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Reports > Gloucestershire > London Road, Gloucester
London Road, Gloucester
In 2002 Foundations Archaeology was commissioned by E.C. Harris, on behalf of Bryant Homes South West Limited to excavate an area of land in advance of redevelopment at 124-130 London Road, Gloucester (centred on NGR: SO 844 189). The archaeological works were undertaken between 8th April 2002 and 21st June 2002. The archaeological programme comprised field excavation of the areas situated within the footprints of the proposed buildings and access road and a watching brief on the southern boundary wall footing. The total site area comprised 5740m2, but only the footprint of the new buildings, covering a total area of 1646m2, was subject to excavation.
The fieldwork revealed significant archaeological deposits predominantly of Romano- British and Medieval date, with a limited number of negative features dating to between the 17th and 19th centuries. Extensive late post-Medieval and modern disturbance was present across the site. The results of the excavation work need to be considered in the light of the extensive later disturbances, which greatly hampered interpretation of the archaeological deposits.
The earliest archaeological features comprised part of a Romano-British cemetery within which a total of 58 burials were present: 39 inhumations and 19 cremations (20 individuals) in addition to a number of disarticulated remains and features which might have represented disturbed cremations or graves from which no bone was recovered. A further 17 burials had been excavated from this cemetery in 1993 by Gloucester Archaeology Unit. A number of Roman ditches, pits and postholes were also identified.
Remains of the Medieval hospital complex were identified. The structural remains of the hospital were in poor condition, having been largely destroyed both when demolished c. 1861 and by later post-medieval and modern intrusions. Ditches, which are likely to have represented evidence for the boundary to the hospital precinct, did survive and suggested the hospital and its precinct had been enlarged probably in the 14th-15th century. These easternmost of these ditches was approximately 6m to the west of the boundary shown on a 1744 plan. It is possible, therefore, that the boundary later moved further east, probably as part of the early 17th century renovation. Ridge and furrow features were also present in the south half of the site.
Post-Medieval features were also present within the site area, including a large ditch feature, which probably forms part of the mid 17th century Civil War defences/siege works. Other early post-medieval features included a further ditch, which may also be associated with the Civil War defences/siege works, as well as a number of pits and postholes. Numerous later post-medieval and modern features were also present.
Downloads
Excavation
Report [210KB, pdf]
Figures [3MB, zip]
Appendices [889KB,
pdf]
Pottery
Illustrations (for Appendix 2) [1.1MB, pdf]
Last updated on 31st May 2005
