NHER 66190 (Monument record) - Early Neolithic feature and possible prehistoric burnt mound deposit

May 2018. Desk-based Assessment.
Environmental Impact Assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm on the historic environment. This study incorporated the results of an initial walkover survey and the first phases of geophysical survey.
See relevant chapter of Environmental Statement and associated appendices for further detail (S1).
P. Watkins (HES), 19 July 2023.

November 2021-March 2022. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of site on proposed route of Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm onshore cable (Area 32).
This survey identified no anomalies of definite archaeological significant. A pair of discrete anomalies recorded as being of undetermined origin potentially represent pit-type features, although a natural origin is also possible. A broad slightly sinuous anomaly crossing the central part of the site is almost certainly the result of variations in the underlying geology.
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 19 July 2023.

February-June 2022. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of site on proposed route of Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm onshore cable (P2TT39; Trenches 454‐456).
The three trenches excavated at this location revealed evidence for prehistoric activity.
The northernmost trench revealed an elongated feature that contained several sherds of Early Neolithic pottery and a small assemblage of potentially contemporary worked flints (including two burnt core fragments).
Two adjacent, steep-sided pits were revealed in the southernmost trench, both of which were sealed by a dark deposits that contained a number of burnt flints. It is possible that this material represented the remains of a 'burnt mound' - that is, an accumulation of burnt stones that had built up at a location where they were being used to heat or boil water. A prehistoric date is therefore possible for these remains, although no finds were recovered.
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 19 July 2023.