Normanton
Golf Course
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In order to test the results of the geophysical survey, an area measuring 70m x 60m (Intervention 2) was stripped of topsoil over the site of the putative enclosures (see Figure 2). The western enclosure ditch was clearly visible against the natural clay subsoil in addition to a number of internal features. These included at least one sub-circular structure and a number of linear gullies. Adverse weather conditions in the winter of 1997, however, meant that further fieldwork on the site was postponed until the following year.
A scheme of archaeological works was prepared by Mike Griffiths and Associates (Appendix A). This document outlined the specification for the phased evaluation, excavation and monitoring of groundworks across the entire development area. The residential development of the site was to be undertaken in eight separate phases (Figure 5) over a five year period and the archaeological scheme of works was designed to reflect this. The main points from this document are summarised thus:
Archaeological Impact
The geophysical survey (Intervention 1) had only succeeded in identifying substantial archaeological features in areas where the topsoil cover was shallow. It had failed to detect archaeological features in areas of extant ridge and furrow where they were known to continue. Consequently the nature of the archaeology across the site could only be fully evaluated through the stripping of topsoil. The scale of the development meant that any in situ archaeological remains on the site would effectively be destroyed by road and house construction.
Mitigation
Accordingly, any archaeological sites within the development area which would be damaged or destroyed were to be "fully investigated, recorded, analysed and reported" (see Appendix A, Aiv). This involved a phased programme of evaluation in advance of development where areas of archaeological potential were to be stripped of topsoil under archaeological supervision with at least four weeks to map, sample and record archaeological deposits before groundworks commenced. During these planned phases of evaluation a watching brief would be maintained on other intrusive works across the site. The level and nature of archaeological intervention would be agreed in consultation with the Local Planning Archaeologist.
Site Investigation
Phase 1, which included the area of the enclosure, was to be stripped of topsoil by machine under archaeological supervision. In order to determine chronology and function, the sampling of archaeological features within this area would involve a minimum of 10% up to 100% hand and machine excavation. Linear features would be minimum 10% sampled. Structures, funerary features and occupation levels would be 100% sampled by hand or to a degree whereby their extent , nature, form, chronology, function and relationships could be determined. Other cut features were to be half sectioned. These working methods were to be employed in the evaluation of the other areas of arable land in Phases 2, 3, 4 and 5.
In the areas of extant ridge and furrow over the golf course area (Phases 2,3,7 and 8) the preservation of archaeological deposits was to be evaluated by the excavation of a 5m x 5m trench over a surviving ridge. If horizontally stratified deposits were identified, then topsoil was to be stripped along the lines of the ridges by machine followed by hand-excavation of all archaeological deposits. The remains of the furrows would then be removed by machine to expose any surviving features which would be hand-excavated as above. If horizontal stratigraphy was not present within the test trench, then areas of ridge and furrow were to be dealt with in the same manner as the arable fields discussed above.
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