Archaeology Round-up February to June 2011
East Sussex
Ashburnham: Kitchenham Farm. On the upper east field the trench was dug over an area
identified by the magnetometer. There was much kiln debris – burnt clay, cinder and charcoal.
In the middle of the trench was a post-hole packed on the outside with building material and the
inner packing included two amphora handles. No walls of a building were identified. The sole of
a child’s shoe was found in this trench along with lots of pottery.
The second trench sectioned a ditch feature on the lower east field. This had been capped using
iron working debris when partially filled. There was a huge amount of pottery from this trench.
The lower and much wetter part of the trench contained wooden planks and stakes plus a tree
trunk, a slice of which has gone for dendro dating. Eight partial leather sandals were also
recovered, one almost complete. The leather and part of a wooden comb have gone to UCL for
conservation. From the upper fill above the capping a military doctor’s bronze scalpel handle
(Jackson Type 1) was recovered and is now logged on the BM database (HAARG).
Barcombe, nr Culver Fm. Survey work has produced some impressive geophysics results in the
area where Margary’s slot no. 14, Roman road is located. The results show a multitude of features
that may represent a small town. Pottery from fieldwork there spans a couple of centuries but
more work needs to be done and some evaluation excavations are planned for next year (Rob
Wallace/CP). Dave Stavely, on the other hand, is keen to prove his theory that the results actually
represent a Mansio complex and is one of a series located along major river/ Roman road courses
(Rob Wallace/Culver Project & Dave Stavely).
Barcombe Roman Villa. A magnetometer survey in the field containing the bath house at
Barcombe has revealed a number of possible Roman features, including possible track ways
crossing the stream towards the Villa, to the south of the present footpath (Dave Stavely).
Barcombe: Handlye Farm (TQ 4112 1565) HFB 11 OASIS ID: 102491
A watching brief related to ground work associated with the construction of a timber framed
garage, annex as well as footings for a new porch. No archaeological finds or features revealed.
Topsoil and made ground were observed directly overlaying the yellow clay geology (ASE).
*Bishopstone Tidemills. Work on the greenhouse has revealed a two phase structure. What was
thought to be an incinerator is more likely to be a field kitchen of some sort but there are some
discrepancies with dating. Work has also recently begun on an enclosed area which was thought
to have been the town dump but on clearing the vegetation this is probably not a dump but
something a little more complicated (Luke Barber/SAS)
Brede, Little Park Wood. (TQ 814186). An undated bloomery site has been (WIRG).
Brightling, Purchase Wood. (TQ 6774 2004). Undated bloomery sites were discovered (WIRG).
*Brighton, Rocky Clump. (TQ 328101). BHAS returned to Rocky Clump in April to the south
field. The new series of excavations will investigate geophysical anomalies found in geophysical
surveys. The first trench revealed only virgin chalk, but the second has uncovered a whole range
of features, including pits and gullies. Finds have included Roman pottery, Iron Age pottery and
possibly even Saxon pottery. Other finds of bone and shell were made as well as a Roman coin
found by detecting close to the site. The excavations are planned to continue until the late
autumn. For further details contact John Funnell on john.funnell@brightonarch.org.uk or call
01273 607127. This year BHAS have had people from Sweden, France and Russia joining the
dig. Such is the power of the internet. (BHAS).
Brighton, Romsey Close. A watching brief recovered little of interest. (BHAS)
Brighton, Piddinghoe Close. A watching brief recovered little of interest. (BHAS)
Brighton, Falmer cycle track. A watching brief recovered little of interest. (BHAS)
Brighton, Falmer, Bennett’s Field (Brighton Community Stadium). (TQ 535210 108510)
The excavations included the stripping of topsoil and subsoil across an area of approximately 1.5
hectares, revealing the natural chalk and extensive clusters of decalcified solution hollows, which
were sampled to prove their natural, geological origins. Below topsoil to the south of the site the
colluvial fill of a superficial east to west dry valley was revealed but, as no development was
planned to impact upon it, was not evaluated through geoarchaeological investigation.
No archaeological finds, deposits or features were uncovered during these works (ASE).
Brighton, Royal Sussex County Hospital. The future development of the site is still being
considered. It seems certain that all the buildings fronting Eastern Road will be demolished,
including the original Barry Building which includes the listed Chapel. The latest proposal is to
site the helipad on top of the Thomas Kemp Tower, it being supported on an independent space
frame (SIAS).
Brighton, Whitehawk Hill. Matt Pope is planning more field work in association with BHAS
looking at the features found when the allotment boundary fence was moved southwards (BHAS).
Brighton, Royal Alexander Hospital for Sick Children. The planning application for
conversion of this former hospital in Dyke Road to domestic accommodation has now been
approved. All the buildings except the original 1880 ones are to be demolished apart from the
1913 TB wards which are to be unglazed and retained as balconies (SIAS).
Brighton, Stanmer House, Stanmer Park. (TQ 53364 10945). A strip-map-sample
investigation was undertaken in advance of a residential development, largely within the same
footprint of the former service range demolished in 1960s. Many structural elements were
exposed and recorded and detailed hand excavation was targeted on phasing the many internal
and external alterations. Previously unrecorded structures were identified including a possible
boundary wall, cellar/ice house and water management systems. Although not securely dated,
documentary sources and physical relationships indicate that the earliest structural remains are of
17th- century date and possibly relate to the Jacobean mansion that underwent extensive
remodeling and enlargement in the 1720s. A final phase of investigation will take place in the
near future within an area not accessible at the time of these works (ASE).
Boreham Street (near), Castle Croft. Ongoing geophysics and, working on a NE licence, test
pitting on the adjoining field planned for this autumn (HAARG).
Darwell Wood, Darwell View (privately owned, part of Darwell Wood). A number of charcoal
platforms have been identified (SEWAF).
Darwell Forest (FC). A quick survey was undertaken to determine the important of features for
contractors to avoid in forthcoming felling. Numerous minepits, some extremely large, were
located. A very old ash stool was found at TQ 7096 1979 (cpt 7039b/c). There are two beech trees
straddling an old track at TQ 7013 1989 (cpt 7034e) on the edge of an area designated for
clearfell (SEWAF).
Dudwell Valley. An area stretching from Brightling to near Wadhurst (i.e. 70 sq km expansion
eastwards of an earlier study area described in SAC 119) has been the subject of interest
regarding early iron-working site distribution. The Dudwell Valley area, explored in April,
produced no new sites but there may be bloomery sites in Dallington Forest (WIRG).
East Dean Water Treatment Works. (TV 5576 9630). No significant archaeological remains
were encountered during the archaeological investigations although pieces of metalwork of
medieval and post-medieval date were recovered from the ploughsoil (ASE).
Hartfield, Whitepost Wood. Excavation recommenced where previously a C14 date for
charcoal of the Saxon period and 1st/2nd cent RB pottery had been recorded. Two days' digging
in May and June have revealed further pottery, this time possibly 2nd cent BC! Remains of a
smelting furnace will be further investigated on 10 July (WIRG).
Lewes area. A large Middle Bronze Age hoard was recently found by a detectorists. The find
spot was subsequently subjected to archaeological excavation. The hoard included decorated foil
discs (that may be the first to be found in England), torques, beads, rings, Sussex loops and axes
etc all enclosed in a ceramic vessel. The British Museum is currently assessing the finds (PAS/
SAS).
Lewes, Rose Cottage, Mount Street. (TQ 41491 09669). A watching brief between 16th and
17th May 2011 was conducted in the gardens of Rose Cottage during the construction of
extensions to the cottage at the front and back of the building. A total area of c. 32m2 was in
order to assess archaeological potential and survival at the site. Topsoil was recorded directly
overlying natural head deposits at c. 0.55m BGL. The lack of subsoil and/or residual
archaeological finds suggests that the whole site has been previously reduced to natural head
deposits at some time in the past, probably during construction of Rose Cottage or during
construction for the railway cutting immediately south of the site. No archaeological deposits or
features were identified during the watching brief (ASE).
Lydd Quarry. (TQ 60060 12070). Watching brief in February and March 2011, was maintained
during topsoil stripping in the latest phase of fieldwork at Lydd Quarry on the Kent/Sussex
border. The work identified remains dating to the prehistoric, medieval and post-medieval
periods. Several small scatters of worked and fire-cracked flint probably represented nonpermanent Bronze Age hunting and resource gathering. This general pattern of prehistoric
activity has been recorded over much of the quarry area. A discrete area of medieval probable salt
working was identified, comprising five large, shallow, sub-rectangular pits, perhaps representing
filtration tanks, and three ditches. A large assemblage of medieval pottery was recovered from
the proposed salt working features, together with significant quantities of animal bone and fired
clay. Further elements of the extensive later medieval and post-medieval field systems were
mapped and sampled, most notably a small rectangular livestock enclosure perhaps dating to the
13th or 14th century; this had apparently been incorporated into a perhaps 16th- century large,
rectangular field (ASE).
Maresfield, Park Farm. (TQ 4642 2386). A total of 26 trial trenches were excavated between
21st and 29th March 2011, as part of an evaluation of the site prior to redevelopment. Of the
twenty-six trenches, 1-4, 6-11, 16 and 23 contained archaeological features which were
represented primarily by ditches with some possible pitting/posthole features. The majority of
archaeological activity was located in the western half of the site where a possible Roman field
system/enclosure was recorded across Trenches 1, 3, 10 and 11. A compact levelling deposit was
encountered beneath the topsoil and overlying the subsoil in Trenches 10-14. A few tile
fragments were recovered from this deposit for dating. It is likely that this was deposited to level
the area during the time of the military camp, perhaps so that the field could be used as
recreational grounds (as suggested by the cartographic evidence). Natural geology varied across
the site but comprised either Tunbridge Wells Sands or Ardingly Sandstone. Also encountered were
pockets of reddish-brown silty sand (natural geology), which after weathering look like
archaeological features. Where true archaeological features were present they were clear and
were generally cut into the yellowish sandy geology. All of the features were sealed by a generally
intact layer of either accumulated subsoil or topsoil. Occasional land drains and two service cables
were also located (ASE).
Mayfield, Old Coppers, High Street. (TQ 558351 126939). A watching brief was maintained
during groundworks associated with the erection of an extension. Mechanical and manual
excavations of strip footings were monitored. Limited ground reduction was also observed. The
only observed features were two late post-medieval brick- and stone-built wells. No other
significant archaeological deposits, features or finds were encountered (ASE).
Peacehaven, Football club. A watching brief recovered little of interest. (BHAS)
Polegate, Dittons Road. (NGR 559820 104967). An archaeological evaluation of the site by
trial trenches undertaken in July and August 2010 revealed a number of areas of archaeological
interest, which were subsequently examined during watching brief visits and as excavation areas.
Five discrete areas were earmarked for full archaeological excavation in addition to areas such as
the haulage road covered by archaeological monitoring and recording. Following the initial work
in these zones, contingency areas were also stripped, resulting in the creation of three separate
archaeological areas.
The most striking features at the site were ditches and gullies which form elements of a system of
enclosures and associated droveway(s) with the focus of this activity sitting on the higher ground
at the site. They were orientated broadly from south-east to north-west and from south-west to
north-east, arguably forming one main enclosure, with other smaller associated enclosures. There
were a small number of stratigraphic relationships between these features, and all were
investigated. Other features included curvilinear ditches and a number of pits and post-holes. Pits
that may have been associated with salt working were encountered at the extreme eastern end of
one of the examined areas.
A small assemblage of finds was recovered from the site. A brief initial scan of the pottery
suggests that the vast majority is of a similar character to that recovered during the evaluation:
largely consisting of grog-tempered wares which may be of Late Iron Age or earlier Roman date
(c.AD1-100). Given the very low proportion of ‘Romanised’ fabrics from the site, it seems
unlikely that there is substantial activity post-dating the 1st century although at least one example
of a Samian dish dates to the period AD120-150. A small assemblage of prehistoric flint work
was also recovered both from features and from the overburden across the site. Environmental
samples of varying size were also taken from a variety of features (ASE).
Robertsbridge Abbey. An EH licence has been obtained to undertake a geophysical survey on
Robertsbridge Abbey starting on 18th July. HAARG will be collaborating with David Martin to
update his previous work to produce a report. (HAARG).
Rye, Hilltop Drive. (NGR 591846 121416). Six 10m long evaluation trenches were mechanically
excavated at the site, located at the western end of Hilltop Drive, in early May 2011. No
significant archaeological; deposits, features or finds were identified at the site, which had been
heavily truncated, possibly as a result of the use of the area as a works compound during the
construction of Hilltop Drive (ASE).
Southease swing bridge. The swing bridge over the Ouse Navigation has now been restored by
the Environment Agency but it is not as yet capable of opening in spite of the crown wheel
having been renewed (SIAS).
Telscombe, St Michaels. A small field walking produced an interesting collection of late
Neolithic/ Early Bronze Age flintwork. More field-walking in the adjacent fields is planned
(BHAS).
Warbleton parish, Hole Farm. (TQ 635150). A Roman bloomery, site previously found but
with an incorrect NGR, re-allocated. A section of route-way was found and conserved from
damage by famer (SEWAF).
West Sussex
Alfoldean, The Mansio, Stane Street. Work is continuing at the site including field walking and
magnetometry. The most recent magnetometry (carried out in the spring courtesy of Surrey
Roman Studies Group) has continued to show what we now believe could be an Iron Age field
system to the south of the mansio and vicus location. Further field walking in the autumn will be
carried out across areas of interest that have shown up. In the western field of the site, there may
be a possible later bath house (box flue tiles found further away from the scheduled site, close to
the river) and other as yet unclear areas associated with the mansio and vicus. We intend further
investigation when possible, but again are seasonally limited (Horsham District Archaeological
Group: HDAG).
Arundel, Yapton. A bridge over the former Portsmouth to Arundel Canal is in danger of being
demolished by the developer of the site and representation for its preservation have been made by
the Society. Poyntz Bridge on the Chichester Canal branch has now been redecked (SIAS).
Billingshurst - Land south of Hilland Farm, Stane Street. During trial trench excavation a
scatter of mesolithic/neolithic worked flint and waste flakes was recorded across the field. Some
further investigation and recording is intended (ASE).
Billingshurst. (TQ 509390 126090). A walkover survey, detailed magnetometer survey and
programme of surface artefact collection was undertaken on a c.27ha plot of land incorporating a
number of separate fields to the north-east of Billingshurst, West Sussex. The walkover survey
identified a number of remnant and existing landscape features across the entire examined area.
Similarly the geophysical survey highlighted a number of anomalies of differing character across
the site. The surface artefact collection was limited to a single field of c.8.5ha. A range of
artefacts including struck and fire-cracked flint and Roman pottery was found, but the vast
majority of recovered material was post-medieval in date (ASE).
Bognor Regis, Butlins Hotel A. The final stage of archaeological monitoring at the edge of the
Aldingbourne Rife watercourse has now been carried out. Samples have been taken from the
Pagham Raised Beach deposits and organic deposits for submission for scientific dating.
(Headland Archaeology).
Chichester, Compton & Up Marden C of E Primary School, School Lane, Compton. (SU
77735 14688). A resistance survey of an area comprising 600m2 of land covered with short grass
was undertaklen. The survey aimed to identify anomalies potentially relating to medieval or early
post medieval settlement activity. The survey has successfully revealed anomalies of possible
archaeological origin. A single high resistance rectilinear anomaly in the north-west of the survey
area was found to relate to a former mini adventure playground (ASE).
Chichester, Tower Street. Work has begun this week on the re-exposure of the previously
excavated Roman Bath house which will be displayed beneath the floor of the newly built
Chichester District Museum. Previous excavations in 1974-1975 by Alec Down revealed Roman
masonry, with limited re-exposure of part of the Thermae in 1990 by James Kenny. The backfill
of the previous excavations was carefully removed using a combination of mechanical and hand
excavation to reveal the masonry remains of the Thermae, including a range of two adjoining hot
rooms (Down’s Rooms 1 and 2) with associated hypocaust and stokery. Although a great deal of
truncation from later medieval and post-medieval pitting was evident across the excavated area,
the overall condition of the surviving Roman masonry was found to be excellent, with very little
degradation since their original exposure in the 1970s. All re-exposed masonry remains were
fully recorded and re-surveyed to modern standards and a report on the work will be prepared in
due course (ASE).
Chichester, Roussillon Barracks. (NGR 48610 10635). A total of 10 trenches, totalling some
307m, were excavated across the site to reveal the underlying natural Gravel Head Deposits at a
maximum height of 31.39m OD in the northeast of the site, falling away to 30.89m OD to the
west and 30.08m OD to the south. Very little evidence of any activity pre-dating the use of the
site as a barracks was identified during the course of the investigation, although a single broadlyeast-west aligned ditch may represent evidence for land division on the site prior to the later 18th
century. A variety of features related to the Rousillon Barracks were found, most of which may
be equated with structures shown on 19th and 20th century Ordnance Survey maps (ASE).
Harting, West Heath Common Sand Quarry. The final stage of the watching brief on topsoil
stripping on the eastern edge of the existing quarry, around the sites of round barrows fully
excavated in the 1970s and 1980s, revealed a narrow ditched track way, part of the 17th-century
field system that once existed on the Heath. No pre-17th century archaeological features were
observed around or between the barrow sites (Berkshire Archaeological Services, reported by
WSCC)
Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, Southbank. A watching brief with combined MSFAT and CBAS
members was undertaken at Southbank. No obvious archaeological features but finds include
Mesolithic flintwork and debitage (CBAS/MSFAT).
Haywards Heath, Bolnore Village Phase 4, (ongoing) (NGR TQ 324 234)
Work being undertaken for Crest Nicholson. The medieval stock enclosure is now considered
likely to be a medieval (C12th/ 13th) sheepcote site (the only one to have been excavated in
Sussex), evidence for which appear to be post-holes and beam slots of a long narrow building
perhaps being traces of the sheep barn itself. A grindstone – possibly for shear sharpening, was
also found. In addition to the medieval farmstead, site finds below medieval layers in the valley
bottom included prehistoric flintwork, including a Neolithic flaked axe, which point to early
activity and probable woodland clearance within the area. Excavations have now been completed
(ASE).
Littlehampton, River Beach Primary School. (NGR 50289 10246). A watching brief was
carried out during redevelopment works within the school grounds. The site is roughly level at c.
5.5-6.5m AOD with the underlying natural Brickearth geology, occurring c. 350mm below the
ground surface. A modern feature, observed cutting through the subsoil, was partially revealed
during the excavation of the new build foundation trenches. No earlier features, archaeological
deposits or artefacts were encountered during the excavations (ASE).
Pagham, Church Farm Holiday Village. During monitoring of ground excavations for a new
building, following trial trench excavation, to the south of the medieval Becket's Barn (former
hall), a layer of fire-cracked flint, probably of Bronze Age date, and a small part of the stone
foundation of a polygonal building were recorded. The latter may be a 17th-century dovecote,
known to have existed in this part of the site (ASE).
Pulborough, ‘Coombelands’, Stane Street. (NGR 505108 119492). A program of fieldwalking
was undertaken on a c.4ha field to the west of Stane Street, Pulborough in April 2011. Conditions
were almost ideal for the collection of material, and a range of artefacts was recovered, including
Mesolithic and Neolithic flintwork (including a polished axe) and Romano-British pottery.
However, the vast majority of recovered material was late post-medieval in date (ASE).
Pulborough, Oddstones, Stane Street. Trial trench excavation found several ditches crossing
the site, on the higher ground, on alignments differing from Stane Street. They are probably of
prehistoric (Bronze Age?) date. No Roman features or occupation relating to the adjacent Stane
Street Roman road were observed - here its course probably lies wholly beneath the modern A29
road. Traces of fissuring in the weathered greensand were examined, in case they should contain
Palaeolithic artefacts as in fissures on the greensand ridge at Beedings Castle, not far distant.
However no Palaeolithic or Mesolithic artefacts were found in the fissures (ASE)
Scaynes Hill, Yew Tree Wood. (privately owned). A small area (less than an acre) was looked at
when bluebells were in full bloom. It is planned to return and investigate the adjoining woodland
(SEWAF).
Shoreham-by-Sea, 21 West Street and Ship Street Car Park. Small-scale trial trench
excavations on these two sites within the medieval centre of the former port of New Shoreham
revealed pits of medieval date. On both sites, the new houses' foundations are being designed to
be excavated to a depth above the top of the archaeological features, so preserving them intact
(ASE).
Southwater, Land west of Southwater. A geophysical survey and fieldwalking of a very large
site is in progress - report at next Forum meeting (ASE)
Worthing, between St Barnabas Hospice and Northbrook College, Titnore Lane. An
archaeological watching brief during shallow excavations for construction of a new footpath near
the former sites of Northbrook Roman Villa and Bath House came up with a few ancient artefacts
but revealed no buried structural remains (ASE).
Stapleford, Hammerhill Bridge. (TQ 28173 27410). Residual worked flint of Mesolithic or
early Neolithic date was recovered from the plough soil and an iron-working deposit was
identified at the eastern edge of the site relating to Holmstead Forge of later medieval or early
post-medieval date. The excavations indicate that the forge extended across both banks of the
river (ASE).
Yapton, land rear of Burndell Road. Trial trench excavation has shown two concentrations of
prehistoric (Bronze Age) archaeological features, probable field system ditches - one ditch
section filled to the top with fire-cracked flint - and some pits (reported by WSCC).
.