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Museum of London Archaeology
Mortimer Wheeler House
46 Eagle Wharf Road, London N1 7ED
tel 020 7410 2200 | fax 020 410 2201
www.museumoflondonarchaeology.org.uk
general enquiries: [email protected]
© Museum of London Archaeology 2016
ST. JOHNS WOOD SQUARE
London NW8
City of Westminster
Report on archaeological excavation
September 2016
ST JOHN’S WOOD SQUARE Ordnance Hill
London NW8 6PT
Site Code JWB15 NGR 526769-183519
OASIS reference molas1-259031
Planning reference 14/08070/FULL Condition Numbers 12 and 13
Archaeological Excavation Report – Second phase
Sign-off History:
Issue No. Date: Prepared by: Checked/ Approved by:
Reason for Issue:
1 08.09.2016 Isca Howell Raoul Bull
Jose Juan Fuldain
Michael Smith Draft for client review
MOLA Mortimer Wheeler House, 46 Eagle Wharf Road, London N1 7ED tel 0207 410 2200
email [email protected]
MOLA is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company registration number 07751831 and charity registration number 1143574.
Registered office: Mortimer Wheeler House, 46 Eagle Wharf Road, London N1 7ED
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Summary
This report presents the results of an archaeological excavation carried out by MOLA at St John’s Wood Square. The report was commissioned to MOLA by Ramboll Environ UK Ltd on behalf of the client St John’s Wood Square Ltd. An earlier phase of excavation, undertaken in accordance with the Written Scheme of Investigation (MOLA, 2015a), evaluated two areas of excavation on the site between July 20th and August 7th 2015. As a result of these works an addendum to the Written Scheme of Investigation (MOLA, 2015a) was produced (MOLA 2016) to guide this second phase of excavation. In the second excavation phase three further areas were evaluated: Area 2, Area 3 and Area 4. Four trenches in Area 2, the former stable blocks, indicated that the latest development of the barracks had removed all previous above ground structures and did not uncover any foundations or other below structures, except the most recent service runs. Three trenches in Area 3, the former administrative building complex, found several features. Trench 3A was mostly truncated by a recent service run. Trench 3B contained a footing and a possible soakaway, but the chance that these structures may be associated with the mid-19th-century Magazine has not yet been ruled out. Trench 3C found a foundation seen in Area 4. Three trenches in Area 4, car parking areas in the south of the site, found a foundation for a substantial wall that was probably for the 1835 accommodation block frontage. An extra trench for SI works found masonry for possible internal structures. The report concludes that all previous above ground structures have been removed by the latest developments in the excavation areas but isolated remains of below ground structures survive on the site and may be impacted on by the redevelopment.
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Contents
Summary i
Contents ii
1 Introduction 1
2 Topographical and historical background 2
3 Evaluation methodology 3
4 Results of the evaluation 4
5 Archaeological potential 17
6 Proposed development impact and conclusions 19
7 Acknowledgements 20
8 Bibliography 21
9 OASIS archaeological report form 26
List of Illustrations Front cover: Foot Guards at squad drill, St John’s Wood Barracks [Illustrated London News, 1854 – MBN cuttings 2/14 (4)] Fig 1 Site Location 22 Fig 2 Excavation areas showing Phase 1 and Phase 2 trenches 23 Fig 3 Plan of foundations [2], [5] and [8] seen in Trenches 4A, 4B and 3C 24 Fig 4 Ordnance Survey 1st edition 25": mile map of 1871–80 (printed at 1:2500) 25 Fig 5 Plan of masonry in Trench 3B 25 List of Photographs Photo 1 Trench 2A, looking south (0.5m scale) 5 Photo 2 Trench 2B, looking south (0.5m scale) 6 Photo 3 Trench 2C, looking south (0.5m scale) 7 Photo 4 Trench 2D, looking south (0.5m scale) 8 Photo 5 Trench 3A, looking east (0.5m scale) 9 Photo 6 Footing [11] and possible soakaway [14] at east end of trench 3B, looking north-east (0.5m scale) 11 Photo 7 Foundation [8], looking north (0.5m scale) 12 Photo 8 Foundation [2], looking west (0.5m scale) 13 Photo 9 Foundation [5], looking south-east (0.5m scale) 14 Photo 10 Footing [19] and possible buttress [20] in SI trench, looking north (0.5m scale) 15
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1 Introduction
1.1 Site background
1.1.1 Two phases of archaeological excavation have been carried out by MOLA at St. John’s Wood Square Ordnance Hill, London, NW8 6PT, known hereafter as “the site” (see Fig 1). This document is the Report on the Phase 2 excavation, undertaken from the 4th to the 26th July 2016.
1.1.2 A written Archaeological Assessment was previously prepared, which covered the whole area of the site (MOLA 2014). This document should be referred to for information on the natural geology, archaeological and historical background of the site, and the initial interpretation of its archaeological potential.
1.2 Planning background
1.2.1 The legislative and Planning framework in which the evaluation took place was fully set out in the Historic Environment Assessment (see MOLA 2014, Section 9). To summarise here:
1.3 Scope of the excavation
1.3.1 The original WSI (MOLA 2015a) allowed for the excavation of three further areas (refered to as areas 2, 3 and 4) in addition to the areas excavated in 2015 (Areas 1 and 5 - MOLA 2015c). It was agreed that it would be advisable to undertake some evaluation trenching as an initial stage of excavation of the remaining areas to assess the level of survival in these areas. This trenching was carried out in accordance with an amendment to the WSI (MOLA 2016).
1.3.2 Evaluation is defined by Historic England as intended to provide information about the archaeological resource in order to contribute to the:
- formulation of an appropriate response or mitigation strategy to planning applications or other proposals which may adversely affect such archaeological remains, or enhance them; and/or
- formulation of a proposal for further archaeological investigations within a programme of research
An archaeological evaluation is a limited fieldwork exercise designed to test the conclusions of preliminary desk based work. It is not the same as full excavation.
The evaluation was carried out within the terms of the relevant Standard for evaluation specified by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIFA 2014).
All work has been undertaken within the research priorities established in the Museum of London’s A research framework for London Archaeology, 2002.
All work was undertaken within research aims and objectives established in the Written Scheme of Investigation (MOLA 2015a, Section 3.1).
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2 Topographical and historical background
A full topographical and historical background to this site was given in the Historic Environment Assessment (MOLA 2014).
2.1 Topography
2.1.1 A topographical survey of the site shows that ground levels reflect the natural north-west to south-east downward slope, with levels lying at 51.2m OD (metres Ordnance Datum) at the north-western corner of the site and 47.8m OD at the south-east corner along Ordnance Hill. Within the barracks, levels are generally between 51.0m OD and 49.0m OD (MOLA 2014, Section 3).
2.1.2 The British Geological Survey (MOLA digital resources) shows the site overlying London Clay of the Palaeocene formation (MOLA 2014, Section 3.3.2). The top of London clay underlies the entire main site area between 47.0m OD and 49.0m OD.
2.2 Archaeology
2.2.1 An in-depth archaeological and historical background (MOLA 2014, Section 4) in addition to the archaeological potential of the site (MOLA, 2014 Section 5.3) was provided in the Historic Environment Assessment. A summary of the archaeological background can be found in the written scheme of investigation (MOLA 2015a, Section 2.3,).
2.2.2 A standing building record of the existing buildings was carried out and reported on separately (MOLA 2015b).
2.2.3 Phase 1 excavation was undertaken, between July 20th and August 7th 2015, and reported on separately (MOLA 2015c).
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3 Evaluation methodology
3.1 Field methodology
3.1.1 Ten trenches were hand-excavated by the contractor to 1m deep. The bases of most trenches were “cleaned out” by machine. Any excavation more than 1m deep was completed by machine. All excavations were monitored by a MOLA supervisor.
3.1.2 Archaeological excavation was carried out in accordance with the Written Scheme of Investigation (MOLA 2015a) and the later Addendum to the Written Scheme of Investigation (MOLA 2016).
3.1.3 Trench locations were plotted using plans provided by the client using an ‘offset methodology’ and subsequently tied to the OS grid by MOLA Geomatics Team.
3.2 Recording methodology
3.2.1 A written and drawn record of all archaeological deposits encountered was carried out in accordance with the Written Scheme of Investigation (MOLA 2015a).
3.3 Site archive
3.3.1 The table below refers only to the Phase 2 excavation, and does not include the standing building record or the Phase 1 excavation.
Number of trench record sheets 12 Number of Context sheets 20 Number of photographs 19 Number of Permatrace drawings 12 Number of Client provided drawings 6
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4 Results of the evaluation
4.1.1 For trench locations see [Placeholder page]
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4.1.2 Fig 2, this includes the Phase 1 Excavation trenches to show coverage. This section presents the results of the Phase 2 Excavation. For the results of the Phase 1 Excavation see MOLA (2015c).
4.2 Trench 2A
Location North-west of stable block (Area 2) Dimensions 4.60m by 0.80m by 0.50m depth Modern ground level 49.69m OD–49.75m OD Base of modern fill c 49.35m OD Depth of archaeological stratigraphy above natural (if any)
None
Level of base of lowest features or deposits observed
na
Top of surviving natural observed at c 49.35m OD Level of base of trench c 49.20m OD
4.2.1 Weathered London Clay (natural deposit) was seen in the base of the trench at c 49.35m OD, except where a concrete encased drain run cut across the trench. The clay was sealed by 0.35m of concrete hard-standing under the anti-slip paving surface. No archaeological feature or finds were observed (see Photo 1).
Photo 1 Trench 2A, looking south (0.5m scale)
4.3 Trench 2B
Location North-east of stable block (Area 2) Dimensions 4.60m by 0.80m by 0.70m depth
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Modern ground level 49.70m OD–49.74m OD Base of modern fill c 49.35m OD Depth of archaeological stratigraphy above natural (if any)
None
Level of base of lowest features or deposits observed
na
Top of surviving natural observed at c 49.35m OD Level of base of trench c 49.00m OD
4.3.1 Weathered London Clay (natural deposit) was seen in the base of the trench at c 49.35m OD, except where a concrete encased drain run cut across the trench and where cut by disturbed, late 20th-century ground to the south. The clay was sealed by 0.20m of concrete hard-standing under the anti-slip paving surface. No archaeological feature or finds were observed (see Photo 2).
Photo 2 Trench 2B, looking south (0.5m scale)
4.4 Trench 2C
Location South-west of stable block (Area 2) Dimensions 6.10m by 1.40m by 0.85m depth
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Modern ground level 49.67m OD–49.76m OD Base of modern fill c 49.00m OD Depth of archaeological stratigraphy above natural (if any)
None
Level of base of lowest features or deposits observed
na
Top of surviving natural observed at c 49.00m OD Level of base of trench c 48.95m OD
4.4.1 Sub-angular and rounded coarse flint gravels were seen in the base of this trench at c 49.00m OD. This deposit was interpreted as the course of a former river channel of probable prehistoric date because of the absence of any observable archaeological material.
4.4.2 Overlying the gravels was a thin layer of redeposited weathered London Clay, stained by diesel in places and a rough hard-standing layer of deep-frogged, machine-cut, unmortared red bricks that covered the northern two-thirds of the trench. A layer of clean sand and gravel then formed the levelling under 0.35m of concrete hard-standing under the anti-slip paving (see Photo 3). A brick-shuttered, concrete-encased drain cut across the northern end of the trench. No archaeological feature or finds were observed.
Photo 3 Trench 2C, looking south (0.5m scale)
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4.5 Trench 2D
Location South-east of stable (Area 2) Dimensions 6.00m by 1.20m by 1.25m depth Modern ground level 49.65m OD–49.70m OD Base of modern fill c 49.00mOD Depth of archaeological stratigraphy above natural (if any)
None
Level of base of lowest features or deposits observed
na
Top of surviving natural observed at c 49.00mOD Level of base of trench c 48.50mOD
4.5.1 Weathered London Clay (natural deposit) was seen in the base of the trench at c 49.00m OD. The clay was sealed by 0.35m disturbed ground, except to the north where it dipped down under a drain run and the base of the excavation. The disturbed ground was sealed by 0.25m of concrete hard-standing under the anti-slip paving surface. No archaeological feature or finds were observed (see Photo 4).
Photo 4 Trench 2D, looking south (0.5m scale)
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4.6 Trench 3A
Location Adjacent to access road (Area 3 north) Dimensions 6.50m by 1.50m by 0.70m depth Modern ground level 49.58m OD Base of modern fill c 49.25mOD Depth of archaeological stratigraphy above natural (if any)
None
Level of base of lowest features or deposits observed
na
Top of surviving natural observed at c 49.25mOD Level of base of trench c 48.85mOD
4.6.1 Two-thirds of the north side of trench was cut by recent 4-ceramic pipe service trench. Weathered London Clay was seen in service trench section at 49.25m OD under 0.20m made ground that could not be excavated because of risk of damage to services. The trench was sealed by sand levelling and brick paving (see Photo 5).
Photo 5 Trench 3A, looking east (0.5m scale)
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4.7 Trench 3B
Location Lawn within building block (Area 3 centre east) Dimensions 6.20m by 1.20m by 1.15m depth Modern ground level 49.43m OD–49.44m OD Base of modern fill c 48.55m OD Depth of archaeological stratigraphy above natural (if any)
None, cut features only
Level of base of lowest features or deposits observed
Not excavated
Top of surviving natural observed at c 48.55m OD Level of base of trench c 48.30m OD
4.7.1 Weathered London Clay (natural deposit) was seen in the base of the trench at c 48.55m OD, although it was clearly seen to have been disturbed, probably as a result of the previous groundworks.
4.7.2 The clay was cut by two features at the eastern end (see Photo 6 and Fig 5). Safety on site, managed by the principal contractor, meant that the trench could not be accessed.
4.7.3 The westernmost feature was red brick footing, or small wall, [11]. It was aligned north–south across the trench and only two courses survived. The bricks measured 110mm x 70mm x 220mm, were lain in a cross bond and were bonded with a yellow sandy mortar. The highest surviving remains were at 48.70m OD.
4.7.4 Parallel to and east of footing [11] was the “L”-shaped masonry remains of a subterranean structure [14]. It was made of red and yellow stock bricks and measured 1.40m by 1.10m but extended to the south and east beyond the limit of the trench. It had an internal cement lining [18] and had a rubble infill [16] which included “breeze blocks.” This feature was interpreted as a soakaway on site.
4.7.5 These remains were sealed under a thin layer of crushed concrete, and then 0.50m of mixed soil and debris made ground under the lawn.
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Photo 6 Footing [11] and possible soakaway [14] at east end of trench 3B, looking north-east (0.5m scale)
4.8 Trench 3C
Location South side of site (Area 3 south-west) Dimensions 7.50m by0.70m–1.20m by 0.50m depth
(including SI to south) Modern ground level 48.80m OD–49.16m OD Base of modern fill c 48.40m OD Depth of archaeological stratigraphy above natural (if any)
None
Level of base of lowest features or deposits observed
na
Top of surviving natural observed at c 48.40m OD Level of base of trench c 48.40m OD
4.8.1 Weathered London Clay (natural deposit) was seen in the base of the trench at c 48.55m OD.
4.8.2 The clay was cut by red brick foundation [8] (see Photo 7). The remains were 0.50m wide and 5 courses (0.70m deep) were exposed. The bricks measured 110mm x 70mm x 220mm, and had a dark red hue with tiny white flecks and air pockets. The
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bricks were lain in cross bond with greyish white lime mortar. This foundation appears to be the same as foundations [2] and [5] in trenches 4A and 4B to the west (see Fig 3).
4.8.3 Over the clay to either side of foundation [8] unmortared machine-cut red stock bricks formed a hard-standing to the 0.35m of concrete beneath the tarmac/asphalt surface.
Photo 7 Foundation [8], looking north (0.5m scale)
4.9 Trench 4A
Location South side of site (Area 4 west) Dimensions 7.10m by 1.20m by 1.00 depth with 3.10m by
1.50m by 0.50m depth extension to south Modern ground level 49.40m OD–49.46m OD Base of modern fill c 48.50m OD–c 48.85m OD Depth of archaeological stratigraphy above natural (if any)
none
Level of base of lowest features or deposits observed
na
Top of surviving natural observed at c 48.50m OD–c 48.85m OD Level of base of trench c 48.40m OD
4.9.1 Weathered London Clay (natural deposit) was seen in the base of the trench at c 48.50m OD–c 48.85m OD.
4.9.2 The natural clay was sealed by layer [1] which was a firm mid greenish grey clay silt with occasion pottery (see Section 0), clay tobacco pipe, oyster shell, and glazed tiled. This was 0.40m thick and seen across the trench. It was interpreted as marshy ground, possibly accumulated in a clay pit, and is thought to be earlier than the barracks (see Section 4.12).
4.9.3 In the extension to the south, presumably cutting layer [1], was red brick foundation [2]. It was built with the same type of bricks and form seen in foundation [8] and the
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recorded remains measured 2.80m east–west, 0.50m wide, with an offset keyed in on the south side, measuring 0.64m north–south and 0.45m wide. The extension was only excavated to the top of the foundation (see Photo 8).
4.9.4 Foundation [2] and layer [1] were sealed by 0.25m of mixed rubble made ground and 0.20m of concrete beneath the tarmac/asphalt surface. Several iron pipe services crossed the trench.
Photo 8 Foundation [2], looking west (0.5m scale)
4.10 Trench 4B
Location South side of site (Area 4 east) Dimensions 6.80m by 1.20m by 1.70 depth with 3.20m by
1.45m by 0.50m depth extension to south Modern ground level 49.44m OD–49.47m OD Base of modern fill c 47.90m OD–c 48.50m OD Depth of archaeological stratigraphy above natural (if any)
none
Level of base of lowest features or deposits observed
c 47.80m OD
Top of surviving natural observed at c 47.90m OD–c 48.50m OD Level of base of trench c 47.80m OD
4.10.1 Weathered London Clay (natural deposit) was seen in the base of the trench at c 47.90m OD–c 48.50m OD. The natural clay was sealed by 0.20m of green clay that
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may be similar to layer [1] in Trench 4A.
4.10.2 Disturbed/made ground to 0.80m deep and cut by numerous services sealed the green clay.
4.10.3 Seen cutting the disturbed/made ground at the south of the trench, prior to its extension, was foundation [5] (see Photo 9). Same as foundations [2] and [8], this was seen to its base at c 47.80m OD where there was a 2-course step. This gave the foundation a surviving depth of 1.50m, not seen elsewhere, and indicated the foundation had a construction fill [7] of redeposited London Clay. Like Foundation [2] it too had a similar offset on its south side, as found when the trench was extended to the south.
4.10.4 At the top of the trench sequence was a hard-standing to the 0.40m of concrete beneath the tarmac/asphalt surface.
Photo 9 Foundation [5], looking south-east (0.5m scale)
4.11 Additional SI trench
Location South-east of trench 4B (Area 4) Dimensions 10.00m by 0.80m by 0.80m depth Modern ground level 49.51m OD–49.54m OD
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Base of modern fill c 48.70mOD Depth of archaeological stratigraphy above natural (if any)
None
Level of base of lowest features or deposits observed
na
Top of surviving natural observed at c 48.70mOD Level of base of trench c 48.70mOD
4.11.1 Although not part of the archaeological programme of works, the opportunity to inspect a site investigation trench, as in Trench 3C, found two small, possible ephemeral structures (see Photo 10 and Fig 3)
4.11.2 Footing [19] was aligned east–west, probably parallel to Foundation [5] to north, and measured 0.40m by 0.22m by 0.15m depth. It was built with similar bricks to Foundation [5], in a probable header bond with yellow sandy mortar.
4.11.3 Immediately south of footing [19], but not joined to it, was a probable rectangular arrangement of red bricks greyish white lime mortar.
Photo 10 Footing [19] and possible buttress [20] in SI trench, looking north (0.5m scale)
4.12 The finds
Lyn Blackmore
4.12.1 A total 13 sherds of pottery from Layer [1], in Trench 4A, found the fabrics and forms present comprised: part of a teapot in black basalt ware (BBAS, 1770-1900), probably, a bowl in creamware (CREA, 1740-1830), a lid in painted creamware (CREA PNTD, 1760-1800), a jar and a bottle in English stoneware (ENGS, 1670-1900; probably late 18th/19th century), a bowl and two or three plates in transfer-printed pearlware (types 1 and 2; PREA TR1, 1770-1810; PEAR TR2, 1807-1840), two possible jars in post-medieval redware (PMR, 1580-1900), and a carinated bowl in slipped yellow ware with mocha decoration (YELL SLIP, 1820-1900).
4.12.2 Layer [1] can be dated to after 1820 (YELL SLIP), while the other finds suggest that the group of sherds could date to 1820-30 or 1820-40.
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4.12.3 The dating of layer [1] is compatible with being earlier than the 1835 accommodation block but interesting later than the establishment of the Barracks, suggesting this assemblage is refuse from the Barracks and not the surrounding area.
4.13 The site as a whole
4.13.1 Area 2 (see Fig 2) found no archaeological remains and indicated that any previous remains would be confined to deep foundations outside of the areas of the trench, if not already “grubbed out.”
4.13.2 Area 3 results were not so clear partly because Trench 3A was located over a service trench. However several features were found in Trench 3B. Take together these features occupy a location close to the “magazine” on a map of 1871–80 (see Fig 4) and possibly the building in the mid-distance of a drawing from 1854 (see front cover). Therefore the structure could the former magazine.
4.13.3 Area 4 and the south of Area 3 appear to have found an alignment of a single foundation in three trenches (formed of Foundations [2], [5] and [8] and see Fig 3), with two having similar offset walls. If this is a single structure then it could be the foundation of the 1835 accommodation block frontage (see front cover right side; from City of Westminster Archives, 2007) and the small masonry remains in the SI trench could be internal features such as joists (Fig 3).
4.13.4 In summary, and including the result of the Phase 1 excavation, the trenches have shown extensive truncation to the extent that probably no surfaces associated with the earlier Barracks survives, but the foundations and any subterranean features may still exist on the site.
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5 Archaeological potential
5.1 Answering original research aims
5.1.1 Excavation and research is undertaken in the context of the wider archaeological research priorities for London which are set out in the Museum of London’s ‘A research framework for Greater London’ (Museum of London 2002).
Natural topography and the prehistoric environment
5.1.2 Does the untruncated surface of natural gravels and/or brickearth subsoil survive?
No, only weathered London Clay was encountered in all trenches except Trench 2C. Levels were calculated at between c 49.35m OD in Trench 2A and Trench 2B, where it was truncated, and at 48.40m OD untruncated in Trench 4A. This matches the general slope to the south. In Trench 2C the natural comprised the truncated gravels of a probable former river channel, assumed to be of geological date.
5.1.3 Can information about the nature of natural deposits be used to determine site formation processes and reconstruct the post-glacial topography of the area?
Little information has been gathered on the natural deposits and their site formation processes. The date of the channel deposits in Trench 2C is not known, although it is assumed to be prehistoric, and nothing is known of its nature in the wider landscape.
5.1.4 Is there any evidence for a prehistoric presence? If so, what is its context and the likely date range?
No.
Roman to post-medieval
5.1.5 Is there any evidence for human activity or land use for any period between the prehistoric period and the establishment of the military buildings?
No, the pottery from Layer [1] was dated to after the establishment of the military buildings.
Post-medieval
5.1.6 What evidence survives for the form and usage of the 19th and early-20th century military buildings?
The Phase 2 excavation found the possible remains of the magazine in trench 3B and the foundation of the 1835 accommodation block frontage in Trench 4A, 4B and 3C, with possible associated features (footing [19] and possible buttress [20]) in the SI trench.
5.1.7 Can different phases of construction and use be identified?
No, as stratigraphic relations were not defined. The only relationship that had partial dating was that Foundation [2] was dated later than 1820 because of the pottery in layer [1]. Although Foundation [2] was not seen cutting Layer [1], this was assumed because a construction cut was identified for Foundation [5].
5.1.8 What evidence is there for the difference of use between the different phases of military occupation eg artillery compared to cavalry?
No evidence for phases of use was found.
5.1.9 Objective TD3 of the London Research Framework (Museum of London 2002, 81)
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includes “studying the role of the military….in bringing de facto or symbolic stability.” Do any of the remains relate to this, or any related, objectives?
No archaeological remains from the site relate to this objective.
5.1.10 Objective L3 (ibid, 71) asks for assemblage “signatures” for different groups of Londoners. Do any of the remains provide a specific “signature” for the varying military organisations occupying the site over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries, and if so what is the nature of such remains
No remains from the site provide a specific “signature”.
5.2 General discussion of potential
5.2.1 The Phase 2 excavation has shown the latest development of the site has removed any above ground remains in areas 2, 3 and 4.
5.2.2 There is potential for survival of foundations and other subterranean features.
5.2.3 These features are likely to be isolated remains.
5.3 Significance
5.3.1 Whilst the archaeological remains are of local significance there is nothing to suggest that they are of regional or national importance.
5.4 Assessment of the evaluation
5.4.1 In the case of this site, and in particular Areas 2, 3 and 4, the trenches were sufficient to identify the level of truncation across the site and the limited stratigraphic potential of the site. However the excavation can show that foundations and other subterranean features does exist within Areas 2, 3 and 4.
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6 Proposed development impact and conclusions
6.1.1 Taking into account the results in all the trenches, including the Phase 1 excavation, it appears that archaeological deposits survive only as isolated cut or subterranean features.
6.1.2 The proposed redevelopment at the site involves high-density, detached, basemented residential properties. While the impact of the development is not total it would be safe to assume that no archaeological remains would survive after the redevelopment of the site, with the exception of the 1824 Riding School which is being incorporated into the development.
6.1.3 The decision on the appropriate archaeological mitigation to the deposits revealed rests with the Local Planning Authority.
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7 Acknowledgements
7.1.1 The author would like to thank Tom Watts and Michelle Wheeler at Ramboll Environ Ltd for help with setting up the project and commissioning the work, and Wilfred Guy of Careys plc and his Staff for the on-site management of the trench excavations and the attendant labour.
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8 Bibliography
Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, (CIFA), 2014 By-Laws, Standards and Policy Statements of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, Standard and guidance: field evaluation Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIFA), supplement 2014, By-Laws, Standards and Policy Statements of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists: Standards and guidance: the creation, compilation deposition and transfer of archaeological archives City of Westminster Archives, 2007, St John’s Wood Barracks past and present http://www.westminster.gov.uk/workspace/assets/publications/St-John-s-Wood- Barracks-Exhibitio-1243508051.pdf; accessed 01-08-2016 Historic England Greater London Archaeology Advisory Service, 2015 Guidelines for Archaeological Projects in Greater London MOLA, 2014, Historic Environment Assessment for St John’s Wood Square Project, MOLA unpub report MOLA, 2015a, St John’s Wood Square, Written Scheme of Investigation for an archaeological excavation and standing building recording, MOLA unpub report MOLA, 2015b, Report on Standing Building Recording at St John’s Wood Square. MOLA unpub report MOLA, 2015c St John’s Wood Square, Interim report on Archaeological excavation, MOLA unpub report MOLA, 2016 St John’s Wood Square, Addendum to the Written Scheme of Investigation an archaeological excavation, MOLA unpub report Museum of London, 2002 A research framework for London archaeology, 2002
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Fig 1 Site location
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Fig 2 Excavation areas showing Phase 1 and Phase 2 trenches
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Fig 4 Ordnance Survey 1st edition 25":mile map of 1871–80 (printed at 1:2500)
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9 OASIS archaeological report form
OASIS ID: molas1-259031
Project details
Project name St John's Wood Barracks
Short description of the project
In the second excavation phase three further areas were evaluated: Area 2, Area 3 and Area 4. Four trenches in Area 2, the former stable blocks, indicated that the latest development of the barracks had removed all previous above ground structures and did not uncover any foundations or other below structures, except the most recent service runs. Three trenches in Area 3, the former administrative building complex, found several features. Trench 3A was mostly truncated by a recent service run. Trench 3B contained a footing and a possible soak-away, but the chance that these structures may be associated with the mid-19th-century Magazine has not yet been ruled out. Trench 3C found a foundation seen in Area 4. Three trenches in Area 4, car parking areas in the south of the site, found a foundation for a substantial wall that was probably for the 1835 accommodation block frontage. An extra trench for SI works found masonry for possible internal structures.
Project dates Start: 04-07-2016 End: 26-07-2016
Previous/future work
Yes / Not known
Any associated project reference codes
JWB15 - Sitecode
Type of project Recording project
Site status Listed Building
Current Land use Other 15 - Other
Monument type FOUNDATIONS Post Medieval
Monument type SUBTERRANEAN STRUCTURE Post Medieval
Investigation type ''Part Excavation''
Prompt Planning condition
Project location
Country England
Site location GREATER LONDON CITY OF WESTMINSTER MARYLEBONE ST JOHNS WOOD AND MAYFAIR St John's Wood Square
Postcode NW8 6PT
Study area 2.5 Hectares
Site coordinates TQ 26769 83519 51.535829230207 -0.172012732269 51 32 08 N 000 10 19 W Point
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Height OD Min: 47m Max: 50m
Project creators
Name of Organisation
MOLA
Project brief originator
GLAAS
Project design originator
MOLA
Project director/manager
Michael Smith
Project supervisor Isca Howell
Type of funding body
Client
Name of funding body
Ramboll Environ UK Ltd
Project archives
Physical Archive recipient
LAARC
Physical Archive ID
JWB15
Physical Contents ''Ceramics''
Digital Archive recipient
LAARC
Digital Archive ID JWB15
Digital Media available
''Images raster / digital photography'',''Text''
Paper Archive recipient
LAARC
Paper Archive ID JWB15
Paper Media available
''Context sheet'',''Drawing'',''Plan'',''Report'',''Unpublished Text'',''Notebook - Excavation',' Research',' General Notes''
Project bibliography
Publication type Grey literature (unpublished document/manuscript)
Title St John's Wood Square, report on Phase 2 excavation
Author Howell, I
Date 2016
Issuer MOLA
Place of issue London
Description Unpublished client report