An Archaeological Evaluation of Land Adjacent To Raw Dykes Road, Leicester
(SP 5834 0270).
Contents
Summary 2
1. Introduction 2
2. Aims and Methodology 2
3. Results 3
4. Conclusion 4
5. References 4
6. Archive & Publication 5
Figures
Figure 1 Site Location 3
Figure 2 Proposed Trench Locations 6
Figure 3 Trench Location Plan 7
Appendix
Design Specification for Archaeological Evaluation of Land Adjacent to Raw Dykes Road, Leicester (SP 5834 0270)
An Archaeological Evaluation of Land Adjacent To Raw Dykes Road, Leicester
(SP 834 0270).
Summary
University of Leicester Archaeological Services were commissioned to undertake an archaeological evaluation of land adjacent to Raw Dykes Road, Leicester. The proposed development was adjacent to the line of the Raw Dykes earthwork, a scheduled ancient monument, believed to be an aqueduct serving Roman Leicester.
For a greater part of the twentieth century the site had been occupied by the Leicester Corporation Power Station, but is now a derelict site. Evidence of considerable ground disturbance associated with the power station was uncovered
The likely line of the Raw Dykes was not evaluated. Nothing of archaeological significance was uncovered during the course of the evaluation.
1. Introduction
University of Leicester Archaeological Services were commissioned by AEW Architects Ltd to undertake an archaeological evaluation on land adjacent to Raw Dykes Road, Leicester (SK 5834 0270). Outline planning permission has been granted for the construction of an exercise, rehabilitation and hydrotherapy centre (Planning Application Number 20011872). The site is currently derelict, and until recently had been part of Leicester Corporation Power Station. An archaeological desk based assessment (ULAS Report Number 2001-149) identified the site as having archaeological potential. The site is adjacent to the line of the Raw Dykes earthwork, a scheduled ancient monument, believed to be an aqueduct serving Roman Leicester. In view of this a programme of intrusive investigation through trial trenching was requested by Leicester City Council to confirm whether archaeological remains are present within the application area and, if necessary, formulate a mitigation strategy.
2. Aims and Methodology
The aim of the archaeological work was to ascertain whether any significant archaeological remains were present within the area to be developed. If identified a sufficient sample was to be excavated and recorded to establish their extent, date, quality, character, form and potential including environmental data. Further archaeological recording would be undertaken if required in the light of the results of this programme.
The City Archaeologist, Leicester City Museum Service as archaeological advisor to the planning authority following Planning Policy Guidelines 16 (PPG 16, Archaeology and Planning para. 30) had requested a 2% sample, c.135sq metres. Eight 30 metre long trenches, 1.6m wide were to be excavated by JCB with a ditching bucket (Figure 2). However, extremely difficult ground conditions prevented the full excavation of these trenches and instead, 13 machine dug test pits were excavated (Figure 3) and recorded in order to ascertain the ground make up across the proposed development area. The evaluation took place between July 6th and July 10th 2006. The evaluation followed the Design Specification for archaeological evaluation (06/642).
Fig. 1 Site location Scale 1:50000
Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. (c) Crown Copyright 1996. All rights reserved. Licence number AL 10002186.
3. Results
The initial design specification required the excavation of eight 30 metre trenches dispersed across the proposed development area. However, after initial attempts at excavating these trenches failed due to ground conditions in the south western corner of the proposed development area it was decided, in consultation with City Archaeologist, to machine excavate smaller test pits in order to ascertain the ground make up across the site and expand these test pits if archaeologically significant deposits were encountered.
In all 13 test pits were excavated across the proposed development area (Figure 3), using a 750mm toothed bucket. Once the hard standing or overburden was stripped there was a uniform stratigraphy across the proposed development area of extremely well compacted foundry waste overlaying weathered clay bedrock. The foundry waste ranged between.2m and 2.7m deep and this material had probably been imported on to the site during the construction of the power station as a levelling layer. It had been mechanically compacted and as a result was extremely difficult to excavate, even with a toothed bucket.
None of the test pits revealed any potentially archaeological remains and none of test pits were expanded. The underlying bedrock consisted of weathered clay and again was uniform across the proposed development area. Two of the test pits, 3 and 9 contained evidence of hydrocarbon contamination and at a depth of 2.5m excavation of test pit 9 was halted without exposing bedrock due to the level of contamination encountered.
4. Conclusion
The aim of the archaeological work was to ascertain whether any significant archaeological remains were present within the area to be developed. Despite its location adjacent to a Scheduled Ancient Monument, the subsequent land use of the proposed development area had, as expected caused considerable below ground disturbance. The evaluation confirmed that during the construction of the power station a considerable amount of material had been imported onto site and in general this deposit was at least 2m deep.
No evidence of archaeologically significant remains were uncovered during the course of the evaluation, however, the line of the Raw Dykes itself was not evaluated as this part of the site is to remain undeveloped as this stage. It is unlikely, however, given the degree of below ground disturbance over the rest of the site that this part of the site has escaped damage.
5. References
Liddle, P. 1983 A Guide to 20 Archaeological Sites in Leicestershire
LMARS
Marsden, P. 2001. Archaeological Desk-based Assessment for the Proposed Development at land off Raw Dykes Road, Leicester. ULAS Report Number 2001/052.
Wacher, J. 1975 The Towns of Roman Britain B.T. Batsford Ltd London.
6. Archive & Publication
The site archive consists of
1 A2 permatrace sheet containing trench locations and descriptions.
Black and white negatives with contact sheets
Digital Colour Images and A4 photo index sheet.
A4 Survey Log
The archive will be held at Leicester City Museums Service, under accession number A22.2006
A version of the summary (above) will be published in Transactions of Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society in due course.
.
Figure 2 Proposed Trench Locations.
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER ARCHAEOLOGICAL SERVICES
Design Specification for archaeological evaluation
Total Fitness, Raw Dykes Road, Leicester (SK 5834 0270)
P.A. 20011872
For: AEW Architects Ltd
1. Definition and scope of the specification
1.1 This specification is for archaeological evaluation by trial trenching in advance of a proposed exercise, rehabilitation and hydrotherapy centre at Raw Dykes Road, Leicester (SK 5834 0270), for AEW Architects Ltd.
1.2 It addresses the requirements for archaeological evaluation from the City Archaeologist, Leicester City Museum Service as archaeological advisor to the planning authority following Planning Policy Guidelines 16 (PPG16, Archaeology and Planning para.30) as detailed in the Brief for archaeological desk-based assessment and evaluation (LCC 19/09/2001 hereinafter the 'brief').
1.3 All archaeological work will adhere to the Institute of Field Archaeologist's (IFA) Code of Conduct and Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Evaluations and the Guidelines and procedures for archaeological work in Leicester (Leicester Museum Service).
2.Background
2.1. The proposed development is for a fitness centre. A desk-based assessment and historic building survey has been undertaken (ULAS Reports 2001-149; 2002-179). The application area lies close to the line of the Raw Dykes earthwork, a scheduled ancient monument believed to have been an aqueduct serving Roman Leicester, although doubts have been cast on this interpretation. A programme of archaeological work comprising trial trenching is now required to confirm whether archaeological remains are present within the application area and, if necessary, formulate a mitigation strategy.
3. Objectives
3.1 The objective of the archaeological work is to ascertain whether any significant archaeological remains are present within the area to be developed. If identified a sufficient sample to establish their extent, date, quality, character, form and potential including environmental data will be recorded. Further archaeological recording may be required in the light of the results of this programme.
4 General Methodology
4.1 All work will follow the Institute of Field Archaeologists (IFA) Code of Conduct and adhere to their Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Field Evaluations.
4.2 Staffing, recording systems, Health and Safety provisions and insurance details are provided.
4.3 Internal monitoring procedures will be undertaken including visits to the sites from the project manager. These will ensure that project targets are being met and professional standards are being maintained. Provision will be made for external monitoring meetings with representatives of the clients and Leicester City Council. The strategy will be reviewed in the light of the quality of the archaeological resource as revealed at different stages of the fieldwork.
4.5 Trial trenching
4.5.1 The City Archaeologist has requested a 2% trial trenching sample totalling c. 135 sq metres the equivalent of eight 30m x 1.6m wide trenches.
4.5.2 The topsoil and disturbed subsoil will be removed in spits by machine using a toothless ditching bucket (or similar) under full supervision, until archaeological deposits or undisturbed substrata are encountered.
4.5.3 The location of the trenches will be surveyed using a Total Station Electronic Distance Measurer (EDM) linked to a Psion hand held computer.
4.5.4 Any archaeological deposits located will be hand cleaned and planned as appropriate to addressing the aims and objectives of the evaluation. Samples of any archaeological deposits located will be hand excavated. Measured drawings of all archaeological features will be prepared at a scale of 1:20 and tied into an overall site plan of 1:100. All plans will be tied into the National Grid using an Electronic Distance Measurer (EDM).
4.5.5. Particular attention will be paid to the potential for buried palaeosols in consultation with ULAS's environmental officer. Deposits which may provide radiocarbon dating evidence will be sampled.
4.5.6 All excavated sections will be recorded and drawn at 1:10 or 1:20 scale, levelled and tied into the Ordnance Survey datum. Spot heights will be taken as appropriate.
4.5.7 Any human remains encountered will only be removed under a Home Office Licence and in compliance with relevant environmental health regulations. The client, Leicester City Council and the coroner will be informed immediately on their discovery.
4.6 Mitigation Strategy
4.6.1 Depending on the results of the trial trenching and following consultation with the City Archaeologist and the client a mitigation strategy may need to be formulated.
5 Recording Systems
5.1 Individual descriptions of all archaeological strata and features excavated or exposed will be entered onto prepared pro-forma recording sheets.
5.2 A site location plan based on the current Ordnance Survey 1:1250 map, enlarged to 1:500 (reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO) will be prepared. This will be supplemented by a plan at 1:200 (or 1:100), which will show the location of the areas investigated.
5.3 Some record of the full extent in plan of all archaeological deposits encountered will be made on drawing film, related to the OS grid and at a scale of 1:10 or 1:20. Elevations and sections of individual layers of features should be drawn where possible. The OD height of all principal strata and features will be calculated and indicated on the appropriate plans.
5.4 An adequate photographic record of the investigations will be prepared. This will include black and white prints and colour transparencies illustrating in both detail and general context the principal features and finds discovered. The photographic record will also include 'working shots' to illustrate more generally the nature of the archaeological operation undertaken.
5.5 This record will be compiled and fully checked during the course of the excavation.
5.6 All site records and finds will be kept securely.
6 Report and Archive
6.1 Before commencement of work an accession number will be obtained from Leicester City Museums. A report on the fieldwork will be provided following analysis of the records and materials.
6.2. The copyright of all original finished documents shall remain vested in ULAS and ULAS will be entitled as of right to publish any material in any form produced as a result of its investigations.
6.3 A full copy of the archive as defined in the 'Guidelines for the preparation of excavation archives for long-term storage' (UKIC 1990), and Standards in the Museum care of archaeological collections (MGC 1992) and 'Guidelines for the preparation of site archives and assessments for all finds (other than fired clay objects) (RFG/FRG 1993) will be presented to Leicester Museums. This archive will include all written, disk-based, drawn and photographic records relating directly to the investigations undertaken.
6.4 On the completion of fieldwork The originating organisation should complete the on-line OASIS form at http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/project /oasis on completion of the fieldwork.
7 Timetable and staffing
7.1. The trial trenching will be undertaken within a one week period and can commence during early March 2006.
8. Health and Safety
8.1 ULAS is covered by and adheres to the University of Leicester Statement of Safety Policy and uses the ULAS Health and Safety Manual (2001) with appropriate risks assessments for all archaeological work. The relevant Health and Safety Executive guidelines will be adhered to as appropriate.
9. Insurance
9.1 All ULAS work is covered by the University of Leicester's Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance. The Public Liability Insurance is with St Pauls Travellers Policy No. UCPOP3651237 while the Professional Indemnity Insurance is with Lloyds Underwriters (50%) and Brit Insurances (50%) Policy No. FUNK3605.
10. Bibliography
MAP 2, The management of archaeological projects 2nd edition English Heritage 1991
MGC 1992, Standards in the Museum Care of Archaeological Collections (Museums and Galleries Commission)
RFG/FRG 1993, Guidelines for the preparation of site archives (Roman Finds Group and Finds Research Group AD 700-1700)
SMA 1993, Selection, retention and Dispersal of Archaeological Collections. Guidelines for use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Society of Museum Archaeologists)
Patrick Clay
Director
ULAS
University of Leicester
University Road
Leicester LE1 7RH
Tel:0116 252 2848
Fax: 0116 252 2614
Email: pnc3@le.ac.uk
06.06.2006
Draft Project Health and Safety Policy Statement
Total Fitness, Raw Dykes Road, Leicester (SK 5834 0270)
P.A. 20011872
For: AEW Architects Ltd
1.Nature of the work
1.1 This statement is for trial trenching. It will be revised following the commencement of operations when the extent of risks can be assessed in full.
1.2 The work will involve machine dug trial trenching during daylight hours and recording of any underlying archaeological deposits revealed. Overall depth is likely to be c. 0.2-0.5m. This will involve the examination of the exposed surface with hand tools (shovels, trowels etc) and excavation of archaeological features. All work will adhere to the University of Leicester Health and Safety Policy and follow the guidance in the Standing Committee of Archaeological Unit Managers manual, as revised in 1997, together with the following relevant Health and Safety guidelines, including the following.
HSE Construction Information Sheet CS8 Safety in excavations.
HSE Industry Advisory leaflet IND (G)143 (L): Getting to grips with manual handling.
HSE Industry Advisory leaflet IND (G)145 (L): Watch Your back.
CIRIA R97 Trenching practice.
CIRIA TN95 Proprietary Trench Support Systems.
HSE Guidance Note HS(G) 47 Avoiding danger to underground services. HSE Guidance Note GS7 Accidents to children on construction sites
1.3 The Health and Safety policy on site will be reassessed during the evaluation .All work will adhere to the company's health and safety policy.
2 Risks Assessment
2.1 Working within an excavation.
Precautions. No work will be undertaken beneath section faces deeper than 1.2m. Loose spoil heaps will not be walked on. Protective footwear will be worn at all times. A member of staff qualified in First Aid will be present at all times. First aid kit, vehicle and mobile phone to be kept on site in case of emergency.
2.2 Working with plant.
Precautions. Hard hats, protective footwear and hazard jackets will be worn at all times. No examination of the area of stripping will take place until machines have vacated area. Observation of machines will be maintained during hand excavation.
2.3 Working within areas prone to waterlogging.
Protective clothing will be worn at all times and precautions taken to prevent contact with stagnant water which may carry Weils disease or similar.
2.4 Working with chemicals.
If chemicals are used to conserve or help lift archaeological material these will only be used by qualified personnel with protective clothing (i.e a trained conservator) and will be removed from site immediately after use.
2.5 Other risks
Precautions. If there is any suspicion of unforeseen hazards being encountered e.g chemical contaminants, unexploded bombs, hazardous gases work will cease immediately. The client and relevant public authorities will be informed immediately.
2.6 No other constraints are recognised over the nature of the soil, water, type of excavation, proximity of structures, sources of vibration and contamination.
06.06.2006
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Fig 2 Proposed trench locations. Grid 100m
An Archaeological Evaluation of Land Adjacent To Raw Dykes Road, Leicester
1
(c)ULAS 2006 Report Number 2006-085
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(c)ULAS 2006 Report Number 2006-085
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(c)ULAS 2006 Report Number 2006-085
University of Leicester Archaeological Services Design Specification. 06/642
ULAS (c) 2006