69-73 Morton Lane, Beverley
TA 034 397; (Alan Telford); evaluation; 23rd -28th January 2003; MLB03
The Phase 1 evaluation comprised a single preliminary trench and this revealed evidence of medieval and early post-medieval activity, broadly indicating the close proximity of archaeological features from these periods. The natural sub-stratum was encountered at the north-western end of the trench at a maximum height of 8.62m AOD, and consisted of sub-angular chalk gravel in a matrix of light yellow brown clayey silt.
A developed soil horizon, provisionally dated by ceramic material to the early post-medieval period, was recorded across the full extent of the trench overlying the natural sub-stratum. Additionally, a feature comprising clay bonded chalk cobbles and tile fragments was recorded at the south-eastern end of the trench. This feature appeared to be sealed by the aforementioned soil horizon and has been provisionally dated to the early post-medieval period. Post-medieval and modern garden soils and an infilled garden pond of modern origin comprised the uppermost c.1m of the stratigraphic sequence in the trench.
The Phase 2 evaluation also comprised a single trench and this revealed evidence of
medieval and post-medieval activity, represented by an average of 1m of stratified
archaeological deposits. The medieval remains represented activity at the site from the
late 12th to the early 14th century. A variety of feature types were recorded, including a
substantial ditch that produced pottery of mid 12th to mid 13th century date, numerous
fish bones, and plant material that may be connected with textile dyeing activity. A
build-up of occupation deposits, including what may have been part of a clay surface, was
recorded, one of which produced pottery of 13th to early 14th century date, numerous fish
bones, and charred plant material possibly derived from thatch-burning. A substantial
developed soil recorded throughout the trench may represent a hiatus of activity in the
area during the 14th century. Two probable wall footings, filled with chalk rubble, could
represent an early post-medieval building. Two substantial postholes or pits of possible
late 15th to 16th century were also recorded. A substantial feature, probably a ditch, was
excavated and this produced plant material derived from fen peat and produced pottery
broadly of post-medieval date. A massive rubble-filled pit of post-medieval, possibly 18th
century, date was recorded.
Later post-medieval and modern garden soils a comprised the uppermost part of the stratigraphic sequence in the trench.
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