ENN110583 - HS2: Field Farm and Paradise Farm, 2020-1 (Trial trench)

{1} The first phase of archaeological evaluation of the site was undertaken between August and October 2020, and 285 out of 467 trenches were excavated. Between December 2020 and February 2021, the remaining areas at Paradise Farm in the Phase 2 area became accessible and the second phase of trenching was carried out. This comprised the excavation of the remaining 180 targeted trenches. 128 trenches contained archaeological features. The trial trenching confirmed the presence of an enclosed Roman settlement at Field Farm that pottery evidence suggested dated to the late 2nd century to 4th century AD. A single kiln was identified and CBM suggested structural remains. Finds from the site included worked flint of late Mesolithic, Neolithic to early Bronze Age dates found largely in the topsoil or subsoil on the site or within later features; Iron Age, Roman and early medieval pottery and other finds, and post-medieval pottery, in addition to ceramic building material and animal bone. Curvilinear ditches may relate to two Iron Age dwellings. Burnt bone and c400 iron nails were recovered from the single Roman cremation identified. The most significant finds also included two Roman armlets - one in shale and one in copper alloy - and an early medieval bead. A 4th century AD coin was recovered from subsoil. At Paradise Farm, a small Iron Age settlement with possible enclosure and ring ditch was identified. Worked flints of Neolithic-Bronze Age date included part of a polished axe and a tanged arrowhead. Medieval and post-medieval furrows were observed across both parts of the site.