DOCUMENT NO: 533 June 2021

PRN: E006703

A.P.A.C. Ltd.
Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy

ARCHAEOLOGICAL WATCHING BRIEF

WB/APC/21

11 Park Court Abergavenny

Monmouthshire County Council

DM2020/01702

Prepared by DR N Phillips
25 June 2021
 A.P.A.C. Ltd 11 Park Court Abergavenny WB/APC/21

Summary

This report details the findings of an Archaeological Watching Brief, undertaken to

satisfy a Planning Condition: 2020/01702 for the erection of a single storey garage
withing the curtilage of an existing building.

Unfortunately, at the time of contact with APAC Ltd, the excavation work had already
been undertaken, and so with the agreement of planning enforcement, the recording
was carried out retrospectively.

The recording was able to establish that no archaeological resources had been
impacted upon.

Cwrt y Parc, Y Fenni

Mae’r adroddiad hwn yn manylu ar Orchwyl Gwylio Archeolegol a wnaed i

gyflawni amod cynllunio: 2020/01702 ar gyfer codi modurdy unllawr o fewn cwrtil
adeilad sydd eisoes yn bodoli.

Yn anffodus, adeg y cysylltiad cyntaf ag APAC Cyf. roedd y gwaith cloddio eisoes
wedi’i wneud, ac felly gyda chydsyniad yr adran orfodaeth cynllunio, cafodd y
gwaith cofnodi ei gwblhau’n ôl-weithredol.

Llwyddwyd i sefydlu trwy’r gwaith cofnodi nad effeithiwyd ar unrhyw adnoddau

archeolegol.

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.

Cover photograph: Site Image DSCN0637, Total excavated area, vertical image from 5m aerial camera: ‘C’ shaped foundation trench.

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 A.P.A.C. Ltd 11 Park Court Abergavenny WB/APC/21

Contents

Summary ........................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Contents............................................................................................................................................... 3
Figures ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Plates ................................................................................................................................................... 4
Appendices .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Location of the Site ............................................................................................................................. 5
Topography & Geology ...................................................................................................................... 6
Brief archaeological and historical background .................................................................................. 6
Aims and Objectives ........................................................................................................................... 7
Scope of the work ................................................................................................................................ 7
Procedures ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Results ................................................................................................................................................. 8
Finds .................................................................................................................................................... 8
Interpretation ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Archive ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Acknowledgements: ............................................................................................................................ 8
Bibliography and References: ............................................................................................................. 9
Copyright............................................................................................................................................. 9

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A.P.A.C. Ltd 11 Park Court Abergavenny WB/APC/21

Figures

01 Site Location map

02 Historic asset map
03 Map progressions
04 Trench plan

Plates

01. Scan image of the site from a 3D laser scan

02. Section bb at the north west corner of the trench showing contexts: (102) (104) (105)
03. Section aa at south west corner of the trench, showing contexts: (102) (103) (104) (105)
04. View showing auger location
05. Auger sample of context (105) from 500mm below trench cut [106]

Appendices

01 Context
02 Photograph list

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 A.P.A.C. Ltd 11 Park Court Abergavenny WB/APC/21

Introduction

This archaeological watching brief report has been prepared by Dr N Phillips, A.P.A.C. Ltd, response to a breach of an
original planning condition imposed by Monmouthshire County Council (hereafter MCC) for a proposed garage
development at 11 Park Court, Abergavenny (hereafter The Site) DM/2020/01072. The original planning condition
stated:

3 No development shall take place until the applicant, or their agents or successors in title, has
secured agreement for a written scheme of historic environment mitigation which has been
submitted by the applicant and approved by the local planning authority. Thereafter, the
programme of work will be fully carried out in accordance with the requirements and standards of
the written scheme.

Reason: To identify and record any features of archaeological interest discovered during the
works, in order to mitigate the impact of the works on the archaeological resource.
MCC DM/2020/01072.

The archaeological restraint had been advised by Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust (hereafter GGAT), who
identified that The Site was within ‘an area of high archaeological potential’, (GGAT), drawing attention not only to the
proximity of the assumed Roman Road but also proximity to the find spots for two AD 60 Roman Urns. Further Roman
finds were also discovered in the area, (GGAT). Roman burial practice could suggest the possibility of isolated human
remains within the area.

The advice from GGAT is in keeping with the policies of Planning Policy for Wales 10 & Technical advice note TAN
24.

As was mentioned above, the excavation work was undertaken without the required archaeological cover: leading to the
involvement of Planning Enforcement. A resolution was sought, which resulted in APAC.Ltd preparing a Written
Scheme of Investigation for a programme of archaeological recording, to be undertaken before any further development
was undertaken. The WSI was approved by Planning Enforcement:

Further to my previous email I have received a response back from GGAT.

My contact there says:

Many thanks for the email. So it looks like the footings have been excavated, but not yet poured,
so the sections could be archaeologically recorded. As was the case with ………….. there is no
entirely satisfactory solution to the problem. However, I would agree that in this instance some
information can be gained and there is no need to excavate any test-pits for example.

If you were minded to allow the proposal, we would certainly not have any objections. As per
the original recommendation, a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) would certainly be
required, setting out the revised scope of the work, as well as the usual archiving, reporting
information etc. The WSI would need to be submitted and agreed prior to the start of the
archaeological work.

From this I think your Archaeologist can prepare the WSI how he has suggested and should be
sufficient to discharge the condition. You just need to ensure that no further works are undertaken
until this document has been approved and the archaeologist has undertaken their inspection of
the excavations.

Email Enforcement officer to client 02 June 2021

The recording of the site took place on 19th June 2021

Location of the Site

The Site is located on the norther side of Abergavenny, just off the Hereford Road B45211, fig 01. If leaving the town
centre on the Hereford Road travel north past the traffic lights at the garage and take the first left and the first left again
onto Park Court. Number 11 is at the bottom of the road on the right, NGR 330244 214725.
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 A.P.A.C. Ltd 11 Park Court Abergavenny WB/APC/21

Topography & Geology

The site is located on a lower south east slope on the Black Mountains. Its drift geology comprises the edge of a fluvio-
glacial sheet deposit of Devensian sands and gravel with that of Devensian Till, (BGS 232).

Brief archaeological and historical background

As mentioned in the WSI; (WSI: WB/APC/21) Current Covid 19 restrictions have made usual visits to museums,
libraries, and record offices etc, impossible; therefore, research is dependent entirely on online sources, and APAC’s
Archives.

As a general approach to the historical and archaeological background of the Abergavenny, chance finds have produced
evidence of man’s presence since prehistoric times; however, much more is known of the Roman and Medieval periods,
particularly from slum-clearances in the 1950s and 60s and developments in the 1970s. A few of these later undertakings
required archaeological excavations; those in the vicinity of the town, such as Cross Street and Castle Street produced a
great deal of evidence relating to Roman Abergavenny (Gobannium)

The Roman presence was established in 55AD and lasted some 400 years acquiring an accompaniment of civilian, and
extra mural settlement around the Roman nucleus. No evidence of post Roman settlement has yet been found but a
renewed interest in the location; possibly due to surviving infrastructures, returned with the Normans in around A.D.
1081 (Phillips 2006). Over the next two centuries the town expanded beyond the remains of the Roman enclosed nucleus,
to the new town wall, built in 1241, Cal Pat.

After some decline in the 14th and 15th centuries the town prospered and expanded beyond the medieval town walls and
has continued to grow ever since. Late 18th century interest brought specialist industries to the town which were well
served by the evolving canal and later rail infrastructures.

As mentioned above the site is in close proximity to the assumed route of the Roman Road from Gobannium to
Kentchester; Route 630, (Maragry. 1967 p 343). More specific to this site were chance finds in the gardens of numbers
9 & 11 Park Crescent, of a group of objects discovered just below the modern ground surface, (Prichard pers com) cited
in. APAC.Ltd: WB/APC/11.
The groups comprised of: Two large broken jars containing cremated bone and soil and two associated small bronze
brooches. The group is believed to be one of the earliest Roman cremation burials in Wales, dating to about AD. 60.
Currently in Abergavenny Museum, (ibid).

As part of the gathered historical background information, a 500m and 100m radial search was conducted, centred on
the given NGR: 330244 214725 (National Grid Reference); as shown in fig 02.

Within the 500m search, the site’s proximity to the Abergavenny conservation area can be seen; just crossing the south
east perimeter. The search parameter also included one listed building in the southern boundary: grade II ‘Structure of
gates, gate piers, and attached walls with railings to the main entrance of Bailey park’ Cadw ref: 80881. The structure
dates back to 1884 when Bailey Park was installed by the prominent ironmaster Crawshay Bailey. Ibid.

Within the more focused 100m search around the given NGR, nothing of archaeological import is registered.

Cartographic data for the area was also researched, with results of map regression being used to create a figure: fig 03,
which depicts changes to the land use over time.

On the 1845 tithe map of the area; fig 03a, the land appears devoid of much in the way of human interaction. With large
sections of the area, contributing to a plot of land with a single or secondary building. The apportionment for the plot of
land at this point is attributed to, No: 377, Cottage and nursery, occupied by Saunders James, and owned by Roberts the
Rev, Richard Arthur, and Sargent Williams Esq trustees of the late John Walter Roberts esq.

By the 1902 map; fig 03b, things have changed considerably with the recording of Bailey Park, laid out in 1884, west of
The Site, (see above,) its eastern boundary close to the site’s proximity. More buildings have been constructed to the
north and northeast, and just to the north of the marked NGR, a large building has been erected. It is also important to
note at this point that this building has been given a marked symbol and has the attributed text “Coins & Roman Remains
Found A.D. 1848.

By the 1948 map; fig 03c, little has changed apart from some buildings being erected to the southeast, along the Hereford
Road. Little else has changed by the 1953; fig 03d map either, except the text attributed to the symbol on the building
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 A.P.A.C. Ltd 11 Park Court Abergavenny WB/APC/21
now reads “Coins & Roman Remains Found, A.D. 1864”

By modern mapping, fig 03e, the entire area has been vastly modified, with countless new houses, roads and amenities
having been constructed.

Abergavenny town is known for its vast historical importance. Evidenced gleaned from cartographic information in
relation to this site would suggest that prior to the installation of the Victorian (Bailey) park in 1884, the area was mostly
undisturbed. That in itself, its proximity to a potential Roman road, (now the Hereford Road) and the Roman artefacts
discovered in the area in the late 19th century would suggest the potential for more archaeological finds to be discovered.
However due to the large scale of housing built in the area in the late 20th century it is of high consequence that anything
of archaeological importance has been destroyed or removed, though there is always a chance of some archaeological
artefact’s survival.
Aims and Objectives

The aim of the watching brief is to establish the presence/absence of archaeological structures or other significant features
within the works area. Should any archaeological resources be revealed their presence will be recorded and a decision
made as to any mitigation measures.

The archaeological watching brief will be carried out to the standards laid down in the Chartered Institute of Field
Archaeologists, Guideline for Watching Briefs 2014.

An archaeological watching brief:

The definition of an archaeological watching brief is a formal programme of observation and

investigation conducted during any operation carried out for non-archaeological reasons. This will
be within a specified area or site on land, inter-tidal zone or underwater, where there is a possibility
that archaeological deposits may be disturbed or destroyed. The programme will result in the
preparation of a report and ordered archive.

This definition and Standard do not cover chance observations, which should lead to an appropriate
archaeological project being designed and implemented, nor do they apply to monitoring for
preservation of remains in situ. A watching brief will preserve by record, within the resources
available, any archaeological deposits uncovered during groundwork.

The watching brief will ensure that: in the event of archaeological resources of significance, being
discovered and requiring treatment beyond the remit of the watching brief; then steps would be
implemented to ensure that their treatment would be undertaken within the standards recommended
by the CIFA.

Resulting from the watching brief, a report on the results will be produced, which will include a
detailed summary of the methodology, site history, deposits/features/ structures/artefacts uncovered
and interpretation of the results.
(CIFA. 2014).

Scope of the work

The archaeology of the application site, as a whole, in its wider local or regional context, was considered, although the
watching brief was be confined to those areas which had been directly affected by the development or some aspect of it.
The work was recorded after excavation and no spoil remained on site to be examined. Record was only possible from
the open sections of the completed trenches.
Procedures

The archaeological recording; the approved solution for the watching brief breach, followed the methodology of the WSI:
WB/APC/21, and was undertaken on the 19/06/2021.

The site was photographed vertically from a height of 5m using a Polecam in order to provide the overall structure of
the excavation within its surroundings. A 3D scan of the site was then taken allowing the site to be accurately mapped
within a tolerance of ± 2.4mm Appendix III.

Two small sections of the trench were then cleaned, See fig 04, in order to examine the stratigraphy and check for
disturbed archaeological resources. The sections were then photographed, and contexts recorded on pro-forma sheets.
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 A.P.A.C. Ltd 11 Park Court Abergavenny WB/APC/21
No drawings were made as there was no significant findings.

Finally, an auger sample was taken from the bottom of the trench which revealed a continuation of the base context for
a further 500mm below the required foundation base.
Results

All structures are denotated with brackets { }, deposits with curved brackets ( ) surfaces with angled brackets < > and a
cut with square brackets [ ]. The complete index is given in Appendix I. Photographs referred to in the text are denoted
PL; a complete list is given in Appendix II, including a contact sheet of all photographs taken during the work. There
were no finds, no environmental samples and no drawings made.

The excavated area is a ‘C’ shaped trench with two side lengths at 6.83m and an adjoining section at 3.902m. All three
trenches average 600mm wide by 720mm deep. The entire site can be seen in the scan photograph PL01, which has been
annotated with the general dimensions.

As can be seen in PL01, the work area is constrained on three sides by boundary fencing and the original surface was a
brick surface: <100> over a bed of concrete: (101). At the boundaries, the brick surface does not extend and is replaced
by garden soil: (102), PL02, with occasional lenses of gravel :(103), PL03, which is contemporary with (101).

The main stratigraphy that was cut: [106] by the trenching was a 500mm deposit: (104) of compacted silty clay with
occasional particles of coal, over a 150mm deposit of sterile sandy clay: (105). The latter was augured, PL04, and found
to extend at least a further 500mm, PL05.

Finds

The site yielded no finds with the exception of 1, in situ, fragment of 20th century yellow ceramic plate rim. This was not
retained.
Interpretation

The entire area is on a levelled deposit of silty clay with some inclusions of coal fragments and is consistent with
landscaping work around the relatively recent construction of the houses in this area. The levelling disturbance itself
would appear to be on a natural geological drift deposit.

Archive

The archive will be prepared according to the Management of Archaeological Projects, English Heritage, MoRPHE V1.2
(2015) so the records will be fully ordered and indexed. The project archives will consist of all original records, and all
documentation that relates to the watching brief; copies of the WSI and any relevant correspondence will be included.

The original archive for the watching brief will be retained by A.P.A.C. Ltd.

A digital copy of the archive will be deposited with RCAHMW within keeping with their published guidelines:
http://www.rcahmw.gov.uk/HI/ENG/Search+Records/Standards/Archive/

A further digital copy of the relevant information and report will be deposited with GGAT HER in keeping with their
published guidelines:
http://www.GGAT.org.uk/her/downloads/Guidance%20for%20the%20Submission%20of%20Data%20to%20Welsh
%20HERs.pdf

The archives will be deposited within twelve months of the completion of the watching brief with the agreement of the
landowner.

A synopsis of the project will be submitted to CBA Wales and the full client report published online through Scribd.

Acknowledgements:

I would like to thank the client for access to the site and help and background information.

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 A.P.A.C. Ltd 11 Park Court Abergavenny WB/APC/21

Bibliography and References:

Abergavenny Town
Council 2020 Recommendations DM/2020/01072

APAC. Ltd. 2011 Written Scheme of Investigation. Watching Brief. 13, Park Crescent, Abergavenny.

Written Scheme of Investigation. Watching Brief. 11, Park Court, Abergavenny.

CIfA Standard and Guidance for the Archaeological Watching Brief 2014.

Standard and Guidance for the Collection, Documentation, Conservation and Research
of Archaeological materials 2014

English Heritage 1991 Management of Archaeological Projects

GGAT. 2020 MON2450RD. Re: Domestic Garage. 11 Park Court, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
PL.App.No: 2020/010702.

Margary, I.D., 1967. Roman Roads in Britain, John Barker: London.

MCC DM/2020/01072:

Application for planning permission

Approval of Planning permission
Existing Site Location plan 20/RW/100
Heritage Planning Application Consultation

Olding, F., 2004. Abergavenny The Urban Archaeology. Abergavenny local History Society.

Online: Magic Maps: https://magic.defra.gov.uk/

TAN 24: https://gov.wales/technical-advice-note-tan-24-historic-environment
PPG10: https://gov.wales/planning-policy-wales

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Copyright

A.P.A.C. Ltd will retain full copyright of any reports and specialist reports, under the Copyright, Designs and Patents
Act of 1988 with all rights reserved. A.P.A.C. Ltd hereby gives permission for the monitoring authority to use any
documentation directly relating to the project as described in this Report.

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 D.Phil. BA (Hons).

APAC. Ltd has current Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance with Towergate, (924765101 CHC).

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 The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
11 Park Court, Abergavenny

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/APC/21

N

Fig 01: Location

 11 Park Court, Abergavenny

N Legend

NGR : SO 330244 214725

Abergavenny Conservation
area

CADW Listed Buildings

Fig 02: Heritage asset map A.P.A.C. Ltd. WB/APC/21

 11 Park Court, Abergavenny

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
N N

Fig 03a: Tithe map 1845 Fig 03b: Monmouthshire VI.SE -

Revised 1889
Published 1902

N N

Fig 03c: Brecknockshire XL.II - Fig 03d: Brecknockshire XL.II -

Revised 1938, Revised 1944,
Published 1948 Published 1953

Fig 03e: Modern mapping

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/APC/21

 11 Park Court, Abergavenny

(105)

d Fen
ce
e
Sh

(102)

b
b (101)

Fen <100>
ce

(102) A
(103)

a
a

0 1 2m

Fig 04: Trench plan A.P.A.C. Ltd. WB/APC/21

 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/ 11 Park Court, Abergavenny

3D scan image 090042

(105)

Scan image of site with measurments

Fen
ed

ce
Sh

(102)

b
b (101)

Fen <100>
ce

(102) A
(103)

a
a

0 1 2m

Plate 01
 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/ 11 Park Court, Abergavenny

Image DSCN0644

(105)

North west section bb;

Contexts : (102) over (104)
Fen
ed

ce
Sh

(102)

over (105)
b
b (101)

Fen <100>
ce

(102) A
(103)

a
a

0 1 2m

Plate 02
 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/ 11 Park Court, Abergavenny

Image DSCN0640

(105)

South west section; aa

Contexts : (102) over (103)
Fen
ed

ce
Sh

(102)

over (104) over (105)

b
b (101)

Fen <100>
ce

(102) A
(103)

a
a

0 1 2m

Plate 03
 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/ 11 Park Court, Abergavenny

Image DSCN0642

(105)

Position of Auger sample, adjacent to

section aa
Fen
ed

ce
Sh

(102)

b
b (101)

Fen <100>
ce

(102) A
(103)

a
a

0 1 2m

Plate 04
 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/ 11 Park Court, Abergavenny

Image DSCN0643

(105)

Auger sample context (105)

Fen
ed

ce
Sh

(102)

b
b (101)

Fen <100>
ce

(102) A
(103)

a
a

0 1 2m

Plate 05
Site name: 11 park Court Abergavenny Appendix I A.P.A.C. Ltd
Project :533, Code: WB/APC/21
Context list Contexts: <Surface> (Deposit) {Structure} [Cut]
Context Area Feature Description Date Initials Modified Initial Finds
100 General Surface Grey brick herringbone pattern, parking area 19 06 2021NP 19 06 2021 NP X
101 General Deposit Cement base for <100> approx. 90 mm depth 19 06 2021NP 19 06 2021 NP X
W& 19 06 2021 19 06 2021 X
NP NP
102 NW Deposit Dark grey/black humic soil
103 W Deposit Possible over spill from (101) along western edge only, small loose gravel 19 06 2021NP 19 06 2021 NP X
104 General Deposit Compacted silty soil, 500mm depth band with occasional flecks of coal and one sherd of 20th c yellow glazed bowl. 19 06 2021NP 19 06 2021 NP X
105 General Deposit Compacted silty soil, 500mm depth band with occasional flecks of coal. 19 06 2021NP 19 06 2021 NP X
106 General Cut Current excavation trench 19 06 2021NP 19 06 2021 NP X

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Site Name: 11 Park Court, Abwrgavenny Appendix II A.P.A.C. Ltd
Project :533 Code: WB/APC/21
Digital Photographic Record Contexts: <Surface> (Deposit) {Structure} [Cut]

Photo ID View Description Photographer Date of Compiled Date

Plate
facing photograph by compiled
Excavated area from 5m Polecam. NW at top of photograph. Original Brick surface <100> at bottom with sub-base (101) centre
DSCN0637 V N. Phillips 19 06 2021 N. Phillips 19/06/2021
and top. Trench cut {106} into (105).
DSCN0638 V Excavated area from 5m Polecam. NW to top. Focus on NW end. Sub-base (101) centre. Trench cut {106} into (105) at top. N. Phillips 19 06 2021 N. Phillips 19/06/2021
Excavated area from 5m Polecam. N at top of photograph. Original Brick surface <100> right, sub-base (101) centre. Trench cut
DSCN0639 V N. Phillips 19 06 2021 N. Phillips 19/06/2021
{106} into (105).
DSCN0640 SW 500mm section at outer edge of western trench. 750 depth cut [106]. Contexts (102) over (103) over (104) over (105) N. Phillips 19 06 2021 N. Phillips 19/06/2021 PL03
DSCN0641 SW 500mm section at outer edge of western trench. 750 depth cut [106]. Contexts (102) over (103) over (104) over (105) N. Phillips 19 06 2021 N. Phillips 19/06/2021
DSCN0642 NW Location of section photograph and augur position N. Phillips 19 06 2021 N. Phillips 19/06/2021 PL04
DSCN0643 Augur section 400mm below trench bottom which was 750mm below surface <100>. Context (105) N. Phillips 19 06 2021 N. Phillips 19/06/2021 PL05
DSCN0644 NW 500mm section NW corner 750 depth cut [106]. Contexts (102) over (104) over (105) N. Phillips 19 06 2021 N. Phillips 19/06/2021 PL02
FS090042 NW Entire site captured with 3D laser scan and annotated N. Phillips 19 06 2021 N. Phillips 19/06/2021 PL01

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