Vicarage Primary School, Vicarage Lane
TQ 4255 8282;(Chris Mayo); evaluation and excavation; 18 - 22 February and 2nd - 24th April 2002; VEL02
The excavation covered an open area including the position of the original evaluation trench. Natural Sand, Gravel and Brickearth were recorded at 0.43m OD, 1.46m OD and 1.67m OD respectively.
A layer of reworked brickearth formed the horizon from which all of the archaeological features were cut, at 1.93m OD. This was possibly first used in the prehistoric period and continued for a long time as sherds of early Medieval pottery were also recovered.
A drainage ditch aligned approximately E-W was found with an associated gully and stake-holes, representing a fencing line. The feature was dated to the Late Neolithic / Early Bronze Age by a retouched scraper.
Numerous stakeholes and postholes were recorded at the site but were difficult to date due to the paucity of finds. One of the postholes, situated against the southern limit of excavation, was large and may have been structural. If so, this structure would probably have been positioned to the S of the excavation area. A series of pits were excavated which were also undatable. These may have been for rubbish disposal or storage.
An isolated pit was found, dated by pottery to Ad 950 to 1150. A large ditch aligned NW to SE was also excavated. It was associated with two gullies running into its western edge. One of these had stake-holes which may have formed a fencing line. The ditch was dated from 1050 to 1150.
Two pits were found which contained material datable to the 15th century, probably for rubbish disposal. The ditch may also have acted as a boundary, as all of the pre-19th century archaeology found was concentrated to the SW of this ditch. Two pits were recorded which contained contemporary material but were stratigraphically above the ditch.
The agricultural use of the land in the Post-Medieval period, as shown in historical maps, was attested by the presence of 19th century drainage features. Fragments of ceramic roof tiles, dated between 1620/1640 and the early 19th century were found, probably reused for the building of land drains. A drainage ditch aligned NW to SE was revealed, containing 19th century artefacts. This fell into disuse and was replaced by a field drain made of roofing tiles, on the same alignment, also of 19th century date. Further 19th century activity was evident in the form of pits and isolated stake-holes. Test-pits and foundations from a 20th century building were found.
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