SDO12364 - Archaeological Evaluation of Proposed Site of New Parish Room, Whitchurch Canonicorum.

Archaeological evaluation by means of three machine-stripped trenches each 5m x 1.50m was undertaken on the site of a proposed development immediately west of the churchyard of St Candida and the Holy Cross, Whitchurch Canonicorum. An earlier desk-based study had indicated a general potential within the area for finds and/or structures of Roman and early (pre-Conquest) medieval date, although a geophysical survey previously undertaken had provided no indications of any archaeological features within the proposed development area. Two features interpreted as plough ruts (one possible and one certain example) in the north-eastern part of the site were identified and examined. In addition to post-medieval items, both features contained quantities of largely undiagnostic but probably 12th or early 13th century pottery. The size and nature of those sherds is consistent with them having derived from field manuring, although the quantity is larger than would normally be expected. No other pre-modern features or finds were recorded. The evaluation provides some evidence to suggest that a limited but unquantified degree of truncation of original levels in the western part of the site has occurred din the past.