Document No: 544

PRN No: EHE 80490

A.P.A.C. Ltd.

Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy

ARCHAEOLOGICAL Evaluation

Post Box Cottage, Longtown

Herefordshire Council

Pre-Planning Application 210711

By:
Dr N Phillips
01/07/2022
Dr N Phillips 17/04/2022
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NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

This document comprises a report on an Archaeological Evaluation undertaken as

part of a pre-planning application. The proposed planning application will be to
erect three residential new builds within the current curtilage of an existing
property.

The existing property is located within an historically important medieval village,

with probable earlier origins, and is adjacent to one Scheduled Monument Area.

The evaluation program included three trench excavations, which uncovered no

archaeological resources but did establish the level of natural geology.

Copyright Notice: A.P.A.C. Ltd. retains copyright of this report under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577) to reproduce map information;
Copyright remains otherwise with the Ordnance Survey.

Frontispiece: DSN. Completed evaluation Trench 1, viewed from 5m Polecam

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Contents

Contents..............................................................................................................................................................3
List of Plates .......................................................................................................................................................4
Appendices .........................................................................................................................................................4
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Planning Condition .............................................................................................................................5
2 Location, Geology and Topography ...........................................................................................................6
2.1 Location ..............................................................................................................................................6
2.2 Geology ..............................................................................................................................................6
2.3 Topography ........................................................................................................................................6
3 Brief Historical and Archaeological Background ......................................................................................6
4 Aims and Objectives ..................................................................................................................................7
4.1 Evaluation...........................................................................................................................................7
4.2 Aim .....................................................................................................................................................8
4.3 Objectives ...........................................................................................................................................8
5 Scope of the work .......................................................................................................................................8
6 Methodology ..............................................................................................................................................8
6.1 General ...............................................................................................................................................8
6.2 Ground Disturbance ...........................................................................................................................9
6.3 Recording ...........................................................................................................................................9
7 Results ........................................................................................................................................................9
7.1 General ...............................................................................................................................................9
7.2 Overview of natural deposition ..........................................................................................................9
7.3 Trench 1............................................................................................................................................10
7.4 Trench 2............................................................................................................................................10
7.5 Trench 3............................................................................................................................................10
7.6 Finds .................................................................................................................................................11
7.7 Environmental ..................................................................................................................................11
8 Interpretation and Discussion ...................................................................................................................11
8.1 Interpretation ....................................................................................................................................11
8.2 Discussion ........................................................................................................................................11
9 Archive .....................................................................................................................................................12
10 Acknowledgements ..............................................................................................................................12
11 Bibliography and references .................................................................................................................13

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List of Figures

Figure 01 Location
Figure 02 Trench layout plan
Figure 03 Trench 1; plan, profile, and representative sections.
Figure 04 Trenches 2 & 3; plan, profile, and representative sections.

List of Plates

Plate 01 Proposed position for trench 1. Lower lawn east side

Plate 02 East west slope at southern boundary, upper lawn for proposed TR3
Plate 03 Outbuilding separating upper and lower lawns
Plate 04 Soil strip, TR1. Bottom loose brick <104> plastic conduit Electric {105}, topsoil (102). {107} centre
left
Plate 05 Proposed trench positions for TR3 foreground and TR2 distance
Plate 06 Woodchip area <101> at NW end of TR1.
Plate 07 Initial layout for TR 1 showing existing surface. <100>, <102>, <103>. Surface measurements: 10m x
1m x 1m x10m = 10m²
Plate 08 TR2 initial strip revealing (201) under <200>
Plate 09 5m Polecam of trench 1 completed
Plate 10 5m Polecam of trench 2 completed
Plate 11 5m Polecam of trench 3 completed
Plate 12 NW end of trench TR1 showing brick <104> and pipe {105} in deposit (102) with (106) at top of
photograph. No apparent cut
Plate 13 NE face of NW end of TR1. Sequence <100>, (102), (106), (108); cut by [113] with fill {112} and
(114) demarcated
Plate 14 TR1. section view of {115} & {107}
Plate 15 TR1 detail Postholes {111}, {116} and corrugated barrier base {117}
Plate 16 TR1 detail corrugated barrier base {117}. No discernible cut for {117} into (108)
Plate 17 NE face of TR2, 2m from NW end. Section: <200>, (201), (202), (203) demarcated
Plate 18 TR3 NE section showing complete sequence: <300>, (301), (302), (303). 500mm scale
Plate 19 Cow bones from TR1, context (106) between {107} and {109}

Appendices

I Context record and matrix

II Digital photographic record and contact sheets
III Finds assemblage, list, and plates

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1 Introduction

1.1 Planning Condition

This report has been prepared by APAC Ltd and presents the results of an archaeological evaluation, undertaken to support
submission of a pre-planning application RE: ‘development within the curtilage to create further dwelling(s)’

The curtilage of the property; (hereafter known as the site), already houses one building: Post Box Cottage, Longtown,
and the current proposal at the time of writing is: to erect three buildings within the curtilage of that property, one of
which will be located within the footprint of the current building.

An archaeological constraint for the work was advised as the site lies within an area of high archaeological potential
whilst, the village itself is known to have a high medieval presence with potentially even earlier origins.

Due to the historic potential of the site, the plans were discussed by the agent; Hook Mason, Ltd, with both (HE) Historic
England and (HC) Hereford Council, (email Baume 04/10/2020). The results of which are as follows:

Historic England:

In the context of the Longtown Castle SAM being located immediately to the east of the application
site, Historic England have responded requesting preparation of an archaeological desk-based
assessment to inform the ongoing design process and subject to the conclusions of the DBA, a field
evaluation.
(HE Pre-app 210711)
Herefordshire Council

Given its prominent location immediately adjacent to a well preserved and scheduled part of the
medieval settlement remains of Longtown, there is considerable sensitivity to this site. There is the
possibility of substantial harm to the monument and remains associated with it. There is a
significant question mark over the south-eastern component of the proposed build in particular,
and there may well be a need to remove this component from any scheme going forward, in order
to achieve a suitable 'buffer'.

Also, there is the potential here for currently unknown below-ground archaeological features and
deposits of importance, which would be a clear material consideration in considering the
acceptability of any proposals made.

It will be necessary in any case for the enquirer to provide an appropriate archaeological desk-
based assessment and field evaluation under the Core Strategy and Para 189 of the NPPF.
However, and for the avoidance of doubt, the submission of such would not necessarily lead to a
recommendation of approval.

If the enquirers have not already done so, they should consult Historic England about the proposals.
(HC Pre-app 210711)

The DBA (APAC. Ltd: DK/PBA/21) was completed in late February 2022 and delivered to the agent for forwarding to
HC. HC subsequently requested some changes to be made but agreed that the evaluation could progress (email Cotton J
28 March 2022).

Once informed, APAC. Ltd, as part of the archaeological conditions, prepared a written scheme of investigation, (WSI),
detailing the program for the proposed works, (WSI:EV/PL/21).

The WSI was approved, and arrangements were made and communicated to HC: to commence groundwork on the 30th
June 22; which was agreed (email Cotton. J., 14 June 2022).

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2 Location, Geology and Topography

2.1 Location

Longtown is situated at the northern end of the Olchon Valley, at the eastern foot of the Black Mountains, easily reached
from the A465 Abergavenny to Hereford Road where it branches off West at Pandy, fig 01.

The full address for the site is: Post Box Cottage, Longtown, Herefordshire, HR2 0LS and general NGR: SO 332474
228711. The specific trench locations within the site are shown in fig 02 with the SW coordinates given and height above
ordnance datum, (AOD).

2.2 Geology

The underlying solid bedrock geology of the assessment area is composed of undifferentiated Lower Devonian rock, with
no recorded superficial geology. (British Geological Survey, 2022).

The subsoils covering the assessment area are described as ‘slightly acid loamy and clayey soils with impeded drainage’.
(Soilscapes, 2022).

2.3 Topography

Topographically, the Site is located on the lower eastern edge of the Black Mountains’ Hatterall Ridge, which is around
a mile to the west, whilst Black Hill, is some 2 miles north. The site is on ground dropping gently to the south along the
road, whilst to the west it slopes down to Olchon Brook and to the east, down to the river Monnow.

The current land use is a private garden. In the areas evaluated, the surface was lawn, on two levels, with a notable terrace
slope at the southern end, PL01 & PL02. A masonry out-building is set into a bank for most of the interface, PL03. Trench
1 is across the lower level, PL04, at a relative surface depth below; varying from 600mm to 900mm in comparison to
trenches 2 & 3. The area for trenches 2 & t is shown in PL05.

3 Brief Historical and Archaeological Background

The Historical and Archaeological background to the site has not changed since its description was included in the DBK
DK/PL/21: it is therefore copied verbatim below:

English Heritage, AI/26/2003 produced an Archaeological Investigation report in 2003, entitled Longtown: A Medieval
castle and Borough, which explains the configuration of the current village and the various earthworks that are known.
There is little point in copying the text in full here as it is easily available online:
htttps://historicengland.org.uk/research/results/reports/132-2003 and having consulted the current HER there is little to
add to it.

Longtown Castle and town are designated Scheduled Monuments (SM) DHE6058. The work does, however, mention the
earlier antiquarian views that the area may have had Roman origins; a view that has become confirmed within the last six
years with the excavations to the east of Longtown Castle July 2016 – 2017.

New Evidence for a First Century Roman Fort at Longtown Castle, Herefordshire-

‘Recent excavations at Longtown Castle have shown that its unusual square enclosure was originally part
of a first century Roman fort. The base of the rampart was built of blocks of turf, with no evidence of timber
or stone components. Artefacts from excavation trenches within the enclosure, including pottery and the
remains of two kilns or ovens were dated to the later first century AD.’

‘It seems likely that Longtown fort was built during the Silurian campaign of 47-78AD as part of a network
of interconnected forts, each a day’s march from the next. Longtown fort now fills a notable gap in the
sequence between Abergavenny (Gobannium) and Clyro on the River Wye. Given that it was never rebuilt
in stone, it probably fell out of use during the second century AD’. Kidd, Cook & Hoverd 2019.

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In addition, a recent publication by two of the above authors: Kidd & Cook 2020, has amalgamated the findings of the
two excavations with documentation and heritage assets from the area to produce a wide-ranging interpretation of
Longtown from prehistory to the Victorian age.

Advice from Historic England set out the following History of the town and Site:

Longtown is a settlement with exceptional historic character, having a very evident and legible medieval
form. The settlement is dominated by Longtown Castle, a substantial medieval castle site occupying the
high point in the settlement sited on a northwest-southeast ridge. The medieval town was principally
located below this to the southeast along the ridge. Immediately below the castle was an enclosed part of
the town that incorporated the church and marketplace. The medieval town then extends a further 500m
southeast as a series of laid out medieval house plots fronting onto the spinal road of the settlement with
their gardens behind.

The castle, core of the medieval town and some of the areas of medieval house plots that survive as
earthwork features have been included in the scheduled monument of 'Longtown Castle and town'
(National Heritage List for England 1021347). Other medieval house plots are occupied by current
dwellings or are present within the gardens of properties.

The form of the medieval house plots is well preserved in the current settlement form with properties or
archaeological earthworks of medieval houses still being of single depth and fronting the road. The former
garden areas of the medieval house plots, which extended to the full width of the ridge top, are well
preserved on both sides of the road as open, permanent pasture fields.

The garden area of Post Box Cottage has a high potential to retain evidence of the medieval settlement.
This is particularly so in the front part of the garden where the height and level character of the garden
indicates the build-up of ground that would be consistent with the presence of a medieval house plot.
The southern extent of Post Box Cottage has a boundary with an SM to the south of the town, but this will not be
disturbed

4 Aims and Objectives

4.1 Evaluation
Standard

An archaeological field evaluation will determine and report on, as far as is reasonably possible, the
nature of the archaeological resource within a specified area using appropriate
methods and practices. These will satisfy the stated aims on the project and comply with the Code of
conduct and other relevant regulations of CIfA.

Guidance

The definition of archaeological field evaluation is a limited programme of non-intrusive and/or intrusive
fieldwork which determines the presence or absence of archaeological features, structures, deposits,
artefacts or ecofacts and their research potential, within a specified area or site on land, in an inter-tidal
zone or underwater. If such archaeological remains are present, field evaluation defines their character,
extent, quality and preservation, reports on them and enables an assessment of their significance in a local,
regional, national or international context as appropriate.

Purpose and context

The purpose of field evaluation is to gain information about the archaeological resource within a given area
or site (including its presence or absence, character, extent, date, integrity, state of preservation and quality),
in order to make an assessment of its merit in the appropriate context, leading to one or more of the following:

a. the formulation of a strategy to ensure the recording, preservation, or management of the resource
b. the formulation of a strategy to mitigate a threat to the archaeological resource.

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c. the formulation of a proposal for further archaeological investigation within a programme

of research

CIFA2020

4.2 Aim

In accordance with the associated written scheme of investigation, (WSI:EV/PL/21), the aim of the project was to:

Elucidate the character, distribution, extent, and importance of any potential archaeological remains, extant in the
development area; allowing for the production of a sufficiently detailed report to be used to inform and mitigate any
associated development.

4.3 Objectives

This was realised through the following objectives:

• The evaluation report provides sufficiently detailed information to allow informed decisions regarding the
safeguarding of any archaeological resources, of which there were none of any significance.

• The evaluation established a negative presence of potential significant archaeological deposits, features, and
structures within the fieldwork.

• The evaluation recovered enough information to enable assessment of the archaeological implications of the
study area.

• Resulting from the evaluation, this report has been produced, including a detailed summary of the methodology,
site history, deposits/features/ structures/artefacts uncovered and interpretation of the results.

5 Scope of the work

The archaeology of the application site as a whole, in its wider local or regional context, should be considered, although
the evaluation will be confined to those areas which will be directly affected by the development or some aspect of it.
The trenches to be excavated are shown in, fig 02.

Any remains of potential interest should be considered, whatever their date.

6 Methodology

6.1 General

All work was carried out in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work act 1974 and the Management of Health and
Safety Regulations 1992. Health and Safety considerations were of paramount importance in conducting all fieldwork.
Safe working practises always overrode archaeological considerations.
The timetable for the programme was determined with contingency plans in place to address potential delays such as: poor
weather or unexpected discoveries.
HC was informed of the start date and arrangements were made for their representative to carry out a monitoring visit
during ground disturbance.
The archaeological contractor was responsible for securing information on any services within the evaluation areas and
toke all reasonable precautions to avoid damage to such services. Evaluation trenching determined that there were no
archaeological features within the areas examined.

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6.2 Ground Disturbance

Under constant archaeological supervision, the three trenches were excavated with by a 0.8 ton tracked mechanical digger
fitted with a 1m toothless grading bucket. The locations of the trenches were as set out in (WSI:EV/PL/21), and their
order of excavation is indicated by the trench number sequence, fig 02.

Each trench was initially cleared of surface cover to a depth of around 100mm and then was further excavated in 100mm
spits, with deposit contexts superficially examined and noted as they were exposed. Excavation continued to natural
surface in all three trenches. An auger was used to test areas of the natural to prove subsurface consistency. Where
features were exposed; trench 1 only, they were left contained in their overburden for clearance by hand trowelling.

All spoil from the excavation was visually examined for artefacts.

6.3 Recording

A unique site code (EV/PL/21) was allocated for all aspects of the project archive produced including the on-site works.
All encountered contexts were recorded on pro-forma APAC Ltd context sheets and an ordered site archive was
maintained. All photographs were taken with a recognised scale, in TIFF format, and a resolution of at least 16MP+.

Lack of significant features meant no on-site illustrations were necessary, and no small finds were retrieved.
Representative sections were cleaned in each trench and photographed for later digitising, figs 03 & 04. One
archaeological assemblage sample was recovered from each trench for later cleaning, analysis, and recording. In keeping
with APAC. Ltd’s sampling strategy, the assemblages were returned to the owner as they were not significant and would
be unlikely to provide any positive research information that would warrant further analysis.

Four external Co-ordinates of each trench were taken with Geomax Zenith 25, survey grade GPS, figs 03 & 04. A centre
line along the bottom of each trench was also taken to provide both relative depth for a profile view and height AOD. In
trench 1 the modern features were recorded in plan view with depths of the relevant cuts, fig 03.

7 Results
7.1 General

The evaluation was conducted over a period of two days by Dr N Phillips; machine excavation by Mr T Milton. Weather
conditions were sunny and dry on both days but heavy rain during the night of 30th June 22 washed some of the trench
edges and left standing puddles within each.

All cuts are denotated with square brackets [ ], deposits with curved brackets ( ), built structures with brackets { } and
surfaces with angled brackets < >. A complete context index is given in Appendix I. Photographs referred to in the text
are denoted PL; with complete list is given in Appendix II, including a contact sheet of all photographs taken during the
work. The assemblages collected and processed are given in appendix III but were returned to the client as of no
significance.

7.2 Overview of natural deposition

Stratigraphic contexts are denoted by 3 digits, the first of which indicates the trench number i.e.: 1## for trench 1 2## for
trench 2, 3## for trench 3.

As was noted above, the entire site is lower along the eastern side, with a notable terrace at the southern end; however,
all is under lawn: <100>, <200>, <300>, with the exception of a 2.8m² path of wood chip <101>, to the north of trench
1, PL06 and a 5m² area of 1m high vegetation, <103> to the south, PL07. Although, the lawn is continuous overall, the
bedding on which <100> was sewn is different, being a narrow deposit of dark brown sandy loam, as opposed to the
imported black humic bedding of trenches 2 & 3, PL08. Differences between trench 1 and trenches 2 and 3 are consistent
throughout the excavation work, the only common context being that of the natural; a thinly laminating green/cream
sandstone: (108), PL09, (203), PL10, (303) PL11. Natural in trench 1 was around 148.8 AOD ,whilst in trenches 2 and 3
it averaged 148.6 AOD: showing a slight dip towards the east of about 5°.

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7.3 Trench 1

Plan, excavated profile, and representative sections for Trench 1 are shown in fig 03.

As was noted above, the surface of trench 1 had a covering of lawn <100> with a small area of woodchip path <101> to
the north, PL06, and half the southern end covered with vegetation, <103>, PL07. The main sequence of deposition was
as follows: dark red/brown sandy deposit with modern ceramic building material (cbm) with a varying depth of 100mm
to 150mm. Below was a 350mm deposit of lighter brown sandy clay with a low percentage of small angular stone and
some ceramics and bone (106). Context (106) overlay the natural, thinly laminating, green/cream, sandstone bedding
plane.

Intrusive contexts within trench 1 were:

 at the northern end, a single, end-on, un-mortared brick edge <104> and under (101), and a plastic conduit
carrying an electric cable {105}, PL12. No visible cut for either.
 1.2m from northern edge and on eastern side only, a brick structure {112}, under<102> and cut [113] into
(106) & (108) with fill (114), PL13.
 4.1m from northern edge and on eastern side only: under (100), a single course and line of brick, {107} laid flat
on a foundation of cement {115}, over (108), PL14.
 2.5m from southern edge and on eastern side only: under (100), a mound of concrete (post base) {109} cut
[110] into (108), PL14. Context {109} has an intact, rectangular post hole measuring 100mm x 250mm x
870mm depth and filled with soft sand soil (114) and a partial possible post hole {116}, PL15.
 The remains of a single sheet of corrugated iron, {117} extending from post hole {116}, set into (108) with
no visible cut and continuing beyond the limit of the western edge of the trench, PL16.

The maximum depth of the trench to achieve natural, (108), was just south of {112}, at 740mm below surface, reducing
to 330mm at the southern end. It should be noted that the surface gradient itself in the area of trench 1, averages a fall of
7° along the same line.

7.4 Trench 2

Plan, excavated profile, and representative sections for Trench 2 are shown in fig 04.

The stratigraphic sequence in trench 2 was quite simple, PL17. It consisted of the lawn, <200>, in an imported 100mm
bedding of black humic soil, over a 150mm band of brown sandy soil, (201), over 450mm of brown sandy clay, (202)
with small stones, a scatter of ceramic sherds, lime plaster, and small coal. Natural deposit, (203), was reached at 720mm
below ground level.

A further 100mm deep, 1m wide sondage was cut down the centre of the trench and this confirmed natural. The
photograph PL17 shows the area where the sondage was continued to the east side where the representative section was
cleaned for recording.

There were no intrusions to the deposition in trench 2

7.5 Trench 3

Plan, excavated profile, and representative sections for Trench 3 are shown in fig 04.

The stratigraphic sequence in trench 3 was similar to trench 2, PL18. The lawn, <300>, in an imported 100mm bedding
of black humic soil, over a 80mm band of brown sandy soil, (301), over 350mm of brown sandy clay, (302) with small
stones, a scatter of ceramic sherds, lime plaster, and small coal. Natural deposit, (303), was reached at 600mm below
ground level.

There were no intrusions to the deposition in trench 3

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7.6 Finds

Photographs in Appendix III.

Trench 1 produced some finds in (102) around the area of plastic conduit {105} consisting of bits of metric ceramic wall
tile and a few aluminium ‘Philips’ screws; these were not collected.

Context (106), appendix III sheet 1, however, produced an assemblage of 7 sherds of ceramic, 2 shards of glass and 2
fragments of cbm. Isolated at the southern end of the trench were 17 fragments of butchered cow bones, PL19 0003,
These appeared to be relatively recent and were not retained but re-buried in trench 1.

The high percentage of cbm content would suggest the context resulted from levelling event using spoil derived elsewhere.
The ceramics uncovered within easily fit anywhere after the late 19th, thereby, providing a loose terminus post quem (time
after which) for the deposition.

Trenches 2 and 3 also produced only one context each, (202) and (302), that yielded a finds assemblage; appendix III
sheets 2 & 3. In both cases, the background fill was a brown sandy clay with small angular stone, scattered with occasional
ceramics, plaster granules and pieces of ‘small coal’.

Context (202) produced 10 sherds of domestic ceramic and one rusted bolt. Of the ceramics the date range was 17th to
19th/20th century.

Context (303) produced 18 sherds of domestic ceramic ware, 4 clay pipe stems and two modern garden pots. The date
range is the same as that of context (202).

7.7 Environmental

No material suitable for environmental analysis was retrieved during the evaluation.

8 Interpretation and Discussion

8.1 Interpretation

The only similarities between all three evaluation trenches were the presence of the lawn and the natural bedrock surface.
That said, the lawn over trench 1 is not contemporary with the lawn over trenches 2 and 3, as can be seen by the difference
in the respective bedding soil. Trenches 2 and 3, however, not only have identical stratigraphy, but also share the same
levelling deposition, events.

The main levelling event in trench 1, (106), directly above natural (108), certainly has 19th century ceramics; possibly
20th century, from which can be inferred a relatively recent date. Above (106), the features {105}, {107}, {109}, {111},
{112}, {115}, {116}, and {117}are 20th century, in the case of {112}; which has the same brick as the current house
extension, later 20th century.

The two contexts that yielded datable finds in trenches 2 and 3 are again directly above the natural bedrock (203) & (303).
Although, both produced ceramics dating back to the 17th century, the deposition of this material as infill can only be as
old as its newest inclusion; therefore 20th century.

8.2 Discussion

Obviously, the results of this evaluation can only confirm the findings of the areas that were actually excavated. However,
based on the result herein it is reasonable to assume that there is little chance of the proposed development impacting on
any previously unknown archaeological resources.

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9 Archive
The archives will be prepared in accordance with MoRPHE, Management of Research Projects in the Historic
Environment (Historic England v1.2, 2015) and the CIfA Standard and Guidance for the Creation, Compilation, Transfer
and Deposition of Archaeological Archives (2014) upd 2020.

Original archive will be retained by APAC Ltd with a copy of the archive uploaded to Oasis

Copies of report and associated documentation will be deposited with Hereford HER as event no: EHE80490.

The project has been designated a unique project code EV/PL/22 and all significant documents and packaging will
carry this code number.

The digital and physical archives will be deposited within twelve months of the completion of the evaluation and with
the agreement of the landowner.

A synopsis of the project will be published online through Scribd.

10 Acknowledgements

Thanks to the groundworker and developer for allowing APAC Ltd to undertake the required work as efficiently as
possible. Also, thanks Molly & Carol for the cake and coffee and Jack and Alfie for their help with the backfill.

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11 Bibliography and references

APAC Ltd DK/PL/2021. Archaeological Desk Based Assessment, Post Box Cottage Site, Longtown.

WSI:EV/PL/2021. Written Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Evaluation, Post Box

Cottage Site, Longtown.
Chartered Institute
For Archaeologists. Standards and Guidance for an Archaeological Field Evaluation 2020

Cook, M., Kidd, N.,

2020. The March of Ewyas. The Story of Longtown Castle and the de Lacy Family.

English Heritage Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (2006).

Herefordshire
Council Pre-planning 210711 planning portal
Longtown Village, Policies Map 2019

Historic England The Setting of Historic Assets: Historic Environment Good Practice Advice in Planning 3,2nd
edn., 2017.

Hook Mason
Consulting Location Plan & Block Plan: 7776-01 Dec 2020
Proposed Site Plan: 7776-02A Dec 2020

HSE. Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974.

Kidd, N., Cook, M.,

Hoverd, T., 2000 New Evidence for a First Century Roman Fort at Longtown Castle, Herefordshire. Longtown and
District Historical Society
Monument
Geomatics Elevations MG1924-E1 Nov 2020
Existing Layout Floor Plans MG1924-FP1 Nov 2020
Existing Layout 2D annotated Topographical Survey MG1924-2D-S1 Nov 2020

NPPF National Planning Policy Framework, 2021. Ministry of Housing, Communities &
Local Government.

Online Sources:

Google maps http://www.google.com/maps

http://magic.defra.gov.uk/

A.P.A.C. Registered Address: Wyastone Estate, Wyastone Leys, Monmouth, NP25 3SR.
Tel: 07734962919. Mobile: 07734962919 Email: apac.philips@btinternet.com
Company Registration No 05041541 VAT Reg No 826 3628 19
Director: Dr. N. Phillips.

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 The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
Post Box Cottage, Longtown

A.P.A.C. Ltd: EV/PL/21

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EHE80490 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

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TR2 SW corner Garden Walls
E 332478.7612 Trenches
N 228685.6871
Z 149.5034
TR3 SW corner
E 332485.8232
N 228677.4240
Z 149.1686
0 5
m
background adapted from:
hookmason consulting Existing plot
MG1924_2D-S1

Fig 02, Trench Location plan A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

EHE80490 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

Plan
N
<104> {105} {116}
{112} {111}

0 {115}
(114) {109}

<102>

(108)
1m

E 332487.3842 {117} E 332494.5794

N 228701.2947 N 228693.7386

0
Profile
7º
Z 148.8121
140
mm

{109}

.870mm
1m Z 148.0245
(108)

0 1 2 3 4 5

0
{107}
Sections
(100) 0
(102) (100)
{112} 0
(102)
(106)
(106) (100)
(114) {115}
(102)
(108) (106)
(108) {109}
1m
1m
(108)
1m
{116}

Fig 03, Trench 1 plan, profile and sections at features A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21
EHE80490 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N Plan

N
0

2m
E 332476.1080 E 332478.7612
E 332486.2019 E 332485.8232
N 228689.8201 N 228685.5034
N 228681.9058 N 228677.4240

Profile
0

Z 149.7680
Z 149.5034 Z 149.1686
Z 149.2255
1m

0 1 2 3 4 5

0 0
(200) (300)
(201) (301) Sections
(202) (302)

(203) (303)
1 1

Fig 04, Trenches 2 & 3 plan, profile and sections A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: DSCN0891

Proposed position for trench 1. Lower

lawn east side

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 01
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: DSCN0882

East west slope at southern boundary,

upper lawn for proposed TR3

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 02
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: DSCN0885

Outbuilding separating upper and lower

lawns

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 03
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: DSCN1774

Soil strip, TR1. Bottom loose brick <104>

plastic conduit Electric {105}, topsoil (102).
{107} centre left

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 04
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: DSCN0884

Proposed trench positions for TR3

foreground and TR2 distance

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 05
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: DSCN1773

Woodchip area <101> at NW end of TR1.

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 06
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: DSCN1772

Initial layout for TR 1 showing existing

surface. <100>, <102>, <103>. Surface
measurements: 10m x 1m = 10m²

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 07
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: DSCN1784

TR2 initial strip revealing (201) under <200>

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 08
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: DSCN1789

5m Polecam of trench 1 completed

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 09
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: DSCN1786

5m Polecam of trench 2 completed

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 10
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: DSCN1787

5m Polecam of trench 3 completed

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 11
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: DSCN1775

NW end of trench TR1 showing brick <104>

and pipe {105} in deposit (102) with (106) at
top of photograph. No apparent cut

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 12
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: IMG_0008

NE face of NW end of TR1. Sequence <100>,

(102), (106), (108); cut by [113] with fill {112}
and (114) demarcated

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 13
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: IMG_0010

TR1. section view of {115} & {107}

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 14
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: IMG_0014

TR1 detail Postholes {111}, {116} and

corrugated barrier base {117}

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 15
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: IMG_0015

TR1 detail corrugated barrier base {117}.

No discernible cut for {117} into (108)

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 16
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: IMG_0005

NE face of TR2, 2m from NW end. Section:

<200>, (201), (202), (203) demarcated

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 17
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: IMG_0003

TR3 NE section showing complete sequence:

<300>, (301), (302), (303). 500mm scale

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 18
EHE 8040 Post Box Cottage, Longtown

N
Photo ID: IMG_0016

Cow bones from TR1, context (106) between

{107} and {109}

0 5
m

A.P.A.C. Ltd EV/PL/21

PLATE 19
Site name: Post Box Cottage, Llongtown Appendix I A.P.A.C. Ltd
EV/PL/21 EHE80490
Context List Contexts: <Surface> (Deposit) {Stucture} [Cut]

Context Area Feature Descrition Date of photographe Date Compile

record d by digitised d by
<100> TR1 Surface Lawn area: 3.6m x 1m x 1.84m x 2.15m = 2.25m² 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
<101> TR1 Surface Wood chip surface. Area contained 1.4m x 1m x 3.16m x 2.15m = 2.75m² 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
<102> TR1 Deposit Loose, sandy topsoil dark red brown with modern cbm (ceramic building materials: glazed tile) depth 10-15mm below surface. 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
<103> TR1 Surface Vegetation, shrub patch approx 5m x 1m x 1m x 5m = 5m² 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
<104> TR1 Surface Single course of on-end laid brick, possible edging or path 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
{105} TR1 Structure Black plastic conduit pipe with internal electric cable. No visible cut so surface installation contemporary with <104> 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
(106) TR1 Deposit Brown sandy clay with occasional small stone and scatter of ceramics, bone. Depth to 350mm below (101) 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
{107} TR1 Structure Single course and run of laid brick, modern textured contemporary with house extension. Cemented bond. Depth 12mm 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
(108) TR1 Deposit Angular, thinly laminating green/cream sandstone bedding, Natural. 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
800mm wide, rounded dome of concrete partially across trench, 2.6m from SE end. 38mm below ground surface and 27mm
TR1 Structure above {108}. Cut not visible but expected [110] 30/06/2022 NP
{109} 02/07/2022 NP
[110] TR1 Cut Cut for {109} into (108). Not visible. 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
{111} TR1 Post hole Rectangular post hole in {109}. Internal depth ≥ 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
{112} TR1 Structure Brick structure, cement bond, modern brick 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
[113] TR1 Cut Cut for {112} into (108) 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
(114) TR1 deposit Fill of red sandy soil ≥ 350mm into (108) 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
{115} TR1 Structure Cement foundation for {107} 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
{116} TR1 Structure 2nd post hole in{109}
{117} TR1 Structure Remains of corrugated iron sheet set vertical. Set into (108). No cut visible

<200> TR2 Surface Lawn area: 5m x 2m x 5m x 2m = 10m². Depth below surface 10mm 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
(201) TR2 Deposit Loose, sandy topsoil dark red brown depth 10-15mm below surface. 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
(202) TR2 Deposit Brown sandy clay with occasional small stone. Scatter of ceramics, lime plaster and coal. Depth to 500mm below (202) 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
(203) TR2 Deposit Angular, thinly laminating green/cream sandstone bedding, Natural. 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP

<300> TR3 Surface Lawn area: 5m x 2m x 5m x 2m = 10m². Depth below surface 10mm 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
(301) TR3 Deposit Loose, sandy topsoil dark red brown depth 10-15mm below surface. 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
(302) TR3 Deposit Brown sandy clay with occasional small stone. Scatter of ceramics, lime plaster and coal. Depth to 450mm below 302) 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP
(303) TR3 Deposit Angular, thinly laminating green/cream sandstone bedding, Natural. 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 NP

i
Site name: Post Box Cottage, Llongtown Appendix Ia A.P.A.C. Ltd
EV/PL/21 EHE80490
Matrix Contexts: <Surface> (Deposit) {Stucture} [Cut]

Trench 1 Trench 2 Trench 3

<101>
Modern {105} <104> <103>

<100> <200> <300>

<102> (201) (301)

{112} {107} {117} {111} {116}

19th/20th
(114) {115} {109}

[113] [110]

(302)
(106) (202)
(303)
(108) (203)
Geology

ii
Elms, Post Box Cottage, Longtown Appendix II A.P.A.C. Ltd
EV/PL/21
Digital Photographic Record Contexts: <Surface> (Deposit) {Structure} [Cut]

Photo ID View Description Photographer Date of Compiled Date

Plate
facing photograph by compiled
DSCN0891 SE Proposed position for trench 1. Lower lawn east side NP 19/10/2021 NP 16/07/2022 PL01
DSCN0882 SW East west slope at southern boundary, upper lawn for proposed TR3 NP 19/10/2021 NP 16/07/2022 PL02
DSCN0885 SE Outbuilding separating upper and lower lawns NP 19/10/2021 NP 16/07/2022 PL03
DSCN0884 NW Proposed trench positions for TR3 foreground and TR2 distance NP 19/10/2021 NP 16/07/2022 PL05
DSCN1772 NE Initial layout for TR 1 showing existing surface. <100>, <102>, <103>. Surface measurements: 10m x 1m = 10m² NP 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 PL07
DSCN1773 SE Woodchip area <101> at NW end of TR1. NP 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 PL06
DSCN1774 SE Soil strip, TR1. Bottom loose brick <104> plastic conduit Electric {105}, topsoil (102). {107} centre left NP 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 PL04
DSCN1775 V NW end of trench TR1 showing brick <104> and pipe {105} in deposit (102) with (106) at top of photograph. No apparent cut NP 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 PL12
DSCN1776 NW TR 1 second strip. Wall {104} with 1m ranging rod behind. Context (106) with tree roots, occasional ceramics, plaster, coal, bone NP 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022
DSCN1777 V Detail of wall {107} sat on (108) and abutting deposit (106) no cut NP 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022
DSCN1778 V Detail of wall {107} sat on (108) and abutting deposit (106) no cut NP 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022
DSCN1779 NW SE end of TR1 with less depth deposit (106) over natural (108). Further area of concrete at ranging rod NP 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022
DSCN1780 N NE face of TR1 at NW end. Cut [113] into (108) for brick structure {112}. Probable manhole chamber. NP 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022
DSCN1781 NE Setting of {112} [113] in (108) with {105} to left of photograph. Cut depth ≥ 900mm below surface. {112} 350mm below surface NP 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022
DSCN1782 NW Completed mechanical excavation of trench 1. {105} far end, {115} beyond ranging rod right and {109} before ranging rod, right NP 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022
DSCN1783 V Detail of {109} NP 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022
DSCN1784 SE TR2 initial strip revealing (201) under <200> NP 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022 PL08
DSCN1785 NE NE face of TR2, 2m from NW end. Section: <200>, (201), (202), (203) NP 30/06/2022 NP 02/07/2022
DSCN1786 V 5m Polecam of trench 2 completed NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022 PL10
DSCN1787 V 5m Polecam of trench 3 completed NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022 PL11
DSCN1789 V 5m Polecam of trench 1 completed NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022 PL09
Img_0003 E TR3 NE section showing complete sequence: <300>, (301), (302), (303). 500mm scale NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022 PL18
Img_0004 NE NE face of TR2, 2m from NW end. Section: <200>, (201), (202), (203). 500mm & 1m scales NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022
Img_0005 E NE face of TR2, 2m from NW end. Section: <200>, (201), (202), (203) demarcated NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022 PL17
Img_0006 V Plan view of Manhole chamber {112} cut [113] and natural surface(108) NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022
Img_0007 NE NE face of NW end of TR1. Sequence <100>, (102), (106), (108); cut by [113] with fill {112} and (114) NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022
Img_0008 NE NE face of NW end of TR1. Sequence <100>, (102), (106), (108); cut by [113] with fill {112} and (114) demarcated NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022 PL13
Img_0009 V TR1. plan view of {115} NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022
Img_0010 NE TR1. section view of {115} & {107} NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022 PL14
Img_0011 V TR1 plan view of {109} with post holes {111} & {116} with {117} NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022

Img_0012 V TR1 plan view of {109}. Post hole {116} with 1m scale rod showing accessible 450mm depth. {117}to right from post hole {111} NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022

Img_0013 V TR1 detail Posthole {116} NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022

Img_0014 V TR1 detail Postholes {111}, {116} and corrugated barrier base {117} NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022 PL15
Img_0015 V TR1 detail corrugated barrier base {117}. No discernible cut for {117} into (108) NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022 PL16
Img_0016 V Cow bones from TR1, context (106) between {107} and {109} NP 01/07/2022 NP 02/07/2022 PL19

Page 1 of 1
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Appendix III FINDS EV/PL/21
EHE80490

IMG_01
106

Find Area Context Description Period Date

1 TR1 106 1 large sherd glazed earthenware pancheon rim 18th/19th 29/06/22
1 sherd partially glazed earthenware rim
1 sherd glazed earthenware
1 shard green glass bottle neck
1 sherd creamware
1 sherd Mochaware base
1 sherd blue and white China 19th
1 sherd aqua green glass base
1 sherd white and pink ceramic tile
1 sherd whiteware
1 sherd CBM
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Appendix III FINDS EV/PL/21
EHE80490

IMG_02
202

Find Area Context Description Period Date

2 TR2 202 2 small sherds gravel tempered earthenware ? 29/06/22
1 sherd fine tempered Devonshire earthenware 17th/18th
3 sherd earthenware with internal glaze and buffed external glaze 18th/19th
1 sherd iron glazed earthenware
1 sherd saltglazed stoneware
1 sherd blue and white China pot lid 19th
1 small sherd willow pattern
1 sherd earthenware pot rim
1 sherd green porcelain
1 lump of iron.
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Appendix III FINDS EV/PL/21
EHE80490

IMG_03
302

Find Area Context Description Period Date

3 TR3 302 2 sherds fine tempered North Devonshire ware 17th/18th 29/06/22
1 sherd Staffordshire slipware 18th
7 sherds Staffordshire wares (including one base) 18th/19th
1 sherd saltglazed stoneware
1 sherd iron glazed earthenware
4 clay pipe stems
1 sherd Creamware
2 sherds Pearlware
1 sherd glazed earthenware
1 sherd blue and white China 19th
1 sherd stoneware Dundee marmalade jar
2 sherds earthenware plant pots 20th