Site Event/Activity record ECH6924 - Archaeological Evaluation Report for Chester Road, Malpas

An archaeological evaluation was carried out in March 2021 on land to the west of Chester Road, Malpas, prior to development of 57 dwellings with associated infrastructure. The archaeological works were undertaken due to the site’s proximity to the historic core of Malpas, with the aim being to determine the potential for archaeological activity in the area. This investigation followed on from an initial metal detecting survey in May 2020 (ECH6923) which identified concentrations of Medieval finds; these concentrations have formed the basis for the trench locations, comprising ten 10m by 1.8m trenches which were excavated by machine. Trenches 1 and 2 uncovered remains of fish ponds present on the 19th century Ordnance Survey mapping, and included deposits of peat overlying the natural bedrock at a depth of 1.8m. A sample of the peat was obtained for further analysis. As the deposit, and subsequent sample, showed Post Medieval ceramic inclusions it was not thought suitable for any further processing, assessment or analysis. Trench 1 was excavated to a depth of 1.8m and contained material likely associated with the fishponds. The lower peat and silt deposits, which are likely a remnant of organic pond material/silting, were sealed by silty organic clay and sand containing 19th century building materials. In Trench 2, a sharp drop in natural, likely to be cut feature, corresponds with the edge of the fishponds. The backfill demonstrates that the ponds were being intentionally backfilled and levelled in around the 19th century, as evident in the 19th and early 20th century OS maps. Trenches 4, 5, 6 and 10 produced Medieval pottery within the topsoils and Trench 7 a Post Medieval gun flint. These finds, although indicative of local activity, were not associated with features or secure archaeological deposits. (1)