183: Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill, Gloucestershire. Archaeological Excavation

Document 348
A.P.A.C. Ltd.

Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy
Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill, Gloucestershire
Final Report
July 2017
EX/THC/17
Oasis ID: apacltd1-280852
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A.P.A.C. Ltd Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill EX/THC/17
Title Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill. Interim Assessment Report
Author Dr Iestyn Jones
Draft Dates 03 July 2017; 08 July 2017
Revisers Dr Neil Phillips
Project Manager Dr Neil Phillips (APAC Ltd)
APAC Ltd Site EX/THC/17

Code
Oasis ID apacltd1-280852
Circulation Charles Parry (GCC)

Tom Parry (Butler Wall Homes)
Dr Tudur Davies
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1. Summary

This assessment report details the findings of an archaeological excavation on
land adjacent to Gloucester Road, Tutshill, Gloucestershire; (centred on NGR:
ST 54452 94500). The work was carried out in advance of a proposed housing
development.
An Archaeological Evaluation, conducted by Headland Archaeology (HA) in

November 2015, discovered a single, potentially significant feature, which was
partly excavated in the field’s southern zone. In light of this discovery, further
work was recommended by Gloucestershire County Council (GCA) prior to
granting planning permission for a residential development.
A 50m by 50m area of land was excavated to encompass the feature discovered
by HA in order to fully understand its extent, date and nature, and also to
determine the possibility of other surviving features within this area. The HA
linear feature was located and fully excavated to its full (3m long extent). Late
Iron Age or Roman pottery sherds were identified within charcoal dumps from
the HA backfill. Post-excavation analysis of the contents of the undisturbed
linear basal fill of the excavated feature, identified iron slag fragments and
possible hammer-scale, together with charred seeds. A radiocarbon date
obtained from the seeds (1216 +/- 25 BP) suggest an early medieval date for
this feature, possibly indicative of an agricultural settlement nearby. It is likely
that the pottery sherds and flint are residual and relate to much earlier activity
in the area. A late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age flint piercer was discovered in
subsoil close to, but outside, the HA trench, lending credence to this
interpretation.

Copyright Notice: A.P.A.C. Ltd. retains copyright of this report under the Copyright, Designs and Patents
Act,1988.
The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577) to reproduce map
information; Copyright remains otherwise with the Ordnance Survey.
Cover photo: Aerial image of site mid-excavation (© APAC Ltd 2017)

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2. Contents Index
1. Summary………………………………………………………………………… 3
2. Contents Index…………………………………………………………………. 4
3. Figures Index……………………………………………………………………. 4
4. Plates Index……………………………………………………………………… 5
5. Introduction…………………………………………………………………….. 6
6. Project Aims …………………………………………………………………… 6
7. Historical and Archaeological Background……………………………………. 7
8. Results of Fieldwork ………………………………………………………….. 8
9. Conclusion and Discussion…………………………………………………… 11
10. Acknowledgements…………………………………............................................... 12
11. References………………………………………………………………………. 12
Appendix 1: Context Register

Appendix 2: Digital Photograph Register
Appendix 3: Samples Register
Appendix 4: Site Finds Register
Appendix 5: Site Finds: 5-1 to 5-9
Appendix 6: Pottery and Lithic Reports
Appendix 7: Archaeobotanical Report
Appendix 8: AMS dating report (C14 date)
3. Figures Index
Fig. 01 Location Map

Fig. 02 Site Plan
Fig. 03 Sections through feature [1008]/[1022]
Fig. 04 Sections and plans of features [1013] and [1016]
Fig. 05 Sections through features [1005] and [1003]
Fig. 06 Sections and plans of stone drain [1018] and [1027]
Fig. 07 Post-excavation plan of linear feature [1009]
Fig. 08 Sections through linear feature [1009]
Fig. 09 Representative section drawings
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4. Plates Index
01 View of topsoil stripping at southern end of site – showing remains of ceramic drain pipe CP1
02 View of topsoil stripping at southern end of site – showing remains of ceramic drain pipe CP1
03 North facing representative section (RS 01) on south-eastern edge of site
04 North facing representative section (RS 02) on south-western edge of site
05 South facing representative section (RS 03) on north-eastern edge of site
06 South facing representative section (RS 04) on north-western edge of site
07 East facing representative section (RS 05) on western edge of site
08 Machine dug sondage through natural (1007) in north-west corner of site
09 West facing section of E- W gulley [1008] at E end of excavated area
10 East facing stepped section through west end of gulley [1022]
11 East facing stepped section through west end of gulley [1022]
12 View of east facing section through feature [1003]
13 Plan view of section through [1003]
14 View of south facing section through east side of feature [1005]
15 View of south facing section through west side of feature [1005]
16 Plan of half sectioned [1005]
17 South-east facing section of feature [1013]
18 E facing section through feature [1016]
19 Plan of section of stone drain [1018]
20 East facing section through stone drain [1018] – east end
21 Plan of section through stone drain [1027]
22 E facing section through stone drain [1027]- central section
23 Elevated post-excavation view of feature [1009]
24 Post excavation image of feature [1009]
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5. Introduction
This final report describes work carried out during an archaeological excavation by APAC Ltd, between
22/02/17 and 10/03/17 and the subsequent post-excavation analysis, on land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill
(NGR: ST544 946; fig. 01). The work was carried out in order to satisfy Forest of Dean District Council
(FDDC) planning conditions associated with the proposed construction of 45 dwellings with ancillary
works (Planning Application Number: FOD/P1911/15/OUT).
The site lies on the eastern edge of Tutshill, a village located close to the Monmouthshire town of
Chepstow. Tutshill, on the eastern bank of the river Wye, is within the Forest of Dean district of
Gloucestershire. The site lies within a gently sloping south-facing field, 1.1km north-east of Chepstow
town centre, on the western edge of the modern A48 and on the southern side of Gloucester Road, the
B4228, (NGR ST 54474 94591; 46m AOD; fig. 1).
Prior to the APAC Interim Assessment Report (Jones 2017), previous work associated with the site
included a Built Heritage Statement (Copp 2015), Borehole Survey (Wilkinson 2015), Archaeological
Desk-Based Assessment (Delaney 2015), Geophysical Survey (Schmidt and Webb 2015) and an
Archaeological Evaluation, HA (Blackburn 2015). The geophysical survey concluded that the site had low
archaeological potential (Schmidt and Webb 2015, 4). HA’s subsequent evaluation, in November 2015,
consisted of ten trenches throughout the field confirmed that the geophysical anomalies detected were
geological in origin. One significant archaeological feature was detected, at the northern limit of Trench 9;
a pit in the southern area of the field. Analysis of the pit contents detected a Neolithic or Early Bronze Age
flint flake, fired clay and charred cereal grain, likely to relate to Iron Age or later activity (Blackburn
2015, 5). The feature continued beyond HA trench 9 and was therefore not entirely excavated.
The possibility of further prehistoric discoveries in the area of HA trench 9 triggered a condition within
the GCC planning condition, advocating further work in order record and understand potential heritage
assets prior to development.
In response to a request by the developer, a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) for a 50m by 50m
archaeological excavation in the southern area of the field was prepared by Dr Neil of Phillips of APAC
Ltd (Phillips 2017). The excavated area was to include, towards its centre, the HA discovery in Trench 9.
The WSI was revised and subsequently approved by Mr Charles Parry (GCC). The archaeological
excavation was directed by Dr Iestyn Jones assisted by Chris Griffiths, Kieran Phillips, Simon Reames,
Gareth Johns and Richard Simpson in late February and early March, 2017. The project manager was Dr
Neil Phillips MCIfA (APAC Ltd). All excavation work was conducted in accordance with the CIfA
Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Excavation (CIfA 2014).
Following excavation work an Interim Report (Jones 2017) was produced including provisional
interpretation of features and finds, together with details of the site archive, samples taken and
recommendations for further specialist work. Following approval of this timetable, specialist work was
carried out by Dr Tudur Davies and Dr Catherine Longford (Environmental analysis), Dr Amelia Pannett
(Lithics), Dr David Mullins (Pottery) and Chrono Laboratory, Queens University, Belfast (AMS dating).
6. Project Aims
The main aims of the excavation were to:-
a) Elucidate the character, distribution, dating, extent and importance of the archaeological remains
within a 50m by 50m excavated area located within the proposed development area.
b) To provide an information base from which to formulate mitigation strategies, in the event of
further significant archaeological resources being impacted upon within the development area.
c) Ensure that excavation and sampling maximise the potential to capture vital information during
post-excavation work.
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d) Produce an accurate measured record of the site at time of excavation to facilitate future analysis.
e) Provide a detailed record of the work to allow for a report to be produced to satisfy the planning
condition and allow for publication in a suitable academic journal.
7. Historical and Archaeological Background
The village of Tutshill lies within the parish of Tidenham, which lies on the boundary of Gloucestershire
and Monmouthshire between the Wye and Severn rivers. This strategic location on a peninsula near to the
crossing points of these two major rivers, together with its setting near to Offa’s Dyke has been
instrumental in its development from the earliest times.
The discovery of a Bronze Age palstave (HER 16600), together with the later discovery of flint tools
during field-walking in three separate areas to the south of the site (HER 20047, 20047, 21603) attest to
prehistoric activity within the area (Delaney 2015, 10). Romano-British activity include the Caerleon to
Gloucester Roman road (HER 6212) on the northern edge of the site, together with two coin hoards (HER
5011 and 5057) (Delaney 2015, 10).
The significant Early Medieval earthwork known as Offa’s Dyke is located approximately 900m west of
the site, whilst Bishton deserted medieval village (HER 6034), 0.7km to the north, is the nearest known,
recorded example, of medieval settlement.
In terms of post-medieval activity, a farmhouse at a crossroads in Tutshill is recorded as present during the
mid-seventeenth century. The building of the Wye Valley Railway (HER 6084) and the South Wales
Railway together with the construction of dwellings during the mid-nineteenth-century, appear to have
transformed much of the area’s character.
The immediate area of the development was subject to very recent archaeological investigation when an
Iron Age or later feature containing charred cereal and burnt clay and prehistoric flint were discovered
(Blackburn 2015). A linear feature (HER 22508) classified as a possible ‘earthwork’ was identified as a
tithe map field boundary (Delaney 2015, 12), but produced no archaeological material during the recent
HA evaluation (Blackburn 2015, 5).
8. Results of Fieldwork
The 50 by 50m area was marked out with the southern base of the square area located 50m from the
field’s southeastern corner and 8 and 9m respectively from the field’s western and eastern boundaries
(Fig. 2). The gentle north to south slope across the site was more easily observed on the western edge of
the excavated site where a drop in height of 2.2m was observed (Fig. 2). The excavated area included the
majority of HA’s trench 9, with only the southernmost 8m located beyond the southern limit. The area
also included the west-northwest to east-southeast aligned linear earthwork labeled as HER 22508 and the
unexcavated section of HA feature 0906. The area was excavated to subsoil and superficial geology level.
The machine excavated topsoil (1000), consisted of a 0.3m to 0.4m deep soft mid-brown clayey silt with
little stone content which was machine excavated (Fig. 09, Plates 3-7). Identifiable finds included 19th
and 20th century artefacts comprising sherds of pottery, glass fragments, clay pipe stem, an iron bar and
horse-shoe (Appendix 5-2 to 5-4). The subsoil (1001) was a firm red-brown silty clay, containing some
fragments of decaying limestone and, where present, was 0.4m deep. Within linear feature [1022]/[1008],
the subsoil was 1.22m and 0.96m deep respectively. The subsoil (1001) was noticeably absent in the
south-eastern corner of the trench, where topsoil (1000) gave way to limestone bedrock (1002). Finds
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from the site subsoil include 6 fragments of ferrous slag, 1 possible fragment of earthen ware tile and,
adjacent to linear feature [1009], a late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age flint piercer (SF01) (see Appendix
5-1 and Appendix 6).
A plane of degrading white limestone (1002) was most visible in the south-eastern corner of the site where
it covered an area of approximately 21m by 14m. When examined it became apparent that the limestone
was present in shallow fragmenting horizontal bands with red clay located under the rock. In the north-
western corner the natural consisted of a firm red-brown clay with fragments of degrading limestone
(1007). In order to see if any limestone was present under this clay a sondage was excavated by machine
up to a depth of 1m, which demonstrated that the limestone, if present, was considerably deeper in this
area (Plate 8).
To the north of linear [1008]/[1022] the limestone continued up the slope but appeared to be banded with
red clay natural, as it approached the northern limit of the site (Plates 1 and 2).
8.1 Linear Feature [1008]/[1022]
Once the central area of the site had been stripped of top-soil, a 5 to 6m wide band of subsoil, aligned
west-northwest to east-southeast, was visible; defined either side by degrading laminated limestone
geology. Superficially, this band had the appearance of a wide ditch or gulley running across the site,
although it was more clearly seen where it had limestone either side towards the eastern end (see cover
image). The HA evaluation had sectioned this feature (HA 0905), within their trench 9, and interpreted it
as possible ditch cut or natural hollow. A decision was made to section the possible gulley at its eastern
[1008] and western extent [1022], in order to determine if it was anthropogenic in origin (Fig. 3).
Following initial machining of topsoil, the western, upper (43m AOD) section of this feature, labeled
[1022], was hand excavated down to a very firm red-brown clay natural with fragments of degrading
limestone natural (1007) (Fig. 3a; Plates 10-11). The curved base was 1.6m below existing ground level
towards the centre, 0.8m at the northern end and 0.64m at the southern end. The subsoil fill (1001)
consisting of firm red-brown silty clay was 1.20m deep within the central area, 0.34m on the southern
edge and 0.5m deep on the northern edge. The subsoil was sampled (<5>) in the central area of the feature
and found to contain some abraded grain, vitrified charcoal and charred weed seeds together with minute
fragments of ferrous material (<1g/40L). Also included were a 10mm x 10mm fragment of ferrous slag
and a 9mm x 5mm fragment of non-diagnostic orange earthenware (see Appendix 7). Cut through the
subsoil, 0.9m from the southern edge of the feature was a 0.40m wide V shaped cut [1020] containing
packed stone (1021) and a 7.6cm (3 inch) diameter ceramic drain-pipe at its base (No. 3). This feature,
0.44m-0.84m below current ground level, was the third of six such pipes running west-southwest to east-
southeast across the site. The top end of stone filled feature [1029], another drain, was located at the
northern edge of [1022] 0.5m below ground level. Two further sections of this drain were also excavated
further east (see [1027] and [1018]). Overlying the above features and deposits was topsoil (1000), a
0.30m deep, mid-brown clayey silt.
The eastern, lower (40m AOD) section of feature [1008] was excavated to a total width of 5.6m (north to
south) (Fig. 3b; Plate 9). A flat base of firm red-brown clay natural with fragments of degrading limestone
(1007) was encountered at the base of the trench. The maximum depth, within the central area, of the
feature was 1.20m and this flooded relatively quickly. On both sides of the gulley the natural (1007)
gently rose 0.3m from the base up to a band of decaying limestone bedrock (1002). The limestone was
straight sided and deeper (0.28m) on the southern edge of the gulley and narrower and tapering on the
northern edge, with a maximum depth 0.12m. On both sides of the trench, and located 5.5m apart, two
ceramic drain pipes (No. 3 and 4), which had previously run east to west across the site, were located 0.45
to 0.50m below ground level and within the main firm red-brown silty clay subsoil, the main fill of feature
[1008]. The depth of subsoil varied between 0.36 on the southern side, 0.38m on the northern side and
0.96m within the centre with some fragments of degrading stones located within the fill. The majority of
the stones appeared to be the result of weathering and disturbance of the bedrock on both sides of [1008].
A sample (<6>) taken within the centre of the subsoil contained minute fragments of magnetic ferrous
material and stone, similar to the sample taken from [1022], along with fragments of highly vitrified
charcoal and few abraded grains (See Appendix 7). The topsoil (1000) encountered within the top of the
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feature appeared to be approximately 0.3m deep and level throughout the trench. No datable artefacts were
encountered within any of these deposits.
8.2 Natural features [1003], [1005], [1013] and [1016]
Two shallow features were located and sectioned near the central area of excavation. Feature [1003]
consisted of an irregular sub-circular elongated cut that was 1.2m by 0.6m and 0.2m (maximum) deep
(Fig. 5a; Plates 12-13). The sides of the feature and base were uneven and sloping, its single fill (1004)
can be described as medium firm dark brown silty clay with vertically aligned lenses of red clay, root
material and some degrading limestone. This fill contained vitrified charcoal fragments, fibrous root
material, uncharred wild plant seed and 2 small (<10mm) fragments of possible ferrous slag. The irregular
form and bioturbated fill suggest it is a shrub bowl.
Feature [1005], located 8.3m west of [1003], was an irregular elongated cut measuring 1.25m by 0.63m
(maximum) and an uneven base that was between 0.2m and 0.25m deep (Fig. 5b; Plates 14-16). The single
fill (1006) contained a 0.25m deep, firm mid-brown silty clay with narrow vertical bands of red clay,
degrading sandstone fragments, roots and patches of manganese. Again it was interpreted as a shrub bowl.
Two relatively shallow features located within the subsoil and superficial geology in the north-western
sector of the excavated area appeared to be natural but were sectioned and partly sampled to be certain.
Feature [1013] was a 2.23m by 0.64m sub- rectangular, steep, concave sided feature with 0.2m deep
undulating base containing two fills (1014) and (1015) (Fig. 4a; Plate 17). The basal fill (1014) was a firm
mid-brown silty clay containing some root material, fragments of animal bone, charcoal and, visible after
sample flotation, some (<1g/10L) grit like magnetic ferrous material. The very shallow upper fill (1015),
located on the south-western side of the feaure, was a loose red-brown silty clay measuring 1.06m by
0.36m and 0.05m deep. The feature was interpreted as the bioturbated remains of a shrub bowl.
In the northwestern corner of the site and 9.5m north of shrub bowl [1013], feature [1016] was also
sectioned (Fig. 4b; Plate 18). This oval steep sided cut was 4.48m by 1.55m and 0.84m deep and
contained four fills. The main basal fill (1024) was a 0.84m deep firm reddish-brown silty clay with
moderately sorted stone inclusions (0.01-0.09m). On the southern side of the feature a loose brown-black
silty clay tapering deposit (1026) measured 1.44m by 0.4 by 0.26m. Bordering this deposit was (1025) a
0.38m deep by 0.68m loose light green clayey silty sand; interpreted as disturbed superficial geology.
Northern fill (1023) was a loose dark grey silty clay with loose stone measuring 3.94m by 1.55m. The
feature was interpreted as a tree throw where (1026) and (1023) represent top soil and subsoil slippage
following the up-cast of superficial geology, (1024) and (1025), caused by the tree falling towards the
south.
8.3 Ceramic pipes (1-6) and Stone Drain ([1029]/[1018]/[1027]
The remains of six west-northwest to east-southeast aligned clay drain pipes (CP 1-6) were discovered
cutting through subsoil and superficial geology (See Fig. 2). These appeared to be identical in design (7.6
cm diameter) and were partly destroyed in some areas by the machine during stripping. They continued
beyond the limit of trench on both sides. They are numbered 1 to 6 in ascending order beginning at the
southern end of the excavated area. CP 1 was recorded 2.5m to the north of the southern area limit and
was recorded at a height of 42.58 m at the west end descending to 39.42m at the eastern end of the area.
CP 2 was located 6.5m to the north and partly destroyed by the machine at the western and eastern end
and, in the central area, by HA trench 09 [1017]. CP 2 height was recorded at 41.84m, 12.5m from the
western edge of site, and 38.82m at the eastern end of the site. CP 3 was located 7m north of CP 2 and was
recorded at a height of 42.64 at the western end and 39.49m at the eastern end. CP 4 was 5.5m north of CP
3 and was recorded at a height of 42.78m at the west end, and 39.70m at the east end. CP 5 was located
16.6m north of CP 4 and was recorded at a height of 44.22m at the west end and 41.46m approximately
5.2m west of the east end. The most northerly pipe was CP 6, located 5.8m north of CP 5 and was mainly
destroyed. It was recorded at a height of 41.15m near the eastern end and 43.31m towards the centre of the
site. No other pipes were observed during the machine stripping process. No dating evidence was
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recovered in association with the pipes but they are likely to date from the early to mid-twentieth century.
In the central eastern area of the site a dark narrow linear feature was observed, located on the northern
side of feature [1008]. Sections were excavated across the feature 14.51m [1018] and 26.69m [1027] from
the eastern edge of the site (Figs 6a, b). It became apparent that this was a linear stone filled drain running
across the site east-southeast to west-northwest and parallel with the ceramic drains. It appeared to be the
same feature as [1029] observed in the western section of linear [1008] (Fig. 3a). The eastern most section
across the drain showed it to be a narrow stepped 0.23m deep cut [1018] that was 0.45m wide at the top
and 0.12m at the flat base and cut through the limestone (Fig. 6b; Plates 19-20). It was filled by a soft and
friable red-brown silty clay with some loose stone infill and charcoal flecks. The stones were less than
0.12m in length and appeared to be flat limestone fragments from the surrounding field. The same feature
12.28m further west-northwest was a 0.75m wide and 0.3m deep steep sided bowl shaped cut [1027] with
a relatively flat base (Fig. 6a; Plates 21-22). The fill consisted of a 0.3m deep moderately firm, dark-
brown silty-clay (1028) with small fragments of animal bone, charcoal flecks and frequent angular stones
(between 0.05 to 0.25m in length). Most of the stone appeared to be locally derived limestone with a
number appearing to be pinky red. No dating evidence was derived from the drain sections.
8.4 HA trench 09: APAC [1017] and HA Feature [0906]: APAC [1009].
During the HA Evaluation (Blackburn 2015), a linear feature [0906], was partly excavated at the northern
limit of their 40m long and 1.6m wide trench 09. The archaeological feature [0906] was interpreted as a
0.9m wide and 0.2m deep and 1.3m long elongated pit or linear, and was partly excavated and sampled, as
far as the northern end of trench 09 (Blackburn 2015, 4). It was found to contain two fills, a primary
charcoal rich deposit (0907) with charred cereal grains, prehistoric flint, lumps of fired clay and a late
Neolithic or Early Bronze Age flint flake, and an upper secondary fill (0908) which was a sandy orange
silty clay (Blackburn 2015, 4). The seeds recovered were interpreted as representing an Iron Age or later
assemblage.
All but the southernmost 7m of the 40 long north-northeast to south-southwest aligned Headland Trench
09 was incorporated into the 50m by 50m area during this excavation. The 1.6m wide trench cut was
identified during this excavation as [1017]. When machining towards the northern end of [1017] several
large spreads of charcoal and charred seeds were observed. Machine excavation was halted in this area
and the remainder of the terminus was hand excavated. Six small abraded body sherds of late prehistoric
or Romano-British pottery, the largest being 25mm by 30mm by 4mm thick, were recovered from the
charcoal spreads (Appendix 5, Finds 7). The pottery appeared to be associated with more than one vessel
and from distinctly different periods. For this reason Mullin asserts that they cannot be used to date the
context from which they were recovered (See Mullin, Appendix 6). During the excavation process it was
noticed that modern material and recently buried green vegetation was also located in some areas under
subsoil suggesting that this was re-deposited and within the HA trench 09, 2015 backfill (1012).
The Headland trench terminus was eventually located and the remainder of the linear feature identified by
HA in 2015 [1009] was excavated and sampled to its full extent (Figs. 7-8; Plates 23-24). The full feature
was 3m long and 0.9 to 1.0m wide, 0.2 to 0.3m deep with a flat base on to limestone rock with a raised
stepped terminus at the northern limit cut through degrading superficial geology. The only surface
indication of the linear feature’s presence at the northern end was occasional flecks of charcoal within the
upper fill, a 0.2m to 0.35m deep deposit of soft brown silty clay (1010) equivalent to HA’s upper fill
(0908). Underlying this was 0.03 to 0.05m deep black charcoal rich silty-clay (1011) with charred seeds
that appeared identical to HA’s corresponding (0907) deposit. A sample from the basal fill (1011) of the
newly excavated northern section of the linear, produced charred grain and wood charcoal together with a
small quantity of ferrous gritty material including macroscopic fragments of stone, iron slag, possible
hammerscale and a dull spheroid, possibly indicative of coal rather than charcoal fired technology
(Appendix 5-9) (Tim Young: personal communication 2017). Five Barley grains were sent from sample
<2> (1011) to be dated by AMS (UBA-34759) and produced a date of 1216+/- 25 BP; Cal AD 764-887 at
2 sigma (Appendix 8).
Based on the limited evidence available in terms of comparanda, the seed assemblage does not appear to
contradict this dating evidence (see Appendix 7). The pot sherds recovered from the upper HA backfill,
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however, are clearly earlier and abraded, suggesting that they may be residual. Although further
machining around [1009] did not reveal any other further evidence of activity near to the feature, a late
Neolithic or early Bronze Age flint piercer (SF1) was discovered during hand excavation on the edge; but
outside, of the eastern limit of Headland trench 9. Arguably the Neolithic flint flake recovered within the
basal deposit of the HA excavated section may also have been within the remnant subsoil and
incorporated during excavation of this early medieval feature.
9. Conclusions and Discussion

The finds within the topsoil suggest agricultural activity here during the nineteenth and twentieth-century,
with field drainage being a consideration. A previous cartographic regression study suggests the present
field was once part of at least two separate fields, and that an east to west field boundary has been
removed during the second half of the nineteenth-century.
Subsoil evidence suggests that iron smelting has occurred in the local area with as number of larger slag
fragments discovered, together with macroscopic fragments in most subsoil samples. Late Neolithic and
Early Bronze Age flint discovered within the central area of the field together with abraded sherds of late
Prehistoric and Romano-British pottery is also indicative of activity and settlement nearby.
The [1008]/[1022] gulley running directly across the site, viewed from above, has the superficial
appearance of a man made ditch. Excavation, however, suggested otherwise. There was no stratigraphic
evidence within the sections to suggest that feature [1008]/[1022] was anthropogenic in origin or had a
base that had been exposed and refilled at any time. The insertion of ceramic and stone drains parallel to
the feature would suggest that the natural drainage course for water is along this axis. It is possible that
softer limestone beds were either absent or were weathered along this line. It is likely that the minute
quantities of charcoal, seeds and ferrous material contained within the subsoil were also the result of
natural formation processes. A field boundary located along the same axis and in approximately the same
location as the gulley can be seen on the Tidenham Parish Tithe Map (1845) but is seemingly gone by
1889 (revised in 1902) (Delaney 2015, Illustrations 2 and 3). If this feature represents a ditch excavated as
a pre-19th century field boundary there is no stratigraphic or artefactual evidence to support this from
either the HA evaluation or this present excavation. It is possible, however, that a linear earthwork (HER
22508) referred to in previous studies (Delaney 2015, 12) marks the location of the field boundary. If this
is the case the negative gulley below is the result of ground water weathering of limestone as it flowed
south down the slope from the linear boundary and also down the slope east to west, in the same direction
as the ceramic and stone drains. The pooling of water along this line from two directions may have been
enough to erode the limestone forming this linear negative feature.
Many of the features excavated suggest that some shrubs and trees were growing within the north-western
and central excavated area, but have since been cleared possibly for agricultural purposes.
The linear feature discovered by HA in 2015 can now be shown to be a 3m long and 0.9m wide linear
feature, excavated and used to dump charred crop products and other burnt material derived from an
agricultural settlement nearby. It is likely that this feature and settlement date to the AD 8th or 9th C (early
medieval/ Middle Saxon period).
Although no significant archaeological remains were discovered in other areas of the field during the HA
evaluation (2015), it is possible that remains of the early medieval settlement lie nearby; possibly on the
level ground to the north of the excavated area. It is recommended that an Archaeological Watching Brief
be conducted during work on the northern area during any possible development work.
Archive and finds
It is intended that, permissions pending, the site archive and finds will be deposited with Gloucester
Museum as outlined in the APAC Ltd WSI and described in Gloucestershire Archaeological Archive
Standards 2017 (Version 1, 2017).
11

10. Acknowledgements
APAC Ltd would like to thank Mr. S. Merrett, Mr. Tom Parry and the ground working team for their
cooperation and assistance during this work.
11. References
Blackburn, R. 2015. Land off Gloucester Road, Tutshill, Gloucestershire. Archaeological Evaluation.
Headland Archaeology (GRTG/02).
CIfA. 2014. Code of Conduct and the Code of Approved Practice for the Regulation of Contractual
Arrangements in Field Archaeology 2014.
Copp, T. 2015 Built Heritage Statement. Land off Gloucester Road, Tutshill, Gloucestershire. CGMS
Consulting.
Delaney, L. 2015. Land Off Gloucester Road, Tutshill, Gloucestershire: Archaeological Desk-Based
Assessment. Headland Archaeology (GRTG/01).
GBV (BGS) 2016: Geology of Britain Viewer.

http://www.bgs.ac.uk/discoveringGeology/geologyOfBritain/viewer.html (Accessed 03/17)
Phillips, N. 2017. Written Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Excavation (WSI: EX/THC/17).
Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill. APAC Ltd.
Schmidt, A. and Webb, A. 2015. Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill, Gloucestershire. Geophysical
Survey. Headland Archaeology (GLTG/01).
Soilscapes 2017. http://www.landis.org.uk/soilscapes/ (Accessed 03/17)
Wilkinson, S.A. 2015. Preliminary Ground Investigation Report For Land Off Gloucester Road Tutshill.
Wilson Associates.
Young, Tim. 2017. Pers. Comm. Email communication (April 06/2017) Re. Hammerscale.
12
Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill
8 SE
Wirewoods Green A4 DB
UR
Y LA
Manor
Snipehill
Bridge
Tutshill
ay
High ailw
Ridge edR
ntl
ma
Dis
Meads Tump
Farm Farm
Wye Valley
Junction
l
nne
Tu Meads
Farm
Buffer
Wharf
OS Copyright Licence 100046577 Grif Ref: ST 544945
Fig. 01: Location A.P.A.C Ltd: EX/THC/17

E: 354434.7738
N: 194536.0037
45.111m AOD
+ RS 04
44.62m
[1013] 50m
42.73m
RS 03
RS 05
E: 354483.1331
N: 194524.1613
41.93m + 41.393 m AOD
CP6
CP 5
44.40m
[1016}
42.35m
]1029] 42.73m
[1009]
CP5
50m
x
SF1
[1003] [1005]
Ston
eD rain [1017]
40.66m
CP3
41.14m
[1022] [1027]
42.67m 42.21m
]1018]
41.36m
Feature [1008]/[1022]
40.98m
50m
[1017] CP4
Sondage
CP2 A48
42.33m
[1008] CP3
+ 41.70m
E: 354422.8312 CP1
N: 194487.9565 40.36m
42.91mAOD
RS 02
50m
39.49m
RS 01 E: 354471.1515
+ N: 194475.6766
39.668m AOD
OS copyright licence 100046577

CP: Ceramic Pipe
RS: Representative Section
SF 1: Flint tool
Fig. 02. Fig. 02. Site Plan A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

3a S N
(1000)
43.33m
(1030)
[1029]
Step
Disturbed
Step [1022]
(1001)
(1021) [1020]
<5> (1007)
(1000)
(1030) (1021)
(1007)
[1029] (1001) [1020]
[1022]
Ceramic pipe No. 3
0 1.0m
(1007)
East East facing

facing section
section through
through gulleygulley
natural [1022] at
at west end
end of
ofsite
site [1022]
N
3b 40.01m S
(1000)
Ceramic pipe Ceramic pipe

No. 4 (1001) <6> No. 3
(1002) (1002)
(1007)
(1007)
[ [1008]
]1008]
(1000)
0 1.0m
[CP3] [CP4]
Westsection
West facing facing section
throughthrough
east togulley
west[1008]
gulleyatateast
eastend of of
end siteexcavated area (1001)
[1008]
(1002)
(1007)
<5> & <6> - Sample locations
Fig. 03.
Fig. 02. Sections through feature [1008]/[1022] A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17
4a.
SW NE
(1015)
43.58m
43.58m (1014)
[1013] [1013]
(1001)
(1007) 0 1.0m
0 0.5m (1015)
(1014) Post-excavation plan of [1013]
Post-excavation plan of bioturbation feature [1013]
South-east facing section of bioturbation feature [1013]
South-east facing section of [1013] [1013]
(1007)
4b.
S N
(1023)
(1025)
44.12m
(1026) (1024)
44.12m
[1016]
[1016]
(1007)
0 1.0m
East facing section of [1016]

East facing section of tree-throw [1016]
(1001)
(1026)
(1025)
0 1.0m
Key (1024)
(1023) Post-excavation plan of [1016]
Post-excavation plan of tree-throw [1016]
Stones [1016]
(1007)
Worm casts
Roots
Degrading superficial geology
Sections and plans of features [1013] and [1016]

Fig. 04. Tree-throw A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17
SE NW
5a
(1004)
[1003] (1001)
41.85m
(1004)
[1003]
(1007)
(1007)
East-northeast facing section of feature [1003]
0 0.5m
NW SE
5b
42.26m
(1006)
Key
Key [1005]
(1001)
(1007)
Roots (1006)
South-west facing section of feature [1005] [1005]

Degrading 0.5m (1007)
0
Mudstone/sandstone
Degrading Limestone
A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

Fig. 05. Sections through features [1005] and [1003]
6a. E: 354448.60
N:194499.62
S [1027] [1027]
N
Section Dr
41.80m
41.80m
(1028)
(1001)
(1028) (1001)
(1001)
(1001)
(1007) (1028)
[1027]
(1007)
0 0.5m
Plan and east facing section of Stone Drain section [1027]
6b.
(1019) N
S
41.80m
(1001)
(1002) (1002) (1002)
(1019) (1019)
[1018] (1002)
[1018] [1018]
(1002)
(1019)
0 0.5m
Plan and east facing section of Stone Drain section [1018]
Fig. 06. Sections and plans of stone drain [1018]/ [1027] A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17
Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill EX/THC/17
42.40m
Fig. 8c (1001)
Degrading 42.21m
(1002)
Fig. 8b
Limestone
[1009] ]1009]
41.97m
Projected end of
[1017]
Degrading
(1002)
[1017]
[1017] Limestone
Previously excavated
by Headland
Degrading 41.90m
( feature 0906)
(1002)
Fig. 8a
X SF1 (Late Neo/EBA Flint Tool)
ion)
(Bioturbat
0 1.0m
0 20m
Fig. 07. Post-excavation plan of linear feature [1009] A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17
S N
N S
[1009]
(1012) [1009] (1010)
(1002)
(1011) [1009]
(1002)
41.90m
0 0.5m
41.97m
8a 0 0.5m 8b
West facing section through eastern side of excavated linear [1009] East facing section through unexcavated centre of linear [1009]
(1012) (1001)
(1010)
42.21m N (1010) S (1011)
8c.
(1007) [1009]
[1009] (1007) (1002)
<2> (1011)
0 0.5m
West facing section through terminus of linear feature [1009].
Fig. 8. Sections through linear feature [1009] A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill EX/THC/17
E 41.85m W
E 39.93m W (1000)
(1000)
(1001)
(1002)
0 0.5m 0 0.5m
Representative Section 01: North Facing Representative Section 02: North Facing
W 42.29m E
W 44.45m E
(1000)
(1000)
(1001) (1001)
0 0.5m 0 0.5m
Representative Section 03: South Facing Representative Section 04: South Facing
S 44. 55m N
(1000)
(1001)
(1002)
0 0.5m
Representative Section 05: East Facing
0 20m
Fig. 9. Representative Section drawings A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

A.P.A.C. Ltd Appendix 5 - 1 FINDS EX/THC/17
IMG_0838.jpg
IMG_0839.jpg
(1001) SF1 (1001) SF1
Find no Area Context Description Period Date

SF1 Central (1000) 1 Flint piercer Late 08/03/17
Neolithic/
Early Bronze
Age
A.P.A.C. Ltd Appendix 5 -2 FINDS EX/THC/17
IMG_0923.jpg
301(1000) 3 1

1 North-west (1000) Horse shoe (iron) 19th /20th C 23/02/17
Corroded iron bar
IMG_0916.jpg
(1000) 2

2 East (1000) 1 sherd blue and white white willow pattern 19th C 23/02/17
1 sherd blue and white transfer ware 19th/ 20th C
3 shards green glass
1 shard brown glass
1 sherd glazed stoneware
1 sherd cream ware
1 slate fragment
IMG_0917.jpg
(1000) 3

3 Central (1000) 1 heavy duty iron machine spring (agricultural) 20th C 24/02/17
2 sherds of earthenware, glazed internally 19th C
1 fragment of white glazed jar rim 19th/20th C
1 ferrous hand made nail 18th/19th C
4 sherds blue and white white willow pattern 19th C
1 sherd local earthenware 18th/19th C
IMG_0920.jpg
(1000)
4

4 West (1000) 1 clay pipe stem 19th/20th C 27/02/17
1 shard of green glass
IMG_0918.jpg
(1001) 5

5 Central (1001) 2 fragments of possible ferrous slag 19th C 27/02/17
1 possible earthenware tile fragment
IMG_0919.jpg
(1001) 6

6 West (1001) 4 fragments of ferrous slag ? 02/03/17
IMG_0922.jpg
(1012) 7

7 Central (1012) 6 sherds pottery - body sherds Iron Age- 08/03/17
Roman
IMG_2281jpeg
Possible
hammerscale
Spheroid
2 (1011)
mm
Sample 2: Macro image of magnetic heavy residue

from context (1011) - basal fill of feature [1009]
Plate 01: View of topsoil stripping at southern end of site – showing remains of ceramic drain pipe CP1
(looking west )
Plate 02: View of topsoil stripping at southern end of site – showing remains of ceramic drain pipe CP1
(looking east )

Plate 03: North facing representative section (RS01) on south-eastern edge of site (looking south)
Plate 04: North facing representative section (RS02) on south-western edge of site (looking south)

Plate 05: South facing representative section (RS03) on north-eastern edge of site (looking north)
Plate 06: South facing representative section (RS04) on north-western edge of site (looking north)

Plate 07: East facing representative section (RS05) on western edge of site (looking west)
Plate 08: Machine dug sondage through natural (1007) in north-west corner of site

Plate 09: West facing section of E- W gulley [1008] at east end of excavated area (looking east)
Plate 10: East facing stepped section through west end of gulley [1022] (looking south-west)

Plate 11: East facing stepped section through west end of gulley [1022] (looking north-west)
Plate 12: View of east facing section through feature [1003] (looking west)

Plate 13: Plan view of section through [1003] (looking north)
Plate 14: View of south facing section through east side of feature [1005] (looking north)

Plate 15: View of south facing section through west side of feature [1005] (looking north-northeast)
Plate 16: Plan of half-sectioned [1005] (looking north)

Plate 17: South-east facing section of feature [1013] (looking north-west)
Plate 18: East facing section through feature [1016] (looking west)

Plate 19: Plan of section of stone drain [1018]
Plate 20: East facing section through stone drain [1018]- east end (looking west)

Plate 21: Plan of section of stone drain [1027]
Plate 22: East facing section through stone drain [1027]- central section (looking west)

Plate 23: Elevated post- excavation view of feature [1009] (looking north-northwest)
Plate 24: Post-excavation image of feature [1009] (looking south-southeast]

A.P.A.C. Ltd. Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill EX/THC/17
Appendix 1 Context Register
Site: Tutshill, Grid Ref Centred: Site Code: Alternate No: Plan App No.
Chepstow ST 54452 94500 EX/THC/17 FOD/P1911/15/OUT
CONTEXT AREA FEATURE DESCRIPTION FINDS PHOTOGRAPHS

th th
(1000) Site Deposit Soft mid-brown clayey silt (topsoil). 0.3- 19 /20
C glass
0.4m deep
& pot
(1001) Site Deposit Firm red-brown silty clay (subsoil). 0.4m Neo/EBA
flint/
deep. Not present in SE corner.
ferrous
slag
(1002) Site Deposit Laminated limestone geology; degraded
Not SW in areas.
[1003] Central Cut Irregular sub-circular elongated cut with IMG_0784
uneven sloping sides and base caused by IMG_0785
root action 1.2m x 0.6m x 0.2m (max)
(1004) Central Fill Medium-firm dark-brown silty clay with IMG_0784
vertically aligned lenses of red clay and IMG_0785
root material. 0.02m-0.2m deep
[1005] Central Cut Irregular elongated cut with uneven
sloping sides and base probably caused
by root action 1.4m x 0.63 x 0.25m
(1006) Central Fill Firm mid-brown silty clay with vertical
bands of red clay and root material -max
depth 0.25m. Degrading sandstone frags
& manganese patches.
(1007) East & Deposit Firm red-brown clay with fragments of
West degrading limestone (natural)
[1008] East Cut Possible cut/ Natural erosion of limestone IMG_0789,
(1002) as seen on eastern edge of IMG_0790
excavated gulley. Northern side slopes IMG_0791
gradually, southern side vertical. 1.22m IMG_0792
deep; 5.62m wide IMG_0793
[1009] Central Cut Cut of linear gulley with steep sides and Charred
seeds
rounded northern terminus. 2.96m long
and 0.9 to 1.0m wide and 0.2m to 0.35m
deep. S end previously excavated by
Headland (2015).
(1010) Central Fill Soft brown silty clay with charcoal flecks Charcoal
throughout. Surviving secondary fill of
surviving N end of cut [1009]. 0.2m to
0.35m deep, 0.9m to 1.0m wide and 1.5m
long.
(1011) Central Fill Black silty clay with charcoal (90%).
Basal (primary) fill of linear [1009]. 0.03
to 0.05m deep by 1.5m x 0.9m.
(1012) Central Fill Mixed red clay, charcoal spreads and Late-
prehist/Ro
brown silty clay with root material.
man
Highly disturbed back fill of Headland Pottery
Trench 09 [1017] found around and sherds,
above southern end of feature [1009]. Charcoal/
Seeds
Max depth- 0.6m.
[1013] West Cut Sub-rectangular, steep concave sided with IMG_0804
undulating base. Cut of shrub bowl
feature: 2.23m by 0.64m by 0.2m deep.
(1014) West Fill Firm mid brown silty clay with root born IMG_0804
charcoal. Basal fill of bioturbation [1013].
2.23m by 0.64m by 0.2m deep.
(1015) West Fill Loose red-brown silty clay. Upper fill of IMG_0804
[1013]. 1.06m by 0.36m by 0.05m deep.
[1016] North- Cut Oval steep sided cut with concave sides.
West Probable tree throw. 4.48m by 1.55m
(excavated) by 0.84m deep.
[1017] North- Cut Cut of Headland Trench 09 (2015).
West Originally 40m long, 0.6m deep and
aligned NNW to SSW. Southernmost
32.3m visible within the excavated area.
[1018] East Cut Eastern end of east to west aligned stone IMG_0826
Drain. Narrow and stepped cut with flat IMG_0827
rock cut base. Cut through limestone IMG_0828
bedrock. Designed to drain groundwater
downslope (west to east). No dating but
probably post-med. Upper cut 0.45m
wide but 0.12m at base.; 0.23m deep
below bedrock depth. Drain runs 43m
west to east within excavated area.
(1019) East Fill Soft, friable red-brown silty clay with
loose stone infill and charcoal flecks.
Stones (<0.12m width). Fill of Stone
drain [1018].
[1020] West Cut Triangular cut for ceramic pipe back
filled with stone. 0.45m wide at top,
0.15m at base, 0.45m deep. Cut into
subsoil (1001).
(1021) West Fill Loose red-brown silty clay with large
stones (0.10m-0.20m) used as backfill for
ceramic pipe insertion trench [1020].
[1022] West Cut Cut of natural gulley at west end of site. IMG_0830
Sloping sides with rounded base. 5.5m IMG_0831
wide and 1.6m deep. = [1008]
(1023) North- Fill Loose dark grey/black silty clay. Top soil IMG_0826
west and subsoil mix deposited as a result of IMG_0829
tree-throw. 0.68m by 1.2m by 0.5m deep.
(1024) North- Fill Firm reddish brown silty clay with IMG_0826
west moderately sorted stone inclusions (0.01- IMG_0829
0.09m). Loose components located to the
north of feature. 3.96m by 1.55m
(excavated) by 0.84m deep
(1025) North- Fill Loose light green-yellow clayey silty IMG_0826
west sand. Southern end of feature. O.68 by IMG_0829
0.6m (excavated) by 0.38m deep.
(1026) North- Fill Loose brown-black silty clay. Southern IMG_0826
west end of feature. 1.44m by 0.4m by 0.26m. IMG_0829
[1027] Central Cut Cut of east to west stone drain located in IMG_ 0832
the central area of the site. This is the IMG_ 0833
same drain as [1018] but the west and IMG_ 0834
upslope . 0.73m wide and 0.3m deep. = IMG_ 0835
[1018].
(1028) Central Fill Moderately firm dark-brown silty clay IMG_ 0832
with charcoal flecks and large (0.05 to IMG_ 0833
0.25m) stone infill. Fill of stone drain IMG_ 0834
[1027]. IMG_ 0835
[1029] West Cut Cut of stone drain at its westernmost IMG_0830
observed extent within excavated area. IMG_0831
0.25m wide and 0.22m deep. = [1018] =
[1027].
(1030) West Fill Moderately firm dark brown silty clay IMG_0830
with large stone (0.10m to 0.25m) infill. IMG_0831
Fill of drain [1029].
Appendix 2 Digital Photographic Register
Img Ref Date Camera L/P View Description Plate

IMG 0779 22/02/17 EOS 350 L E View of topsoil stripping at southern end of site – showing remains of ceramic drain pipe CP1 2
IMG 0780 22/02/17 EOS 350 L E View of W- E top soil strip showing ceramic drain pipe
IMG 0781 22/02/17 EOS 350 L E C/up of superficial limestone geology and ceramic pipe SE end of excavation area
IMG 0782 22/02/17 EOS 350 L E C/up of superficial limestone geology and ceramic pipe SE end of excavation area
IMG 0783 22/02/17 EOS 350 L W View of topsoil stripping at southern end of site – showing remains of ceramic drain pipe CP1 1
IMG 0784 27/02/17 EOS 350 L W View of east facing section through feature [1003] 12
IMG 0785 27/02/17 EOS 350 L NNE Plan view of section through [1003] 13
IMG 0786 28/02/17 EOS 350 L NNE View of south facing section through east side of feature [1005] 14
IMG 0787 28/02/17 EOS 350 L NE View of south facing section through west side of feature [1005] 15
IMG 0788 28/02/17 EOS 350 L NNE Plan of half sectioned [1005] 16
IMG 0789 28/02/17 EOS 350 L E W facing section of E- W gulley [1008] at E end of excavated area 9
IMG 0790 28/02/17 EOS 350 L E W facing section of E- W gulley at E end of excavated area showing 2 x ceramic pipes
IMG 0794 01/03/17 EOS 350 L SW Machine dug sondage through natural (1007) in north-west corner of site 8
IMG 0795 01/03/17 EOS 350 L SW Machine dug sondage in NW corner
IMG 0797 02/03/17 EOS 350 L E NW Quad: W facing section through terminus of [1017] showing backfill (1012) and longitudinal profile of linear feature
[1009].
IMG 0798 02/03/17 EOS 350 L S NW Quad: N facing, E to W, section through N end of [1017] showing back fill (1012) *initially labelled 1009.
IMG 0799 02/03/17 EOS 350 L N SE Quad: S facing E-W section through [1017] showing back fill (1012) and charcoal dump *initially labelled 1009.
IMG 0800 02/03/17 EOS 350 L W SE Quad: E facing longitudinal section through N end of [1017] showing back fill (1012) *initially labelled 1009.
IMG 0801 07/03/17 EOS 350 L E W facing longitudinal section through terminus of undisturbed linear [1009]
IMG 0802 07/03/17 EOS 350 L E W facing longitudinal section through terminus of undisturbed linear [1009]
IMG 0803 07/03/17 EOS 350 L W E facing longitudinal section through linear [1009] N of [1017]
IMG 0804 08/03/17 EOS 350 L NW SE facing section of feature [1013] 17
IMG 0805 08/03/17 EOS 350 L S N facing Rep Sec (RS 01) on SE edge of site 3
IMG 0806 08/03/17 EOS 350 L NW Pre-ex image of probable Tree Throw [1016]
IMG 0807 09/03/17 EOS 350 P E Pre Ex plan of section through [1009] with back fill (1012)
IMG 0808 09/03/17 EOS 350 L E W facing longitudinal section ‘working shot’ through surviving feature within (1012)
IMG 0809 09/03/17 EOS 350 L S N facing Rep Sec (RS 02) on SW edge of site 4
IMG 0810 09/03/17 EOS 350 P N Post-ex image of complete linear [1009]
IMG 0811 09/03/17 EOS 350 L NW Post-ex image of complete linear [1009]
IMG 0812 09/03/17 EOS 350 L SE Post-ex image of complete linear [1009] 24
IMG 0813 09/03/17 EOS 350 L SE Post-ex image of complete linear [1009]
IMG 0814 09/03/17 EOS 350 L N South facing representative section (RS 03) on north-eastern edge of site 5
IMG 0815 10/03/17 EOS 350 L N Post-ex image of complete linear [1009] (blurring)
IMG 0816 10/03/17 EOS 350 L N Post-ex image of complete linear [1009] (blurring)
IMG 0817 10/03/17 EOS 350 L W Post-ex image of complete linear [1009]
IMG 0818 10/03/17 EOS 350 P S Post-ex image of complete linear [1009]
IMG 0819 10/03/17 EOS 350 L W Subsoil strip sondage W of [1009] 8
IMG 0820 10/03/17 EOS 350 L W Subsoil strip sondage NW of [1009]
IMG 0821 10/03/17 EOS 350 L W SW end of site end of excavation
IMG 0822 10/03/17 EOS 350 L W S end of site, end of excavation
IMG 0823 10/03/17 EOS 350 L W S end of site, end of excavation
IMG 0824 10/03/17 EOS 350 L N South facing representative section (RS 04) on north western edge of site 6
IMG 0825 10/03/17 EOS 350 L W East facing representative section (RS 05) on western edge of site 7
IMG 0826 10/03/17 EOS 350 L W E facing section through stone drain [1018): E end 20
IMG 0827 10/03/17 EOS 350 L W Plan of section of stone drain [1018] 19
IMG 0828 10/03/17 EOS 350 L W E facing section through stone drain [1018): E end
IMG 0829 10/03/17 EOS 350 L W E facing section through feature [1016] 18
IMG 0830 10/03/17 EOS 350 L SW E facing stepped section through west end of gulley [1022] 10
IMG 0831 10/03/17 EOS 350 L NW E facing stepped section through west end of gulley [1022] 11
IMG 0832 10/03/17 EOS 350 L W Plan of section through stone drain [1027] = [1018]: central 21
IMG 0833 10/03/17 EOS 350 L W E facing section through stone drain [1027] = [1018]: central 22
IMG 0834 10/03/17 EOS 350 L W E facing section through stone drain [1027] = [1018]: central
IMG 0835 10/03/17 EOS 350 L W E facing section through stone drain [1027] = [1018]: central
DSC00258 11/03/17 Sony DSC L Plan Elevated post-excavation image of feature [1009]
DSC00259 11/03/17 Sony DSC L Plan Elevated post-excavation image of feature [1009]
DSC00260 11/03/17 Sony DSC P Plan Elevated post-excavation image of feature [1009] 23
Contact sheet 1 Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill

Contact sheet 2 Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill

Appendix 3 Samples Register
Sample Area Context Description (Amount: litres) initial Date

001 Central (1012) Fill of [1017] – Headland backfill DISTURBED/CONTAMINATED CONTEXT IJ 02/03/17
002 Central (1011) Basal fill of [1009] – charcoal rich (20L) IJ 07/03/17
003 Central (1010) Fill of northern terminus of [1009] (30L) KP 07/03/17
004 NW (1014) Fill of Bioturbation [1013]. Flecks of charcoal present (10L) SR 08/03/17
005 West (1001) Subsoil from centre of gulley [1022] at W end of site (40L) RS 08/03/17
006 East (1001) Subsoil from centre of gulley [1008] at E end of site (40L) CG 08/03/17
007 NW (1004) Fill of [1003] (10L) CG 08/03/17
Appendix 4 Site Finds Register

1 North-west (1000) Horse Shoe (iron) 19th/20th 23/02/17
Corroded iron bar
2 East (1000) 1 sherd blue and white white willow pattern 19th 23/02/17
1 sherd blue and white transfer ware 19th/20th
1 shard brown glass
1 sherd cream ware
1 slate fragment
3 Central (1000) 1 heavy duty iron machine spring (agricultural) 20th 24/02/17
2 sherds of earthenware, glazed internally 19th
1 fragment of white glazed jar rim 19th/20th
1 ferrous hand made nail 18th/19th
4 sherds blue and white white willow pattern 19th
1 sherd local earthenware 18th /19th
4 West (1000) 1 clay pipe stem 19th 27/02/17
1 shard of green glass 19th
5 Central (1001) 2 fragments of possible ferrous slag ? 27/02/17
1 possible earthenware tile fragment
SF1 E: 354577.85 (1001) 1 Flint piercer Late 08/03/17
N: 194505.68 Neolithic/
42.21m AOD Early
Bronze Age
7 Central (1012) 6 sherds pottery - body sherds Iron Age- 08/03/17
Roman
Appendix 5 Site Finds Register

1 East (1000) 1 sherd blue and white white willow pattern 19th 23/02/17
1 sherd blue and white transfer ware 19th/20th
1 shard brown glass
1 sherd cream ware
1 slate fragment
2 Central (1000) 1 heavy duty iron machine spring (agricultural) 20th 24/02/17
2 sherds of earthenware, glazed internally 19th
1 fragment of white glazed jar rim 19th/20th
1 ferrous hand made nail 18th/19th
4 sherds blue and white white willow pattern 19th
1 sherd local earthenware 18th /19th
3 West (1000) 1 clay pipe stem 19th 27/02/17
1 shard of green glass 19th
4 Central (1001) 2 fragments of possible ferrous slag ? 27/02/17
1 shed of earthenware tile ?
SF1 E: 354577.85 (1001) Flint piercer Neolithic? 08/03/17
N: 194505.68
42.21m AOD
6 Central (1012) 6 sherds pottery - body sherds Prehistoric 08/03/17
?
A.P.A.C. Ltd Appendix 6 FINDS EX/THC/17
Pottery Report (see Appendix 5 - 8)

Dr David Mullin
A total of six sherds were recovered from context (1012).Two very small sherds (1g each) were in an oxidised (orange-
brown) fabric and impossible to identify to any chronological period.Two sherds (4g in total) were in a fine walled (2-3mm),
reduced (black) fabric with no visible inclusions but with a sandy texture. These are unlikely to be of earlier prehistoric date
and are probably of Late Iron Age or Roman date.
The remaining two sherds are slightly thicker walled (4-5mm) body sherds with rare inclusions of finely crushed quartz. It is
not possible to be precise about these sherds but the fabric is in keeping with a prehistoric date, possibly within the Bronze
Age or perhaps Iron Age.
Due to the small sherd size, low number of sherds and the probably mixed nature of the assemblage, none of these sherds can
be used to date the context from which they were recovered.
Report on worked lithic (see Appendix 5 - 1)

Dr Amelia Pannett
A single worked lithic was recovered from context (1001), SF01. It consists of an irregular flake of mottled grey flint struck
from a single platform core. The flake measures 35.7mm in length, 17.6mm wide and a maximum of 6.2mm thick. It is has a
plunging termination (over struck creating a thicker distal end), while the proximal end has been retouched removing the
striking platform.
The flake has been extensively retouched at the proximal end to form a point. Both invasive and non-invasive retouch has
been employed to trim the lateral edges of the flake and create a sharp point with a shouldered edge on the right side (viewed
from the dorsal side). The retouch has been primarily applied to the dorsal side, with a short stretch along the shouldered edge
on the ventral side. Towards the distal end of the flake are slight notches formed by rough non-invasive retouch or edge
damage – the notch on the right side is more pronounced. These may have been formed to allow the point to be hafted.
The lithic can be classified as a piercer, for use in making holes in materials such as skins. The form of the piece, the
complexity of the retouch and the possibility that it could have been hafted indicate a manufacture date in the later Neolithic
or possibly early Bronze Age.
Appendix 7
Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill, Gloucestershire (EX/THC/17).

Archaeobotanical assessment for A.P.A.C Ltd.
May 2017
Dr Catherine Longford
Sheffield Archaeobotanical Consultancy
Introduction:
Six soil samples were taken during excavations at Tutshill, Gloucesershire by A.P.A.C Ltd. Previous
work at Tutshill conducted by Headland Archaeology in 2015 had uncovered a very rich deposit of
hulled barley grain at the base of an undated ditch terminal (Longford 2015). This linear feature was
further excavated by A.P.A.C in 2017 to determine the unexcavated extent of the feature. Two soil
samples, <002> and <003>, were collected from the primary (1011) and secondary (1010) fills of the
linear feature [1009]. Samples were also taken from the fill of tree boles [1003] and [1013], the fill
(1001) of a linear gully at the east [1008] and west [1022] ends. The aims of the assessment were to
assess the presence, preservation and abundance of environmental remains in the sample and to
characterize the assemblage as far as possible.
Method:
Soil samples ranged in volume from 9-34 litres. Soil samples were processed using machine flotation
by Dr Tudur Davies and the floating debris (flot) was sent for assessment to the Sheffield
Archaeobotanical Consultancy. The heavy residue, material remaining in the flotation tank, was also
sorted by Dr Davies and any material of archaeological significance removed. Due to the quantity of
material recovered by flotation, the flot of samples <002>, <003> and <007> was sieved and the
>1mm fraction assessed. In addition the flot of sample <002> was split in half and only one half of
the flot assessed as a representative sample. All other samples were assessed in their entirety.
Samples were scanned using a binocular microscope with magnifications of up to x45. Charred plant
remains were identified with reference to Cappers et al. (2006) and Zohary et al. (2012).
Results:
The results are presented below in Tables 1 and 2.
Samples <002> and <003> from the linear feature [1009] were both very rich in charred grain and
wood charcoal (Table 1). Hundreds of hulled barley grains were identified in each sample together
with a few barley rachis internodes and brome grass (Bromus sp.) seeds. The presence of
symmetrical and asymmetric hulled barley grains as well as identifiable 6-row barley rachis
internodes in sample <002> indicates that hulled 6-row barley (Hordeum vulgare) was used and
possibly cultivated near to the site. The proportion of symmetrical to asymmetrical barley grains
indicates however that hulled 2-row barley (H. distichum) may also have been present at the site
since the amount of symmetrical grains in each sample is greater than the expected 2:1
asymmetrical to symmetrical grain ratio expected for 6-row barley assemblages. Sample <002>
from the primary fill (1011) of linear [1009] also contained a quantity of free threshing wheat grains
(Triticum aestivo-compactum). This sample, <002>, had the greatest density of cereal grains with 39
grains for each litre of soil processed, an estimated total of 722 cereal grains for the sample,
whereas sample <003> from the secondary fill only contained 8 cereal grains per litre with 226
cereal grains in total. One fragment of hazel nut shell (Corylus avellana) and a vetch seed
(Vicia/Lathyrus) were found in sample <003>.
The remainder of the samples were very poor in charred plant remains. Samples <005>, <006> and
<007> contain a few badly abraded wheat or indeterminate wheat/barley grains. These samples
also contained a few charred seeds of wild and weedy plants including black bindweed (Fallopia
convululus), knotweed (Polygonum sp.), fat hen (Chenopodium album) and indeterminate
Brassicaceae seeds. These seeds together with brome grass and vetch are typical crop weeds that
are common in arable fields and disturbed ground (Stace 2010). In addition sample <007> from tree
bole [1003] primarily consisted of fibrous roots and uncharred wild plant seeds which suggests a
significant amount of bioturbation within the fill.
In all of the samples with cereals, most grains appear abraded, although there are a few very well
preserved barley grains in samples <002> and <003>, and a number of cereal grains have evidence of
insect damage.
Sample <004> from tree bole [1013] contained only wood charcoal fragments and no charred seeds.
In all samples highly vitrified fragments of wood charcoal were present, together with fragments of
diffuse porous wood charcoal. No fragments of oak charcoal were identified in the samples.
Discussion:
The archaeobotanical assemblages of the two samples (<002>, <003>) from linear feature [1009] are
similar in content to the sample taken from the ditch terminal in the Headland Archaeology
excavation and could be contemporary (cf. Longford 2015). All three samples were dominated by
hulled barley grains with a few free threshing wheat grains. Hulled six-row barley and free threshing
wheat were common crops in Midlands from the late Iron Age onwards and became the dominant
crops in England in the early first millennium AD (Van der Veen 1992, Monkton 2006, Pelling et al.
2015, McKerracher 2016). The charred seed assemblages from linear [1009] appear to contain
cleaned crop products which had been winnowed to remove the cereal chaff and sieved to get rid of
weed seeds prior to being charred (Jones 1990). Five hulled barley grains were selected from
sample the primary deposit of linear [1009], sample <002>, for radiocarbon dating. These grains
have been dated to the 8th-9th Centuries AD and bread wheat and hulled six-row barley were the
main crops of the Middle Saxon period (McKerracher 2016). A recent review of Medieval
archaeobotanical assemblages identified that there was a relative paucity of archaeobotanical data
in Middle Saxon period particularly in the West Midlands region (Van der Veen et al. 2013).
Although a few barley grains were very well preserved, the majority of grains were abraded which
suggests that these deposits may represent charred crop products which had been mixed with other
burnt material and dumped in the linear feature.
The large amount of cereal grain, with some crop weeds and cereal chaff, in these two samples
(<002>, <003>) indicates that crops were cultivated near to the site and that there was potentially an
agricultural settlement in the vicinity which may have been contemporary with the linear feature.
The rest of the samples (<004>, <005>, <006>, <007>) contained a few badly abraded cereal grains
and occasional wild seeds and/or charcoal fragments and are likely to represent material incidentally
incorporated into the backfill of negative features.
Recommendations:
No further archaeobotanical analysis is recommended for these samples. If excavations continue at

the site off Gloucester Road, Tutshill, then further soil sampling for archaeobotanical material is
recommended due to the richness of samples <002> and <003> especially since these samples date
to the Middle Saxon period. There is a lack of archaeobotanical data from the West Midlands in this
period which makes the Tutshill site important for understanding agriculture in this region in the
Middle Saxon period.
References:
Cappers, R.T.J., Bekker, R.M. and Jans, J.E.A., 2006. Digital Seed Atlas of the Netherlands Groningen
Archaeological Studies 4, (Eelde, The Netherlands; Barkhuis Publishing)
Jones, G. 1990. The application of present-day cereal processing studies to charred archaeobotanical
remains, Circaea, 6, pp. 91-96.
Monkton, A. 1996. Environmental Archaeology in the East Midlands. In N. Cooper (ed.) The
Archaeology of the East Midlands: An Archaeological Resource Assessment and Research Agenda,
Leicester Archaeology Monograph 13. (Leicester; University of Leicester) pp. 259-286
Pelling, R. Campbell, G, Carruthers, W., Hunter, K. and Marshall P., 2015, Exploring contamination
(intrusion and residuality) in the archaeobotanical record: case studies from central and southern
England, Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, 24, pp. 85-99.
Longford, C. (2015) Environmental Assessment, in Blackburn, R. Land off Gloucester Road, Tutshll,
Gloucestershire. Archaeologial Evaluation. Unpublished report for Headland Archaeology. pp. 9-10
McKerracher, M. 2016, Bread and surpluses: The Anglo-Saxon ‘bread wheat thesis’ reconsidered,
Environmental Archaeology, 21:1 pp. 88-102.
Stace, C. 2010. New Flora of the British Isles, 3rd Edition (Cambridge University Press; Cambridge)
Van der Veen, M 1992 Crop husbandry regimes. An archaeobotanical study of Farming in northern
England 1000BC-AD 500. Sheffield Archaeological Monographs 3.
Vander Veen, M., Hill, A., and Livarda, A. 2013 The Archaeobotany of Medieval Britain (c. AD 450-
1500): Identifying Research Priorities for the 21st Century, Medieval Archaeology, 57, pp. 151-182
Zohary, D., Hopf, M., and Weiss, E. 2012. Domestication of Plants in the Old World (Oxford; Oxford
University Press)
Table 1. EX/THC/17 Flotation samples results.
Context number 1001 1001 1004 1010 1011 1014

Sample number 005 006 007 003 002 004
Fill of linear gulley Fill of linear gulley Fill of tree bole Secondary fill of Primary fill of linear Primary fill of
Context description [1022] West end. [1008] East end. [1003] silty clay linear [1009] [1009] tree bole [1013]
Volume of soil floated (L) 30 34 9 29 19 10
Sieve fraction >1mm >1mm >1mm
Total flot volume (ml) 10 5 600 50 60 5
Fraction sorted 100% 100% 100% 100% 50% 100%
Material suitable for AMS no no no yes yes no
Hordeum hulled indet grain 162 117
Hordeum hulled symmetrical grain 53 81
Hordeum hulled assymmetrical grain 7 26
Triticum/Hordeum indet. Grain 1 2 3 4 65
Triticum free threshing grain 51
Triticum cf. free threshing grain 2 27
Triticum indet grain 12
Hordeum cf. vulgare rachis internode 3
Hordeum indet rachis internode 2 1
Coryus shell fragment 1
Bromus 3 9
Vicia/Lathyrus 2 3 1
Fallopia convulvolus 1 2
Polygonum 3
Chenopodium album 2
Brassicaceae indet 1
Wild indet 8
Context number 1001 1001 1004 1010 1011 1014
Sample number 005 006 007 003 002 004
Wood fragments >2mm suitable for
Wood identification no no no >50 >50 no
Fragments of Fragments of uncharred

highly vitrified charcoal highly vitrified Non-Oak charcoal Reed/Grass charcoal
Comments charcoal fragments charcoal present stem/root fragments
Fragments of Fragments of Fragments of

highly vitrified highly vitrified Non-Oak charcoal highly vitrified
charcoal roots dominate charcoal present charcoal
Uncharred
Galium, Rubus,
Sambucus, 1 Ranunculus Fragments of highly
Rumex seeds uncharred seed vitrified charcoal
2 Ranunculus
Worm eggs uncharred seed
5 Hordeum hulled
symmetrical grains
removed for AMS
dating
Table 2. EX/THC/17 Heavy residue sample results
Fe/
Sample Context magnetic
No. No. Bone Ceramic Lithics Slag Charcoal objects
5 1001 * * * * ** ***
7 1004 * *** **
3 1010 * **** ***
2 1011 **** **
4 1014 * ** **
6 1028 * * ** ***
*Present; ** Occasional; *** Common; **** Abundant
Appendix 8
14C
UBANo Sample ID Material Type ± F14C ±
Age
UBA seeds from 5 x Hordeum hulled symmetrical grain.
1216 25 0.8595 0.0026
34759 context (1011) Hordeum distichum/vulgare
14CHRONO
APAC Centre
APAC. Ltd Queens
36 Hatherleigh Rd University
Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 Belfast
7RG 42 Fitzwilliam
UK Street
Customer No. 2501868 Belfast BT9 6AX
Northern Ireland

Radiocarbon Date Certificate

Laboratory Identification: UBA34759
Date of Measurement: 20170615
Site: Tutshill, Chepstow
Sample ID: seeds from context (1011)
Material Dated: seed or nutshell
Pretreatment: Acid Only
Submitted by: Dr. Neil Phillips APAC
Conventional 14C
Age: 1216±25 BP
Fraction using AMS
corrected δ13C
Information about radiocarbon calibration
RADIOCARBON CALIBRATION PROGRAM*
CALIB REV7.0.0
Copyright 1986‐2013 M Stuiver and PJ Reimer
*To be used in conjunction with:
Stuiver, M., and Reimer, P.J., 1993, Radiocarbon, 35, 215‐230.
Annotated results (text) ‐ ‐
Export file ‐ c14res.csv

seeds from
UBA‐34759
Radiocarbon Age BP 1216 +/‐ 25
Calibration data set: intcal13.14c # Reimer et al. 2013
% area enclosed cal AD age ranges relative area under
probability distribution
68.3 (1 sigma) cal AD 769‐ 779 0.113
789‐ 869 0.887
95.4 (2 sigma) cal AD 711‐ 745 0.129
764‐ 887 0.871

References for calibration datasets:
Reimer PJ, Bard E, Bayliss A, Beck JW, Blackwell PG, Bronk Ramsey C, Buck CE
Cheng H, Edwards RL, Friedrich M, Grootes PM, Guilderson TP, Haflidason H,
Hajdas I, HattÃ© C, Heaton TJ, Hogg AG, Hughen KA, Kaiser KF, Kromer B,
Manning SW, Niu M, Reimer RW, Richards DA, Scott EM, Southon JR, Turney CSM,
van der Plicht J.
IntCal13 and MARINE13 radiocarbon age calibration curves 0‐50000 years calBP
Radiocarbon 55(4). DOI: 10.2458/azu_js_rc.55.16947

Comments:
* This standard deviation (error) includes a lab error multiplier.
** 1 sigma = square root of (sample std. dev.^2 + curve std. dev.^2)
** 2 sigma = 2 x square root of (sample std. dev.^2 + curve std. dev.^2)
where ^2 = quantity squared.
[ ] = calibrated range impinges on end of calibration data set
0* represents a "negative" age BP
1955* or 1960* denote influence of nuclear testing C‐14

NOTE: Cal ages and ranges are rounded to the nearest year which
may be too precise in many instances. Users are advised to
round results to the nearest 10 yr for samples with standard
deviation in the radiocarbon age greater than 50 yr.
<>

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Document 348

Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill, Gloucestershire

Title Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill. Interim Assessment Report

Author Dr Iestyn Jones

Draft Dates 03 July 2017; 08 July 2017

Revisers Dr Neil Phillips

Project Manager Dr Neil Phillips (APAC Ltd)

APAC Ltd Site EX/THC/17

Circulation Charles Parry (GCC)

An Archaeological Evaluation, conducted by Headland Archaeology (HA) in

Cover photo: Aerial image of site mid-excavation (© APAC Ltd 2017)

Appendix 1: Context Register

Fig. 01 Location Map

7. Historical and Archaeological Background

8.1 Linear Feature [1008]/[1022]

8.2 Natural features [1003], [1005], [1013] and [1016]

8.3 Ceramic pipes (1-6) and Stone Drain ([1029]/[1018]/[1027]

9. Conclusions and Discussion

Archive and finds

A.P.A.C. Ltd Land at Gloucester Road, Tutshill EX/THC/17

GBV (BGS) 2016: Geology of Britain Viewer.

Soilscapes 2017. http://www.landis.org.uk/soilscapes/ (Accessed 03/17)

OS Copyright Licence 100046577 Grif Ref: ST 544945

Fig. 01: Location A.P.A.C Ltd: EX/THC/17

OS copyright licence 100046577

Fig. 02. Fig. 02. Site Plan A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

East East facing

Ceramic pipe Ceramic pipe

<5> & <6> - Sample locations

East facing section of [1016]

Degrading superficial geology

Sections and plans of features [1013] and [1016]

South-west facing section of feature [1005] [1005]

A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

Plan and east facing section of Stone Drain section [1027]

Plan and east facing section of Stone Drain section [1018]

X SF1 (Late Neo/EBA Flint Tool)

(1012) [1009] (1010)

West facing section through terminus of linear feature [1009].

Fig. 8. Sections through linear feature [1009] A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

Representative Section 05: East Facing

Fig. 9. Representative Section drawings A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

Find no Area Context Description Period Date

Find no Area Context Description Period Date

Find no Area Context Description Period Date

Find no Area Context Description Period Date

Find no Area Context Description Period Date

Find no Area Context Description Period Date

Find no Area Context Description Period Date

Find no Area Context Description Period Date

Sample 2: Macro image of magnetic heavy residue

A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

Plate 13: Plan view of section through [1003] (looking north)

A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

Plate 16: Plan of half-sectioned [1005] (looking north)

A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17

Plate 17: South-east facing section of feature [1013] (looking north-west)

A.P.A.C. Ltd EX/THC/17