NHER 68633 (Monument record) - Post-medieval brick clamp

January 2014. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of proposed development site (eastern area).
This survey identified a fairly intense rectangular anomaly at TG 33357 07888, which is partially surrounded by a potentially associated linear anomaly. Survey results elsewhere suggest that the rectangular anomaly could represent a brick kiln or similar structure.
A number of more irregular discrete anomalies of uncertain origin were also identified. These could represent archaeological remains, although it is thought they are more likely to be either natural in origin or the result of recent activity on the site.
Linear anomalies in the central part of the site relate to its recent use as a cricket pitch.
See report (S1) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 7 October 2024.

January 2015. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of part of proposed development site (Trenches 2-5).
The trench placed to target the rectangular anomaly identified by the preceding geophysical survey demonstrated that it did indeed represent the remains of a brick clamp. The trench was widened to fully expose this feature, which consisted of an area of burnt material measuring 7.90m and 4.70m. A layer of black burnt sand formed a solid, baked surface across the base of the clamp. Beneath this layer and exposed at the margins of the clamp was a layer of red heat-affected sand. Four trapezoidal areas of intense burning on one edge potentially related to the 'eyes' in the base of clamp wall through which the fuel beds would have been ignited. Patches of brick debris and occasional in situ bricks probably represented waste material from the final use of the clamp. Several small post-holes may have been associated with a scaffold erected during the construction of the clamp. Sample bricks recovered are mould-made and include a single complete example with a shallow, finger-scooped frog. Several fragments of factory-made tile were also recovered, suggesting this clamp may have been in use as late as the end of the 19th century.
No other archaeologically-significant features were uncovered.
See report (S2) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 7 October 2024.