Cabot Park, Bristol Field Evaluation

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol Archaeological field evaluation May 2008

TE GI S R

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OR

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A report for Cabot Property Partnership by Steve Sell BA & Andy Sherman BA

GGAT report no. 2008/022 Project no.P1251 National Grid Reference: ST 53657975 53977947

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A N I SAT

The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd Heathfield House Heathfield Swansea SA1 6EL

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Contents Summary Acknowledgments Copyright notice

2 2 2

1 Introduction 1.1 Development proposal and commission 1.2 Location and description of site 1.3 Archaeological and historical background, general 1.4 Archaeological and historical background, specific

3 3 3 4

2 Methodology 2.1 Trenches 79-92 2.2 Packgate Farm (Trench 78)

6 6 7

3 Results 3.1 Trenches 79-92 3.2 Packgate Farm (Trench 78)

8 8 11

4 The Finds

14

5 Conclusions

15

References

16

Appendix 1: Context index Appendix 2: Finds index

19 29

Figures Fig 1 Site location 5 Fig 2 Plan showing location of trenches and estimated extent of Packgate Farm 10 Fig 3 Plan of Trench 78 showing archaeological features 12 Fig 4 Plan showing underlying features within Trench 78, locations as indicated in Fig 3 13 Plates Plate 1 Plate 2 Plate 3 Plate 4

Trench 81, showing lower gley 81006 Trench 85, showing organic layer 85009 Trench 78, showing platform 78004 (sectioned) and posthole 78010 Trench 78, showing posthole 78010 (half-sectioned)

1

17 17 18 18

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Summary An archaeological evaluation was carried out on a parcel of land consisting of four fields collectively forming plots P7/8, at Cabot Park, Poplar Way East, Bristol. The evaluation established the presence of the platform for Packgate Farmhouse and also the existence of an organic layer, probably the B-layer a prehistoric stabilised soil horizon, elsewhere within the proposed development. Acknowledgements This project was managed by Andrew Marvell BA MIFA (Chief Executive), and the fieldwork was undertaken by Steve Sell BA and Andy Sherman BA of the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd Projects Division, with the assistance of Liam Fogarty MA and Mark Yorath Middleton BA. Initial survey work was undertaken by Jo Higgins MSc of GGAT Projects and Andy Sherman, and the report was prepared by Steve Sell and Andy Sherman with assistance from Paul Jones of GGAT Illustration Department. Thanks are due to Andrew Learmouth of Burford for his assistance during the project, and to Russell  Smith for allowing the use of the main contractor’s compound for the duration of the evaluation.

Copyright notice The copyright of this report is held by Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd; GGAT has granted an exclusive licence to Cabot Property Partnership to use and reproduce the material it contains. Ordnance Survey maps are reproduced under license (AL 10005976). Annotations are GGAT copyright.

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Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

1

Introduction

1.1 Development proposal and commission Conditional outline planning consent was granted to Burford Western Estates Ltd for a second phase of development at Cabot Park industrial estate, Avonmouth (Pl App 98/02621/P/N as amended 02/00928/X/N) in March 1998. In response to condition 14 (11) a Written Scheme of Investigation was prepared (Locock 1999), which set out a phased programme of investigation on each phase of the development. This included geophysical survey, evaluation and full excavation. A further detailed scheme for this particular investigation was prepared in 2008 (Marvell 2008), which set out how a series of evaluation trenches would be excavated to test the results of geophysical survey, undertaken in January of that year (Stratascan 2008); whilst further examining the Packgate Farm complex which had been identified and evaluated in 1998 (Locock et al 1998). The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Projects Division (GGAT Projects) was commissioned by Cabot Property Partnership to undertake the work, which took place between 8th and 18th April 2008, with reinstatement being carried out between 29th April and 2nd May. 1.2 Location and description of site Cabot Park is a substantial business development to the east of the A403 Avonmouth-Aust road, Avonmouth, Bristol. The general area has been divided into building plots and development of the site is ongoing. The Cabot Park development lies within the North Avon Level, where the geology consists of alluvium overlying Mercia Mudstone (formerly Keuper Marl). The true bedrock is sandstone. The current development lies between NGR ST 5365 7975 and ST 5397 7947, and consists of a roughly triangular parcel of land, formed of four small fields with a total area of approximately 4.2 ha, bordered by Moorhouse Lane to the south, a freight line to the northeast, and new warehousing to the northwest. The plot is currently rough grassland, with mature trees and minor structural remains in the vicinity of the Packgate Farm site, and lies at a height of c6m OD. 1.3 Archaeological and historical background, general Initial archaeological investigation of the area was undertaken during a site wide archaeological evaluation of Cabot Park in 1998 (Locock et al 1998). Apart from identifying the known later sites, which comprised farmsteads and other surface earthworks (occupation at these sites was shown to start in the 11th century at Moorend Farm), the evaluation identified a number of distinctive gleyed horizons within the alluvial sequence, indicating the presence of former stabilised land surfaces which would suggest that conditions were suitable for early settlement in the area. The uppermost of these gleyed layers, the upper gley band or R-layer, may well be associated with a recent land surface, possibly of Roman or later date. The Blayer or lower gley band and the N-layer (an organic stained clay also referred to as the ‘Baras’ layer) form parts of ancient soil profiles of later Bronze Age and Neolithic date respectively, and whilst the levels of the contemporary land surfaces cannot be determined precisely, they probably lie close to or within the gleyed layers. The environmental conditions in which these gleyed horizons occurred (slightly drier land on the edge of encroaching salt marsh, intersected by streams) seem to have provided highly attractive locations for a range of human activities in 3

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

prehistoric times, probably including hunting, grazing stock and possibly salt-making. For this reason, they have become a focus of archaeological attention at Cabot Park and a number of archaeological deposits have been found associated with the later Bronze Age (B-layer) horizon (Yates et al forthcoming). Another characteristic feature of the alluvial sequence is the presence of relict stream courses, or palaeochannels, that intersect the alluvial layers. Some of these features are minor channels that may have been in place for a short period of time, whilst others have endured over hundreds of years, as part of an evolving, meandering, natural drainage system. The channels are more visible when they cut through the gleyed layers but difficult to distinguish when the gleyed layers are absent. At Cabot Park it has been found that prehistoric sites are located in close relationship with these channels and also that remains of settlement can occur in any area where suitable conditions exist. 1.4

Archaeological and historical background, specific

Packgate Farm, at the western end of the study area, is known to have been established by 1765 (Locock et al 1998) but may have an earlier foundation. The remainder of the application area is known to have contained ridge-and-furrow ploughing, which respects the farmstead boundary and thus is likely to post-date the establishment of the farm (Marvell 2008), although in the case of the Avon Levels this technique may have more to do with drainage than elsewhere. The remainder of the field to the north of Packgate Farm is shown as orchard on the First Edition (1880) 25” Ordnance Survey map. Evaluation trenches excavated in 1998 revealed the presence of a man-made platform on which the farmhouse had been built, as well as a number of other features which appear to indicate an earlier date for the foundation of Packgate. These include a well for which a late 17th century date was postulated, and which cut the platform, indicating that the latter might belong to a foundation of perhaps early 17th century date, perhaps representing a replacement for Yeoman’s, a medieval dwelling lying to the southwest of Packgate Farm, which was abandoned c1600 (idem). The evaluation also revealed a number of gleyed horizons (former stabilised surfaces which have subsequently been waterlogged), sometimes in association with organic lenses. Although no evidence for human activity was noted, these are the environments in which occupation has been found in Cabot Park, and one in particular, the B-layer, has been associated with localised human occupation during the Late Bronze Age at sites such as Little Googs, Stinkums, Kites Corner and most recently, Plot P11 (Tuck 2006).

4

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Area shown in Figure 2

OS Grid

N

Based on the 2007 Ordnance Survey 1:5000 Landplan map with the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright, Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd, Licence number Al10005976 0

1km

Figure 1. Site location 5

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

2

Methodology

A full written, drawn and photographic record was made of all archaeological contexts as appropriate, 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 using a Canon SLR camera, supplemented by a Finepix S9600 and Pentax Optio E40 digital cameras. Finds were selected according to the GGAT Manual of Excavation Recording Techniques discard policy. A total of 14 evaluation trenches (Trenches 78-88 and 90-92) were excavated over the entire development area, mainly in response to anomalies shown on the geophysical survey (Stratascan 2008), using a 360° excavator with 2m grading bucket. The trench numbering sequence follows that established in earlier work at Cabot Park. 2.1

Trenches 79-92

The trenches varied between 5m and 46m in length, and were widened to 4m throughout in order to give a basal width of 2m with a step at c0.80m. One trench (Trench 89) could not be excavated owing to rhine diversion in connection with the construction of the access road to Plots P7/P8. The location of the trenches were chosen for the following rationale: Trench 79: To establish the northern extent of the Packgate platform Trench 80: To test a previously unevaluated area Trench 81: To test whether an area of combined negative and positive anomalies revealed by geophysical survey relates to past human activity Trench 82: To test whether two adjacent areas of positive anomalies revealed by geophysical survey relates relate to past human activity Trench 83: To test whether a positive anomaly with negative response revealed by geophysical survey relates relate to past human activity Trench 84: To test whether a positive anomaly with negative response revealed by geophysical survey relates to past human activity Trench 85: To test whether an area of combined negative and positive anomalies revealed by geophysical survey relates to past human activity Trench 86: To test whether an area of combined negative and positive anomalies revealed by geophysical survey relates to past human activity Trench 87: To test whether an area of combined negative and positive anomalies revealed by geophysical survey relates to past human activity Trench 88: To test whether an area of combined negative and positive anomalies and a moderate strength dipolar anomaly revealed by geophysical survey relates to past human activity Trench 89: To test whether an area of combined negative and positive anomalies revealed by geophysical survey relates to past human activity Trench 90: To test whether an area of combined negative and positive anomalies revealed by geophysical survey relates to past human activity Trench 91: To test whether an area of combined negative and positive anomalies revealed by geophysical survey relates to past human activity 6

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Trench 92: To test whether a positive anomaly with negative response revealed by geophysical survey relates relate to past human activity (Marvell 2008) Each trench was examined for signs of human activity and for any anomaly that might indicate the presence of conditions associated with an archaeological presence. The spoil produced was also monitored for any such variations and for any artefactual evidence that might be present. A photographic record of each trench was made in plan and section, and the basic stratigraphy of each was recorded in order to provide the information necessary to enable a schematic reconstruction to be made. 2.2

Packgate Farm (Trench 78)

Trench 78 was located to examine further the ditch encountered on the north side of the Packgate platform, to establish the relationship of the ditch to the platform and the date of both features, and to establish the northern extent of the Packgate platform (Marvell 2008). This trench was also excavated mechanically to the uppermost archaeological level, at which point it was cleaned manually and fully recorded in plan, and also partially in section. Further recording took place following sampling of a selection of the soil cut features. Otherwise the methodology employed was as given above.

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Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

3

Results

3.1

Trenches 79-92 (Figure 2, Plates 1 and 2)

Trenches 79 and 80, within the former orchard to the north of the Packgate Farm site, differed slightly in their upper stratigraphy both as the result of former land use and owing to disturbance from the construction of a new reen immediately to the west of this field. In T79 up to 0.50m of turf and cultivation soil (79001) overlay the ubiquitous light brown upper alluvial deposit (79002), shading to bluish-grey (79003) and extending to the limit of excavation at 1.20m. Apart from one slight organic lens within the upper alluvial layer, probably caused by root disturbance, there were no features or anomalies, apart from a tree bole (79004) at the western end of the trench, perhaps confirming the former land use in this part of the Packgate holding. In T80 the general sequence was identical to that in T79, apart from some disturbance to the west from upcast produced in excavating the new reen separating the development area from the IO centre to the west. Some slight lenses of gley were noted within the lower alluvium (80003), with a strong gley (80004, thickness 0.08m) being reached at a depth of 1.25m. Below this, as elsewhere, was a ferruginous layer of blue gley (80005), shading to brownish blue at the limit of excavation (1.40m). The fields to the east were rough pasture (Trenches 81-88 and 90-92). In these excavated trenches a broadly similar stratigraphical sequence was encountered. Turf and topsoil (001) overlay rooted loam (002) to a depth of c0.30m, with the light brown coloured upper alluvial level (003) below extending to a depth of c0.70-0.80m before gradually merging into the lower alluvial bluish-brown. In some trenches a weak and partial upper gley helped to distinguish the upper from the lower alluvial layers. Land-drains within the lower part of the upper alluvial level, at a depth of between c0.60 and 0.75m, were also noted in Trenches 83, 88 and 91. The results of excavation within this part of the proposed development area are summarised below (full details are given in Appendix 1): T81 Underlying the upper alluvial clay (81003) and directly above the bluish-brown clay (81005) there appeared to be a weak and partial upper gley (81004); a stronger gley (81006) lay beneath, similar to that noted in the work carried out at Plot 11 (see Tuck 2006). As noted elsewhere, the deposit immediately below gley 81006 was an alluvial clay, yellowish-blue in colour (81007) heavily flecked with a ferruginous material (Plate 1). A sump cut for drainage during backfilling revealed an organic layer (81009, 0.05m thick) at a depth of 1.60m, above a sequence similar to that overlying it, a ferruginous bluish layer (81008) over light blue alluvium (81010). Although there was no evidence for human activity, it is likely that this is the stabilised land surface referred to generally as the B-layer, and thought to have been the basis for scattered occupation during the late Bronze Age. T82 A similar sequence was noted in this trench, with a strong (lower) gley (81005) at a depth of c1.20m. As in T81, a ferruginous layer (81006) was noted beneath the gley, shading to a brownish-blue deposit (81007) at a depth of 1.35m. This lowest layer, here as elsewhere, was very similar to the lower of the two main upper alluvial layers. During backfilling a sump cut for drainage revealed the presence of an organic layer (82008, thickness 0.06m) at a depth of 1.60m. The layers beneath appeared very similar to the sequence above, with ferruginous bluish (82007) giving way to a lighter bluish-brown (82009). T83 At a depth of c1.40-1.50m a weak partial gley was noted (83005), with the underlying layer (83006) being very similar to layer 83004 overlying the gley. 8

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

T84 A blue alluvial clay (84003) underlay the rooted loam (84002); below deposit 84003 was a mid, bluish-brown coloured alluvial clay (84004) which overlay a deposit of light, bluish-brown alluvial clay (84005) heavily fleck with a ferruginous material. Underlying the clay 84005 was an undulating weak and partial gley (84006). T85/86/87 These trenches were linked and are reported together. The upper stratigraphic sequence was as elsewhere, but with a partial and weak upper gley (85004/86004/87004) being represented throughout these trenches, although perhaps being nothing more than a strong horizon between layer 85003/86003/87003, the upper main alluvial layer, and its lower counterpart (85005/86005/87005). A strong lower gley (85006/86005/87006) was present here, overlying a ferruginous layer (85007/86007/87007) above another layer similar to 85005/86005/87005, a sequence very similar to that noted in Trenches 81 and 82. Slightly deeper cuts were made at the northern end of T85 and at the point where Trenches 86 and 87 intersect. In these an organic layer (86009/87009) up to 0.10m thick being noted at a depth of 1.70-1.80m (Plate 2); the sequence found above being parallel to that noted in T81/T82. T88 At its southern end this trench cut into the course of an old reen within which a land drain had been laid, no gleys were observed within the alluvial build-up. (T89 could not be excavated owing to the current reen diversion in connection with the construction of a new access road to Plots P7/P8). T90 There were no distinguishing features within this trench, except that the depth of the main upper alluvial layer (90003) appeared to be greater here than elsewhere, with no discernible horizons above a depth of 1.25m, at which depth it merged with the main lower alluvial layer (90004). Only traces of gley were noted within layer 90003. T91 This trench was similar in its lack of distinguishing features and clear horizons, with the main lower alluvial layer not apparent above a depth of c1.40m. However in a deeper an organic layer (91005), rather more clayey and irregular than that noted in T85-87, was at a depth of between 2.20m and 2.35m, although a central organic band appeared to be present. This could be the same layer as noted at the lowest levels elsewhere (the B-layer), its apparent differences being attributable to the greater depths noted here at the eastern end of the proposed development, or alternatively the N-layer, the lowest organic horizon recognised at Cabot Park. T92 In this trench a similar stratigraphic sequence to that in T90 was observed, the two main upper alluvial layers merged at a depth of c1.25m, where patches of gley (92004) were noted. As elsewhere in these evaluation trenches at the eastern end of the proposed development, the upper main alluvial layer appeared to have a much greater depth.

9

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Legend Estimated extent of Packgate Farm 2008 trenches GRID

1998 trenches

N

0

50metres

Area of standing masonry

Figure 2. Plan showing location of trenches and estimated extent of Packgate Farm 10

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

3.2

Packgate Farm (Trench 78, Figures 2-4, Plates 3-4)

The upper most deposit in trench 78 were loams (78001 and 78002) with a small amount of recent destruction debris at the southern end of the trench, a linear feature (78017/78018) containing 19th century ceramics were also noted. On removal of these layers in the northern half of the trench a thin spread of burnt sandstone, mortar and charcoal (78003) was uncovered and found on removal to overlie a substantial deposit of reddish sandy clay (78004), currently interpreted as the original platform for the construction of the farmhouse. This deposit faded away towards the northern end of the trench where it met a mid grey-brown alluvial loam. A slight depression, with a maximum width of 0.80m and depth of 0.11m, containing organic material and charcoal (008/009) lay further to the north. This produced a single sherd of medieval pottery. Partial sectioning of the platform material (78004) revealed several features. A single subrectangular posthole (78010/78011) measuring 0.30m by 0.22m and with a depth of 0.08m was noted. It was filled with a mixture of loam and platform material, indicating that it was at least a partial void when the platform was laid down (Plates 3 and 4). Also underlying the platform were several possible stakeholes (012-015, 019-021) filled either with platform-type material or with a reddish-orange clay, but the identification of these is less certain. One other posthole (022/023) beneath the southern part of the platform was less clear, but may have been similar in form to 010. A 3m long sondage was excavated at the southern end of Trench 78 to the south of the area of archaeological interest (see Figure 3), in order to establish the underlying stratigraphy. The sequence beneath the area occupied by the platform was a greyish-brown alluvium (78005) shading into bluish grey-brown (78024) at a depth of c1.30m, and it is likely that this sequence extends throughout Trench 78, given its similarity to that found in Trench 79 (qv) to the north. From the top of the upper layer (78005) at least one sherd of medieval date was recovered, as well as a single sherd from context 78009, the fill of the probable relict watercourse, and one other from the platform make-up (78004), but these occurrences may indicate no more than ploughing of the area prior to the establishment of Packgate, perhaps associated with the existence of Yeomans or Moorend during the medieval period. Packgate farmhouse was cleared away completely in 1994, although minor structural evidence remains in various places in undergrowth to the southeast of Trench 78. Evaluation trenches undertaken in 1998 seem to identify layer 003 with the house platform itself (Locock et al 1998, 50-56), although it seems more likely that this is a residue of earlier demolition activity, and that the platform is represented by the reddish clay deposit 004. At present there is no evidence to indicate an earlier foundation for the farm, with the exception of postholes 010 and 022, which indicate some level of earlier activity, and the likelihood is still that Packgate replaced Yeomans, probably early in the 17th century.

11

Plan continues below left

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

78008 78007

78006

78006

Plan continues below left

Plan continued from above right

78009

78004

78005

78016

Area shown in Figure 4

78004

Backfilled Sondage

78018

78005 78017

N

SITE

78016

Plan continued from above right

Legend Stone

Backfilled Sondage

Pottery Skeletal remains Organic staining Clay Charcoal

0

3.00metres

Figure 3. Plan of Trench 78 showing archaeological features 12

Possible burnt bone

Plan continues below left

Plan continued from above right

Area shown in Figure 4

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

78004 78005

78011

78013 78015 78014

78022

78019 78012

78010 78023

N

SITE

78020

0

1.00

78021

2.00metres

Figure 4. Plan showing underlying features within trench 78, location as indicated in Figure 3

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Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

4

The finds

Almost all of the artefactual material from the evaluation was collected as surface finds from the area of Packgate farmhouse and further to the north. This group consisted largely of ceramics and glass with a date range from the 17th to the 19th centuries, but also contained three sherds of medieval date as well as one rimsherd of possible 16th century date. Isolated sherds of medieval pottery were also noted in contexts 004 (the platform), 005 (the upper alluvial layer) and 009 (the fill of the possible relict stream bed), indicating the likelihood of continuity of occupation in the area throughout the medieval and post-medieval periods, whether at Yeomans, Moorend or Packgate. A very small amount of ceramic material was recovered from the upper levels of certain of the other evaluation trenches, notably the reinforced rim of a pan of probable early 17th century date from T91 and another coarseware rim, probably also of 17th century date, from T81. A very worn copper halfpenny, from the lower loam in T87, probably belongs to the period c1675-1775, most likely from the reign of George II or George III.

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Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

4

Conclusions

The results of the evaluation within the three fields in the eastern and northern part of the proposed development area (Trenches 81-92) demonstrates the presence of a stabilized prehistoric ground surface probably dating to the Bronze Age at a depth of c1.60m below the present ground surface; however no evidence for human occupation was noted. On the site of the Packgate farmstead (Trench 78) features associated with the farmhouse survive within 0.3m of the present ground surface, with levels from which medieval material has been recovered immediately underlying the deposit thought to represent the house platform. The deposits underlying the probable house platform contained some evidence for a timber construction that might represent an earlier foundation on the site. The evaluation found no evidence of the geophysical anomalies identified in the Stratascan report of 2008, it is possible that both the positive and negative anomalies recorded by the survey work where formed by minor fluctuations in the gleyed layers.

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Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

References Locock M 1999, Cabot Park Distribution Park and International Rail Freight Terminal, Phase 2: Poplar, Packgate and Moorend, scheme of archaeological investigation Locock M, Robinson S, and Yates A 1998, Cabot Park Phase 2: Poplar, Packgate and Moorend, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological evaluation, GGAT report 98/047, Swansea Marvell AG 2008, Plots P7/P8 Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: Archaeological Written Scheme of Investigation, GGAT report 2008/010, Swansea Stratascan 2008, Geophysical Survey Report, Cabot Park Plots P7/P8, Avonmouth, Stratascan job J2437 Tuck M 2006, Cabot Park, Strategic Drainage Proposals; Second pond at P11 (Pond 6) and pond to the north of Poplar Farm (Pond 7), Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation, GGAT report 2006/092, Swansea Yates AM, Locock M and Walker MJC, forthcoming, ‘A Late Bronze Age coastal landscape at Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol’, Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society

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Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Plate 1: Trench 81, showing lower gley 81006

Plate 2: Trench 85, showing organic layer 85009

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Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Plate 3: Trench 78, platform 78004 (sectioned) and posthole 78010

Plate 4: Trench 78, posthole 78010 (half-sectioned)

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Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Appendix 1: Context index Evaluation trench

Context No:

Type

Description

78

001

Deposit

Turf and cultivation soil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

78

002

Deposit

Rooted subsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

78

003

Deposit

Possible demolition deposit: Burnt red sandstone, lime mortar chunks and flecks of charcoal, within a matrix of mid-brown silt clay

78

004

Deposit

Deposit of red clay forming possible platform make-up

78

005

Deposit

Mid grey-brown alluvial loam, at southern end of trench

78

006

Deposit

Mid grey-brown alluvial loam, at northern end of trench

78

007

Deposit

Orangey-brown clay loam

78

008

Cut

‘U’-shaped cut of shallow linear, forming possible relict stream bed

78

009

Deposit

Greenish-grey silt clay with organic staining, forming the fill of cut 78008

78

010

Cut

Sub-rectangular cut of small posthole

78

011

Deposit

Reddish-brown sandy clay forming the fill of cut 78010

78

012

Deposit

Deposit of reddish-brown sandy clay forming possible stakehole

78

013

Deposit

Deposit of reddish-orange clay forming possible stakehole

78

014

Deposit

Deposit of reddish-brown sandy clay forming possible stakehole

78

015

Deposit

Deposit of reddish-brown sandy clay forming possible stakehole

78

016

Deposit

Mid brown silty loam

78

017

Cut

‘U’-shaped cut of modern linear

78

018

Deposit

Deposit of rubble forming the fill of 78017

78

019

Deposit

Deposit of reddish-brown sandy clay forming possible stakehole

78

020

Deposit

Deposit of reddish-orange clay forming possible stakehole

78

021

Deposit

Deposit of reddish-brown sandy clay forming possible stakehole

78

022

Cut

Sub-circular cut of possible posthole

78

023

Deposit

Reddish-brown sandy clay forming the fill of cut 78022

78

024

Deposit

Bluish-grey alluvial clay 19

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation trench

Context No:

Depth below current ground surface

Height OD

Type

Description

79

001

0-0.50m

6.13m-5.63m

Deposit

Turf and cultivation soil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

79

002

0.50m0.70m/0.80m

5.63m5.43m/5.33m

Deposit

Light brown alluvial clay

79

003

0.70m/0.80m1.20m (LOE)

5.43m/5.33m- Deposit 4.93m

Bluish-grey alluvial clay

79

004

0-0.60m

6.13m-5.53m

Deposit

Tree bole

Evaluation trench

Context No:

Depth below current ground surface

Height OD

Type

Description

80

001

0-0.50m

6.02m-5.52m

Deposit

Turf and cultivation soil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

80

002

0.50m0.70m/0.80m

5.52m5.32m/5.22m

Deposit

Light brown alluvial clay

80

003

0.70m/0.80m1.25m

5.32m/5.22m- Deposit 4.77m

Bluish-grey alluvial clay, containing occasional lenses of blue gley

80

004

1.25m-1.33m

4.77m-4.69m

Deposit

Strong, lower, blue gley

80

005

1.33m-1.40m (LOE)

4.69m-4.62m

Deposit

Light blue alluvial clay with frequent Fe flecking

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Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation trench

Context No:

Depth below current ground surface

Height OD

Type

Description

81

001

0-0.15m

5.99m5.84m

Deposit

Turf and topsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

81

002

0.15m-0.30m

5.84m5.69m

Deposit

Rooted subsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

81

003

0.30m-0.75m

5.69m5.24m

Deposit

Light brown alluvial clay

81

004

0.75m-0.80m

5.24m5.19m

Deposit

Weak, upper blue gley

81

005

0.80m-1.20m

5.19m4.79m

Deposit

Bluish-brown alluvial clay

81

006

1.20m-1.30m

4.79m4.69m

Deposit

Lower blue gley

81

007

1.30m-1.35m

4.69m4.64m

Deposit

Yellowish-blue clay with Fe flecking

81

008

1.35m-1.60m

4.64m4.39m

Deposit

Mid bluish-brown alluvial clay with Fe flecking

81

009

1.60m-1.65m

4.39m4.34m

Deposit

Bluish-black organic layer

81

010

1.65m-1.75m (LOE)

4.34m4.24m

Deposit

Light blue alluvial clay with frequent Fe flecking

21

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation trench

Context No:

Depth below current ground surface

Height OD

Type

Description

82

001

0-0.10m

5.94m5.84m

Deposit

Turf and topsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

82

002

0.10m-0.30m

5.84m5.64m

Deposit

Rooted subsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

82

003

0.30m-0.70m

5.64m5.24m

Deposit

Light brown alluvial clay

82

004

0.70m-1.20m

5.24m4.74m

Deposit

Bluish-brown alluvial clay

82

005

1.20m-1.30m

4.74m4.64m

Deposit

Strong, lower blue gley

82

006

1.30m-1.35m

4.64m4.59m

Deposit

Yellowish-blue clay with Fe flecking

82

007

1.35m-1.60m

4.59m4.39m

Deposit

Mid bluish-brown alluvial clay with Fe flecking

82

008

1.60m-1.65m

4.39m4.29m

Deposit

Bluish-black organic layer

82

009

1.65m-1.75m (LOE)

4.29m4.19m

Deposit

Light bluish-brown alluvial clay with frequent Fe flecking

22

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation trench

Context No:

Depth below current ground surface

Height OD

Type

Description

83

001

0-0.10m

6.05m5.65m

Deposit

Turf and topsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

83

002

0.10m-0.25m

5.95m5.80m

Deposit

Rooted subsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

83

003

0.25m-0.80m

5.80m5.25m

Deposit

Brown alluvial clay. (The deposit contained a land-drain at 0.60m below the current ground surface)

83

004

0.80m-1.40m

5.25m4.65m

Deposit

Mid bluish-brown alluvial clay with Fe flecking

83

005

1.40m-1.50m

4.65m4.55m

Deposit

Partial, weak blue gley

83

006

1.50m-1.60m (LOE)

4.55m4.45m

Deposit

Light bluish-brown alluvial clay with frequent Fe flecking

Evaluation trench

Context No:

Depth below current ground surface

Height OD

Type

Description

84

001

0-0.10m

6.01m5.91m

Deposit

Turf and topsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

84

002

0.10m-0.30m

5.91m5.71m

Deposit

Rooted subsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

84

003

0.30m-0.85m

5.71m5.16m

Deposit

Blue alluvial clay

84

004

0.85m-1.10m

5.16m4.91m

Deposit

Mid bluish-brown alluvial clay with Fe flecking

84

005

1.10m-1.20m

4.91m4.81m

Deposit

Light bluish-brown alluvial clay with frequent Fe flecking

84

006

1.20m-1.45m (LOE)

4.81m4.56m

Deposit

Undulating, partial, weak blue gley

23

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation trench

Context No:

Depth below current ground surface

Height OD

Type

Description

85

001

0-0.10m

6.01m5.91m

Deposit

Turf and topsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

85

002

0.10m-0.30m

5.91m5.71m

Deposit

Rooted subsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

85

003

0.30m-0.80m

5.71m5.21m

Deposit

Light brown alluvial clay

85

004

0.80m-0.90m

5.21m5.11m

Deposit

Partial, weak, upper blue gley

85

005

0.90m-1.40m

5.11m4.61m

Deposit

Bluish-brown alluvial clay

85

006

1.40m-1.50m

4.61m4.51m

Deposit

Lower blue gley

85

007

1.50m-1.60m

4.51m4.41m

Deposit

Light bluish-brown alluvial clay with frequent Fe flecking

85

008

1.60m-1.80m

4.41m4.21m

Deposit

Bluish-brown alluvial clay

85

009

1.80m-1.90m

4.21m4.11m

Deposit

Partial, bluish-black organic layer

85

010

1.90m-1.95m (LOE)

4.11m4.06m

Deposit

Light blue alluvial clay with frequent Fe flecking

24

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation trench

Context No:

Depth below current ground surface

Height OD

Type

Description

86

001

0-0.10m

6.09m5.99m

Deposit

Turf and topsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam:

86

002

0.10m-0.30m

5.99m5.79m

Deposit

Rooted subsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

86

003

0.30m-0.80m

5.79m5.29m

Deposit

Friable brown alluvial clay

86

004

0.80m-0.90m

5.29m5.19m

Deposit

Weak, upper blue gley

86

005

0.90m-1.40m

5.19m4.69m

Deposit

Bluish-brown alluvial clay

86

006

1.40m-1.50m

4.69m4.59m

Deposit

Lower blue gley

86

007

1.50m-1.60m

4.59m4.49m

Deposit

Light bluish-brown alluvial clay with frequent Fe flecking

86

008

1.60m-1.75m

4.49m4.34m

Deposit

Bluish-brown alluvial clay

86

009

1.75m-1.85m

4.34m4.24m

Deposit

Partial, bluish-black organic layer

86

010

1.85m-1.95m (LOE)

4.24m4.14m

Deposit

Light blue alluvial clay with frequent Fe flecking

25

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation trench

Context No:

Depth below current ground surface

Height OD

Type

Description

87

001

0-0.10m

6.10m-6.00m

Deposit

Turf and topsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

87

002

0.10m0.25m/0.30m

6.00m5.85m/5.80m

Deposit

Rooted subsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

87

003

0.25m/0.30m0.85m

5.85m/5.80m5.25m

Deposit

Light brown alluvial clay

87

004

0.85m-0.90m

5.25m-5.20m

Deposit

Partial, weak, upper blue gley

87

005

0.90m1.35m/1.45m

5.20m4.75m/4.65m

Deposit

Bluish-brown alluvial clay

87

006

1.35m/1.45m1.40m/1.55m

4.75m/4.65m4.60m/4.55m

Deposit

Lower blue gley

87

007

1.40m/1.55m (LOE)

4.60m/4.55m

Deposit

Light bluish-brown alluvial clay with frequent Fe flecking

Evaluation trench

Context No:

Depth below current ground surface

Height OD

Type

Description

88

001

0-0.15m

6.23*m6.08m

Deposit

Turf and topsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

88

002

0.15m-0.30m

6.08m5.93m

Deposit

Rooted subsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

88

003

0.30m-0.85m

5.93m5.38m

Deposit

Light brown alluvial clay. (The deposit contained a land-drain at 0.50m below the current ground surface)

88

004

0.85m-1.50m (LOE)

5.38m4.73m

Deposit

Light bluish-brown alluvial clay with frequent Fe flecking

*

Trench 88 was cut through the steeply sloping bank of a relict reen; with the height of the ground surface at the top of the bank (corresponding to the northwestern end of the trench) being recorded as 6.23m OD, whilst the height of the ground surface at the base of the bank (corresponding to the southeastern end of the trench) was recorded as 5.70m OD. The OD heights above where calculated using the ground surface reading taken at the northwestern end of the evaluation trench.

26

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation trench

Context No:

Depth below current ground surface

Height OD

Type

Description

90

001

0-0.15m

6.12m5.97m

Deposit

Turf and topsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

90

002

0.15m-0.30m

5.97m5.82m

Deposit

Rooted subsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

90

003

0.30m-0.85m

5.82m5.27m

Deposit

Brown alluvial clay, containing occasional lenses of blue gley

90

004

0.85m-1.50m (LOE)

5.27m4.62m

Deposit

Bluish-brown alluvial clay with Fe flecking

Evaluation trench

Context No:

Depth below current ground surface

Height OD

Type

Description

91

001

0-0.25m

5.87m5.62m

Deposit

Turf and topsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

91

002

0.25m-0.50m

5.62m5.37m

Deposit

Rooted subsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

91

003

0.50m-1.40m

5.37m4.47m

Deposit

Friable brown alluvial clay. (The deposit contained a land-drain at 0.75m below the current ground surface)

91

004

1.40m-2.10m

4.47m3.77m

Deposit

Bluish-brown alluvial clay with Fe flecking

91

005

2.10m-2.35m (LOE)

3.77m3.52m

Deposit

Bluish-black organic layer with a heavier clay content

27

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation trench

Context No:

Depth below current ground surface

Height OD

Type

Description

92

001

0-0.10m

6.07m5.97m

Deposit

Turf and topsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

92

002

0.10m-0.25m

5.97m5.82m

Deposit

Rooted subsoil: Dark brown, silty clay loam

92

003

0.25m-1.20m

5.82m4.87m

Deposit

Light brown alluvial clay with Fe flecking

92

004

1.20m-1.25m

4.87m4.82m

Deposit

Blue gley occurring in frequent patches

92

005

1.25m-1.50m (LOE)

4.82m4.57m

Deposit

Light bluish-brown alluvial clay with frequent Fe flecking

28

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Appendix 2: Finds index Context -

Material type

Description

Quantity

Weight (kg)

Period

Pottery

Surface finds from Packgate Farm Field (Trenches 78-80). Medieval glazed and unglazed ceramics. Post-medieval ceramics including blackwares, local coarsewares, yellow glazed buffwares, cream coloured earthenwares, transfer printed earthenwares and modern ceramics. Animal bone, postmedieval bottle glass and ironwork, as well as clay and glass marbles were also present.

N/A

N/A

Medieval Modern

78004

Animal bone

Partially articulated skeleton. ?chicken

52

0.024

Undiagnostic

78004

Pottery

Basal sherd of a cooking pot with internal glaze

1

0.012

Medieval

78005

Animal bone

3

0.008

Undiagnostic

78005

Pottery

Bodysherd of an unglazed cookware vessel

1

0.012

Medieval

78009

Pottery

Rimsherd of an unglazed, decorated vessel

2=1

0.008

Medieval

78016

Animal bone

4 (=3)

0.310

Undiagnostic

78016

Pottery

Bodysherd of a local coarseware vessel

1

0.008

Postmedieval

78018

Pottery

A representative sample including local coarsewares, cream coloured earthenwares, transfer printed earthenwares and modern ceramics

N/A

N/A

Postmedieval Modern

81001

Pottery

Bodysherd of white earthenware vessel

1

0.002

Postmedieval

81002

Pottery

Glazed coarseware rimsherd probably dating to the 17th century

1

0.044

Postmedieval

86001

Pottery

Bodysherd of a white earthenware transfer printed vessel with hints of a green glaze

1

0.001

Postmedieval

86002

Pottery

Bodysherd from a white semiporcelain vessel with an under glaze blue transfer print

1

0.001

Postmedieval

-

-

29

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Context

Material type

87002

Coin

T91 U/S

Description

Quantity

Weight (kg)

A copper halfpenny most likely dating to the reign of either George II or George III (c1675-1775)

1

0.001

Postmedieval

Pottery

Glazed rimsherd of a reinforced pan, probably dating to the early 17th century

1

0.118

Postmedieval

T91 U/S

Pottery

Basal sherd of a white earthenware plate with a under glaze blue transfer pint

2=1

0.004

Postmedieval

92001

Pottery

Rimsherd of a local coarseware vessel

1

0.018

Postmedieval

92001

Pottery

Bodysherd from a white semiporcelain vessel with an under glaze blue transfer print

1

0.001

Postmedieval

92001

Pottery

Bodysherd of a modern ceramic with cream coloured glazed

1

0.002

Modern

Note: U

/S: Unstratified

(=1): Fragments join

30

Period