NHER 70256 (Monument record) - Medieval to post-medieval platform and associated ditch

May 2015. Desk-based Assessment.
Assessment of potential impact of proposed development.
A number of low earthworks were noted during a site visit, all of which appear to correspond with features previously noted on aerial photographs (part of an extensive group of probable medieval or later remains recorded as NHER 53215). These include the ditches and banks defining a large 'D'-shaped platform or enclosure centred at TG 2521 0344.
See report (S1) for further details.
It should be noted that although the earthworks at this location are suggested to be post-medieval in date and of 'negligible significance' these interpretations were disputed.
P. Watkins (HES), 25 September 2026.

October 2015. Trial Trenching.
Excavation of single trench, which was placed to investigate the north-west corner of a large platform and associated ditch visible as low earthworks on both visualised lidar data and aerial photographs (part of an extensive group of probable medieval or later remains recorded as NHER 53215).
This trench partially exposed an ovoid feature beneath the deposits associated with the platform that also appeared to predate the ditch. Unfortunately this produced no dating evidence and a sample taken from its fill produced only a single charred grain and a small amount of charcoal (including burnt heather fragments).
The ditch and the platform were probably contemporary, with a clay deposit at the base of the latter likely to represent material dug from the base of the ditch. The remainder of the platform appeared to comprise a redeposited topsoil. A notable number of Roman pottery sherds (all from a single vessel) were recovered from the primary fill of the ditch, along with a Roman tile fragment. This deposit did though also produce a late medieval/early post-medieval pottery sherd, along with fragments of medieval or post-medieval ceramic building material. The overlying deposits produced a mix of medieval and post-medieval pottery sherds, along with additional medieval or post-medieval brick and tile fragments, animal bone and pieces of clay tobacco pipe stem. Single sherds of Roman and medieval pottery were recovered from the material making up the bulk of the platform, along with several medieval/post-medieval iron nails and an iron bolt of post-medieval or later date.
See report (S2) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 28 September 2026.