Guest Contribution: Introduction

This archaeological survey report is reproduced with the kind permission of Headland Archaeology Ltd to whom we are most grateful. The full report can be downloaded as a pdf file by clicking the link on the title page below.

Ewyas Lacy Study Group

Report Summary:

The project followed in response to proposed building work to Grove Cottage, Walterstone Common [NGR SO 3505 2507], by Mr & Mrs R Jenner in September 2002. The extension comprised a workshop and patio area to the west of the main building and a double garage and tool store to the north.

The site of the cottage lies at the base of a small, class 5, Welsh prehistoric hill fort, Walterstone Camp. This location was thought to be archeologically significant and so complying to Planning policy Guidelines note 16 , section 30, the planning authority advised that a programme of archaeological work should be undertaken. This took the form of a watching brief, monitoring machine excavations of the proposed extension as carried out by the building contractors and an evaluation trench.

The main aim of the archaeological operation was to identify, record and date any features of archaeological interest, assess the survival, quality and condition of any archaeological remains and to produce a record of any findings. This information could then be used to further both local and national knowledge of the archaeology of the area.

Through both the watching brief and evaluation trench no archaeological features were present except a small, late cut containing several modern brick fragments to the west of the main building.

The fieldwork was carried out during September 2002.