ROCK FARM LLANDENNY USK MONMOUTHSHIRE€¦ · Rock Farm, Llandenny, Usk, Monmouthshire: Archaeological Watching Brief 2. RESULTS (FIGS 2-3) 2.1 Ground reduction works in Cowshed 1

ROCK FARM LLANDENNY

USK MONMOUTHSHIRE

ARCHAEOLOGICAL WATCHING BRIEF

MARCH 2009

For

MR AND MRS S. CASTLING

CA PROJECT: 2617 CA REPORT: 08142

ROCK FARM LLANDENNY, USK MONMOUTHSHIRE

ARCHAEOLOGICAL WATCHING BRIEF

CA PROJECT: 2617 CA REPORT: 08142

prepared by Steven Sheldon, Project Supervisor

date 23 March 2009

checked by Richard Young, Project Manager

date 25 March 2009

approved by Mark Collard, Head of Contracts

signed

date 26 March 2009

issue 01

This report is confidential to the client. Cotswold Archaeology accepts no responsibility or liability to any third party to whom this report, or any part of it, is made known. Any such party relies upon this report entirely

at their own risk. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means without permission.

© Cotswold Archaeology Building 11, Kemble Enterprise Park, Kemble, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 6BQ

Tel. 01285 771022 Fax. 01285 771033 E-mail: [email protected]

© Cotswold Archaeology

1

Rock Farm, Llandenny, Usk, Monmouthshire: Archaeological Watching Brief

CONTENTS

SUMMARY........................................................................................................................2

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 3

2. RESULTS (FIGS 2-3) .......................................................................................... 5

3. DISCUSSION....................................................................................................... 5

4. CA PROJECT TEAM ........................................................................................... 5

5. REFERENCES .................................................................................................... 6

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS ..................................................................... 7

APPENDIX B: THE FINDS…………………………………………………………………….11

APPENDIX C: OASIS REPORT FORM............................................................................ 92

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Fig. 1 Site location plan (1:25,000)

Fig. 2 The site, showing location of groundworks (1:1000)


2


SUMMARY

Project Name: Rock Farm

Location: Llandenny, Usk, Monmouthshire

NGR: SO 03850 41100

Type: Watching Brief

Date: 14 July 2008

Planning Reference: M/10558

Location of Archive: To be deposited with the RCAHMW

Site Code: RFC 08

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology during

groundworks associated with the conversion of cowsheds into residential units at Rock

Farm, Llandenny, Usk, Monmouthshire.

The watching brief identified a single posthole of 17th to 18th-century date. No further

features or deposits of archaeological interest were observed during groundworks, and no

artefacts pre-dating the modern period were recovered.


3


1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 In July 2008 Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out an archaeological watching

brief for Mr and Mrs S. Castling at Rock Farm, Llandenny, Usk, Monmouthshire

(centred on NGR: SO 03850 41100; Fig. 1). The watching brief was undertaken to

fulfil a condition attached to a planning consent for the conversion of cowsheds into

residential units (Planning ref: M/10558). The planning consent also covers the

conversion of adjacent barns. This work has yet to be undertaken. The objective of

the watching brief was to record all archaeological remains exposed during the

development.

1.2 The watching brief was carried out in accordance with a detailed Written Scheme of

Investigation (WSI) produced by CA (2008) and approved by Mr Neil Maylan

Archaeological Planning Manager, Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust. The

fieldwork also followed the Standard and Guidance for an Archaeological Watching

Brief issued by the Institute of Field Archaeologists (2001) and the Management of

Archaeological Projects (English Heritage 1991).

The site

1.3 The site comprises the barn and associated outbuildings of Rock Farm. The farm is

located on the western edge of Llandenny, slightly apart from the rest of the village

(Fig. 2). The site lies on the 40m contour on land rising gently from the Olway Brook,

a minor tributary of Usk, which it meets 2.5 km away, at Usk itself (Fig. 1). The farm

site and the fields immediately around it are almost level, in an otherwise hilly

district.

1.4 The underlying geology of the area is mapped as Estuarine Alluvium of the

Pleistocene and Recent periods (BGS 1974). This was not encountered during the

course of this project due to the relatively shallow nature of the works.


4


Archaeological background

1.5 The Grade II Listed barn and Cowsheds for conversion form part of a traditional farm

group associated with the Rock Farmhouse. The buildings are described in the

listing information as of probable 18th-century date, with attached low ranges of

probable late 18th century or early 19th-century date, as well as later 19th-century

additions. The stables comprise a lofted stable range with cartshed attached to the

southern end, and are of probable early to mid 19th-century date. The buildings are

all described as being of rubble stone construction. A building recording survey (CA

2009) undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in June 2008 has supported these

general conclusions and has added much detail to the structural history of the group.

It cast light on the changes in economic use of the building in the 20th century. In

particular, it became clear that the range was multi-period and had grown organically

in response to changing needs. Slight indications of an earlier layout were noted.

1.6 The origins and original layout of the settlement at Llandenny are unknown, but it

has been suggested that Rock Farm was one of the original settlement areas. It is

defined as a historic core area in Monmouthshire Historic Settlements: An

Archaeological Survey written by Martin Locock on behalf of Monmouthshire County

Council (N Maylan pers. comm.).

Methodology

1.7 The fieldwork followed the methodology set out within the WSI (CA 2008). An

archaeologist was present during intrusive groundworks comprising the removal of

the existing brick floor of Cowsheds 1 and 2 (Fig. 2).

1.8 Written, graphic and photographic records were compiled in accordance with CA

Technical Manual 1: Fieldwork Recording Manual (2007).

1.9 The archive and finds from the evaluation are currently held by CA at their offices in

Kemble. Subject to the agreement of the legal landowner these will be deposited

with the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales

(RCAHMW). A summary of information from this project, set out within Appendix B,

will be entered onto the OASIS online database of archaeological projects in Britain.


5


2. RESULTS (FIGS 2-3)

2.1 Ground reduction works in Cowshed 1 revealed a single, homogenous, make-up

layer 101 comprising a sandy clay with moderate limestone rubble inclusions. This

was sealed by the existing red brick surface 100.

2.2 Ground reduction works in Cowshed 2 revealed a single, homogenous, make-up

layer 201 comprising a sandy clay with moderate limestone rubble inclusions. This

was cut by modern posthole 203 which was filled by limestone rubble 202. Both

deposits were sealed by the existing red brick surface 200.

2.3 No features or deposits of archaeological interest were observed during

groundworks and, despite visual scanning of spoil, no artefacts pre-dating the

modern period were recovered.

Finds

2.4 Pottery, ceramic building material, vessel glass and metalwork were recovered from

layer 101 and posthole fill 202 (Appendix B).

2.5 The finds recovered from layer 101 comprised modern pantile, translucent green

vessel glass and an iron chain ring. All are modern in date and have not been

retained.

2.6 Pottery was only present in posthole fill 202 and consists of four sherds (26g) of a

yellow slipware dish, characteristic of late 17th to 18th century dating.

3. DISCUSSION

3.1 The watching brief identified a single posthole of 17th to 18th-century date. No

further archaeological remains were identified in the areas of observed groundworks

due to the limited depth and extent of these works.

4. CA PROJECT TEAM

Fieldwork was undertaken by Cherylynne Hyde. The report was written by Steven

Sheldon. The illustrations were prepared by Jemma Elliot. The archive has been


6


compiled by Cherylynne Hyde and prepared for deposition by Kathryn Price. The

project was managed for CA by Richard Young.

5. REFERENCES

BGS (British Geological Survey) 1974 Monmouth, Sheet 233, Scale 1:50,000

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2008 Rock Farm, Llandenny, Usk, Monmouthshire: Written

Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Watching Brief

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2009 Rock Farm, Llandenny, Usk, Monmouthshire: Building

Recording, CA Typescript Report 08133

7

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS

AREA 1

No. Type Description Length

(m) Width (m)

Depth (m)

100 Layer Red brick floor of Cowshed 1 9.1m 4.3m 0.06m 101 Layer Reddish brown sandy clay make-up layer, below

100 9.1 4.3m >0.28m

AREA 2

No. Type Description Length

(m) Width (m)

Depth (m)

200 Layer Red brick floor of Cowshed 1 9.4m 4m 0.06m 201 Layer Reddish brown sandy clay make-up layer, below

200 9.4m 4m >0.28m

202 Fill Limestone and concrete rubble backfill of 203, not excavated

N/A 0.68m N/A

203 Cut Square post hole relating to existing cattle pens N/A 0.68m N/A

8

APPENDIX B: THE FINDS

Concordance

Context Artefact type Count Weight (g) Spot-date 101 Ceramic building material: roof tile*

Modern vessel glass* Iron ring*

2 1 1

204 16 54

MOD

202 Post-medieval pottery: yellow slipware 4 26 C17-C18 *not retained.

9

APPENDIX C: OASIS REPORT FORM

PROJECT DETAILS Project Name Rock Farm, Llandenny, Usk, Monmouthshire

Short description (250 words maximum)

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology during groundworks associated with the conversion of two barns and Cowsheds into residential units with car ports at Rock Farm, Llandenny, Usk, Monmouthshire. The watching brief identified a single posthole of 17th to 18th-century date. No further features or deposits of archaeological interest were observed during groundworks, and no artefacts pre-dating the modern period were recovered.

Project dates 14 July 2008 Project type

Watching Brief

Previous work

Building Recording (CA 2008a)

Future work Unknown

PROJECT LOCATION Site Location Rock Farm, Llandenny, Usk, Monmouthshire Study area (M2/ha) 155m² Site co-ordinates (8 Fig Grid Reference) SO 03830 41100

PROJECT CREATORS Name of organisation Cotswold Archaeology Project Design (WSI) originator Cotswold Archaeology

Project Manager Richard Young Project Supervisor Cherylynne Hyde PROJECT ARCHIVES Intended final location of

archive Content

Physical RCAHMW N/A Paper RCAHMW Context sheets, location

plan, photographic registers, colour and black and white photographs

Digital RCAHMW Digital photos BIBLIOGRAPHY

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2008 Rock Farm, Llandenny, Near Usk, Monmouthshire, Archaeological

Watching Brief. CA Report No. 08142

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2009 Rock Farm, Llandenny, Near Usk, Monmouthshire, Building Recording.

CA Report No. 08133

MonmouthshirePROJECT TITLE

FIGURE TITLE

N

PROJECT TITLE

SCALEDRAWN BY PROJECT NO. FIGURE NO.

COTSWOLD ARCHAEOLOGY

0 2.5km

site

Reproduced from the 1999 Ordnance Survey Explorer map with the permissionof Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office Crown copyright Cotswold Archaeological Trust 100002109 c

Rock Farn, Llandenny, UskMonmouthshire

Site location plan

1:25,000@A4 2617JE 1

1279

35.7m

Path (um)

BM 36.10m32.6m

ath (um)

Oakfield

Rock Farm

Ty G

411

412412

038038

412

038

039

SO

PROJECT TITLE

FIGURE TITLE

COTSWOLD ARCHAEOLOGY

N

SCALEDRAWN BY PROJECT NO. FIGURE NO.

0 100m

Rock Farm, Llandenny, UskMonmouthshire

The site, showing location ofgroundworks

Reproduced from the 2007 Ordnance Survey digital mapping with the permissionof Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office Crown copyright Cotswold Archaeological Trust 100002109 c

1:1000@A4 2617JE 2

stable

barn

granary

cowshed 1

cowshed 2

farmhouse

Area of groundworks

Documents

ROCK FARM LLANDENNY USK MONMOUTHSHIRE€¦ · Rock Farm, Llandenny, Usk, Monmouthshire: Archaeological Watching Brief 2. RESULTS (FIGS 2-3) 2.1 Ground reduction works in Cowshed 1