Site Event/Activity record ECH6579 - Archaeological Evaluation Report: Crewe Road, Shavington

A metal detecting survey and an archaeological evaluation was undertaken on land off Crewe Road, Shavington, in advance of a proposed residential development; the site, centred on 370370 351805, is currently open fields. The metal detecting survey was carried out by local volunteers under archaeological supervision (L-P Archaeology) between the 23rd and 27th October 2017. The archaeological evaluation, undertaken between 22nd January and 2nd February 2018, was based on the results of the metal detecting survey and again carried out by archaeological professionals with the help of volunteers. A toal of 285 metal objects were recorded by the metal detecting survey. The majority are of post medieval date, however, two were of Roman date and three potentially Medieval. The greater part of the assemblage related to discarded domestic and agricultural items. The material recovered included lead, iron and copper alloy finds, which included buttons, fence links, lead scrap, window fittings, early and mid 20th century coins, with two late 19th century coins, and lead shot. The two Roman finds were identified as a copper alloy fitting, possibly hinged at one end, and a second copper alloy fitting, both of unknown function. The Medieval finds comprised a copper alloy mount, small fractured bell, and a conical spindle whorl. No discernible spread of material could be identified from the assemblage which could be used to pinpoint areas of potential Roman or Medieval activity. As such, the trench plan was devised based on the locations of the few Roman and Medieval finds, as well as topography. The Archaeological Evaluation comprised the excavation of a total of 10 trenches, all measuring 25m x 1.8m in plan. A maximum depth of 1m was achieved, with the natural sands encountered in nine of the ten trenches at varying depths between 0.6m and 1m. Minimal archaeological features were identified within the trenches: two natural tree boles were noted in trenches four and ten respectively; and a single linear feature encountered within trench 10 was thought to be a defunct Post Medieval boundary. (1)