The Wiltshire Lamb, Gosport, Hampshire

Wessex Archaeology
The Wiltshire Lamb, Privett Road,

Gosport, Hampshire
Archaeological Evaluation and Watching Brief Report
Ref: 72140.04
THE WILTSHIRE LAMB
PRIVETT ROAD
GOSPORT
HAMPSHIRE
Prepared for:
Austins
Unit D1
Fareham Heights,
Standard Way,
Fareham,
Hampshire
PO16 8XT
By:
Wessex Archaeology
Portway House
Old Sarum Park
Salisbury
SP4 6EB
Ref: 72140.04
December 2009
Wessex Archaeology Limited 2009, all rights reserved

Wessex Archaeology Limited is a Registered Charity No. 287786
The Wiltshire Lamb, Privett Road, Gosport, Hampshire
The Wiltshire Lamb

Privett Road
Gosport
Hampshire
Contents
Summary ..................................................................................................................................iii
Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................. iv
1 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Project Background....................................................................................................... 1
2 THE SITE ......................................................................................................................2

2.1 Site Location, Topography and Geology....................................................................... 2
3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND......................................... 2
4 AIMS ............................................................................................................................. 3
5 METHODOLOGY.......................................................................................................... 3
5.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................3
5.2 Methodology.................................................................................................................. 3
6 RESULTS ..................................................................................................................... 4
6.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................4
6.2 Archaeological Evaluation Trenches ............................................................................. 4
6.3 Watching Brief............................................................................................................... 5
6.4 Introduction ...................................................................................................................5
6.5 Watching Brief Results.................................................................................................. 5
6.6 Finds ............................................................................................................................. 6
6.7 Environmental ...............................................................................................................6
7 DISCUSSION & SUMMARY......................................................................................... 6
8 ARCHIVE ...................................................................................................................... 6
8.1 Preparation and Deposition........................................................................................... 6
8.2 Archive .......................................................................................................................... 6
8.3 Copyright....................................................................................................................... 7
8.4 Security Copy................................................................................................................ 7
9 BIBLIOGRAPHY........................................................................................................... 7
10 APPENDIX 1: TRENCH SUMMARIES......................................................................... 8
Figure 1: Site and trench location with selected photographs and section drawing
Front cover: The Wiltshire Lamb
Back cover: Working shot during watching brief

ii WA doc. ref. 72140.04
The Wiltshire Lamb

Privett Road
Gosport
Hampshire
Summary
Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Austins on behalf of Burton Property Ventures

Ltd (the Client) to carry out an archaeological evaluation and watching brief on land at the
Wiltshire Lamb public house on the corner of Privett Road and Anns Hill Road, Gosport,
Hampshire (hereafter the Site) centred on National Grid Reference (NGR) 460050 99645.
No archaeological sites or findspots have been recorded on the Site itself, historical mapping
details a smithy along with two outbuildings located to the rear of the Wiltshire Lamb in the
19th century although the present car park/beer garden was shown to be undeveloped.
The evaluation of the approximate 0.2 hectare development area was undertaken in August
2009 and comprised an approximate 5% sample, consisting of 3 trenches, 40 linear meters
in length. The watching brief was conducted on several days through October and November
2009.
The evaluation identified a single ditch of indeterminate age, interpreted as part of a

medieval burgage plot to the north of, and parallel to, Privett Road. Other features identified
during the project were post medieval in date and comprised wells, wall footings and
postholes.
The absence of significant archaeological remains revealed during the evaluation and
watching brief would suggest that there is little potential for archaeological remains to be
affected by the proposed development.

iii WA doc. ref. 72140.04
The Wiltshire Lamb

Privett Road
Gosport
Hampshire
Acknowledgements
Wessex Archaeology would like to thank Austins for commissioning the work on behalf of the
Client. In particular thanks are due to Simon Powell, Chris Monk and all the on Site staff. The
help and advice of Hannah Fluck, Senior Archaeologist, Hampshire County Council is also
gratefully acknowledged.
The evaluation was directed by Phil Harding assisted by Gareth Holes. The watching brief
was conducted by Rob DeAthe, John Martin, and Julia Sulikowska. This report was written
and compiled by Rob DeAthe. The report illustrations were prepared by Liz James. Damian
De Rosa managed the project on behalf of Wessex Archaeology.

iv WA doc. ref. 72140.04
The Wiltshire Lamb

Privett Road
Gosport
Hampshire
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Background
1.1.1 Wessex Archaeology was been commissioned by Austins on behalf of Burton

Property Ventures Ltd (the Client) to carry out an archaeological evaluation and
watching brief on land at the Wiltshire Lamb public house on the corner of Privett
Road and Anns Hill Road, Gosport, Hampshire (hereafter the Site) centred on
National Grid Reference (NGR) 460050 99645 (Figure 1).
1.1.2 In support of an application for planning permission (K/15374/4) the Client

commissioned WYG Planning and Design (WYG 2009) to undertake an
archaeological Desk-Based Assessment (DBA) to assess the archaeological
potential of the Site and the impact that the proposed development may have had
on any archaeological resource. The DBA identified a low potential for all periods up
until the medieval period. For the medieval and Post-medieval periods the DBA
identified a moderate potential for archaeological remains, particular in regard of the
possibility for backyard activity associated with medieval burgage plots.
1.1.3 Planning permission (K/15374/4) with conditions was granted by Gosport Borough
Council (GBC) for the conversion of the former public house for residential use and
the construction of new dwellings with associated access and landscaping on the
land to the rear. Condition 4 of the planning permission states that:
No development shall take place on the Site until the developer has secured the
implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written
scheme of investigation (WSI) submitted to and approved by the Local Planning
Authority in writing.
Reason To ensure that any archaeological evidence is investigated and recorded
and to comply with Policy R/BH8 of the Gosport Borough Local Plan Review.
1.1.4 In support of the planning condition an archaeological evaluation of the Site

supported by a written scheme of investigation (WA 2009a) was undertaken on 24
to 25 August 2009 by Wessex Archaeology. The evaluation comprised the
excavation of three trenches totalling 40m in linear length (Figure 1). Details of the
results are described in section 6 below.
1.1.5 Following consultation with Hannah Fluck, Senior Archaeologist, Hampshire County,
acting on behalf of GBC, it was recommended that the results of the evaluation were
of enough archaeological significance to warrant that an archaeological watching
brief should also be undertaken to monitor groundworks during the course of the
new development.

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1.1.6 As the groundworks were set to commence in the week beginning 31 August 2009 it
was agreed by Hannah Fluck that the watching brief could commence prior to
submission of an evaluation report and that a single combined report of both stages
of archaeological work would be submitted on completion of the watching brief.
1.1.7 A written scheme of investigation (WA 2009b) summarising the results of the
evaluation and detailing the methods by which the watching brief would be
undertaken by Wessex Archaeology, was submitted to and approved by Hannah
Fluck prior to the groundworks commencing.
2 THE SITE
2.1 Site Location, Topography and Geology
2.1.1 The Site comprised an L-shaped parcel of land c.0.2ha in size, located on the corner
of Privett Road and Anns Hill Road, Gosport. (Figure 1). The Site was formed by
the Wiltshire Lamb public house and the land to the rear, comprising the beer
garden of the public house and a gravel car parking area fronting onto Anns Hill
Road.
2.1.2 The Site, which was under a mixture of gravel, grass and scrub lay at a height of
5.20m above Ordnance Datum (aOD)
2.1.3 The underlying geology was mapped as Quaternary superficial River Terrace
Deposits of Sand and Gravel overlying formations of Bartonian Lutetian Barton
Clay. (GSGB 1979)
3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
3.1.1 A Desk-Based Assessment of the Site was undertaken by WYG (WYG 2009) on
behalf of the Client a summary of which is presented below.
Prehistoric
3.1.2 A low potential for all periods of the prehistoric was identified within a 500m radius
study area of the Site. No find spots of Palaeolithic, Mesolithic or Neolithic activity or
artefacts were identified. To the south of the Site in Alverstoke three possible
Bronze Age barrows were identified in private gardens. Further to the south on the
peninsula, tumuli have been located and Bronze Age items including a hoard of axe
heads and torcs were found in the 1960s during construction at HMS Sultan.
Roman
3.1.3 The DBA further identified a low potential for this period. The majority of Roman
activity identified near to Gosport would is concentrated on the coast and
Portsmouth harbour and in particular the Saxon shore fort at Portchester Castle.
Medieval and Post-medieval

3.1.4 Until the 18th century the Site was surrounded by open informal field systems perhaps
being worked by people from small local farmsteads located toward Alverstoke and the
surrounding area.
3.1.5 At Bury Cross the Wiltshire Lamb and the adjacent listed buildings and curtilage are
laid out on the corner plot of the cross roads. Although the buildings are of later c.18th
century date the layout of building plots and rear gardens has similarities to early medieval
bounded properties or "burgages". If indeed these plots are originally medieval in date
2 WA doc. ref.72140.04
there was the possibility that backyard activity, such as pits or latrines dating to this
period could be present within the Site.
3.1.6 A study of the historic mapping for the Site indicated that a smithy, along with two
outbuildings, which are no longer in existence, was located to the rear of the
Wiltshire Lamb in the 19th century. Aside from these buildings 19th century mapping
indicates that the area to the rear of the Site, in the location of the car park and beer
garden, was undeveloped. The current properties adjacent to the public house are
shown to have been in existence on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey of 1874 with
gardens extending to the rear as today.
4 AIMS
4.1.1 The aims of the archaeological field evaluation and watching brief were to:
x clarify the presence/absence and extent of any buried archaeological remains

within the Site that may be threatened by the development.
x identify, within the constraints of the evaluation, the date, character, condition
and depth of any surviving remains within the Site.
x assess the degree of existing impacts to sub-surface horizons and to document
the extent of archaeological survival of buried deposits.
x inform the design of a strategy to mitigate the impact of the proposed
development on archaeological remains where present.
5 METHODOLOGY
5.1 Introduction
5.1.1 The evaluation and watching brief was carried out in accordance with the relevant
guidance given in the Institute for Archaeologist's Standard and Guidance for
Archaeological Field Evaluation (revised 2008) and Standard and Guidance for
Archaeological Watching Briefs (revised 2008), excepting where they are
superseded by statements made below.
5.1.2 The evaluation was undertaken on 24 and 25 august 2009 and the watching brief
was undertaken over a number of site visits during October and November 2009.
5.2 Methodology
5.2.1 The evaluation fieldwork comprised the excavation of three trenches totalling 40m in
linear length x 2m wide of evaluation trenching in the locations indicated on Figure
1. The watching brief comprised the monitoring of groundworks during the course of
the development. A targeted watching brief was undertaken in the area of the former
car park with a general watching brief across the remainder of the Site (Figure 1)
5.2.2 Evaluation trenches were excavated using a mechanical excavator fitted with a
toothless bucket, under the constant supervision of an archaeologist. Mechanical
excavation continued in spits through the overburden down to the uppermost
archaeological deposits or top of natural deposits, whichever was encountered first.
5.2.3 The watching brief monitored groundworks for the excavation of foundations,
footings and service runs of the proposed new development. Machine excavation
was undertaken under archaeological supervision.

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5.2.4 Archaeological deposits were recorded using Wessex Archaeology's pro forma
recording system. A comprehensive photographic record was maintained to show all
aspects of the work in digital format.
5.2.5 All trenches and areas monitored during the watching brief were surveyed using a
Leica GX1230 GPS and related to the Ordnance Survey national grid. The spot
height of all principal features and levels were calculated in metres relative to
Ordnance Datum, correct to two decimal places. Plans, sections and elevations
were annotated with spot heights as appropriate.
5.2.6 All archaeological features and deposits encountered were recorded using pro
forma recording sheets and a continuous unique numbering system. Plans, sections
and elevations of archaeological features and deposits were drawn as necessary at
1:10, 1:20 and 1:50 in pencil on permanent drafting film.
5.2.7 Following completion of the evaluation, the trenches were backfilled.
6 RESULTS
6.1 Introduction
6.1.1 The following section presents the results of the evaluation and watching brief and
an outline of the depositional sequence observed on Site. In the following sections
context numbers are given in bold.
6.1.2 Tabulated trench summaries, giving brief soil descriptions, dimensions and finds
information are provided in Appendix 1. A plan showing the location of the trenches
and watching brief areas is provided on Figure 1.
6.2 Archaeological Evaluation Trenches
6.2.1 Trench 1 was aligned north to south and measured 8 m long. The section revealed
made-up ground overlying a former topsoil horizon, a silt subsoil and basal fluvial
gravel. No archaeological features were identified apart from a modern intrusion,
possibly a horticultural post hole, which contained a fragment of modern roof tile.
6.2.2 Trench 2 was aligned east to west and measured 12m long. This trench also
contained a similar soil profile and no archaeological features were identified.
6.2.3 Trench 3 was aligned north to south and was excavated through the tarmac surface
of the former car park which fronted onto Anns Hill Road. The trench measured 20m
long. A ceramic drain pipe was found which lay along the western edge of the
trench. The trench was realigned to avoid damage to the pipe, which ran from the
rear of the Wilshire Lamb to a circular corbelled well/soak-away. It measured
approximately 1.5 m in diameter and was constructed of un-mortared frogged bricks.
The well/soak-away is shown on the 1874 OS mapping and was probably
contemporary with the construction of the public house, smithy and associated out-
buildings. To the north a floor area of cut limestone blocks was found which was
defined by brick walls of a similar construction to the well/soak-away (Figure 1:
Plate). This probable out-building also appears on the early editions of the OS
mapping and can be traced through subsequent editions to at least 1938.
6.2.4 These features, which can be related to the construction and use of the Wiltshire
Lamb, were sealed by rubble (301) from the demolition of these buildings. The
rubble overlay the former topsoil, dark grey-black silt (302); probably much darkened

4 WA doc. ref.72140.04
by material from the former smithy, grey-brown silt subsoil (303) and poorly sorted
fluvial gravel (304).
6.2.5 A ditch (307) was cut into the upper part of the gravel (Figure 1; Plate and
section). The feature was aligned approximately east to west and measured
between 1.60 m and 1.90 m wide at the gravel surface and 0.30-0.40 m deep. The
profile showed gently sloping sides with a flat base. The dark grey brown silt primary
fill contained slightly more gravel, which can be assumed to have silted from the
sides, than the upper secondary fill, which seem more likely to have derived from
ploughing. The west section showed that the ditch was overlain by the subsoil
horizon although this observation could not be repeated in the eastern section, so it
is not clear from what level the ditch was originally cut. The base of the ditch in the
east section also hinted that the feature may have been re-cut, although this is also
unconfirmed.
6.2.6 Two pieces of burnt flint were found in the primary fill at the base of the ditch on the
west side. No other artefacts were present, which leaves only the general character
of the ditch and its filling as a guide to the date of the feature. The most notable
aspect of this is that the filling was heavily leached, suggesting that it had been in
place for some considerable period of time. It was also apparent that it was sealed
by subsoil on the west side. In conclusion it seems more likely that the ditch is an
agricultural field boundary of medieval or earlier date. The absence of settlement
debris suggests that this may have been within an area of open fields. The
evaluation was unable to trace the extent of the ditch and the possibility remains that
this ditch may represent the rear of a medieval burgage plot boundary, associated
with Privett Road and the buildings to the south, which the DBA suggested may be
medieval in origin.
6.3 Watching Brief
6.4 Introduction
6.4.1 The watching brief was carried out in accordance with the relevant guidance given in
the Institute for Archaeologist's Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Watching
Briefs (revised 2008), excepting where they are superseded by statements made
below.
6.4.2 A targeted watching brief (Figure 1) was maintained on all groundworks being
undertaken within the area of Trench 3 (the existing car park) in order to particularly
identify further parts of Ditch (307) and any other archaeological features or
deposits, which my help to clarify the results of the evaluation.
6.4.3 A general watching brief (Figure 1) was maintained on the rest of the Site in order
record any archaeological features or deposits that may be revealed during the
course of the groundworks and which were not identified during the evaluation.
6.5 Watching Brief Results
6.5.1 The watching brief was carried out on the following dates: 28th October, 4th, 17th and
26th November 2009. Features of post medieval date comprised two un-mortared
brick lined wells and two brick wall footings likely associated with the smithy which
previously occupied the Site. Also noted were two areas of disturbance containing
modern concrete and a brick lined soak-away. Ditch (307) identified during the
evaluation, was observed to continue c.5m to the west of; and c.3m to the east of
Trench 3 on an east/west orientation. No finds were retrieved from these portions

5 WA doc. ref.72140.04
of the ditch. No further archaeological features were identified during the watching
brief phase of the project. The excavation of a 3m x 3m trench in Anns Hill Road to
the immediate east of the Site for drainage yielded no archaeological remains.
6.6 Finds
6.6.1 Two pieces of burnt flint were found in the primary fill at the base of the ditch on the
west side. Other artefacts comprised clay pipe stem fragment and a modern asthma
inhaler. The finds have not been retained.
6.7 Environmental
6.7.1 Due to the absence of suitable deposits, no samples were taken for environmental
analysis.
7 DISCUSSION & SUMMARY
7.1.1 The archaeological evaluation identified a single archaeological feature defined by

an east/west aligned ditch and features of Post-medieval date comprising wall
footings and wells probably associated with the former smithy that occupied the
Site.
7.1.2 The ditch may be representative of a small medieval burgage plot however, the lack
of dating evidence from this feature means this is only suggestive and not
confirmed. The ditch may represent the rear of a burgage plot boundary, associated
with Privett Road and the buildings to the south, which the DBA suggested may be
medieval in origin.
7.1.3 The absence of significant archaeological remains revealed during the evaluation
and watching brief phases of the project would suggest a very low potential for
archaeological remains to be affected by the proposed development.
8 ARCHIVE
8.1 Preparation and Deposition
8.1.1 The complete project archive will be prepared in accordance with Wessex
Archaeologys Guidelines for Archive Preparation and in accordance with Guidelines
for the preparation of excavation archives for long-term storage (UKIC 1990). On
completion of the project, the archive will be deposited with the County Museum
Service or similar repository to be agreed with the Local Authoritys Archaeological
Advisor
8.2 Archive
8.2.1 The Evaluation project archive, consists of:
x One A4 file containing the paper records and drawings

x Digital data (site photographs, survey data, word and pdf files)
8.2.2 The project archive is currently held at the offices of Wessex Archaeology in
Salisbury under the site code 72140.

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8.3 Copyright
8.3.1 The full copyright of the written/illustrative archive relating to the site will be retained
by Wessex Archaeology Ltd under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
with all rights reserved. The Museum, however, will be granted an exclusive licence
for the use of the archive for educational purposes, including academic research,
providing that such use shall be non-profit making, and conforms to the Copyright
and Related Rights regulations 2003.
8.4 Security Copy

8.4.1 In line with current best practice, on completion of the project a security copy of the
paper records will be prepared, in the form of microfilm. The master jackets and one
diazo copy of the microfilm will be submitted to the National Monuments Record
Centre (Swindon); a second diazo copy will be deposited with the paper records at
the Museum, and a third diazo copy will be retained by Wessex Archaeology.
9 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Geological Survey of Great Britain (England and Wales), Dorchester, Drift. 1979,
Sheet 328. 1:50 000.
Institute of Field Archaeologists (2008). Standards and Guidance for Archaeological

Evaluations
Institute of Field Archaeologists (2008). Standards and Guidance for Archaeological

Watching Briefs
Walker, K., 1990, Guidelines for the Preparation of Excavation Archives for Long-
Term Storage, UKIC Archaeology Section
Wessex Archaeology 2009a. The Wiltshire Lamb, Privett Road, Gosport, Hampshire
PO12 3SU. WSI for an Archaeological Evaluation. Ref: WA 72140.01
Wessex Archaeology 2009b. The Wiltshire Lamb, Privett Road, Gosport, Hampshire
PO12 3SU. WSI for an Archaeological Watching Brief. Ref: WA 72140.03
WYG Environment, 2009. The Wiltshire Lamb Public House, Gosport, Hampshire.
Desk Top Assessment. Ref: A049879

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10 APPENDIX 1: TRENCH SUMMARIES
Key: FW = feature was filled with FO = deposit was a fill of

Evaluation Trench 1 Max depth: 1.08m Length: 8m Width: 1.8m
Context Type Description: Depth: (m)
No.
101 layer Made Ground dark grey brown silty clay with extensive 0.38m
rot disturbance containing brick, tile, pot and common
small to medium stones.
102 layer B Horizon dark grey brown silty clay with less root 0.26m
disturbance than above layer.
103 layer Natural - -yellow brown sandy clay 0.36m+
104 fill FO 105 fill of modern feature dark grey brown with 0.55m
common pot, tile and brick
105 cut FW 104 cut of modern feature only seen in section 0.55m
106 fill FO 107 mid grey brown silty clay with occasional ceramic 0.12m
building material (CBM)
107 cut FW 106 cut of modern posthole 0.12m
108 Fill FO 109 grey brown silty clay with occasional animal 0.13m
bone, CBM, glass and clay pipe fragments
109 cut FW 108 cut of small pit/posthole 0.13m

No.
201 layer Topsoil/Made Ground dark grey brown silty clay with 0.52m
occasional pot, CBM and plastic
202 layer B horizon orange brown sandy clay 0.32m
203 layer Natural orange yellow gravel 0.52m+

No.
301 layer Made Ground modern tarmac surface overlying dark 0.20m
orange layer with brick rubble.
302 layer Topsoil dark grey silty topsoil heavily rooted. 0.35m
303 layer B horizon grey brown silt with some gravel inclusions 0.40m
Light to medium orangey brown brick earth.
304 layer Natural sandy gravel poorly sorted. 0.40+m
305 layer Flagstone layer squared limestone flags with white 0.05m
mortar. Signs of industrial activity on top of flagstones
306 wall Comprising frogged red bricks with white mortar only two 0.20m
courses survive
307 cut FW 308, 310 - Ditch east/west aligned with sloping sides 0.40m
and a gentle concave base.
308 fill FO 307 dark grey brown silt 0.40m
309 well Brick built corbelled well/soak-away Not observed
310 fill FO 307 dark grey brown silt 0.40m

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WESSEX ARCHAEOLOGY LIMITED.
Registered Head Office: Portway House, Old Sarum Park, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 6EB.
Tel: 01722 326867 Fax: 01722 337562 info@wessexarch.co.uk www.wessexarch.co.uk
Maidstone Office: The Malthouse, The Oast, Weavering Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5JN.
Tel: 01622 739381 info@wessexarch.co.uk www.wessexarch.co.uk
Registered Charity No. 287786. A company with limited liability registered in England No. 1712772.

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The Wiltshire Lamb, Privett Road,

Archaeological Evaluation and Watching Brief Report

Wessex Archaeology Limited 2009, all rights reserved