Romano-British enclosure archaeology costs reduced for client and results made publicly accessible
Client: Gaskell Bros (WM & C) Limited
Location: Southworth Quarry, Winwick, Cheshire, UK
Project description: Strip, map and sample excavation over the site to record the surviving archaeological evidence
The client wanted to extend the existing landfill site, but it was known from air photographs and trial trench evaluation that a Romano-British enclosure was located to the north of the existing quarry.
Southworth Quarry is located to the north-east of Winwick, Cheshire and comprises approximately 51.5ha of mainly agricultural land. A previous programme of archaeological assessment and evaluation had revealed the presence of a Romano-British enclosure and possible Bronze Age activity at the site.
Wardell Armstrong Archaeology agreed a scope of works with the Cheshire Council Archaeologist on behalf of the client both for both the fieldwork and the required publication of the results. A strip, map and sample excavation was undertaken over the site to record the surviving archaeological evidence, enabling the quarry extension to go ahead.
Avoiding delays and costs
Weekly meetings were held with the Cheshire Council Archaeologist in order that ensure that he was fully satisfied with the quality of the work undertaken and to ensure that there were no delays to the fieldwork.
Specialist in house services were provided in order to fulfil the post-excavation work required and to keep costs to a minimum for Gaskell Bros (WM & C) Limited.
Results of investigation made publicly accessible
An article was produced for the Journal of the Cheshire Archaeological Society in order to fulfil the final planning condition and make the results of the project publically accessible.
WAA can also offer rapid assessment of proposed mineral extraction sites using geophysical survey techniques, in order to identify the potential risks to quarrying operations caused by unknown archaeological sites.
Advantages to Gaskell Bros (WM & C) Limited
- Specialist in house services were provided by Wardell Armstrong Archaeology in order to fulfil the post-excavation work required and to keep costs to a minimum.
- An article was produced for the Journal of the Cheshire Archaeological Society in order to fulfil the final planning condition and make the results of the project publically accessible.
- Regular liaison with county archaeologist to ensure that no delays to the project resulted.
Images (above) show:-
- Strip, map and sample excavation over the site to record the surviving archaeological evidence
- Southworth Quarry initially revealed the presence of a Romano-British enclosure and possible Bronze Age activity
