A.P.A.C.

Ltd Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon WB/WON/16

A.P.A.C. Ltd.

Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy

Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon

Archaeological Watching Brief

Interim Assessment Report

June 2017

WB/WON/16

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A.P.A.C. Ltd Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon WB/WON/16

Title: Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon

Authors: Dr Iestyn Jones & Dr Tudur Davies

Draft Date: June 2017

Revisers: Dr Neil Phillips

Project Dr Neil Phillips (APAC Ltd)

Manager:

APAC Ltd Site WB/WON/16

Code:

Circulation: Monmouth Archaeology, BDW, GGAT Planning

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A.P.A.C. Ltd Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon WB/WON/16

1. Summary


This assessment report details the interim findings of an archaeological
Watching Brief and potential for further post-excavation work associated with
the excavation of attenuation ponds on land north of Wonastow Rd, Monmouth
(NGR SO 49477 12276).

Monmouth Archaeology, the main archaeological contractor for this Barratts

David Wilson Homes development, subcontracted APAC Ltd to carry out a
Watching Brief during the pond construction process. During this work peat
filled palaeochannels and parallel linear gullies were observed near the eastern
edge of the site. A pit, discovered near the gullies, contained a Roman coin
suggesting that these features may also be early and significant.

APAC Ltd excavated and sampled these features, together with other
representative sections across the site, in order to establish their date and
function within the local palaeo-landscape. It is proposed that specialist
analysis of these samples has the potential to provide a detailed account of
Romano-British land use and environmental history surrounding the
attenuation ponds and associated landscape.

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: Image of Pond 11 linear features: looking north-west (© APAC Ltd 2016)

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A.P.A.C. Ltd Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon WB/WON/16

2. Contents Index

1. Summary………………………………………………………………………... 3
2. Contents Index………………………………………………………………….. 4
3. Figures index…………………………………………………………………… 4
4. Introduction…………………………………………………………………….. 5
5. Watching Brief Aims…………………………………………………………… 6
6. Historical and Archaeological Background…………………………………….. 6
7. Interim results of fieldwork…………………………………………………….. 6
8. Site Archive…………………………………………………………………….. 7
9. Potential of data and further recommended work……………………………… 8
10. Interim statement relating to palaeoenvironmental samples…………………… 8
11. Interim Conclusions……………………………………………………………. 10
12. References……………………………………………………………………… 10

3. Figures Index

Fig. 01. Location Map

Fig. 02. Site Map

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A.P.A.C. Ltd Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon WB/WON/16

4. Introduction
This interim assessment report outlines work carried out during an Archaeological Watching Brief on a
development site by APAC Ltd between 07/09/16 and 01/12/16, on land north of Wonastow Road,
Monmouth, Monmouthshire. The report also suggests further post-excavation analysis that would aid in
the full interpretation of features discovered during the work.

The Barratts David Wilson Homes (BDW) housing development site, measuring over 20ha in its entirety,
comprised a series of nine pasture fields located north of Wonastow Road and approximately 1.3km
south-west of Monmouth town centre (centred on NGR SO 4931 1222; 46m AOD; fig. 1. F1 – F9). A
field on the eastern side of the development was planned as the location for two larger attenuation ponds
with interlinking gulleys and ten shallower pond impressions. This site comprised an irregular 2.5ha sub-
rectangular field (Fig. 1: F9) with its longer, narrower, axis aligned east to west and located on the western
side of Wonastow Industrial Estate (centred on NGR: SO 49477 12276; 19m AOD). The bedrock
geology is characterised as Silurian interbedded mudstone and siltstone (Raglan Mudstone Formation).
Overlying this lie river borne detrital alluvium, comprising clays, silt, sand and gravels, described as being
deposited during the Quaternary period (BGS 2017).

Previous relevant preparatory work, associated with the development, included a Supporting Statement for
the Outline Planning Application by RPS (April 2013) and an Archaeological Desk Based Assessment by
Archaeology and Planning Solutions (APS), (September 2013).

In terms of archaeology the RPS (2013, 27) statement states the following-

An assessment by the Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust states that the site is not
an archaeologically sensitive area, but that there are elements of the Medieval Open
Field system surviving in the present landscape. Detailed archaeological work could be
undertaken as required to determine the extent of any interest.

The APS assessment (2013, 1) concludes that-

‘..it is possible that archaeological remains, notably of prehistoric and Romano-British

date may be encountered within the alluvium as the site is developed. This includes the
Wonastow Road frontage where evidence for the Roman road between the fort to the
south-west and the settlement at Monmouth may be encountered, along with evidence
for roadside settlement. It is therefore recommended that the curatorial division of the
Glamorgan- Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT) are consulted regarding any
archaeological fieldwork requirements.

The Glamorgan and Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT), acting as advisers to the local planning
authority, requested that an Archaeological Watching Brief (WB) be carried out during the development
work. The principal site archaeological work for David Wilson Homes was carried out by Mr Stephen
Clarke (Monmouth Archaeology). During the course of this work Monmouth Archaeology identified
buried peat deposits in a field where attenuation ponds were being excavated. APAC Ltd were
subcontracted for Monmouth Archaeology to continue the Watching Brief within the attenuation ponds
area only.

In response to a request by Monmouth Archaeology a Supplemental Written Scheme of Investigation

(WSI) was prepared by Dr Neil of Phillips (APAC Ltd) (Phillips 2016). The archaeological watching brief
was conducted by Dr Tudur Davies and Dr Iestyn Jones, assisted by Chris Griffiths, Peter Francis, Ian
Daintith, John Perryman, Gareth Johns and Richard Smith between September and December 2016. The
project manager for APAC Ltd was Dr Neil Phillips and Mr Stephen Clarke (Monmouth Archaeology)
was the lead archaeological contractor.

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A.P.A.C. Ltd Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon WB/WON/16

5. Watching Brief Aims

The aim of the watching brief was to establish the presence/absence of archaeological resources within the
designated work area. All archaeological resources were recorded and following on site meetings with
GGAT, Monmouth Archaeology and BDW a decision made as to any mitigation measures needed. All
work was to be carried out to standards as laid down in the Chartered Institute of Field Archaeologists,
Guideline for Watching Briefs 2014.

6. Historical and Archaeological Background

The earliest evidence of prehistoric anthropogenic activity in the area of the development include sub
rectangular (08961g)) and curvilinear cropmarks (08943g), located 0.9km to the west and south-west
respectively (RPS 2013, 8). Prehistoric flint tools (03856g, 03899g, 03900g, 03902g) have also been
discovered within 0.5 km of the development site. In 2012 Monmouth Archaeology were involved in
excavations associated with a development at Parc Glyndŵr, 0.8km to the north of the attenuation ponds
field. Evidence of prehistoric activity including peat filled parallel gullies was discovered during this work
(Clarke 2016, 69-120). More recently during a Watching Brief on a Silbusters development, in the field
immediately south of the attenuation ponds site (Fig. 1: F2), Monmouth Archaeology discovered evidence
of a prehistoric burnt mound with preserved wood, prehistoric pottery and hazelnut shells which have
been dated to the Iron Age (2458 BP) (Stephen Clarke 2017 Personal Communication).

A Roman (1st to 2nd century AD) fort has been identified 1.2km to the south-west (08964g), and it is
thought that Wonastow Rd marks the approximate position of the Roman road linking Usk and
Monmouth. Further discoveries in the area suggest a possible second fort and evidence of 3rd to 4th century
activity on the site (RPS 2013, 8). A number of Roman period finds have also been discovered in fields to
the north of the development site, including a coin, potsherds and iron slag (02959g, 03844g, 03858g,
03859g, 05566g, 05567g) (RPS 2013, 15-16). During the course of this watching brief Monmouth
Archaeology discovered a Roman period paved surface with associated dumps of iron slag and second
century AD pottery in a field immediately south-west of the attenuation ponds. (Fig. 1: F5)

During the Medieval pottery production is attested 400m to the east and a 12th century St Duellus church,
now destroyed, was located south of Wonastow Road. The site fields may well have been part of a
medieval agricultural open field system around Monmouth town (RPS 2013, 12). Unspecified Medieval
finds in the area include (03860g, 03861g) located to the north-west (RPS 2013, 15).

Post-medieval features of interest in the area of the site include a pond (05390g) and Bailey Pit Farm
(NPRN 36411) to the north and St Dial’s Farm WWI practice trenches to the south (NPRN 409493).
Cartographic evidence suggest a 19th century Rifle Range was located immediately north of the
development site, whilst Model Farm, located 100m to the south of the attenuation ponds field, was
present on the 1844 tithe map, albeit as a smaller building (RPS 2013, 16).

7. Interim Results of Fieldwork

A topsoil and partial subsoil strip together with some deeper excavations had been performed prior to
APAC Ltd being contracted. The deeper excavations, monitored by Monmouth Archaeology, included a
number of the shallow pond impressions and Pond 11 together with a section of the interconnecting “V’
shaped swale on the eastern side of the field.

Due to the fact that the ponds being excavated had natural clay bases, any wet weather encountered during
the work had a negative impact. Ponds quickly filled with water, which had to be constantly pumped out
using electrical pumps powered by portable generators.

The pond areas excavated prior to APAC’s arrival were flooded by rainwater and initial work involved
assessing the dry western area and the partly excavated east to west aligned swale for features indicative

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A.P.A.C. Ltd Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon WB/WON/16

of anthropogenic activity prior to further pond excavations. During this work a number of timber
fragments were located and surveyed. Initial observations suggested that four of these fragments may have
been worked or shaped by human activity. These were surveyed, lifted and preserved in an‘on-site’ tank
filled with pond water to maintain pH balance. These timber fragments, mainly gathered from the western
area of the field, were isolated and no structural relationship could be inferred from initial examination of
their locations.

A watching brief was maintained during further ground disturbance and excavation work in the centre and
western edge of the site. Initially this consisted of Ponds 8 and 6 whilst the later work involved re-
levelling the western area of site prior to excavating Pond impressions 1 to 5.

In order to understand the site stratigraphy in terms of palaeoenviromental data and site formation
processes it was decided to excavate representative sections (RS) and perform an auger survey throughout
the area of the ponds (see Davies below). RS locations included where the deeper swale cut through the
field and also along the edges of excavated ponds and site bank. Twenty representative sections were
excavated within the site. These sections were drawn, surveyed, photographed and sampled for later
examination. These RS oriented samples form the major bulk of the collected 33 monoliths. The 45 point
auger survey was accomplished using a gauge auger. A single east to west line was marked out across the
site at 10m intervals and 23 points were examined and recorded on site. A further five north to south lines
across the site were surveyed and 22 points examined and recorded.

Rainwater was pumped out of Pond 11 and clay slurry pushed aside in order to examine the base of the
pond. During this process a small number of short curvilinear peat deposits were recorded together with
three man made linear gullies, aligned south-east to north-west. The gullies were observed for a total
length of 23, were 0.7 to 0.9m apart, varied in width between 0.4m and 0.8m, and were 0.25 to 0.35m
deep. The gullies were sectioned at a number of points and recorded and sampled accordingly. A number
of features cutting across the linear gulleys resembled graves and were consequently carefully examined.
During this time-consuming process a pit containing a 2nd century Roman coin was located. The amount
of bioturbation in this area makes definitive dating of the features, based on the coin, difficult to confirm,
but preliminary observations suggest that these linear cuts may also be early in date. A similar gulley was
observed within Pond 12 and aligned at a 90 degree angle towards the Pond 11 features (see fig. 2, Pond
12). The terminus of a linear feature was discovered, excavated and recorded in the central area of Pond 7
and another possible linear or palaeochannel was observed in the south-eastern corner of Pond 9 but
challenging site conditions and inclement weather made further progress impossible in this area.

The gulleys in Pond 11 superficially resemble the three parallel linear features and associated flint tools
discovered by Monmouth Archaeology 0.8km to the north at Parc Glyndŵr, Monmouth, in 2012 (Clarke
2016, 75). These, however, appeared to have been peat filled with little evidence of weathering.

Further excavation of an outfall swale, at the far south-eastern edge of Pond 11, provided the opportunity
to examine the full depth of the continuing Pond 11 gulleys, albeit within a narrow space. The full depth
of the three gulleys was recorded and oriented samples obtained in the last few days of work despite
delays caused by a period of adverse weather. It is hoped that samples will provide dating and
palaeoenvironmental data to confirm a date and function for these features.

8. Site Archive
Drawings and plans were by site staff and a record of the features and stratigraphy exposed during
excavation was kept including context sheets, scaled drawings and photographs. Photographs were taken
with a Canon EOS 350 D digital SLR camera and the resulting JPEG files uploaded to the digital archive.
Aerial drone video and stills photography was carried out by Dr Neil Phillips (APAC Ltd).

The site archive consists of the 325 contexts listed within the Context Register together 508 listed images
noted in the Digital Photograph Register. The Drawing Register lists 81 scaled plans and section drawings
(1:20 and 1:10 as appropriate) to be digitised for the final report. A Sample Register notes the 60
palaenvironmental samples (see below) and the Auger Survey Register lists the 45 sample location
coordinates. Details of the auger columns include deposit descriptions and Munsell details (Hue, Value

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A.P.A.C. Ltd Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon WB/WON/16

and Chroma). In terms of finds, 24 labelled bags of artefacts were collected. These include items of
ferrous slag, a Roman coin, pottery, lithics, copper alloy and ferrous items.

The site survey data logged by a GeoMax GPS/GNSS Zenith 25 system will be uploaded to the OS
Mastermap using QGIS. APAC Ltd has aerial drone digital video record of the site during excavation.

9. Potential of Data and Recommended Further Work

All records and drawings will be digitised and presented so as to provide further illustrated data together
with relevant photographs within the complete final report. The archaeological and palaeonvironmental
post-excavation work in this field has the potential to provide valuable information in terms of
naturogenic and anthropogenic site formation processes.

Post- Excavation Archaeological related work

Description Format Number in Work to be done Time estimate

archive

Digital Photographic record JPG 508 JPG files Digitisation 2.5 days

Rep Sec register Paper 20 Rep Secs Digitisation Included above

and below

Context register Paper 325 contexts Digitisation 1.5 days

Plan/Section drawings Permatrace 81 drawings Digitisation 15 days

(Illustrator)

Site /Auger survey Shapefile 1 survey file Convert to QGIS 1 day

map
(2017 points)

Stratigraphic/geomorphological Report Auger points Report 1 Week

& Features
analysis report

Artefacts Bags 24 bags Examination by TBC

specialists

Wood Samples 4 Examination by TBC

specialist/possible
dating

C14 dating Samples TBC TBC Laboratory based Approximately

Analysis 12 weeks

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A.P.A.C. Ltd Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon WB/WON/16

10. Interim statement relating to palaeoenvironmental samples

Dr Tudur Davies

This is an interim statement to quantify the number of samples collected by the archaeological works for
Barratts David Wilson Homes (BDW) at Wonastow Road and provide an update on the additional works
required on palaeoenvironmental samples to meet the conditions of the supplemental WSI prepared for the
attenuation lagoon (Phillips 2016). As detailed in the WSI, a report on the results of the excavation will
include:

• “A description of the finds and environmental samples collected including an exposition of the
methodologies employed, a statement on the presence or absence of material and an assessment
of preservation. A summary interpretation of the finds including reference to any unusual or
important features of the assemblage will also be included. Specialist reports will be included of
important groups of finds, materials and samples.
• An interpretation of the results with a statement of the significance of any identified
archaeological features/sites on a local, regional and national scale.
• An identification of any research implications arising from the work.”

A total of 60 environmental samples were collected during the excavation. These included 28 bulk 10L
samples and 33 oriented (monolith) samples. During the course of the excavations undertaken by APAC,
3 additional oriented samples were collected on behalf of and as requested by Monmouth Archaeology
(MA), during the watching brief of building work outside the area of the attenuation ponds. To eliminate
the possibility of unnecessary work being undertaken and insure cost efficiency, it is proposed that the
additional samples collected for MA be processed in conjunction with those collected for the attenuation
ponds. No work will be undertaken on the MA samples until confirmation has been received by BDW.
The additional work required for the examination of the environmental samples collected from the site
will consist of three stages:

1. Sample processing
2. Assessment
3. Detailed analysis

The tasks required for these stages are provided below.

1. Sample processing
All bulk samples will be wet-sieved to separate the sediment/soil component from any organic remains,
molluscs and artefacts contained within that sample. A smaller fraction of the bulk sample will be set
aside to assess the presence of any insect remains or sediment analysis as part of the assessment phase (see
below).
All oriented samples will require a detailed written description of their soil/sediment characteristics, which
will include their variation with depth, colour, texture, compaction and organic content. This information
will be incorporated into the records from the archaeological auger survey of the site and assess the
priorities for the assessment phase for pollen, diatom, soil formation/sedimentological processes and
dating analysis.

It is estimated that the processing of bulk samples will take 10 days, whilst the processing of oriented
samples will require 7 days to complete. An estimate of one additional day would be required to process
the oriented samples collected on behalf of MA.
Once the processing phase has established the full range of environmental remains present or likely to be
present within the samples, costs will be sought from the appropriate specialists for the assessment of
these remains. BDW will be informed of the likely scope and cost of the assessment prior to the
commencement of further work beyond the initial processing phase.

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A.P.A.C. Ltd Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon WB/WON/16

2. Assessment
As part of the assessment phase, suitable environmental specialists will provide a report on preservation
levels and research potential of the samples. Considering the results of the excavation and the
waterlogged condition of the site, it is possible that suitable environmental specialists may be required for
the assessment of:

• Animal bone
• Diatoms
• Insects
• Molluscs
• Pollen
• Soil formation/sedimentological processes
• Waterlogged and charred plant remains

As part of the assessment phase, some scientific dating analysis (e.g. radiocarbon dating) may also be
required to provide a chronology for the features identified during the excavation. The type and number
of samples for dating will be considered after obtaining the relevant specialist assessment reports and
discussed with BDW, MA and Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT).

3. Detailed analysis
The full scope and cost of the detailed analysis will be based on the assessment reports obtained from the
relevant environmental specialist, but will be agreed consultation with BDW, APAC, MA and GGAT in
advanced of the commencement of any work.

11. Interim Conclusions

During the watching brief a number of linear features on the eastern edge of the attenuation ponds were
located, recorded and sampled. A pit containing a 2nd century AD Roman coin was also located and
recorded. A series of representative sections and auger columns were also sampled and recorded across
the site.

It is proposed that further analysis including agreed appropriate laboratory based dating be conducted on
the samples collected. This work has the potential to add considerably to the knowledge about the early
landscape in the Monmouth area including natural site formation processes and past land-use practices.

12. References

Archaeology & Planning Solutions (APS). 2013. Land north of Wonastow Road, Monmouth,
Monmouthshire. Unpublished Archaeological Assessment. Prepared for Barratt Homes 23rd September
2013

BGS 2016: Geology of Britain Viewer.

http://www.bgs.ac.uk/discoveringGeology/geologyOfBritain/viewer.html (Accessed 12/16)

Clarke, S. 2016. The Lost Lake (revised edition). 8000 years overlooking the Monmouth Lake.
Monmouth Archaeological Society.

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A.P.A.C. Ltd Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon WB/WON/16

Phillips, N. 2016. Supplemental Written Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Watching Brief
(APAC Ltd WSI: WB/WON/16). Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon. Sub contracted for
Monmouth Archaeology for David Wilson Homes (September 2016)

RPS Group. 2013. Outline Planning Application for Mixed-Use Development. Supporting Statement.
Wonastow Road, Monmouth. On behalf of South Wales Land Developments. (April 2013) (V. Trotman)

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 Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon

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ter
Farm

y
La
ne
F8
Orles Wood

F7
F6
F9
F4
Hunt Grove F5 F2

Wonastow
Brake
F3 Model
Farm

Factory

F1

Little Garth
Farm

St Dial’s Wood
ad
Ro
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asto
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Lady W
Grove

Portfield

Ordnance Survey Copyright Licence No. 100046577 Grif Ref: SO 494122

Fig. 01: Location A.P.A.C Ltd: WB/WON/16

 Wonastow Rd, Monmouth, Attenuation lagoon

Key

Attenuation
ponds field
Industrial boundary
Estate
4 Pond

Swale/
2 V-Gulley

3
4 Archaeological
1
5 Features
7 12
6 9

8 10 11

Trac
k Depot
Ordnance Survey Copyright Licence No. 100046577
Site centre NGR: SO 49477 12276

Fig. 02: Attenuation ponds site map

A.P.A.C Ltd: WB/WON/16