Hill probably originated from a holding, assigned by the Barony tothe nearby hospital of St Leonard (Archaeological Practice 2013, p22). During themedieval period the site was largely given over to arable cultivation with aerialphotography showing widespread ridge and furrow, now mostly ploughed out.

2.6 The sequence and dating of the division and enclosure of former medievalagricultural land which established the pattern of fields that continues to themodern era, is unknown. The dating of the historic township boundary that crosses

30


the site is also uncertain although it may potentially predate other field boundariesin the area and originate from the medieval period (Archaeological Practice 2013,p23). The present day field pattern is essentially the same as that depicted on the 1st

edition Ordnance Survey, apart from the relatively recent, easterly realignment ofthe hedge line between Fields 7 and 8, and the construction of the A1 dualcarriageway sub-dividing the western fields in 1970. The neighbouring Lancaster Parkhousing estate to the east was constructed in the 1970’s.

2.7 The main portion of the site to the north and west forms a level plateau abovethe river Wansbeck which lies within a steeply incised valley that slopes steeplywithin Field 8 levelling out to a narrow flood plain on the southern portion of Field 9at the limit of the site. The western edge of the site is bound by the embankment orcutting for the A1 dual carriageway and to the east by the Scotch Gill, which forms anincreasingly deeply incised cut to the east of the site.

2.8 A geophysical survey (AD Archaeology 2014) was undertaken in February-March2014.Whilst the survey has identified large areas of the site which are devoid of magneticanomalies that may relate to archaeological features it has established a zone ofarchaeological sensitivity centred upon two late prehistoric settlement enclosures.These enclosures are listed in the Historic Environment Record (HER11111, 11112)and known as Spital Hill 1 & 2 (located in fields 4 & 7 respectively). The survey hasmade a significant contribution to understanding their extent, nature and landscapesetting and established a wider zone around these settlements that may containassociated activity. Survey results indicate that the Spital Hill 1 & 2 settlements maybe associated with a wider network of fields/enclosures, associated with lowerdensity settlement activity to the east, in particular within Field 5 and to a lesserextent possibly within Field 6 and the western edge of Field 7. Anomalies associatedwith ridge and furrows are present to varying degrees within all of the fieldssurveyed. The anomalies representing the furrows in Fields 5, 6 and 7 formed aslightly sinuous pattern, a strong indication of their medieval origin.

3 Required Course of Action

3.1 In order to preserve in situ the prehistoric enclosures two archaeological bufferzones have defined which will be excluded from all development activity. There willbe no development in the southern portions of fields 6 & 7 which will be utilized aspasture. The southernmost field (Field 9) will be a countryside park and containponds (SUDS). Trenches have been sited both across geophysical features and inareas without features.

The below trenching sample strategy is suggested. Trenches have been sited bothacross geophysical features and in areas without features.In total 69 trenches will beexcavated (thirty four 50sqm trenches and twenty five 100sqm trenches):

In field 1 this would be three 50 sqm trenches and six 100 sqm trenchesIn field 2 this would be two 50 sqm trenches and two 100 sqm trenches

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In field 3 this would be seven 50 sqm trenches and six 100 sqm trenchesIn field 4 this would be one 50 sqm trenches and two 100sqm trenchesIn field 5 this would be nine 50 sqm trenches and three 100 sqm trenchesIn field 6 this would be three 50 sqm trenches and two 100 sqm trenchesIn field 7 this would be one 50 sqm trenches and two 100 sqm trenchesIn field 9 this would be eight 50 sqm trenches and two 100 sqm trenches

3.2 Any variation or alteration to this scheme would require approval by NCCCT.Contingency trenching of up to a further 1% sample (2100sq metres) has beendefined. The contingency would only be drawn upon, following discussions andagreement between the client and NCCCT. However, minor expansions to trenchesto clarify features can be undertaken in advance of a meeting so long as the client iskept informed. Any variation or alteration to this scheme would require approval byNCCCT.

3.2 Any variation or alteration to this scheme would require approval by NCCCT.Contingency trenching of up to a further 1% sample has been defined. Thecontingency would only be drawn upon, following discussions and agreementbetween the client and NCCCT. However, minor expansions to trenches to clarifyfeatures can be undertaken in advance of a meeting so long as the client is keptinformed. Any variation or alteration to this scheme would require approval byNCCCT.

3.3 During the course of the trenching it may become apparent that variation isrequired, dependent on the nature, extent and importance of archaeologicalremains uncovered. It also may become apparent during the course of the operationthat some areas where trenches have been sited are inappropriate for potentialarchaeological activity (for instance lying entirely within the line of a furrow) or dueto logistical or practical reasons. Trenches can only be moved with the approval ofNCCCT.

4 General Standards

4.1 All work will be carried out in compliance with the codes of practice of theInstitute of Field Archaeologists (IfA)1 and will follow the IfA Standard and Guidancefor Archaeological Field Evaluation2. All work will be in compliance with the RegionalStatement of Good Practice (Yorkshire, The Humber and the North-East 2009).

1 Institute of Field Archaeologists, 2000, Code of Conduct2 Institute of Field Archaeologists, 2001, Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Field Evaluation

5 Pre-site work preparation

5.1 All staff will familiarise themselves with the archaeological background of thesite, and the results of any previous work in the area, prior to the start of work onsite. All staff will be briefed in the work required under the specification and theproject aims and methodologies.

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5.2 The Great North Museum will be contacted to discuss archiving, prior to workcommencing.

5.3 An environmental sampling strategy in accordance with the previous advice ofthe English Heritage North East Regional Science Advisor (see 8 below) will befollowed.

6 Fieldwork

6.1 Each evaluation trench will be accurately survey and related to the National Grid,using a Total Station Theodolite or GPS system, and located on a map of the area atan appropriate scale.

6.2 Topsoil and unstratified modern material will be removed mechanically by amachine using a wide toothless ditching blade. This machine stripping will be carriedout under continuous archaeological supervision.

6.3 The topsoil or recent overburden will be removed in successive level spits downto the first significant archaeological horizon or the natural subsoil, whichever isencountered first.

6.4 All faces of the trenches that require examination or recording will be cleanedsufficiently to establish the presence or absence of archaeological remains,particularly the top of the first significant archaeological horizon or the naturalsubsoil. All subsequent deposits will be hand-excavated.

6.5 In the event that small discrete archaeological features are revealed includingbut not limited to postholes and pits, during machining or subsequent cleaning ofthe trench, the trench will be expanded either side of the feature by a machinebucket width as standard. If further additional trench expansion is required thisshould be carried out following discussions with the Assistant County Archaeologistand the client.

6.6 The archaeology will be investigated sufficiently to establish its nature, extentand date, unless it is deemed of sufficient importance to require total preservation insitu. This will be achieved by excavation of the following samples of all exposedfeatures.

50% of every discrete feature (e.g. pits, post-holes)25% of the area of linear/curvilinear features (e.g. ditches, gullies) with a non-uniform fill10% of the area of linear/curvilinear features (e.g. ditches, gullies) with a uniform fill

6.7 Within the constraints of the site, the excavations will be maintained in a mannerthat allows quick and easy inspection without any requirement for additional

33


cleaning.

6.8 Deposits will be assessed for their potential for providing environmental ordating evidence. Sampling will be in line with the strategy agreed with EnglishHeritage Regional Science Advisor and NCCCT.

6.9 In the event of human burials being discovered, they will be left in situ, coveredand protected and the coroners’ office will be informed. If removal is essential, workwill comply with relevant Home Office regulations.

6.10 Appropriate procedures under the relevant legislation will be followed in theevent of the discovery of artefacts covered by the provisions of the Treasure Act1996.

6.11 The drawn record from the site will include a representative selection of longsections from the excavations that clearly allow the nature and depth and anysignificant changes in the deposits recorded to be demonstrated. If there is anyuncertainty, advice will be sought from the Assistant County Archaeologist as towhich sections may be appropriate for inclusion within the site record.

6.12 During and after the excavation, all recovered artefacts will be stored in theappropriate materials and storage conditions to ensure minimal deterioration andloss of information (this will include controlled storage, correct packaging, andregular monitoring of conditions, immediate selection for conservation of vulnerablematerial).

7 Archaeological Recording

7.1 A full and proper record (written, graphic and photographic as appropriate) willbe made for all work, using pro forma record sheets and text descriptionsappropriate to the work. Accurate scale plans and section drawings will be drawn at1:50, 1:20 and 1:10 scales as appropriate.

7.2 The stratigraphy of all trenches will be recorded even where no archaeologicaldeposits have been identified.

7.3 All archaeological deposits and features, the current ground level and base ofeach trench will be recorded with an above ordnance datum (aOD) level.

7.4 A photographic record of all archaeological features will be taken, both in detailand in a wider context. These will be digital photographs and will include a clearlyvisible, graduated metric scale. A register of all photographs will be kept. Thephotographic record will be sent to ADS York in an approved format to be stored aspart of their electronic archive.

7.5 Where stratified deposits are encountered, a 'Harris' matrix will be compiled

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8 Environmental Sampling and Scientific Dating Strategy

8.1 This sampling strategy is intended to provide sufficient data to characterise thenature and informative potential of deposits and features identified during theworks. Because this is the first stage of intrusive works and there is a possibility thata wide range of features may be encountered, this strategy is best set out as a seriesof principles.

These are: 30l samples will be taken from structural, occupational and industrial

features, as well as pits and ditch fills. Other features should besampled to help to characterise the deposits on the site. Priorityshould be given to processing samples from identifiable, datedfeatures, or to those undated features which have potential for otherforms of dating (e.g. radiocarbon dating).

Bulk sample residues should be checked for the presence ofindustrial waste (e.g.slags, hammerscale) and small faunal remains(e.g. fishbones, small mammal/avian bones) as well as for plantmaterial.

The potential of buried soils and ditch fills to provide dated (usingradio-carbon dating) pollen cores or Optically StimulatedLuminescence (OSL) dating of sediments should be considered,although this type of sampling will be undertaken in consultationwith the English Heritage Regional Scientific Advisor.

8.2 In the event that hearths, kilns or ovens are identified, provision will be made tocollect at least one archaeo-magnetic date to be calculated from each individualhearth surface (or in the case of domestic dwellings a minimum of one per buildingidentifed). Where applicable, samples to be collected from the site and processed bya suitably trained specialist for dating purposes.

8.3 The selection of suitable deposits for sampling will be confirmed at site meetingswith the NCCAO. In principle palaeo-environmental samples will be taken fromdeposits which have clear stratigraphic relationships. Particular attention will be paidto the recovery of samples from any waterlogged samples that may be present.

9 Monitoring

9.1 The County Archaeologist will be informed on the start date and timetable forthe evaluation in advance of work commencing.

9.2 Reasonable access to the site will be afforded to the County Archaeologists or

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his/her nominee at all times, for the purposes of monitoring the archaeologicalevaluation.

9.3 Regular communication between AD Archaeology, the County Archaeologist andother interested parties will be maintained to ensure the project aims and objectivesare achieved.

9.4 If appropriate, specialists will be contacted and allowed access to the site to helpinform any detailed study / information retrieval depending upon the nature of thearchaeological features being revealed.

10 Post excavation work, archive, and report preparation

10.1 Finds

10.1.1 All finds processing, conservation work and storage of finds will be carried outin compliance with the IfA Guidelines for Finds Work3 and those set by UKIC.

10.1.2 The deposition and disposal of artefacts will be agreed with the legal ownerand recipient museum prior to the work taking place. Where the landowner decidesto retain artefacts, adequate provision will be made for recording them. Details ofland ownership will be provided by the developer.

10.1.3 All retained artefacts will be cleaned and packaged in accordance with therequirements of the recipient museum.

10.2 Site Archive

10.2.1 The archive and the finds will be deposited in the appropriate local museum,within 6 months of completion of the post-excavation work and report.

10.2.2 Archiving work will be carried out compliance with the IfA Guidelines forArchiving4.

10.2.3 Before fieldwork, contact will be made with the landowners and with theappropriate local museum to make the relevant arrangements. Details of landownership will be provided by the developer.

10.2.4 NCCCT will require confirmation that the archive had been submitted in asatisfactory form to the relevant museum.

10.3 Report

10.3.1 NCCCT require one bound paper copy and one digital copy (in Word or PDFformat) of the report.

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10.3.2 The report will include the following as a minimum:

The report will include the following as a minimum: Planning application numbers, NCCCT reference, OASIS reference numbers

and an 8 figure grid reference A location plan of the site at an appropriate scale of at least 1:10 000. This

will be at a recognisable planning scale, and located with reference to thenational grid, to allow the results to be accurately plotted on the Sites andMonuments Record

Plans and sections of main trench axes and excavated features located at arecognisable planning scale (1:10, 1:20, 1:50 or 1:100, as appropriate)

Period based discussion of the known and potential archaeological siteswithin the proposed development area

A summary statement of the results A table summarising the deposits, features, classes and numbers of artefacts

encountered and spot dating of significant finds A description of the geology on the site Discussion of the physical impact of the proposed development on known

and potential archaeological sites

10.3.4 Any variation to the above requirements will be approved by the planningauthority prior to work being submitted

10.4 OASIS

10.4.1 NCCCT support the Online Access to Index of Archaeological Investigations(OASIS) Project. The overall aim of the OASIS project is to provide an online index tothe mass of archaeological grey literature that has been produced as a result of theadvent of large scale developer funded fieldwork.

10.4.2 AD Archaeology will therefore complete the online OASIS form athttp://ads.ahds.ac.uk/project/oasis/. Once a report has become a public documentby submission to or incorporation into the HER, Northumberland HER will validatethe OASIS form thus placing the information into the public domain on the OASISwebsite. The archaeological consultant or contractor will indicate that they agree tothis procedure within the specification/project design/written scheme ofinvestigation submitted to NCCCT for approval

10.5 Publication

10.5.1 A summary will be prepared for 'Archaeology in Northumberland' andsubmitted to Liz Williams, Northumberland HER Officer, by December of the year inwhich the work is completed.

10.5.2 A short report of the work will also be submitted to a local journal if

http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/project/oasis/

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appropriate.

3 Institute for Archaeologists, 2008, Standard and Guidance for the collection, documentation,conservation and research of archaeological materials (October 2008)4 Institute for Archaeologists, 2008. Standard and Guidance for the creation, compilation, transfer anddeposition of archaeological archives (October 2008)

Bibliography

AD Archaeology 2014 A geophysical survey of land west of Morpeth

Hodgson N. , McKelvey J. and Muncaster W. 2013 The Iron Age on theNorthumberland Coastal Plain: Excavations in advance of development 2002-2010,Tyne and Wear Museums

Proctor, J, 2009. Pegswood Moor, Morpeth: a later Iron Age and Romano-BritishFarmstead settlement. London, Pre-Construct Archaeology

The Archaeological Practice Ltd 2013, Mitford Estate, Land adjacent to LancasterPark, Morpeth, Northumberland, Archaeological Assessment unpublished report

National Planning Policy Framework 2012

500m0

0 10km

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Figure 1: Location of site

Ordnance Survey © Crown copyright 2015 All rightsreserved. Licence number 100055020

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Ordnance Survey © Crown copyright 2015 All rightsreserved. Licence number 100055020 1:125000

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Figure 2: Trench plan showing geophysical survey

1:4000N

KEY:Dipolar anomalies

Linear positive anomaliesFurrows

red hatch

natural feature?

Linear negative anomaliesorange

other anomalies

Trenches containing archaeology highlighted in blue

2703

27052704

SW NE

cut

S175.04mAOD

1m0

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75.04mAOD

S2

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Figure 3: Plan and sections of Trenches 27, 29

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Trench 29

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S4S3cut cut

S 62.22mAOD

62.95mAOD

3405cut3403

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Figure 4: Plan and sections of Trench 34

1:50

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SW NE

cut

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75.21mAOD

cut cut

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SE

NW66.71mAOD

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field drain 4402S7


N

1:75

1:75

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45044502

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SW NE67.00mAOD

45004506

10m0

4504cut

S8S9

S11

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ditch4502

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furrowfurrow

furrow

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S14

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Figure 9: Plan and sections of Trenches 46, 47, 48

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5203cut 5202 5201 natural subsoil

Figure 11: Plan and sections of Trenches 52, 55

1:75

N

Trench 52

1:75

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Trench 55

Plate 1: View of Trench 15, facing south

Plate 2: View of Trench 29, facing east

Plate 3: View of Trench 34, facing southwest

Plate 4: View of ditch within Trench 38, facing north

Plate 5: View of pits within Trench 40, facing north

Plate 6: View of Trench 44, facing northwest

Plate 7: View of Trench 44, facing south

Plate 8: View of gully 4504 within Trench 45, facing west


Plate 10: View of ditch in Trench 47, facing northwest


AD Archaeology LtdSouth Shields Business Works,Henry Robson Way,South Shields,NE33 1RFOffice: 0191 603 [email protected]


mitford estate, land west of morpeth,...

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