Вы находитесь на странице: 1из 31

Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth,

Bristol
Archaeological field evaluation
May 2008
GGAT report no. 2008/022
Project no.P1251
A report for Cabot Property Partnership National Grid Reference:
by Steve Sell BA & Andy Sherman BA ST 53657975 53977947

TE
GI S R
RE

ED

I A
N
OR

IO

A N I SAT
G

The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd


Heathfield House Heathfield Swansea SA1 6EL
Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Contents

Summary 2
Acknowledgments 2
Copyright notice 2

1 Introduction
1.1 Development proposal and commission 3
1.2 Location and description of site 3
1.3 Archaeological and historical background, general 3
1.4 Archaeological and historical background, specific 4

2 Methodology 6
2.1 Trenches 79-92 6
2.2 Packgate Farm (Trench 78) 7

3 Results 8
3.1 Trenches 79-92 8
3.2 Packgate Farm (Trench 78) 11

4 The Finds 14

5 Conclusions 15

References 16

Appendix 1: Context index 19


Appendix 2: Finds index 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 Trench 81, showing lower gley 81006 17
Plate 2 Trench 85, showing organic layer 85009 17
Plate 3 Trench 78, showing platform 78004 (sectioned) and posthole 78010 18
Plate 4 Trench 78, showing posthole 78010 (half-sectioned) 18

1
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.

2
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 B-
layer 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.

7
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 sub-
rectangular 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
Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Plan continues below left


78008
78007 78006
78006
78009
Plan continued from above right

Plan continues below left


78004
78005

78016

Area shown in Figure 4 Area shown in Figure 4


Plan continued from above right

Plan continues below left


78004
78005 78018 Backfilled
Sondage
78017

78016
SITE

Legend
Plan continued from above right

Stone
Backfilled Pottery
Sondage
Skeletal remains

Organic staining

Clay

Charcoal

0 3.00metres
Possible burnt bone

Figure 3. Plan of Trench 78 showing archaeological features


12
Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

78004
78005

78011 78013
78015

78014
78022
78019

78012 78010
78023

78020 78021

0 1.00 2.00metres
SITE

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

13
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.

14
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.

15
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

16
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

17
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)

18
Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Appendix 1: Context index

Evaluation Context Type Description


trench No:
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 Context Depth below Height OD Type Description


trench No: current ground
surface
79 001 0-0.50m 6.13m-5.63m Deposit Turf and cultivation
soil: Dark brown, silty
clay loam
79 002 0.50m- 5.63m- Deposit Light brown alluvial
0.70m/0.80m 5.43m/5.33m clay
79 003 0.70m/0.80m- 5.43m/5.33m- Deposit Bluish-grey alluvial
1.20m (LOE) 4.93m clay
79 004 0-0.60m 6.13m-5.53m Deposit Tree bole

Evaluation Context Depth below Height OD Type Description


trench No: current ground
surface
80 001 0-0.50m 6.02m-5.52m Deposit Turf and cultivation
soil: Dark brown, silty
clay loam
80 002 0.50m- 5.52m- Deposit Light brown alluvial
0.70m/0.80m 5.32m/5.22m clay
80 003 0.70m/0.80m- 5.32m/5.22m- Deposit Bluish-grey alluvial
1.25m 4.77m 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 4.69m-4.62m Deposit Light blue alluvial clay
(LOE) with frequent Fe
flecking

20
Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation Context Depth below Height OD Type Description


trench No: current ground
surface
81 001 0-0.15m 5.99m- Deposit Turf and topsoil: Dark
5.84m brown, silty clay loam
81 002 0.15m-0.30m 5.84m- Deposit Rooted subsoil: Dark
5.69m brown, silty clay loam
81 003 0.30m-0.75m 5.69m- Deposit Light brown alluvial
5.24m clay
81 004 0.75m-0.80m 5.24m- Deposit Weak, upper blue gley
5.19m
81 005 0.80m-1.20m 5.19m- Deposit Bluish-brown alluvial
4.79m clay
81 006 1.20m-1.30m 4.79m- Deposit Lower blue gley
4.69m
81 007 1.30m-1.35m 4.69m- Deposit Yellowish-blue clay
4.64m with Fe flecking
81 008 1.35m-1.60m 4.64m- Deposit Mid bluish-brown
4.39m alluvial clay with Fe
flecking
81 009 1.60m-1.65m 4.39m- Deposit Bluish-black organic
4.34m layer
81 010 1.65m-1.75m 4.34m- Deposit Light blue alluvial clay
(LOE) 4.24m with frequent Fe
flecking

21
Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation Context No: Depth below Height OD Type Description


trench current ground
surface
82 001 0-0.10m 5.94m- Deposit Turf and topsoil: Dark
5.84m brown, silty clay loam
82 002 0.10m-0.30m 5.84m- Deposit Rooted subsoil: Dark
5.64m brown, silty clay loam
82 003 0.30m-0.70m 5.64m- Deposit Light brown alluvial
5.24m clay
82 004 0.70m-1.20m 5.24m- Deposit Bluish-brown alluvial
4.74m clay
82 005 1.20m-1.30m 4.74m- Deposit Strong, lower blue gley
4.64m
82 006 1.30m-1.35m 4.64m- Deposit Yellowish-blue clay
4.59m with Fe flecking
82 007 1.35m-1.60m 4.59m- Deposit Mid bluish-brown
4.39m alluvial clay with Fe
flecking
82 008 1.60m-1.65m 4.39m- Deposit Bluish-black organic
4.29m layer
82 009 1.65m-1.75m 4.29m- Deposit Light bluish-brown
(LOE) 4.19m alluvial clay with
frequent Fe flecking

22
Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation Context No: Depth below Height OD Type Description


trench current ground
surface
83 001 0-0.10m 6.05m- Deposit Turf and topsoil: Dark
5.65m brown, silty clay loam
83 002 0.10m-0.25m 5.95m- Deposit Rooted subsoil: Dark
5.80m brown, silty clay loam
83 003 0.25m-0.80m 5.80m- Deposit Brown alluvial clay.
5.25m (The deposit contained
a land-drain at 0.60m
below the current
ground surface)
83 004 0.80m-1.40m 5.25m- Deposit Mid bluish-brown
4.65m alluvial clay with Fe
flecking
83 005 1.40m-1.50m 4.65m- Deposit Partial, weak blue gley
4.55m
83 006 1.50m-1.60m 4.55m- Deposit Light bluish-brown
(LOE) 4.45m alluvial clay with
frequent Fe flecking

Evaluation Context No: Depth below Height OD Type Description


trench current ground
surface
84 001 0-0.10m 6.01m- Deposit Turf and topsoil: Dark
5.91m brown, silty clay loam
84 002 0.10m-0.30m 5.91m- Deposit Rooted subsoil: Dark
5.71m brown, silty clay loam
84 003 0.30m-0.85m 5.71m- Deposit Blue alluvial clay
5.16m
84 004 0.85m-1.10m 5.16m- Deposit Mid bluish-brown
4.91m alluvial clay with Fe
flecking
84 005 1.10m-1.20m 4.91m- Deposit Light bluish-brown
4.81m alluvial clay with
frequent Fe flecking
84 006 1.20m-1.45m 4.81m- Deposit Undulating, partial,
(LOE) 4.56m weak blue gley

23
Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation Context No: Depth below Height OD Type Description


trench current ground
surface
85 001 0-0.10m 6.01m- Deposit Turf and topsoil: Dark
5.91m brown, silty clay loam
85 002 0.10m-0.30m 5.91m- Deposit Rooted subsoil: Dark
5.71m brown, silty clay loam
85 003 0.30m-0.80m 5.71m- Deposit Light brown alluvial
5.21m clay
85 004 0.80m-0.90m 5.21m- Deposit Partial, weak, upper
5.11m blue gley
85 005 0.90m-1.40m 5.11m- Deposit Bluish-brown alluvial
4.61m clay
85 006 1.40m-1.50m 4.61m- Deposit Lower blue gley
4.51m
85 007 1.50m-1.60m 4.51m- Deposit Light bluish-brown
4.41m alluvial clay with
frequent Fe flecking
85 008 1.60m-1.80m 4.41m- Deposit Bluish-brown alluvial
4.21m clay
85 009 1.80m-1.90m 4.21m- Deposit Partial, bluish-black
4.11m organic layer
85 010 1.90m-1.95m 4.11m- Deposit Light blue alluvial clay
(LOE) 4.06m with frequent Fe
flecking

24
Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation Context No: Depth below Height OD Type Description


trench current ground
surface
86 001 0-0.10m 6.09m- Deposit Turf and topsoil: Dark
5.99m brown, silty clay loam:
86 002 0.10m-0.30m 5.99m- Deposit Rooted subsoil: Dark
5.79m brown, silty clay loam
86 003 0.30m-0.80m 5.79m- Deposit Friable brown alluvial
5.29m clay
86 004 0.80m-0.90m 5.29m- Deposit Weak, upper blue gley
5.19m
86 005 0.90m-1.40m 5.19m- Deposit Bluish-brown alluvial
4.69m clay
86 006 1.40m-1.50m 4.69m- Deposit Lower blue gley
4.59m
86 007 1.50m-1.60m 4.59m- Deposit Light bluish-brown
4.49m alluvial clay with
frequent Fe flecking
86 008 1.60m-1.75m 4.49m- Deposit Bluish-brown alluvial
4.34m clay
86 009 1.75m-1.85m 4.34m- Deposit Partial, bluish-black
4.24m organic layer
86 010 1.85m-1.95m 4.24m- Deposit Light blue alluvial clay
(LOE) 4.14m with frequent Fe
flecking

25
Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation Context Depth below Height OD Type Description


trench No: current ground
surface
87 001 0-0.10m 6.10m-6.00m Deposit Turf and topsoil: Dark
brown, silty clay loam
87 002 0.10m- 6.00m- Deposit Rooted subsoil: Dark
0.25m/0.30m 5.85m/5.80m brown, silty clay loam
87 003 0.25m/0.30m- 5.85m/5.80m- Deposit Light brown alluvial
0.85m 5.25m clay
87 004 0.85m-0.90m 5.25m-5.20m Deposit Partial, weak, upper
blue gley
87 005 0.90m- 5.20m- Deposit Bluish-brown alluvial
1.35m/1.45m 4.75m/4.65m clay
87 006 1.35m/1.45m- 4.75m/4.65m- Deposit Lower blue gley
1.40m/1.55m 4.60m/4.55m
87 007 1.40m/1.55m 4.60m/4.55m Deposit Light bluish-brown
(LOE) alluvial clay with
frequent Fe flecking

Evaluation Context Depth below Height OD Type Description


trench No: current ground
surface
88 001 0-0.15m 6.23*m- Deposit Turf and topsoil: Dark
6.08m brown, silty clay loam
88 002 0.15m-0.30m 6.08m- Deposit Rooted subsoil: Dark
5.93m brown, silty clay loam
88 003 0.30m-0.85m 5.93m- Deposit Light brown alluvial
5.38m clay. (The deposit
contained a land-drain
at 0.50m below the
current ground surface)
88 004 0.85m-1.50m 5.38m- Deposit Light bluish-brown
(LOE) 4.73m 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 Context Depth below Height OD Type Description


trench No: current ground
surface
90 001 0-0.15m 6.12m- Deposit Turf and topsoil: Dark
5.97m brown, silty clay loam
90 002 0.15m-0.30m 5.97m- Deposit Rooted subsoil: Dark
5.82m brown, silty clay loam
90 003 0.30m-0.85m 5.82m- Deposit Brown alluvial clay,
5.27m containing occasional
lenses of blue gley
90 004 0.85m-1.50m 5.27m- Deposit Bluish-brown alluvial
(LOE) 4.62m clay with Fe flecking

Evaluation Context Depth below Height OD Type Description


trench No: current ground
surface
91 001 0-0.25m 5.87m- Deposit Turf and topsoil: Dark
5.62m brown, silty clay loam
91 002 0.25m-0.50m 5.62m- Deposit Rooted subsoil: Dark
5.37m brown, silty clay loam
91 003 0.50m-1.40m 5.37m- Deposit Friable brown alluvial
4.47m clay. (The deposit
contained a land-drain
at 0.75m below the
current ground surface)
91 004 1.40m-2.10m 4.47m- Deposit Bluish-brown alluvial
3.77m clay with Fe flecking
91 005 2.10m-2.35m 3.77m- Deposit Bluish-black organic
(LOE) 3.52m layer with a heavier
clay content

27
Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Evaluation Context Depth below Height OD Type Description


trench No: current ground
surface
92 001 0-0.10m 6.07m- Deposit Turf and topsoil: Dark
5.97m brown, silty clay loam
92 002 0.10m-0.25m 5.97m- Deposit Rooted subsoil: Dark
5.82m brown, silty clay loam
92 003 0.25m-1.20m 5.82m- Deposit Light brown alluvial
4.87m clay with Fe flecking
92 004 1.20m-1.25m 4.87m- Deposit Blue gley occurring in
4.82m frequent patches
92 005 1.25m-1.50m 4.82m- Deposit Light bluish-brown
(LOE) 4.57m alluvial clay with
frequent Fe flecking

28
Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Appendix 2: Finds index

Context Material Description Quantity Weight Period


type (kg)
- Pottery Surface finds from Packgate Farm N/A N/A Medieval -
Field (Trenches 78-80). Medieval Modern
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, post-
medieval bottle glass and
ironwork, as well as clay and glass
marbles were also present.
78004 Animal Partially articulated skeleton. 52 0.024 Undiagnostic
bone ?chicken
78004 Pottery Basal sherd of a cooking pot with 1 0.012 Medieval
internal glaze
78005 Animal - 3 0.008 Undiagnostic
bone
78005 Pottery Bodysherd of an unglazed 1 0.012 Medieval
cookware vessel
78009 Pottery Rimsherd of an unglazed, 2=1 0.008 Medieval
decorated vessel
78016 Animal - 4 (=3) 0.310 Undiagnostic
bone
78016 Pottery Bodysherd of a local coarseware 1 0.008 Post-
vessel medieval
78018 Pottery A representative sample including N/A N/A Post-
local coarsewares, cream coloured medieval -
earthenwares, transfer printed Modern
earthenwares and modern ceramics
81001 Pottery Bodysherd of white earthenware 1 0.002 Post-
vessel medieval
81002 Pottery Glazed coarseware rimsherd 1 0.044 Post-
probably dating to the 17th century medieval
86001 Pottery Bodysherd of a white earthenware 1 0.001 Post-
transfer printed vessel with hints of medieval
a green glaze
86002 Pottery Bodysherd from a white semi- 1 0.001 Post-
porcelain vessel with an under medieval
glaze blue transfer print

29
Plot P7/P8, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, Bristol: archaeological field evaluation

Context Material Description Quantity Weight Period


type (kg)
87002 Coin A copper halfpenny most likely 1 0.001 Post-
dating to the reign of either George medieval
II or George III (c1675-1775)
T91 U/S Pottery Glazed rimsherd of a reinforced 1 0.118 Post-
pan, probably dating to the early medieval
17th century
T91 U/S Pottery Basal sherd of a white earthenware 2=1 0.004 Post-
plate with a under glaze blue medieval
transfer pint
92001 Pottery Rimsherd of a local coarseware 1 0.018 Post-
vessel medieval
92001 Pottery Bodysherd from a white semi- 1 0.001 Post-
porcelain vessel with an under medieval
glaze blue transfer print
92001 Pottery Bodysherd of a modern ceramic 1 0.002 Modern
with cream coloured glazed

Note:
U
/S: Unstratified
(=1): Fragments join

30

Вам также может понравиться