TVAS Update - Summer 1998

Guidelines and Background

The early 1990’s saw publication of ‘Archaeology and Planning’ - a DoE Policy and Planning Guidance circular (PPG 16), along with EC Directives on Environmental Assessments. These have had a dramatic influence on the treatment of archaeology within the planning process. Information about the effects of development on the archaeological heritage is required before planning decisions can be made, together with adequate provision for heritage management should development proceed. PPG16 has been instrumental in the discovery of many more sites and new site types, widening the scope of information available for reconstructing our past. A selection of recent projects in which TVAS have been involved are described here.

The Role of TVAS

TVAS are an independent Archaeological Unit that has been established for over ten years acting on behalf of a wide spectrum of clients from both the public and private sectors. We offer an extensive range of archaeological services to satisfy the requirements of PPG16, using both invasive and non-invasive techniques, whichever is the more appropriate. These include desk-based assessment, aerial photographic interpretation, field evaluation, earthwork survey and watching briefs. We also undertake excavations and post-excavation analysis of sites and finds through to final publication using the latest technology. Advice on a broad range of subjects, from pottery to pollen analysis, is drawn from a selection of in-house and external specialists and geophysical surveys can also be commissioned.

Recent Projects

Fenny Lock, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Prior to the construction of a distribution warehouse a field evaluation located deposits of Iron Age and Roman date. A subsequent excavation of approximately 2.3 hectares identified a substantial settlement occupied during the Iron Age and Roman period. A large number of artefacts were recovered including coins and a Roman wine barrel. A number of cremation and inhumation burials with associated grave goods were also discovered.
Commissioned by Commission for the New Towns

A copper alloy bracelet was found on the chest of this Roman burial at Fenny Lock.

Old Way Lane, Cippenham, Berkshire
TVAS was commissioned by Eton College to undertake an archaeological investigation at Cippenham, near Slough. This resulted in the discovery of a late Bronze Age occupation site, Roman enclosures and Neolithic deposits. An early/middle Bronze Age ring ditch (levelled round barrow) was also excavated. A number of cremation burials were found, one of which contained the miniature bucket urn pictured below. It dates to the middle Bronze Age.
Commissioned by Eton College

The early/middle Bronze Age ring ditch at Old Way Lane.

Bronze Age cremation urn.

Cremation urn as found in large pit.

Huntingdon Road, Thrapston, Northamptonshire
An excavation which took place in Thrapston in advance of housing development located a late Bronze/early Iron Age enclosure ditch and recovered the largest collection of pottery from this period yet found in the county. The site has been interpreted as a mini-hillfort or elite residence of a type particular to eastern England.
Commissioned by David Wilson Homes (South Midlands) Ltd.

Red deer antlers found in the late Bronze Age enclosure ditch.

Chapel Way, Burgh Heath, Surrey
Following a desktop study and field evaluation, TVAS were commissioned to carry out an excavation. This produced evidence for Roman settlement during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD and for agricultural use of the site during the Medieval period. The remains of two ovens were identified, dating to between 1200 and 1350 AD.
Commissioned by Linden Homes

Plan of one of the excavated areas at Burgh Heath.

Loughton, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
An evaluation at Loughton identified archaeological deposits from several periods and this led to the excavation of nine areas. Located in these areas were a number of Bronze Age cremations, late Saxon/early Medieval field systems and the remains of late Medieval and post-Medieval buildings. Finds include Medieval spoons, knives, a spur and a number of coins dating to the reigns of Edward the Confessor and Henry III.
Commissioned by Westbury Homes (Holdings) Ltd.

Late Medieval stone building - possibly a dovecote or 'Welsh pigsty'.

Abbey Retail Park, Barking, Essex
The site at Barking lies c. 500 m from the 12th century ruins of Barking Abbey. It is possible that the 9th-12th century pits and ditches discovered during the recent excavation relate to settlement or industry associated with an earlier abbey/nunnery mentioned by the chronicler Bede. An infilled water course some 10 m wide was found to run across part of the site and appears to have been backfilled during the 17th/18th century. The site was subsequently levelled during the 19th century and used as a match factory.
Commissioned by Estate and Agencys plc

Open area excavation at Barking, Essex with the Abbey ruins in the background.