tescos aberdare, rhondda cynon taf: archaeological watching-brief

Tesco, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf: archaeological watching-brief

Front Cover: Brick Floor at front of store GGAT

Contents Page Summary ............................................................................................................1 Acknowledgements.....................................................................................................1 Copyright notice.........................................................................................................1

1 Introduction..........................................................................................................2 1.1 Project background and commission .............................................................2 1.2 Location, Topography and Geology ..............................................................2 1.3 Historical and archaeological background.....................................................5

2 Methodology .........................................................................................................7 3 Results ...................................................................................................................8

3.1 General Stratigraphy ......................................................................................8 3.2 Area A............................................................................................................8 3.3 Area B ..........................................................................................................18 3.4 Area C ..........................................................................................................19 3.5 Area D..........................................................................................................22

4 Conclusion ..........................................................................................................23 Bibliography ...............................................................................................................24 Appendix I: Context Inventory.................................................................................25 Figures Figure 1. Location of the development area (red)..........................................................3 Figure 2. Location of development area (red), and Areas A-D (blue) and extent of area

shown in Figure 3 (green) ..................................................................................4 Figure 3. Location of figures 4 and 5...........................................................................15 Figure 4. Plan of brick floor (110) and culvert (111) and surrounding features..........16 Figure 5. Plan of brick floor (113) and surrounding features. .....................................17 Plates Plate 1. Showing walls 108 and 124 ..............................................................................9 Plate 2. Wall 109 looking north west.............................................................................9 Plate 3. Showing full length of floor 110 and surrounding features culvert 111, floor

113 and bricks 121, taken looking northwest ..................................................10 Plate 4. Brick floor (110) pattern looking north east ...................................................11 Plate 5. Showing the end of the culvert (111) taken facing southeast. ........................11 Plate 6. Showing floor 113 taken facing southeast. .....................................................12 Plate 7. Showing the central bay (119) and underlying rail tracks. Taken to the

southwest..........................................................................................................14 Plate 8. South facing section showing brick and mortar structure (206) .....................18 Plate 9. Showing floor 304 taken to the west...............................................................19 Plate 10. Brick stacks 305, taken to the south..............................................................20 Plate 11. Concrete slab 306 with embedded iron taken to the east..............................20 Plate 12. Northeast face of culvert 308........................................................................21 Plate 13. Internal southeast wall of 308 showing apertures........................................21

Tesco, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf: archaeological watching-brief

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Summary

S Dudley and Sons Ltd commissioned the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Projects Division (GGAT Projects) to undertake an archaeological watching brief during intrusive groundwork on land adjacent to Tesco, Depot Rd, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf. This watching brief was necessary to comply with the condition placed upon the development works (Planning Application No05/1690/10) by the Local Planning Authority

The development is situated on the site of the Gadlys Ironworks (active between 1827 and 1876), which later became the site of a brick and wagon works, although details of these works are limited. A number of Listed Buildings (10843, 10846 and 10884) and a single Scheduled Ancient Monument (GM438) are in close proximity to the development.

During excavation a number of structures were uncovered, all thought to date to after the closure of the Gadlys Ironworks. A set of rail tracks were exposed which were likely to have been part of the original ironworks complex.

Acknowledgements

This project was managed by Richard Lewis BA MIfA and the fieldwork undertaken by Charlotte James BA. The photographs and report were prepared by Charlotte James BA and Rowena Hart BSc MA, with illustrations by Paul Jones (GGAT Senior Illustrator).

Copyright notice

The copyright of this report is held by Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd; GGAT has granted an exclusive licence to S Dudley and Sons Ltd and their agents to use and reproduce the material it contains. Ordnance Survey maps are reproduced under licence (AL 10005976), annotations are GGAT copyright.

Tesco, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf: archaeological watching brief

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1 Introduction

1.1 Project background and commission

S Dudley and Sons Ltd submitted a planning application to Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC (Planning Application No.05/1690/10), for a proposed extension to the existing Tesco store, Depot Road, Aberdare. Conditions placed on the planning application required an archaeologist to conduct an archaeological watching-brief during all ground disturbing works.

The Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust Projects Division (GGAT Projects) was commissioned by S Dudley and Sons Ltd to undertake the required archaeological watching brief. This was undertaken between 15th July and 26th August 2008.

1.2 Location, Topography and Geology

The land proposed for development was 0.5miles north of Aberdare town centre (see Figure 1). To the north, south and west of the site is a modern housing development. Running along the eastern side of the site is the A4059.

The development area contained a single Listed Building (LB 10844, Casting House at Gadlys Ironworks) and a single Scheduled Ancient Monument (GM438, Blast Furnace at Gadlys Ironworks); it should be noted that no ground intrusive works occurred within the boundaries of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The underlying geology is mainly loamy permeable upland soils over Palaeozoic sandstone in the south, with slowly permeable seasonally waterlogged fine loamy soils overlying Palaeozoic and Mesozoic sandstone in the northwest.


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1.3 Historical and archaeological background

There is scant evidence for prehistoric activity in the Aberdare area, although around the Cynon Valley there are known Bronze Age clearance cairns and evidence of Roman activity. Also 2km south of Hirwaun there are the remains of an Iron Age settlement. However, it is unlikely that any archaeologically significant features predating the Gadlys Ironworks remain within the proposed development area.

The Gadlys Ironworks (PRN 02162m/NPRN: 34,088) is a nationally important ironworks of early 19th century foundation, noted for its quality casting product and engine parts. The site retains rare surviving features in excellent condition, including furnaces, casting sheds, blast engine house and calcining furnaces; these are currently protected by scheduling and listing. Buried remains of other features may also survive. The site has sustained some loss with the area above (to the north) and to the west of the furnaces, which included the coke yard and coke ovens. These areas were developed for housing during the early 20th century, while the level area to the east has recently been developed for retail use (Roberts 2005, 112).

The furnace area of the Gadlys Ironworks (PRN: 02162m/NPRN: 85,109) located at SO 000 030, has been scheduled (SAM Gm438). The scheduled area comprises the intact remains of the charging bank built against a steep scarp, located to the rear of the former Stores Building (PRN: 02042m/NPRNs: 34,884 and 40,450/LB10844). The structure is a twin gabled range of dark rubble with brick facings, currently in use as a museum (The Cynon Valley Museum and Gallery), is of particular interest as it possibly incorporates the remains of the casting house thought to date to 1855-6. This building appears to have been reused as one of the Wagon Repair Shops (NPRN: 85,107) at SO 0003 0301 (Roberts 2005, 112).

Other standing structures of note outside of the development area include an imposing, intact, Grade II Listed Building engine house (PRN: 02344m/NPRN: 33,707/LB10842) to the south of the furnaces at SO 001 030, adjacent stone revetments (Grade II Listed Building, Cadw ref: 10,843) and the former Calcining Furnaces situated to the rear of no. 17 Elm Grove (Grade II Listed Building, Cadw ref: 10,846) (Roberts 2005, 112).

The Gadlys Ironworks was the third ironworks to be built in the Aberdare area, founded in 1827 by George Rowland Morgan, Edward Morgan Williams and Mathew Wayne. In the second half of the 1840s the works began to expand and by the mid 1850s the number of furnaces had grown from one to four. Production continued until the works closed in 1876 following the depression of the 1870s. The site was put up for sale in 1877 but due to the lack of prospective buyers the works closed permanently (Roberts 2005, 112).

In the 1880s some of the buildings of the ironworks were used as both a wagon and brick works; the site is labelled on the second edition (1900) Ordnance Survey map as ‘Brick & Wagon Works’ and on the third edition (1919) Ordnance Survey map as ‘Brick Works’. The wagon works had closed by 1919, and since then the site has been used for a number of industrial purposes. Indeed, prior to the current retail store the site was being used as a bus depot.


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During the construction of the current retail store, the Oxford Archaeological Unit undertook an archaeological field evaluation. Excavations confirmed that within 1m of the current ground surface no archaeological features or deposits relating to the main forge building of Gadlys Ironworks survived (Brereton 1994).


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2 Methodology The intrusive groundworks that were monitored by the archaeological watching-brief consisted of a large portion of the current Tesco’s car park, seating and garden area being re-designed. This required excavating to a depth of around 0.5m below the current ground surface in Area A and B (see Figure 2). In Area C, along with the overall area being reduced by 0.5m, multiple deep trenches were dug for foundation pillars. These deep excavations ranged from 3.0m to 5.0m in depth. There were approximately six-eight deep excavations along the eastern edge of Area C, parallel to the road. Area D consisted of a single trench excavated to locate existing services.

All excavation was undertaken by a wheeled, 180°, mechanical excavator using a 1.8m wide toothed bucket. All areas were available for archaeological inspection where the depth of excavation allowed for safe access.

A full written, drawn and photographic record was made of all archaeological contexts, in accordance with the GGAT Manual of Excavation Recording Techniques. Contexts were recorded using a single continuous numbering system, and are summarised in Appendix 1. All significant contexts were photographed. Finds were selected according to the GGAT Manual of Excavation Recording Techniques discard policy; no finds were retained as they were all identified on-site as being modern in date.

An archive of records relating to the preparation of the reports has been prepared to the specifications in Management of Archaeological Projects (English Heritage, 1991) Appendix 6 and UKIC’s Archaeological Archives: a guide to best practice in creation, compilation, transfer and curation 2007.

After an appropriate period has elapsed, copies of the report and archive index will be deposited with the regional Historic Environment Record (HER). A copy of the report and archive index will also be deposited with the National Monuments Record (NMR), RCAHMW, Aberystwyth.


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3 Results

3.1 General Stratigraphy

The basal layer encountered in Areas A and B (see Figure 2) was an industrial waste deposit with a high concentration of coal dust, iron slag, rubble, brick and stone (123 and 205). Overlying this was a stone aggregate deposit (103 and 204) with an average depth of 0.1m. In Areas A and B the aggregate was overlain by a sand deposit (102 and 203) with an average depth of 0.1m. The sand deposit was in turn overlain by paving slabs (101 and 201).

During mechanical excavation of Area A, a number of structures were uncovered all underlying industrial waste deposit (104) and all structures that were removed were found to be overlying a similar deposit of coal dust and iron slag (123). During the excavation for a service trench in Area B a brick and mortar structure was revealed (206).

In Area C (see Figure 2) the basal deposit was a brown clay (309), this was overlain by a black industrial demolition layer (303). The clay basal deposit (309) was also overlain by a concrete base (306). Overlying industrial deposit 303 was an aggregate deposit (302), which was in turn overlain with a layer of tarmac (301) with an average depth of 0.15m.

During mechanical excavation of Area C all structures exposed were found to be overlying a large concrete slab (306) and underlying industrial deposit 303.

In Area D (see Figure 2) the basal deposit was a grey silty clay (404). Overlying this was a black demolition layer with a high concentration of coal dust, brick and stone (403). This deposit was overlain by a stone sub-base deposit (402) and tarmac (401).

3.2 Area A

Brick Built Wall (Context 106)

A length of brick built wall was exposed in the northern corner of Area A running parallel to the northeast curb. It had a maximum length of 2.0m and width of 0.24m. The total maximum depth was unknown, although the structure was exposed to a depth of 0.1m. All of the bricks appeared to be arranged on edge, measuring 0.24m in length and 0.07m wide, and were bonded with a dark grey mortar. This length of wall was left in situ.

Rectangular Feature (Context 107) A rectangular brick feature measuring 0.84m in length and 0.64m in width externally, and bonded with concrete. Four courses of brickwork were exposed to a depth of 0.25m, although, the full depth of the structure is unknown. The brick chamber was filled with a rubble composed of small stones.

Brick Built Walls (Context 108 and 124, Plate 1)

A length of wall constructed from red and yellow brick (108), which probably adjoins a second wall constructed from yellow brick (124). Wall 108 was exposed on a northwest – southeast alignment and was constructed from red brick and edged on the eastern side with yellow brick. The wall was 1.6m in length and 0.44m in width. Both


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walls combined had a maximum width of 0.9m and were bonded with a dark grey mortar. These walls were left in situ.

Brick and Stone Wall (Context 109, Plate 2)

A brick and stone built wall running on the same alignment as wall 108 was encountered in the northern part of the area. This feature had a maximum length of 6.0m and a maximum width of 0.6m. Part of the wall was constructed in the same way as wall 108, using both of red and yellow brick. The remainder of the wall was formed of fragments of brick and flat stones. All sections were bonded with a dark grey mortar. This wall remained in situ.

Plate 1. Walls 108 and 124, view to the southwest

Plate 2. Wall 109, view to the northwest


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Brick surface (Context 110, Plate 3 and 4, Figure 4)

A substantial brick built surface was uncovered in the eastern part of the area. It had been truncated on all sides, making its original dimensions impossible to determine. The maximum exposed length was 12.5m, with a width of 3.5m and bonded with a dark grey mortar. The brick surface was divided into approximately twelve rectangular sections measuring on average 0.80m x 1.50m (see Plate 4). Whole bricks divided the sections, with partial bricks used as the laid base of these sections. Towards the southern section of the floor there was a large deposit of concrete that appeared to be overlying the brick surface. The brick surface was removed for the purposes of the construction and was found to be overlying deposit (123).

At the southern end of the brick surface, a second brick floor (121) was noted as underlying 110. Running underneath the northern edge of the surface was a brick built culvert 111. To the west of this feature was a third section of brick flooring (113).

Plate 3. Floor 110 and surrounding features culvert 111, floor 113 and bricks 121, view to the

northwest


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Plate 4. Brick floor (110), view to the northeast

Culvert (Context 111, Plate 5, Figure 4) A brick built culvert, was exposed underlying the northern edge of brick surface 110 and running parallel with it. The exposed length was 13.6m, with an external width of 0.8m. From the base to the top of the arch the culvert measured 0.7m in height. It was constructed using both red and yellow brick and bonded with a dark grey mortar. The base of the culvert appeared to be a roughly laid brick surface. In some areas the arched roof had collapsed and in a number of places the roof was covered with a thick layer of dark grey mortar with large pieces of brick. This mortar layer above the culvert was level with the adjacent brick floor (110).

Plate 5. End of culvert (111), view to the southeast


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Square Brick Structure (Context 112 Figure 5) A square brick structure was exposed west of floor 113. This feature measured 0.9m square, but with an unknown depth. The structure contained a deposit of yellow sand.

Brick Floor/Platform (Context 113, Plate 6, Figure 5)

An area of brick floor/platform was exposed approximately 2m west of floor 110. It measured 4.0m in length, and 2.6m in width and was bonded with a dark grey mortar. It was connected to floor 110 by brick rubble deposit (117). This floor/platform seemed to be constructed in a similar manner to the brick floor 110, and was removed for the purposes of the construction.

Plate 6. Floor 113, view to the southeast

Stone Wall (Context 114)

A small section of stone-built wall was exposed with a minimum length of 1.2m. The width of the wall was 3.78m at its widest point. There appeared to be a foundation layer of brick, which was 0.25m in depth. The remainder of the wall was constructed with stone and large quantities of dark grey mortar.


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Wall (Context 115)

This feature consisted of two sections of yellow brick wall in the southern corner of Area A. It measured 3m in length and was 0.24m in width. The wall was aligned northwest – southeast. It appeared to change direction to a north-northeast – south-southwest alignment and was interrupted by a large deposit of concrete. These sections of wall were left in situ.

Concrete Feature (Context 116, Figure 5)

A rectangular deposit of concrete measuring 0.7m in length and 0.5m wide was exposed immediately west of brick feature 113. It was excavated to a depth of 0.1m but not fully exposed.

Brick Deposit (Context 117)

An area of brick rubble appeared to connect floors 110 and 113. It measured a maximum of 8.0m in length, 2.0m in width and a minimum of 0.3m in depth.

Northern Bay (Context 118, Figure 4)

A partial bay was located at the northern end of culvert 111. It was aligned east-west and appeared to be at an oblique when compared to the surrounding features. It measured 1.6m in length, 1.4m in width and was constructed of brick, stone and concrete. The western wall was missing, although contained within the bay were large pieces of iron slag.

Central Bay and Rail Tracks (Context 119 and 125, Plate 7, Figure 4)

The central bay east of culvert 111 measured 2.2m in length, 1.2m in width and had a maximum depth of 0.4m. It was constructed from brick and stone, with a row of brinks lining the inside of the northwest-southeast running wall of this bay against the edge of culvert 111. This line of bricks appeared to have no foundation and directly overlay the slag deposit 123. Underlying the central bay a set of rail tracks (125) aligned to the southwest were exposed. They were exposed for a distance of 1.10m and measured around 0.8m apart. The tracks were left in situ


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Plate 7. Central bay (119) and underlying rail tracks (125). View to the southwest

Southern Bay (Context 120, Figure 4) A brick and stone built bay, truncated at the southern end and missing its southern wall. It measured 0.8m in length, 1.4m wide and had a maximum depth of 0.15m. The base seemed to have a large piece of iron slag filling the entire bay. Brick Floor (Context 121, Figure 4) Towards the southern end of floor 110 there was a discrete deposit of lighter coloured bricks, underlying floor 110, which could have once made up a floor layer. The deposit measured 3.4m wide and 1.0m in length. Brick Deposit (Context 122, Figure 4) This feature was a small deposit of bricks and fragmented iron objects/slag to the southeast of culvert 111. This feature measured a maximum of 0.7m in length and 0.5m in width.


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3.3 Area B

There were no archaeological finds or features exposed during the reduction of the ground level in Area B. However, the remains of a structure were uncovered during the excavation of a service pipe. The trench measured 18m in length, 1.4m-1.7m in width and 1.35m–1.8m in depth.

Brick Structure (Context 206, Plate 8)

In the south facing section of the service trench a brick structure was revealed. The structure had a poorly defined form, but was well bonded, and constructed of yellow brick and mortar. It measured 2.1m in length and 1m in depth. This feature was overlain by a modern deposit, which included plastic and sacks.

Plate 8. South facing section showing brick and mortar structure (206)


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3.4 Area C

Brick Floor (Context 304, Plate 9) This feature was a truncated red brick floor in the centre of Area C. It had maximum length of 3.5m and a maximum width of 2.3m. Along the northern edge the bricks were laid in a linear arrangement while the rest of the floor appeared to be laid in a fairly random fashion. Part and whole bricks were used in its construction. Modern trenches appear to have cut this floor at the east and the west. This feature was overlying rubble deposit 303 and underlying aggregate deposit 302.

Plate 9. Floor 304, view to the west

Stacked Bricks (Context 305, Plate 10)

Covering a large proportion of Area C at approximately 0.5m - 1.0m below the current ground level was a substantial quantity of stacked bricks. These bricks had a maximum depth of 2.0m. This deposit was underlying industrial deposit 303 and overlying concrete base 306.

Concrete Floor (Context 306, Plate 11)

In the southern corner of Area C, a large concrete slab was noted that covered an area of around 20m2. It may have covered a greater area originally but had been truncated by modern trenches at the northern, western and eastern edges. It continued an unknown distance to the south, outside of the excavated area. The depth of this feature varied from a minimum of 0.3m to a maximum of 2m. On the western edge there seemed to be an iron framework set in to the concrete. The concrete had stone, brick and slag inclusions. Underlying the concrete was clay 309 and it was overlain by brick deposit 305.


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Plate 10. Brick stacks 305, view to the south

Plate 11. Concrete slab 306 with embedded iron, view to the east

Brick and Stone Wall (Context 307)

In the southern corner of Area C, a 2.0m length of brick and stone built wall was exposed. It had a depth of 1.1m and was 0.75m wide. This feature appeared to be located at a higher level than the concrete slab 306 and immediately to the southwest of it. It was bonded with a dark grey mortar and underlay a layer of aggregate (302).


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Brick Culvert (Context 308, Plate 12 and 13)

Overlying concrete slab 306 were the partial remains of a brick culvert. Only 1.8m of its length remained as it has been truncated by a modern manhole at its southwestern end. It measured 1.05m from the base to the top of the arch and was 1.1m wide externally and ran on a northeast-southwest alignment. The base of the culvert was composed of a laid brick floor. In the southeast wall there were three apertures each measuring 0.36m high and 0.11m wide.

Plate 12. Culvert 308, view to northeast

Plate 13. Wall of 308 showing apertures, view to southeast


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3.5 Area D

Area D consisted of a single trench excavated for the purpose of locating existing services. The trench measured 8.4m in length, 1m in width and 1.24m in depth. The basal deposit was a grey silty clay (404), which is likely to be of a natural origin.. It was exposed to a depth of 0.14m. Deposit 404 was overlain by a black industrial demolition layer with a high concentration of coal dust, brick, stone and mortar (403). Deposit 403 measured 0.93m in depth. This deposit was overlain by a stone sub-base deposit (402) measuring 0.05m in depth and a tarmac surface (401) measuring 0.12m in depth. There were no archaeologically significant finds or features in Area D.


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4 Conclusion The stratigraphy of the development area appears to be composed of waste material including ash, slag and brick from the many industrial works, which have occupied the area for over a century.

Area A

On the 1st edition (1880) Ordnance Survey map there are a set of northeast-southwest aligned rails that run into the Gadlys Ironworks kilns which correspond to the rails (125) that were uncovered beneath the central bay (119) to the east of floor 110.

On the 2nd edition (1900) Ordnance Survey map a structure relating to the brick and wagon works has been built over the rails (125) This building appears to relate to the brick floor (110) and to the surrounding features including culvert 111, floor 113, the northern bay (118), central bay (119) and southern bay (120) and floor 121. On the third edition (1919) Ordnance Survey map this area of the building is shown as being demolished although the northeastern part remains intact.

The rubble deposit 117 between the two sections of floor 110 and 113 suggests that these two floors were once part of the same surface.

Both brick features 107 and 112 are probably disused manholes that have been filled with modern materials.

Area B

The exact nature of the structure exposed in Area B is unknown, as it has no clear form or function.

Area C

There are no structures depicted in this area on the 1st edition (1880) Ordnance Survey map indicating that the features encountered in Area C are likely to be associated with the brick and wagon works. In Area C the concrete base (306) was used by the brickworks after the closure of the Gadlys Ironworks and was probably laid for this use. Associated features including wall 307 and culvert 308 are thought to date from the same period. Floor 304 was overlying the brick stacks (305) so also dated to after the ironworks. All finds were of post medieval or modern date.

Area D

There were no archaeologically significant finds or features in Area D.


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Bibliography Brereton S, 1994, Aberdare-Gadlys Estate Development: Archaeological Field

Investigation. Oxford Archaeological Unit.

Roberts R, 2005, Southeast Wales Industrial Ironworks Landscapes, Year 1: The Core Ironworks Areas, GGAT Report no. 2005/056

Soil Survey of England and Wales, 1983, 1:250,000 Soil Map of England and Wales. Harpenden


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Appendix I: Context Inventory Context Number

Context Type

Context Description Depth below

ground surface (m)

101 Structure Paving material 0 – 0.1

102 Deposit Sand used in the laying of paving 101 0.1 - 0.2

103 Deposit Small stone aggregate 0.2 – 0.3

104 Deposit Industrial waste coal dust/iron slag/loose brick/stone/ash/concrete rubble fill

0.3 - n.b.

105 Deposit Group of bricks joined by mortar possibly part of a structure but probably large piece of rubble fill 104

0.3-0.6

106 Structure Base of brick wall in northeast corner of Area A, aligned northwest - southeast 2.0m(L) 0.24m(W)

0.7 - n.b.

107 Structure Rectangular brick feature probably disused manhole. 0.84m(L) 0.64m(W)

0.8 - n.b.

108 Structure Brick wall, aligned northwest - southeast 1.6m(L) 0.44m(W) 0.7 - n.b.

109 Structure Brick and stone wall 6m(L) 0.6m(W) possibly continuation of 108 0.7 - n.b.

110 Structure Area of red brick floor, some yellow brick. Whole and partial bricks. Only appears to be one course of bricks deep. 12.5m(L) 3.5m(W). (Mortar sample taken number 003)

-

111 Structure Culvert partially beneath floor 110. Constructed from red and yellow brick. 13.6m(L) 0.8m(W)

-

112 Structure Red brick feature west of 110 probably manhole. 0.9m(L) 0.9m(W).

-

113 Structure Red brick floor west of 110. 4m(L) 2.6m(W) -

114 Structure Brick and stone structure, possibly wall or base of structure. Brick base with stone top with a lot of dark grey mortar. 1.2m min (L). 3.78m(W) 0.75m max (D).

-

115 Structure Yellow brick wall in southern corner of Area 1. 3m(L) 1.6m(W) -

116 Structure Concrete rectangular feature adjacent to 112. 0.7m(L) 0.5m(W) minimum depth of 0.1m

-

117 Deposit Brick rubble joining brick floors 110 and 113. -

118 Structure Truncated northern bay, east of 111 1.6m(L) 1.4m(W) -

119 Structure Central bay, east of 111. 2.2m(L) 1.2m(W). -

120 Structure Truncated southern bay, east of 111. 0.8m(L) 1.4m(W) -

121 Structure Pale brick surface, south of 110. -

122 Structure Brick deposit, east of 111 -

123 Deposit Industrial waste deposit with a high concentration of coal dust and iron slag.

-

124 Structure Adjoining wall to 108. 0.7 – n.b.

125 Structure Rail tracks underlying central bay 119. Exposed for a length of 1.1m they travelled to the southwest. They were at around 0.8m apart.

-


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201 Deposit Paving material, equates to 101 0 – 0.1

202 Deposit Topsoil 0 – 0.4

203 Deposit Sand used in the laying of the paving, equates to 102 0.1 - 0.2

204 Deposit Small stone aggregate, equates to 103 0.2 - 0.3

205 Deposit Loose brick/coal dust/stone/concrete rubble fill, equates to 104 0.3 - n.b.

206 Structure Brick and mortar structure with unknown function. 2.1m in length and 1.0m depth.

0.5 – 1.5

301 Deposit Tarmac 0 - 0.15

302 Deposit Small stone aggregate, equates to 103 0.15 - 0.25

303 Deposit Loose brick/coal dust/stone/concrete rubble fill, equates to 104 0.25 - n.b.

304 Structure Brick floor in centre of Area 3. 3.5m in length and 2.3m wide. -

305 Deposit Stacked bricks probably relating to the brick works previously on site. Could be in storage or in place ready for firing. Covering majority of Area 3, up to 2m in depth..

-

306 Structure Concrete floor underlying stacked bricks 305. Covering most of Area 3, up to 2m in depth. Made from concrete with inclusions of whole and parts.

-

307 Structure Wall in southern section of Area 3. 2m length 1.1m depth 0.75m width. Continued unknown length towards south. Made up of brick and stone. Located immediately to the southwest of concrete slab 306.

-

308 Structure Yellow brick culvert overlying concrete floor 306. Runs for 1.8m until reaches modern manhole. On the southeast wall there are regular voids along its length, which are now blocked by rubble.

-

309 Deposit Yellow/brown clay -

401 Deposit Tarmac 0 – 0.12

402 Deposit Stone sub-base 0.12 – 0.17

403 Deposit Black industrial demolition deposit with a high concentration of coal dust, brick and stone. Equates to 104

0.17 – 1.10

404 Deposit Grey silty clay, possibly natural 1.10 – n.b

Note: n.b. – not bottomed

tescos aberdare, rhondda cynon taf: archaeological watching-brief

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