" Project Aims This Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment seeks to identify and describe the significance of any archaeological (buried) assets which may be affected by the proposed development, including any contribution made by their setting. " Research Methods The research carried out for this Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment consisted of the following elements: " Evaluation and study of archaeological databases The Somerset Historic Environment Record and the National Heritage List were consulted and lists obtained of all known archaeological sites, listed and locally listed buildings and scheduled ancient monuments in the study area, defined as a 1km radius centred on NGR ST 73772 44940. Evaluation and study of cartographic and other pictorial evidence A detailed map regression analysis of the study area was carried out, examining various historic maps of the specific study area, dating back to the late 18th century. These maps were obtained from the Somerset Heritage Centre and the National Archives. " Evaluation and study of primary written evidence Original medieval and post-medieval records relating to the study area were consulted at the Somerset Heritage Centre, the British Library and the National Archives. " Evaluation and study of secondary (published) sources All published and unpublished works relating to sites and structures of archaeological and historical interest within the study area were evaluated, including relevant volumes of Somerset Archaeology. AS Archaeology & Heritage Services was instructed to produce an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment with regard to a proposed residential development on land off Catch Road, Nunney Catch, Somerset. the results of which may be summarised thus: The overall potential of the site in archaeological terms is considered as Low to Moderate, with particular reference to encountering Romano-British features and burial activity of unspecified date, while the potential for prehistoric, medieval and post-medieval archaeology has been assessed as Low. Several inhumation burials of unknown origin were reportedly found and reburied during the construction of the Flowerfield and Glebelands housing estates to the immediate north and northwest of the proposal site in 1950 and 1960 respectively. Little information is available regarding the precise location, number and orientation of burials found and their date remains undetermined. No documented evidence for burial activity of medieval or post-medieval date is recorded in this specific area, and no evidence has been found indicative that a battle was fought in this locality during these periods. The results of a geophysical survey and archaeological trial trench evaluation carried out in 2014 in advance of a residential development to the immediate S and SW of the proposal site yielded no evidence of burial activity although a single Romano-British pit was identified, together with two modern posthole features. During the medieval and post-medieval periods, the site appears to have been undeveloped agricultural land, forming part of an extensive open field system lying to the south of the historic village of Nunney, a settlement of Anglo-Saxon origin. Several blocks of ridge and furrow and strip lynchet features have been identified to the north and east of the site. Catch Road, running to the immediate east of the proposal site, was turnpiked in the mid-18th century and evidence for post-medieval industrial activity (specifically pottery manufacturing) is represented by scatters of pottery wasters both to the north and southeast of the site. Conclusion: Based on the above assessment, the archaeological potential of the site is considered to be Low to Moderate, reflecting the limited nature of the archaeological resource identified in this area, although there remains some potential for Romano-British features and burial activity of unspecified date to be encountered.
Andrew Tizzard (Wed,) studied this question.