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Goose Willow Farm Hanney Road
Steventon Oxfordshire
Archaeological Watching Brief
July2014
for
Ikaros Solar Ltd
CA Project: 4396 CA Report: 13444
Goose Willow Farm Hanney Road
Steventon Oxfordshire
Archaeological Watching Brief
CA Project: 4396 CA Report: 13444
prepared by Tom Weavill, Project Supervisor
Luke Brannlund, Supervisor Designate
date 22 July 2014
checked by Richard Young/Ian Barnes, Project Managers
date 22 July 2014
approved by Mark Collard, Head of Contracts
signed
date 22 July 2014
issue 01
This report is confidential to the client. Cotswold Archaeology accepts no responsibility or liability to any third party to whom this report, or any part of it, is made known. Any such party relies upon this report entirely
at their own risk. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means without permission.
© Cotswold Archaeology
Cirencester Milton Keynes Andover
Building 11 Unit 4 Stanley House
Kemble Enterprise Park Cromwell Business Centre Walworth Road
Kemble, Cirencester Howard Way, Newport Pagnell Andover, Hampshire
Gloucestershire, GL7 6BQ MK16 9QS SP10 5LH t. 01285 771022 t. 01908 218320 t. 01264 347630 f. 01285 771033
© Cotswold Archaeology
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Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Road, Steventon, Oxfordshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
CONTENTS
SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................... 2
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 3
The site .............................................................................................................. 3
Archaeological background ................................................................................ 4
Archaeological objectives ................................................................................... 4
Methodology....................................................................................................... 5
2. RESULTS (FIG 2) .............................................................................................. 5
3. DISCUSSION ..................................................................................................... 6
4. CA PROJECT TEAM .......................................................................................... 6
5. REFERENCES ................................................................................................... 6
APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS .................................................................... 8
APPENDIX B: FINDS REPORT………………………………………………………………10
APPENDIX C: OASIS REPORT FORM .......................................................................... 10
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Fig. 1 Site location plan (1:25,000)
Fig. 2 The site, showing location of groundworks (1:2000)
Fig. 3 Trench 2 (looking north)
© Cotswold Archaeology
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Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Road, Steventon, Oxfordshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
Summary
Project Name: Goose Willow Farm
Location: Hanney Road, Steventon, Oxfordshire
NGR: SU 4457 9292
Type: Watching Brief
Date: 1 and 4 July 2013 and 17 February to 13 March 2014
Planning Reference: P12/V2112/FUL and P13/V1975/FUL
Location of Archive: To be deposited with the County Museum Store at Standlake
Accession Number: OXCMS: 2013.100
Site Code: GWF 13
An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology during
groundworks associated with the construction of a solar farm at Goose Willow Farm, Hanney
Road, Steventon, Oxfordshire.
A tree throw pit was identified during the watching brief and two residual body sherds of
prehistoric pottery were recovered from the subsoil. No archaeological features were
observed.
© Cotswold Archaeology
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Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Road, Steventon, Oxfordshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Between July 2013 and March 2014 Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out an
archaeological watching brief for Ikaros Solar Ltd at Goose Willow Farm, Hanney
Lane, Steventon, Oxfordshire (centred on NGR: SU 4457 9292; Fig. 1). The
watching brief was completed in two phases to fulfil condition numbers 9 and 14
attached to planning consents granted by the Vale of the White Horse District
Council (VWHDC) for a solar farm and associated infrastructure (VWHDC Planning
references P12/V2112/FUL (Phase 1) and P13/V1975/FUL (Phase 2) respectively).
The objective of the watching brief was to record all archaeological remains exposed
during the development.
1.2 The watching brief was carried out in accordance with a brief (OCC 2013) prepared
by Hugh Coddington, Principal Archaeologist, Oxfordshire County Council (OCC),
archaeological advisor to VWHDC, and with a subsequent detailed Written Scheme
of Investigation (WSI) produced by CA (2013) and approved by Hugh Coddington.
The fieldwork also followed the Standard and guidance for an archaeological
watching brief (IfA 2009), the Management of Archaeological Projects 2 (English
Heritage 1991) and the Management of Research Projects in the Historic
Environment (MORPHE): Project Manager’s Guide (EH 2006).
The site
1.3 The proposed development site is approximately 53ha in extent, lies at
approximately 62m AOD and is flat (Fig. 1). It is located to the north of Hanney
Road, approximately 1km west of the western outskirts of Steventon and 2.5km
south-west of the A34. The proposed development site currently comprises three
large arable fields, divided by mature hedgerows.
1.4 The underlying bedrock geology of the area is mapped as Gault Formation
Mudstone of the Cretaceous era (BGS 2014). Clay and gravel was encountered at
the base of all observed groundworks.
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Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Road, Steventon, Oxfordshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
Archaeological background
1.5 A heritage desk-based assessment relating to the site has been produced by CA
(2012). Whilst it is not intended to duplicate the results of that report, the salient
points are summarised below.
1.6 The below ground remains of a series of Middle Iron Age/Romano-British
agricultural enclosures, initially identified from cropmark evidence, have been
recorded immediately to the west of the site through archaeological trial trenching
(CAT 1997). The enclosures appear to have formed part of a wider network of
paddocks and fields that are likely to have been utilised for controlling livestock.
There is no strong cropmark evidence to suggest these enclosures extended into
the site, although underlying geological conditions within the site may have
prevented the formation of cropmarks.
1.7 The alignment of the former Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal extends along the
western boundary of the site. This 19th-century canal was infilled in the mid 20th
century and there are no extant remains relating to this feature surviving within the
site.
1.8 A geophysical survey of the site identified a group of potential ditches and pits in the
north-western part of the site. The potential ditches appear to represent elements of
enclosures of similar size and orientation to those previously identified to the west of
the site (PCG 2013).
Archaeological objectives
1.9 The objectives of the archaeological works were:
to monitor groundworks, and to identify, investigate and record all significant buried
archaeological deposits revealed on the site during the course of the development
groundworks;
at the conclusion of the project, to produce an integrated archive for the project work
and a report setting out the results of the project and the archaeological conclusions
that can be drawn from the recorded data.
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Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Road, Steventon, Oxfordshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
Methodology
1.10 The fieldwork followed the methodology set out within the WSI (CA 2013). An
archaeologist was present during intrusive groundworks comprising the stripping of
soils for access tracks and compounds, and the excavation of service trenches (Fig.
2).
1.11 Written, graphic and photographic records were compiled in accordance with CA
Technical Manual 1: Fieldwork Recording Manual (2007).
1.12 The archive from the watching brief is currently held by CA at their offices in Kemble
and will be deposited with the County Museum Store at Standlake under accession
number OXCMS: 2013.100. A summary of information from this project, set out
within Appendix C, will be entered onto the OASIS online database of archaeological
projects in Britain.
2. RESULTS (FIG. 2 AND 3)
2.1 The natural geological substrate consisting of yellow brown clay, was revealed
within all the excavations at an average depth of 0.3m below present ground level.
This was directly overlain by subsoil and topsoil.
2.2 A truncated tree throw pit, 203, was observed in Trench 2. Two sherds of late
Bronze Age/early Iron Age pottery from the same vessel were recovered from the
subsoil.
2.3 No further features or deposits of archaeological interest were observed during
groundworks and, despite visual scanning of spoil, no more artefactual material was
recovered.
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Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Road, Steventon, Oxfordshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
3. DISCUSSION
3.1 Despite the archaeological potential of the application area the watching brief
identified no archaeological remains within the area of observed groundworks. Two
fragments of residual late Bronze Age/early Iron Age pottery were recovered from
the subsoil. The absence of archaeological deposits may indicate that features
identified by cropmark evidence and/or geophysical survey surrounding the site
either do not extend into the site, were not exposed by the development, or that they
may have been completely truncated by later agricultural activity. Likewise, no
remains relating to the former Wiltshire and Berkshire canal were identified.
4. CA PROJECT TEAM
4.1 Fieldwork was undertaken by Luke Brannlund, Sian Reynish, Tom Weavill and Jay
Wood. The report was written by Tom Weavill and Luke Brannlund. The finds report
was written by Jacky Sommerville. The illustrations were prepared by Peter Moore
and Aleksandra Osinka. The archive has been compiled by Tom Weavill, and
prepared for deposition by Hazel O’Neill. The project was managed for CA by
Richard Young and Ian Barnes.
5. REFERENCES
BGS (British Geological Survey) 2013 Geology of Britain Viewer
http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geology viewer_google/googleviewer.html
Accessed 26 June 2013.
CAT (Cotswold Archaeological Trust) 1997 Abingdon Reservoir Proposal, Oxfordshire 1997:
Archaeological Evaluation C-13b Vol.I and II
CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2012 Land at Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Road, Oxfordshire:
Heritage Desk-Based Assessment, CA Report No. 12241.
CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2013 Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Road, Steventon,
Oxfordshire: Written Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Watching Brief.
© Cotswold Archaeology
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Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Road, Steventon, Oxfordshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
OCC (Oxfordshire County Council) 2013 Goose Willow Farm, Steventon: Design Brief for
Archaeological Watching Brief.
PCG (Pre Construct Geophysics Ltd.) 2013 Archaeological Geophysical Survey, Land at
Goose Willow Farm, Steventon, Oxfordshire, CNGR TG 2253 1436
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Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Road, Steventon, Oxfordshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS
Trench No.
Context No.
Type Fill of Context interpretation
Description L (m) W (m)
Depth/thickness (m)
Spot-date
1 100 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown clayey silt 0.29
1 101 Layer Natural Dark bluish grey clay overlain by a yellowish brown clay
N/A
1a 100 Layer Topsoil Mid grey-brown silt clay 0.1
1a 101 Layer Subsoil Dark grey brown silt clay 0.2
1a 102 Layer Natural Blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
2 200 Layer Topsoil Mid grey-brown silt clay 0.2
2 201 Layer Subsoil Dark grey-brown silt clay 0.2
2 202 Layer Natural Orange clay/Blue clay and gravel n/a
2 203 Layer Tree throw pit Oval in plan with irregular profile 1 0.4 0.14
2 204 Layer 203 Fill of tree throw pit Dark orange-grey silt clay 1 0.4 0.14
3 300 Layer Topsoil Mid brown-grey clay silt 0.2
3 301 Layer Subsoil Mid brown-grey silt clay 0.2
3 302 Layer Natural Blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
4 400 Layer Topsoil Mid brown-grey clay silt 0.2
4 401 Layer Subsoil Mid brown-grey silt clay 0.2
4 402 Layer Natural Blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
5 500 Layer Topsoil Mid brown-grey clay silt 0.2
5 501 Layer Subsoil Mid brown-grey silt clay 0.2
5 502 Layer Natural Blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
6 600 Layer Topsoil Mid brown-grey clay silt 0.2
6 601 Layer Subsoil Mid brown-grey silt clay 0.2
6 602 Layer Natural Blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
7 700 Layer Topsoil Mid brown-grey clay silt 0.2
7 701 Layer Subsoil Mid brown-grey silt clay 0.4
7 702 Layer Natural Blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
8 800 Layer Topsoil Mid brown-grey clay silt 0.2
8 801 Layer Subsoil Mid brown-grey silt clay 0.3
8 802 Layer Natural Blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
9 900 Layer Topsoil Mid brown-grey clay silt 0.2
9 901 Layer Subsoil Mid brown-grey silt clay 0.3
9 902 Layer Natural Blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
10 1000 Layer Topsoil Mid brown-grey clay silt 0.2
10 1001 Layer Subsoil Mid brown-grey silt clay 0.2
10 1002 Layer Natural Blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
11 1100 Layer Topsoil Mid brown-grey clay silt 0.2
11 1101 Layer Subsoil Mid brown-grey silt clay 0.2
11 1102 Layer Natural Blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
12 1200 Layer Topsoil Mid brown-grey clay silt 0.2
12 1201 Layer Subsoil Mid brown-grey silt clay 0.2
12 1202 Layer Natural Blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
13 1300 Layer Topsoil Mid brown-grey clay silt 0.2
13 1301 Layer Subsoil Mid brown-grey silt clay 0.2
13 1302 Layer Natural Blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
14 1400 Layer Topsoil Mid brown silt clay 0.2
14 1401 Layer Subsoil Orange-brown-grey silt clay 0.2
14 1402 Layer Natural Orange/blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
15 1500 Layer Topsoil Mid brown silt clay 0.2
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Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Road, Steventon, Oxfordshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
15 1501 Layer Subsoil Orange-brown-grey silt clay 0.2
15 1502 Layer Natural Orange/blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
16 1600 Layer Topsoil Mid brown silt clay 0.2
16 1601 Layer Subsoil Orange-brown-grey silt clay 0.2
16 1602 Layer Natural Orange/blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
17 1700 Layer Topsoil Mid brown silt clay 0.2
17 1701 Layer Subsoil Orange-brown-grey silt clay 0.2
17 1702 Layer Natural Orange/blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
18 1800 Layer Topsoil Mid brown silt clay 0.2
18 1801 Layer Subsoil Orange-brown-grey silt clay 0.2
18 1802 Layer Natural Orange/blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
19 1900 Layer Topsoil Mid brown silt clay 0.2
19 1901 Layer Subsoil Orange-brown-grey silt clay 0.2
19 1902 Layer Natural Orange/blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
20 2000 Layer Topsoil Mid brown silt clay 0.2
20 2001 Layer Subsoil Orange-brown-grey silt clay 0.2
20 2002 Layer Natural Orange/blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
21 2100 Layer Topsoil Mid brown silt clay 0.2
21 2101 Layer Subsoil Orange-brown-grey silt clay 0.2
21 2102 Layer Natural Orange/blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
22 2200 Layer Topsoil Mid brown silt clay 0.2
22 2201 Layer Subsoil Orange-brown-grey silt clay 0.2
22 2202 Layer Natural Orange/blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
23 2300 Layer Topsoil Mid brown silt clay 0.2
23 2301 Layer Subsoil Orange-brown-grey silt clay 0.2
23 2302 Layer Natural Orange/blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
24 2400 Layer Topsoil Mid brown silt clay 0.2
24 2401 Layer Subsoil Orange-brown-grey silt clay 0.2
24 2402 Layer Natural Orange/blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
25 2500 Layer Topsoil Mid brown silt clay 0.2
25 2501 Layer Subsoil Orange-brown-grey silt clay 0.2
25 2502 Layer Natural Orange/blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
26 2600 Layer Topsoil Mid brown silt clay 0.2
26 2601 Layer Subsoil Orange-brown-grey silt clay 0.2
26 2602 Layer Natural Orange/blue-grey clay with gravel n/a
27 2700 Layer Topsoil Mid grey-brown silt clay 0.2
27 2701 Layer Subsoil Dark grey-brown silt clay 0.2
27 2702 Layer Natural Orange clay/Blue clay and gravel n/a
28 2800 Layer Topsoil Mid grey-brown silt clay 0.2
28 2801 Layer Subsoil Dark grey-brown silt clay 0.2
28 2802 Layer Natural Orange clay/Blue clay and gravel n/a
29 2900 Layer Topsoil Mid grey-brown silt clay 0.2
29 2901 Layer Subsoil Dark grey-brown silt clay 0.2
29 2902 Layer Natural Orange clay/Blue clay and gravel n/a
30 3000 Layer Topsoil Mid grey-brown silt clay 0.2
30 3001 Layer Subsoil Dark grey-brown silt clay 0.2
30 3002 Layer Natural Orange clay/Blue clay and gravel n/a
© Cotswold Archaeology
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Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Road, Steventon, Oxfordshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
APPENDIX B
Pottery: Prehistoric
Two previously joining, unfeatured bodysherds of pottery in a coarse, flint-tempered fabric
were recovered from the subsoil. The sherds were from a straight-sided, thick-walled vessel.
This pottery is attributed to the Bronze Age to Early Iron Age.
Table 1: Finds concordance
Context Description Count Weight(g) Spot-date
201 Prehistoric pottery: coarse, flint-tempered fabric 2 46 BA-EIA
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Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Road, Steventon, Oxfordshire: Archaeological Watching Brief
APPENDIX C: OASIS REPORT FORM
PROJECT DETAILS
Project Name Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Road, Steventon, Oxfordshire
Short description
An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology during groundworks associated with the construction of a solar farm at Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Road, Steventon, Oxfordshire. A tree throw pit was identified during the watching brief and two residual body sherds of prehistoric pottery were recovered from the subsoil. No archaeological features were observed.
Project dates 1 and 4 July 2013, 17 February to 13 March 2014
Project type
Watching brief
Previous work
Desk-Based Assessment (Cotswold Archaeology 2012), Geophysical Survey (Pre-Construct Geophysics 2013)
Future work Unknown
PROJECT LOCATION
Site Location Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Lane, Steventon, Oxfordshire
Study area (M2/ha) 53ha
Site co-ordinates SU 4457 9292
PROJECT CREATORS
Name of organisation Cotswold Archaeology
Project Brief originator Oxfordshire County Council
Project Design (WSI) originator Cotswold Archaeology
Project Manager Richard Young and Ian Barnes
Project Supervisor Sian Reynish, Tom Weavill, Luke Brannlund and Jay Wood
MONUMENT TYPE None
SIGNIFICANT FINDS None
PROJECT ARCHIVES Intended final location of archive Content
Physical County Museum Store at Standlake OXCMS: 2013.100
Pottery
Paper County Museum Store at Standlake OXCMS: 2013.100
Trench sheets, context sheets, photo registers
Digital County Museum Store at Standlake OXCMS: 2013.100
Digital photos
BIBLIOGRAPHY
CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2013 Goose Willow Farm, Hanney Lane, Steventon, Oxfordshire. CA typescript report 13444
