Source/Archive record SCH5388 - Tilston Road, malpas, Phase 1: Archaeological Investiogations

This report has been prepared by Gifford on behalf of Ashbury Homes Ltd. and sets out the results of archaeological investigations undertaken on Phase 1 of the site of a residential development at Tilston Road, Malpas, which consisted of the construction of 12 cottages with associated road and junction construction works. 1.1.2 The programme of archaeological investigations was required as the site lies immediately adjacent to the route of a known Roman Road and as such significant archaeological remains may be present within the area. 1.1.3 The archaeological investigations were undertaken in two stages during April 2010: an archaeological evaluation of the main area of the site followed by an archaeological watching brief on works within the main area of the site and works to create a new road junction a new pavement along the existing road. 1.1.4 The only archaeologically significant feature identified during the archaeological investigations at Tilston Road was a linear feature, preserved beneath the roadside bank. This feature presumably represents the remains of a roadside ditch of unknown date. Whilst it could be Romano-British in date and, therefore, associated with the Roman road, there is no evidence to support this. It does, however, demonstrate that archaeological remains are present beneath the roadside bank. 1.1.5 The lack of archaeologically significant deposits or features within the evaluation trenches demonstrates that it is unlikely that the area was occupied during previous periods, or if it was that the nature of the occupation and associated activates failed to leave any evidence that could be identified via the archaeological evaluation. However, the presence of pottery sherds dating back to the 14th century demonstrates activity of some sort within the vicinity since at least the middle ages.