Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A.P.A.C. Ltd.
Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy
REPORT
WB/UND/16
Prepared for:
MR M. Taylor
By: Dr N. Phillips.
A.P.A.C. Ltd. Land adjacent to The Laurels, Undy WB/UND/16
Summary
The work did not impact upon any archaeological resources; however, the work
did provide a small assemblage of Roman ceramics from the pre excavation
surface.
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.
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A.P.A.C. Ltd. Land adjacent to The Laurels, Undy WB/UND/16
Contents
Summary ......................................................................................................................................... 1
Contents........................................................................................................................................... 2
Figures: ............................................................................................................................................ 2
Plates: .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Appendices ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Site Location and Description ......................................................................................................... 4
Brief archaeological and historical background .............................................................................. 4
Aims and Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 5
Watching Brief ................................................................................................................................ 5
Watching Brief Results ................................................................................................................... 6
Interpretation ................................................................................................................................... 7
Staff ................................................................................................................................................. 7
Archive: ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Acknowledgements: ........................................................................................................................ 7
Bibliography and References: ......................................................................................................... 8
Figures:
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A.P.A.C. Ltd. Land adjacent to The Laurels, Undy WB/UND/16
Plates:
PL 01 Trench 1, main sequence [100], [101], [102] with pipe [105] and disturbance fill [104]
PL 02 Trench 2, Foreground [100], [101], [102] giving way to [100], [106], [102], [107]
PL 03 Trench 1, main sequence [100], [101], [102] with pipe [105] and disturbance fill [104]
PL 04 Trench 1, main sequence [100], [101], [102] with pipe [105] and disturbance fill [104]
PL 05 Trench 3, sequence [100], [106], [102], [107]
PL 06 Trench 4, sequence [100], [106], [102], [107]
PL 07 General view of trenches 2, 5, 6, complete, sequence [100], [101], [102]
Appendices
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A.P.A.C. Ltd. Land adjacent to The Laurels, Undy WB/UND/16
Introduction
This Archaeological Watching Brief Report has been prepared by DR. N. Phillips, APAC Ltd, for Mr M.J.
Crowther; agent for Mr M Taylor, in response to a programme of works to: Erect a new dwelling, garage, access,
landscaping and ancillary works on land adjacent to The Laurels, West End, Undy, NP26 3EN; Pl. App. No:
DC/2015/01227.
The need for a programme of archaeological investigation resulted from advice by Glamorgan Gwent
Archaeological Trust, (GGAT); consultants to Monmouthshire County Council, (MCC) and was a continuation
from an earlier application for the same site, PL. App. No: DC/2014/00341.
The earlier response stated: ‘the proposed works will require archaeological mitigation’ the reason being that earlier
work in the vicinity had ‘identified important Romano-British period finds, features and structures including pottery,
human remains, and a large building’ (MON2086/GP).
No development shall take place until the applicant, or their agents or successors in title,
has secured the implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with
a written scheme of investigation which has been submitted by the applicant and approved
in writing by the local planning authority.
(ibid & no:6 DC/2015/01227).
The current response, MON2088/CNM restated the need for archaeological investigation.
Approval of planning permission with conditions was granted on 16th February 2016; condition 6 requiring
archaeological investigation, as stated above.
A Written Scheme of Investigation for the archaeological work was drawn up, submitted and approved in writing
before any work began, WSI: WB/UND/15.
The proposed site of the watching brief is centred on NGR 343503 186773, a plot of land adjacent to The Laurels,
West End, Undy, NP26 3EN, fig 01.
The site is easily accessed from the M4 motorway between Newport and Chepstow; from Junction 23a Magor
Services, take the B4245 south and at the first roundabout, 3rd right leads onto Newport Rd through Magor.
Continue east along Newport Rd and Main Rd to a staggered junction with Vinegar Hill and the Ramp taking the
latter on the right, over the railway bridge and continue to the cross roads where the right turn leads on to West
End.
The solid geology at the site is at the norther extreme of Mercian Mudstone, just before BlackRock limestone and
above any superficial deposit of silts, (BGS).
The site is at the edge of a disused quarry, overlooking the Gwent levels.
The advisory letter from GGAT to planning MON2086/GP details the presence of significant Romano British
period archaeological resources; features, structures, pottery, human remains which have been found in the wider
vicinity of the site.
These can be seen on the HER map, fig03 which details the spread of some 22 events, 7 core listings and 5 post
medieval buildings included within a 500m search based on NGR 343503 186773, (HER request 5283).
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A.P.A.C. Ltd. Land adjacent to The Laurels, Undy WB/UND/16
In the case of the 21 event listings, 18 record no significant archaeological resources whereas the 7 Core listings
reveal 5 instances of Roman archaeological resources, one WWII bunker and an unknown period place name.
In 1996 evidence produced during an evaluation for associated works with housing development some 200m north
of the site, lead to excavation of a Roman coffin, human remains and Roman pottery. (E002287), (06232g),
(05669g).
Approximately 60m north east of site, further Roman evidence was found in the form of a Roman broach. (03937g)
Roughly 200 meters away, watching briefs taken in 2006 (E005014), and 2009 (E003499) discovered Roman
building foundations for a structure of significant size excavated, along with a high yield a Roman finds, including
those of Roman coinage from 2nd and 3rd century AD.
Also found in the area of the Roman structure was evidence of roman cremation, including that of burnt human
bones. (11197g), (11198g).
Further Roman and Medieval finds have been recovered from archaeological works in the eastern area of the search
perimeter; (E0001391), (E005013), (E004594).
In summary, small finds from the area cover two instances of prehistoric flint, eight Roman assemblages, seven
medieval assemblages, six post med assemblages and a World War 2 bunker.
Further research into the area was undertaken with little result as can be seen in the map progressions, fig04.
A period of 186 years of land mapping reveals that the site itself has not changed in any significant way whilst its
immediate surroundings have undergone development.
The site would appear to have always been an enclosed garden or orchard and the current owner confirmed that
when he recently bought the land it was a garden plot, (M Taylor. 2016. pers comm).
The aim of the watching brief was to preserve by record, within the resources available, any archaeological deposits
uncovered during groundwork.
The watching brief also ensured that: in the event of archaeological resources of significance, being discovered and
requiring treatment beyond the remit of the watching brief, that steps would be implemented to ensure that their
treatment would be undertaken within the standards recommended by the CIFA.
Watching Brief
The ground disturbance work was proposed for the 18th of May 2016 and GGAT and planning were given due
notice of that intention.
Prior to the excavation of the trenches, the site had been cleared of any surface vegetation and obstructions, leaving
a fairly consistent layer of topsoil [100].
Interestingly, surface finds {1} & {2} from topsoil [100] were the only finds to be encountered during the work.
The size of the site within its boundaries caused problems with working space, which became evident towards the
afternoon of the first day, when arrangements had to be made for the accumulated spoil to be removed from site.
A second day of watching brief was then scheduled for 20th of May in order to complete the work.
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A.P.A.C. Ltd. Land adjacent to The Laurels, Undy WB/UND/16
Initial recording
A record of the features and stratigraphy exposed during excavation was kept including written notes and
photographs.
Measurements were taken regularly using Leica Disto 510, laser measurement device.
A limited number of finds were recovered and retained for post excavation processing.
Post Ex
Following the watching brief, the field notes and photographs were digitised to produce the context record of the
stratigraphy; Appendix 1V, and an annotated list of the photographs, Appendix V.
The finds which were washed by hand, dried, identified, photographed and packed in sealed and labelled bags were
recorded in Appendix VI.
The three appendices; VI Context and V Photographs IV finds were cross referenced ready for inclusion in the
report.
Presentation Notes:
All contexts are denoted [#] in the text, listed in Appendix V, cross referenced in Appendix VI, to the plates section.
Photographs used in the text are denoted Pl # and a complete list of photographs can be found in appendix VI with
contact sheets.
Finds are denoted {#} in the text, listed in appendix VI and cross referenced to appendix V.
Initial excavation began at the front of the property; south west, with the excavation of service trenches TR1 & TR2,
fig 02, PL01 & PL 02 respectively.
A localised disturbance was observable in the south west corner of TR1 but only on the south west and western
sections.
The disturbance results from an old pipe installation which PL03 shows it in detail; the corresponding NE section
however, shows a marked absence of fill [104], PL 04.
Along the length of TR2, there was a tapering reduction in thickness of both [100] and [101], as the natural [103]
rose to a shallower depth beneath the then current ground level.
The gradient rise of [102] equates to the natural geology of the site; however, as the constant foundation depth of
trenches was continued towards the north east, the mechanical digger cut into an underlying layer of [106], PL02.
Lack of working space around the house plot then dictated the excavation sequence and the focus moved to trenches
3, PL05 and 4, PL06, the garage plot.
This part of the site, the highest and most northerly, revealed an almost total absence of [101] and [102] which were
replaced by an almost 1m thick layer of [106] over exposed, limestone bedrock [107].
The second day of excavation saw trenches 5 to 10 completed with no further additions to the established
stratigraphic sequence and no finds other than those from the undisturbed surface at the north east of the site Pl07 &
frontispiece.
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A.P.A.C. Ltd. Land adjacent to The Laurels, Undy WB/UND/16
Finds, appendix VI
The site provided a small assemblage of Roman and medieval ceramics which were collected from the undisturbed
topsoil to the north east of the site, between the house plot and the wall.
Interpretation
The entire site is on a gentle gradient towards the south west and the south western side would appear to be an area
of raised ground level behind a revetment wall which borders the road.
None of the excavation trenches revealed any archaeological resources but did reveal the natural slope of the land.
The small assemblage of finds are associated with a later import of soil for ground levelling.
Staff
Post ex
Mr A. O. Phillips.
Archive:
The original archive for this project will remain with APAC Ltd.
Acknowledgements:
Thanks to Mr M Taylor for allowing access to his site, and his efficient handling of the excavation.
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A.P.A.C. Ltd. Land adjacent to The Laurels, Undy WB/UND/16
APAC. Ltd. 2016. Written Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Watching Brief. WSI:
WB/UND/16. Land Adjacent to the Laurels, West End, Undy.
CIfA Code of Conduct and the Code of Approved Practice for the Regulation of Contractual
Arrangements in Field Archaeology 2014.
Standard and Guidance for the Collection, Documentation, Conservation and Research of
Archaeological materials 2014
GGAT MON/2086/GP. RE: Erect a new dwelling, garage, access, landscaping and ancillary
Works on land adjacent to The Laurels, West End, Undy, NP26 3EN; Pl. App. No:
DC/2015/01227.
MON/2086/CNM. RE: Erect a new dwelling, garage, access, landscaping and ancillary
Works on land adjacent to The Laurels, West End, Undy, NP26 3EN; Pl. App. No:
DC/2015/01227.
GGAT, HER 500m diameter search around Land adjacent to The Laurels, West End, Undy,
NP26 3EN. NGR 343503 186773.
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Land adjacent to The Laurels, Undy
Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
M.J. Crowther & Associates
TR3
Wall
all
TR4
N
TR9
TR7
nce
TR8
TR6
Fe
TR5
Ro TR1
ad TR2
The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
N
The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
fig 04a: First series map.1830. 1:63360 detail. fig 04b: Monmouthshire XXXV. surveyed 1881, published
1887. 1:25000 detail.
fig 04c: Monmouthshire XXXV. revised 1949, published fig 04d: Magic map, 2016. A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/UND/16
1954. 1:25000 detail. 1:25000 detail.
Land adjacent to: The Laurels, West End, Undy
IMG_0003
IMG_0008
Plate 01: CaptionTrench 1, main Plate 02: Trench 2, Foreground [100],
sequence [100], [101], [102] with pipe [101], [102] giving way to [100], [106],
[105] and disturbance fill [104] [102], [107]
IMG_0004
IMG_0005
Plate 03: Trench 1, main sequence [100], Plate 04: Trench 1, main sequence [100],
[101], [102] with pipe [105] and [101], [102] with pipe [105] and disturbance
disturbance fill [104] fill [104]
IMG_0007
IMG_0006
Plate 05: Trench 3, sequence [100], [106], Plate 06: Trench 4, sequence [100], [106],
[102], [107] [102], [107]
DSC09988
Contractors:
DSC00012
100 1
DSC00013
100 2