Hallmark Hotel, Matson Lane Gloucester

Hallmark Hotel, Matson LaneGloucester

Archaeological Evaluation

October 2013

for

Persimmon Severn Valley

CA Project: 4524 CA Report: 13584

Hallmark Hotel, Matson Lane

Gloucester

Archaeological Evaluation

CA Project: 4524 CA Report: 13584

prepared by Ray Holt, Project Officer

date 8 October 2013

checked by Laurent Coleman, Principal Fieldwork Manager

date 8 October 2013

approved by Cliff Bateman, Principal Fieldwork Manager

signed

date 8 October 2013

issue 02

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

Cirencester Milton Keynes Andover Building 11 Unit 4 Office 49

Kemble Enterprise Park Cromwell Business Centre Basepoint Business Centre Kemble, Cirencester Howard Way, Newport Pagnell Caxton Close, Andover Gloucestershire, GL7 6BQ MK16 9QS Hampshire, SP10 3FG t. 01285 771022 t. 01908 218320 t. 01264 326549 f. 01285 771033

e. [email protected]


1

Hallmark Hotel, Matson Lane, Gloucester: Archaeological Evaluation

CONTENTS

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

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

The site ................................................................................................................ 3

Archaeological background .................................................................................. 4

Archaeological objectives .................................................................................... 4

Methodology ........................................................................................................ 5

2. RESULTS (FIGS 2-4) .......................................................................................... 6

The finds .............................................................................................................. 8

3. DISCUSSION ....................................................................................................... 8

4. CA PROJECT TEAM ........................................................................................... 9

5. REFERENCES .................................................................................................... 9

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS ..................................................................... 11

APPENDIX B: OASIS REPORT FORM ............................................................................ 14

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

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

Fig. 2 Trench location plan showing archaeological features (1:1000)

Fig. 3 Trench 1: plan, section and photograph (1:20)

Fig. 4 Trench 9: plan, section and photograph (1:20)


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SUMMARY

Project Name: Hallmark Hotel, Matson Lane

Location: Gloucester

NGR: SO 8510 1520

Type: Evaluation

Date: 23 September to 2 October 2013

Planning Reference: Gloucester City Council Ref. 12/01098/FUL

Location of Archive: Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery

Site Code: HHN 13

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in September and

October 2013 at the Hallmark Hotel, Matson Lane, Gloucester. A total of fifteen trenches and

two test pits was excavated.

A shallow ditch and possible pit in the central part of the site, both artefactually undated,

characterise the earliest identified phase of land use, the ditch perhaps representing a land

boundary and the pit indicative of either domestic or other cultural activity.

The remains of furrows of probable medieval and/or post-medieval date were identified in

the central part of the site.

A rubble surface in the western part of the site corresponds with a north/south orientated

trackway leading to Matson House depicted on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map of

1890. Two broadly contemporary pits to the south of the trackway are probably agricultural in

origin and probably relate to the nearby Larkham Farm.

Modern dumped deposits covered much of the site and related to landscaping of the site

during construction of the golf driving range and hotel in the 1970s.


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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 In September and October 2013 Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out an

archaeological evaluation for Persimmon Severn Valley at the Hallmark Hotel,

Matson Lane, Gloucester (centred on NGR: SO 8510 1520; Fig. 1). The evaluation

was undertaken to fulfil part of a condition (no. 10) of planning consent (Gloucester

City Council Ref. 12/01098/FUL), granted for the demolition of existing buildings and

structures, and erection of 58 new dwellings.

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

Investigation (WSI) produced by CA (2013) and approved by Andrew Armstrong,

City Archaeologist, Gloucester City Council. The fieldwork also followed the

Standard and guidance for archaeological field evaluation (IfA 2009), the Statement

of Standards and Practices Appropriate for Archaeological Fieldwork in

Gloucestershire (GCC 1995), the Management of Archaeological Projects (English

Heritage 1991) and the Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment

(MORPHE): Project Manager’s Guide (English Heritage 2006). It was monitored by

Andrew Armstrong, including site visits on 25 and 30 September 2013.

The site

1.3 The proposed development area encloses an area of approximately 1.95ha, and

comprised an area of land to the south-east (rear) of the Hallmark Hotel complex. It

was occupied by a disused golf driving range and a tarmac car park. The site is

bounded by the Hallmark Hotel complex and playing fields. The current evaluation

area excluded the small area covered by the footprint of the extant driving range

building. The site is located at the foot of Robinswood Hill and slopes gently

downward from west (60.5m AOD) to east (51.3m AOD).

1.4 The underlying bedrock geology of the area is mapped as Blue Lias Formation and

Charmouth Mudstone Formation formed in the Jurassic and Triassic Periods (BGS

2013). Clays interspersed with gravel patches were revealed in all of the trenches.


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Archaeological background

1.5 An archaeological desk-based assessment (CA 2012) of the site has been carried

out and reference to that document should be made for a full archaeological

background. However, the results of that study are summarised below.

1.6 The site does not contain any known archaeological remains of significance, where

this has been recognised through inclusion on either the Gloucestershire HER or the

Gloucester HER. A Grade II Listed building, Matson Country Club, is located to the

west of the site. Ridge and furrow earthworks, of medieval and/or post-medieval

date, have been identified within the site from aerial photographs, however these

had been partially obscured by earth-moving associated with the construction of the

golf range and embanking in the eastern part of the site.

1.7 There is evidence for later prehistoric and Roman occupation within the area

surrounding the site. This includes a possible prehistoric long barrow (recorded c.

1800) at the summit of Robinswood Hill. The site lies c. 3.5km to the south-east of

the Roman town of Gloucester and a road (the Portway), extending south-east from

the town, lay to the north-east of the site. A possible polygonal wayside shrine

adjacent to this road was excavated in 1976-9 and is located 500m to the east of the

site. Evidence of a Roman farmstead (dating to the 1st century AD) and a later villa

(dating to the 2nd to 3rd centuries AD) was identified 400m to the north of the site

during an archaeological watching brief undertaken in 1996. Activity at this site

appeared to continue into Saxon period.

1.8 The majority of the known archaeological sites, monuments and findspots that are

recorded within the vicinity of the site relate to the origins and development of the

wider landscape from the medieval period onwards. These included moated

enclosures and other historic buildings, including St Katherine’s Church, as well as

areas of former open field agriculture. The presence of ridge and furrow within the

site, visible on historic aerial photographs, illustrates that it was formerly cultivated.

Archaeological objectives

1.9 The objectives of the evaluation are to provide information about the archaeological

resource within the site, including its presence/absence, character, extent, date,

integrity, state of preservation and quality. In accordance with the Standard and

guidance for archaeological field evaluation (IfA 2009), the evaluation has been

designed to be minimally intrusive and minimally destructive to archaeological


5


remains. The information gathered will enable Gloucester City Council to identify

and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset, consider the impact of

the proposed development upon it, and to avoid or minimise conflict between the

heritage asset’s conservation and any aspect of the development proposal, in line

with the National Planning Policy Framework (DCLG 2012).

Methodology

1.10 The fieldwork comprised the excavation of 15 trenches in the locations shown on the

attached plan (Fig. 2). Trenches 3, 5-15 and 17 measured 25m in length and 1.8m

wide, Trench 1 measured 12m in length and 1.8m wide, Trench 4 measured 20m in

length and 1.8m wide, and two Test Pits (Test Pits 1 and 2) measured 2.5m in

length and 2.5m in width. Trench 2 was replaced by the two Test Pits and the layout

of Trenches 1, 4, 5 and 8 were varied from those agreed in the WSI due to buried

services, Trench 15 was moved to target a proposed attenuation tank and Trench 16

was not excavated due to the presence of a thick deposit of modern overburden.

Trenches 14, 15 and 17 were stepped due to the presence of the thick deposit of

modern overburden. All of the variations to the original WSI were discussed with,

and approved by, Andrew Armstrong. Trenches were set out on OS National Grid

(NGR) co-ordinates using Leica GPS and surveyed in accordance with CA

Technical Manual 4 Survey Manual (2012).

1.11 All trenches were excavated by mechanical excavator equipped with a toothless

grading bucket. All machine excavation was undertaken under constant

archaeological supervision to the top of the first significant archaeological horizon or

the natural substrate, whichever was encountered first. Where archaeological

deposits were encountered they were excavated by hand in accordance with CA

Technical Manual 1: Fieldwork Recording Manual (2007).

1.12 Deposits were assessed for their palaeoenvironmental potential in accordance with

CA Technical Manual 2: The Taking and Processing of Environmental and Other

Samples from Archaeological Sites (2003) and no deposits were identified that

required sampling. All artefacts recovered were processed in accordance with

Technical Manual 3 Treatment of Finds Immediately after Excavation (1995).

1.13 The archive and artefacts from the evaluation are currently held by CA at their

offices in Kemble. Subject to the agreement of the legal landowner the artefacts will

be deposited with Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery along with the site


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archive. 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.

2. RESULTS (FIGS 2-4)

2.1 This section provides an overview of the evaluation results; detailed summaries of

the recorded contexts are to be found in Appendices A. The interventions in the car

park and driving range are presented separately.

Car Park (Trench 1, Test Pits 1 and 2)

2.2 A similar sequence of deposits was revealed across the car park in Trench 1 and

Test Pits 1 and 2. The natural substrate (006, 025 and 107) was revealed at a depth

of between 1.2m and 2.5m bpgl (below present ground level) and consisted of

mottled yellow-grey lias clay. Overlying the natural clay, mid greenish grey clay

subsoil (005, 024 and 106) measured up to 0.15m thick. This subsoil was in turn

overlain by dark greenish grey topsoil (004, 023 and 104) measuring 0.1m thick

which contained 19th century pottery and tile (not recovered).

2.3 Modern made ground (003, 022, 102 and 103) consisting of clay and building rubble

overlay the topsoil, and varied between 0.6m to 2.1m in thickness. The made ground

was overlain by a limestone hardcore layer (002, 021 and 101), representing the

bedding for the subsequent tarmac car park surface (001, 020 and 100).

2.4 Archaeological features consisting of a rubble surface and two pits were revealed in

Trench 1 and are discussed below. No archaeological features were identified in

Test Pits 1 and 2.

Trench 1 (Figs 2 & 3)

2.5 The features described below were all cut into subsoil 106, from which was

recovered a staddle stone most likely dating from the 17th to 19th centuries, and

sealed by topsoil 104 suggesting they are broadly contemporary.

2.6 At the eastern end of Trench 1, rubble surface 045/105 consisted of compacted

angular limestone fragments set in a clay matrix. The surface was 0.1m thick and

corresponded with a north/south orientated trackway depicted on the First Edition

Ordnance Survey map of 1890.


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2.7 Square pit 111 was revealed to the west of surface 045. Measuring 0.75m x 0.7m in

plan with vertical sides and a flat base, it contained a single artefactually-sterile silty

clay fill, 110. Pit 113, revealed 1.5m to the west, had a similar square form and

contained a single undated silty clay fill 112.

Driving Range (Trenches 3-15 and 17)

2.8 A fairly consistent sequence of deposits was revealed across the golf driving range.

Natural substrate, consisting of clays with gravel patches, was revealed in all of the

trenches at a depth of between 0.5m and 3m bpgl. This was sealed by silty clay

subsoil measuring up to 0.75m thick and subsequently a clayey silt topsoil

measuring up to 0.4m thick. A sondage (Fig. 2) was machine excavated at the

southern end of Trench 14 to investigate a potential change in the natural substrate.

This revealed the natural clay had become discoloured probably indicating wet

conditions. Similar discolouration was identified in Trench 17.

2.9 Deposits consistent with modern landscaping of the driving range were revealed

overlying the topsoil at the western extent (Trenches 3, 4, and 5) and eastern extent

(Trenches 12-15 and 17) of the driving range. These consisted of redeposited clays

and building debris up to 1.9m in thickness sealed by imported topsoil averaging

0.1m thick.

2.10 The stratigraphically earliest archaeological features, consisting of a ditch and a

possible pit, were revealed in Trench 9 and are discussed below.

2.11 Furrows were revealed in Trenches 3, 5-11 and 17. The furrows were primarily

aligned broadly east/west in the western part of the driving range and north-

east/south-west in the eastern part. They all appeared to cut the lower portion of the

subsoil. The orientations of the furrows were consistent with topographic

depressions visible in the central portion of the site (an area that was devoid of

modern landscaping). The differing orientation of the furrows perhaps suggests two

phases of activity; however no stratigraphic relationship between the furrows could

be ascertained during the archaeological works.

2.12 No features were identified in Trenches 4 and 13, modern services were revealed in

Trenches 3, 4, 6, 11 and 13, and tree throws in Trenches 10 and 12.


8


Trench 9 (Figs 2 & 4)

2.13 Ditch 903 was revealed in the eastern half of Trench 9. Orientated north-west/south-

east with almost vertical sides and a flat, slightly irregular base. It measured 1.02m

in width, 0.15m in depth and contained a single artefactually-sterile clay fill 902 (Fig.

4, section BB and photograph).

2.14 To the west of ditch 903, irregular sub rectangular pit 906 measured 1.15m in width,

in excess of 1.04m in length and 0.18m in depth (Fig. 4). The irregular sides and

base of this feature initially suggested a biological origin; however the charcoal

content of the silty clay fill 905 perhaps suggested an archaeological origin.

2.15 Both ditch 903 and pit 906 cut the natural substrate, 904, and were subsequently

sealed by subsoil, 901, suggesting they stratigraphically pre-date the furrows

discussed above.

The finds

Registered artefact 1

2.16 A large plano-convex stone object (520mm diam. x 110mm) from subsoil 106 is

identifiable as a staddle stone of the type in use from the 15th centuries and later

(Lake 1989, 25). Mushroom-shaped staddle stones were used to elevate timber-

framed granaries, the overhang a measure to deter vermin. The staddle stone is

made in a shelly limestone conglomerate, probably from a Cotswolds source. It is

well made and its regularity suggests a relatively late date, most likely in the 17th to

19th centuries range (pers comm. P. Davenport).

3. DISCUSSION

3.1 The stratigraphically earliest features were revealed in the eastern part of the site.

These consisted of a shallow ditch and possible pit in Trench 9. Both features were

sealed by subsoil; however neither feature contained datable artefacts. They may

characterise an early phase of land use, the ditch perhaps representing a land

boundary and the pit either domestic or other cultural activity.

3.2 Furrows representing a medieval and or post-medieval agricultural context were

revealed throughout the golf driving range. These post-dated the features in Trench


9


9, being cut through the lower portion of the same subsoil deposit, and represent a

later phase of land use. They were still visible as extent ridges and depressions in

the central portion of the site. No evidence for the ridge and furrow field system was

revealed in the car park area suggesting either the field system did not continue to

the west or, more likely, was not identified given the limited size of the interventions

in this area.

3.3 Features revealed within the car park probably relate to post-medieval use of the

site. The rubble surface in Trench 1 corresponds with a north/south orientated

trackway leading to Matson House to the north of the site and is depicted on the

First Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1890. The pits to the south of the trackway

are broadly contemporary having been cut from the same stratigraphic horizon and

may have had an agricultural use relating to the nearby Larkham Farm.

3.4 The dumped deposits and modern services relate to the most recent use of the site

as a golf driving range and hotel.

4. CA PROJECT TEAM

Fieldwork was undertaken by Ray Holt, assisted by Alex Thomson, Brenton

Culshaw and Jude Children. The report was written by Ray Holt, assisted by Sarah

Foster. The illustrations were prepared by Daniel Bashford. The archive has been

compiled by Ray Holt, and prepared for deposition by Jennie Hughes. The project

was managed for CA by Laurie Coleman.

5. REFERENCES

BGS (British Geological Survey) 2011 Geology of Britain Viewer

http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geology viewer_google/googleviewer.html Accessed 30 May

2013

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2012 Land at Matson Lane, Gloucester: Heritage Desk-Based

Assessment CA Report No. 12673


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CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2013 Land at Matson Lane, Gloucester: Written Scheme of

Investigation for an Archaeological Evaluation

Lake, J. 1989 Historic Farm Buildings London, Blandford Press


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APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS

Trench No.

Context No.

Type Fill of Context interpretation

Description L (m) W (m) Depth/thickness (m)

Spot-date

TP 1 001 Layer Car park surface Tarmac >2.5 >2,5 0.07

TP 1 002 Layer Hardcore Base for 001

Hardcore >2.5 >2.5 0.2

TP 1 003 Layer Made ground Layers of stone, building waste, clay

>2.5 >2.5 2.1

TP 1 004 Layer Buried Topsoil Dark greenish grey clay >2.5 >2.5 0.1

TP 1 005 Layer Subsoil Mid greenish grey clay >2.5 >2.5 0.1 C17 to C19

TP 1 006 Deposit Natural substrate

Greenish grey clay >2.5 >2.5 n/a

TP 2 020 Layer Tarmac Car park surface >2.5 >2.5 0.06

TP 2 021 Layer Hardcore base for 020

Hardcore >2.5 >2.5 0.2

TP 2 022 Layer Made ground Layers of stone, building waste, clay

>2.5 >2.5 1.5

TP 2 023 Layer Buried Topsoil Dark greenish grey clay >2.5 >2.5 0.1

TP 2 024 Layer Subsoil Mid greenish grey clay >2.5 >2.5 0.15

TP 2 025 Deposit Natural substrate

Greenish grey clay >2.5 >2.5 n/a

1 100 Layer Car park surface Tarmac >10 >1.6 0.07

1 101 Layer Gravel bedding Yellow gravel bedding >10 >1.6 0.15

1 102 Deposit Modern make-up

Mixed rubble-clay make-up

>10 >1.6 0.3

1 103 Layer Redeposited natural

Mottled olive green/orange clay

>10 >1.6 0.4

1 104 Layer Buried Topsoil Dark greenish grey clayey silt

>10 >1.6 0.3

1 105 Deposit Rubble surface Compacted limestone rubble and gravel

2 >1.6 0.24

1 106 Layer Subsoil Mid greenish grey clay >10 >1.6 0.1

1 107 Deposit Natural substrate

Mottled yellow/grey clay >10 >1.6 n/a

1 108 Fill 109 Single fill of tree throw

Orangey brown and grey silty clay

>1.6 1.05 0.38

1 109 Cut Tree throw Amorphous feature with probable root holes

>1.6 1.05 0.38

1 110 Fill 111 Fill of square feature

Dark greenish grey silty clay

0.75 0.7 0.08

1 111 Cut Square feature Square cut, shallow, steep sided feature

0.75 0.7 0.08

1 112 Fill 113 Fill of square feature

Dark greenish grey silty clay

0.6 0.22 n/a

1 113 Cut Square feature Square cut feature, obscured by bulk.

0.6 0.22 n/a

3 300 Layer Topsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay

>25 >1.7 0.1

3 301 Deposit Make-up layer/ Dump material

Mid grey brown sandy clay with rubble inclusions

>25 >1.7 0.44

3 302 Layer Buried Topsoil Friable, silty sandy clay >25 >1.7 0.4

3 303 Layer Subsoil Light orangey brown sandy clay

>25 >1.7 >0.16


Yellow grey clay with grey patches.

>25 >1.7 n/a

4 400 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty sandy clay

>19.7 >1.68 0.2


Mid reddish grey brown sandy clay with rubble inclusions

>19.7 >1.68 >1

4 402 Layer Subsoil Mid reddish brown sandy 6.6 >1.68 0.2


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Trench No.

Context No.



Spot-date

clay

4 403 Layer Buried Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay

6.6 >1.68


Yellow grey clay with grey patches.

>19.7 >1.68 n/a

5 500 Layer Topsoil Dark brown clayey silt >25 >1.8 0.2

5 501 Layer Make-up layer/ Dump material


10 >1.8 0.3

5 502 Layer Subsoil Mid greenish grey silt >25 >1.8 0.45


Greenish grey clay, occ. Gravel patches

>25 >1.8 n/a

5 504 Layer Buried Topsoil Dark brown clayey silt >25 >1.8 0.15





>25 >1.8 n/a





>25 >1.8 n/a

7 703 Layer Deposit, possible pond

Mottled blue-grey/orange silty clay

0.66 0.96 0.3




Mixed yellowish grey silty clay with orange gravel patches

<25 >1.8 n/a

8 803 Cut Furrow Cut of furrow >2.1 1.44 0.04

8 804 Fill 803 Single fill of furrow

Mid grey brown silty clay >2.1 1.44 0.04

9 900 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay

>24.6 >1.6 0.2

9 901 Layer Subsoil Light grey brown sandy clay

>24.6 >1.6 0.3

9 902 Fill 903 Single fill of ditch Mixed light grey brown/orange brown clay

>1.84 1.2 0.22

9 903 Cut Ditch NW-SE orientated ditch, steep sides and flat base

>1.84 1.2 0.22


Orangey brown and grey silty clay

>24.6 >1.6 n/a


Dark greyish brown silty clay

1.15 1.4 0.18

9 906 Cut Tree throw Irregular shape in plan, gradual sloping sides

1.15 1.4 0.18

9 907 Deposit Deposit, possible pond

Dark brownish grey silty clay with decayed plant material

c.9 >1.6




Greenish grey clay, occ gravel patches

>25 >1.8 n/a

10 1003 Cut Furrow W-E orientated furrow 0.96 0.03

10 1004 Fill 1003 Single fill of furrow

Orangey brown silty clay 0.96 0.03

10 1005 Cut Water cut feature

Sub circular water cut/pooled feature

1.4 0.6 0.06

10 1006 Fill 1005 Fill of water cut feature

Grey brown silty clay 1.4 0.6 0.06




13


Trench No.

Context No.



Spot-date



>25 >1.8 n/a

12 1200 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown clayey silt, occ gravel

>25 >1.8 0.2

12 1201 Layer Made ground Greenish grey clay >25 >1.8 0.8

12 1202 Layer Buried soil Dark grey brown clay silt >25 >1.8 0.1

12 1203 Deposit Surface Gravel and concrete rubble

2.8 >1.8 0.08

12 1204 Layer Subsoil Orangey brown silty clay >25 >1.8 0.55



>25 >1.8 n/a

12 1206 Cut Tree throw Oval shape in plan 0.64 0.52 0.12


Grey brown silty clay 0.64 0.52 0.12

13 1300 Layer Topsoil Mid brown clayey silt >25 >1.8 0.2



15 >1.8 0.31

13 1302 Layer Buried Topsoil Dark brown clayey silt >25 >1.8 0.18

13 1303 Layer Subsoil Yellow brown clayey silt >25 >1.8 0.3


Patchy yellow and grey clay with occ gravel patches

>25 >1.8 n/a

14 1400 Layer Topsoil Mid brown silty sandy clay >25.2 >2.7 0.2

14 1401 Layer Made ground Light brown silty clay with building debris inclusions

>25.2 >2.7 1.1

14 1402 Layer Buried Topsoil Dark grey brown silty clay >25.2 >2.7 0.18

14 1403 Layer Subsoil Mid green brown clay with organic component

0.4

14 1404 Layer Subsoil Light brown silty clay >25.2 >2.7 0.3


Yellow brown clay >25.2 >2.7 n/a




>5 >1.8 1.65

15 1502 Layer Buried Topsoil Dark grey brown silty clay >5 >1.8 0.3

15 1503 Layer Subsoil Light brown silty clay >5 >1.8 0.3






>5 >1.8 1.65

17 1702 Layer Buried Topsoil Dark grey brown silty clay >5 >1.8 0.3

17 1703 Layer Subsoil Light brown silty clay >5 >1.8 0.3




14


APPENDIX B: OASIS REPORT FORM

PROJECT DETAILS Project Name Hallmark Hotel, Matson Lane, Gloucester

Short description

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in September and October 2013 at Hallmark Hotel, Matson Lane, Gloucester. A total of fifteen trenches and two test pits were excavated. A shallow ditch and possible pit in the central part of the site, both artefactually undated characterise the earliest phase of land use, the ditch perhaps representing a land boundary and the pit indicative of either domestic or other cultural activity. The remains of furrows of probable medieval and/or post-medieval date were identified in the central part of the site. A rubble surface in the western part of the site corresponds with a north/south orientated trackway leading to Matson House and is depicted on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1890. Two broadly contemporary pits to the south of the trackway are probably agricultural in origin and probably relate to the nearby Larkham Farm. Modern dumped deposits covered much of the site and related to landscaping of the site during construction of the golf driving range and hotel in the 1970s.

Project dates Project type

Field evaluation

Previous work

None

Future work Unknown

PROJECT LOCATION Site Location Hallmark Hotel, Matson Lane, Gloucester Study area (M2/ha) Site co-ordinates (8 Fig Grid Reference) SO 8510 1520

PROJECT CREATORS Name of organisation Cotswold Archaeology Project Brief originator None Project Design (WSI) originator Cotswold Archaeology

Project Manager Laurie Coleman Project Supervisor Ray Holt MONUMENT TYPE None SIGNIFICANT FINDS None PROJECT ARCHIVES Intended final location of archive

Content

Physical Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery

Stone object

Paper Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery

Context sheets, trench sheets, permatrace drawings, photographic registers


15


Digital Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery

digital photos, survey

BIBLIOGRAPHY

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2013 Hallmark Hotel, Matson Lane, Gloucester: Archaeological Evaluation. CA typescript report 13584

Gloucestershire

CotswoldArchaeology

Cirencester 01285 771022

Milton Keynes 01908 218320

Andover 01264 326549

w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk

e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE

FIGURE TITLE

FIGURE NO.DATE

REVISION

SCALE@A4

PROJECT NO.

DRAWN BY

APPROVED BY

N

0 1km

Site location plan

Hallmark Hotel, Matson Lane, Gloucester

4524DJBLM 1

02-10-2013001:25,000

Reproduced from the 1998 Ordnance Survey Explorer map with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office Crown copyright Cotswold Archaeology Ltd 100002109

c

tree throw109

pit113

rubblesurface

105

N

0 5m

Trench 1

A

A

pit111

tarmac 100

modern gravel101

modern make up102

modern make up103

topsoil104

rubblesurface

105

subsoil106

natural107

60.25mAOD

NE SW

Section AA

0 1m

Rubble surface 105 looking north-east (scales 1m)

CotswoldArchaeology

PROJECT TITLE

FIGURE TITLE

FIGURE NO.DATE

REVISION

SCALE@A3

PROJECT NO.

DRAWN BY

APPROVED BY

Trench 1: plan, section and photograph


02-10-2013001:100 1:20

4524DJBLM 3



Andover 01264 326549


e [email protected]

ditch903

pit906

Trench 9

N

0 5m

51.25mAOD

NE SW

Section BB

topsoil900

subsoil901

902

ditch903

0 1m

Ditch 903 looking south (scale 0.4m)

CotswoldArchaeology

PROJECT TITLE

FIGURE TITLE

FIGURE NO.DATE

REVISION

SCALE@A3

PROJECT NO.

DRAWN BY

APPROVED BY

Trench 9: plan, section and photograph


02-10-2013001:100 1:20

4524DJBLM 4



Andover 01264 326549


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Hallmark Hotel, Matson Lane Gloucester