Dig on Church Bank / Field 2002

Above : General View of Trench 2

Summary

 An archaeological valuation as conducted by the University of Manchester Archaeological Unit and Prestwich Heritage Society on land to the west of St Mary’s Parish Church, Prestwich, Greater Manchester (SD 8II0 0365 ).

Results gleaned from the excavation of four trenches were ambiguous. The trenches revealed a number of deposits and features which presented themselves as different coloured bands of clay and sand set against and within the predominant light brown natural sand. Through excavation the majority of these were determined to be the result of geological processes.

However two features within trench 2 were clearly the result of human activity most probably associated with post medieval activity on the site. There was no clear evidence of pre historic activity on the site although there were certain features which within the confines of the evaluation trenches it was not possible to determine defiantly whether they were the result of geological or human activity. Although the trenches yielded mainly geological material, its predominantly sandy nature perhaps indicates a potential for archaeological activity in the site’s immediate vicinity owing to their auspicious potential for drainage and thus settlement.

Moreover, the topographic nature of the site located on a promontory escarpment, also adds Emphasis to its status as a possible one for settlement in antiquity, as comparisons with both local and regional late prehistoric settlements underscored this idea.

Background.

The University of Manchester Archaeological Unit were commissioned to undertake an archaeological evaluation bv Prestwich Heritage Society, at land adjacent St Mary’s Church, Prestwich (SD 8Il0 0365) The evaluation was funded through a grant provided by Bury Metropolitan Borough Council. The site is considered an area of historic and archaeological potential owing to its close proximity to the medieval core of the, town and its topographic which possibly indicates status as a place of habitation in antiquity. 

Prior to the current work, archaeological investigations were conducted by the Prestwich Heritage Society, which included a geophysical survey and the excavation of several evaluation trenches; this work revealed both l9th century finds and a gravel bank. The present study was funded witha grant from Bury MBC.

Archaeologists in the region have devoted a lot of time and effort in trying to identify Iron Age promontory sites. The lack of access to land, funding and staff have often proved stumbling blocks in the search for these sites. The partnership between Bury MBC, Prestwich Heritage Society, GMAU and UMAU provides an excellent model of co operation in the search for these important sites.

Methodology

Archaeological work at Prestwich involved the excavation of four trenches 1.40m wide and totalling 57m in length. The trenches ran approximately west to east downslope on land to the east of St Mary’s church. Initial excavation was by mechanical excavator until undisturbed geological strata or archaeological deposits were encountered. All features were excavated stratigraphically by hand.

All deposits encountered were recorded as measured plan or section drawings at scales of 1:10 or 1:20 and recorded on UMAU context sheets. The majority of archaeological deposits uncovered during the evaluation spanned the width of the trenches therefore only when this was not the case is a specific width measurement included in the report.. A photographic record was also conducted in colour transparencies.

The work was carried out by staff from UMAU and volunteers from PHS over a period of 1 week. On completion of the evaluation all the trenches were backfilled.

 

Above : Part of the Plan ( bottom) and Section ( top) of Trench 3.

Discussion

The trenches revealed led where the ends of these horizontal layers of clay, sand and gravel emerge onto the slope. This results in bands of varying natural material running across the trench giving an appearance very similar to that of man made ditches. It is only by excavation that the origins of these layers can be identified as it is likely that am archaeological would be filled predominantly with these natural soils

  The excavation of the three trenches close to Prestwich Parish Church, did little to reveal any archaeological data of significance. Indeed it would appear from the analysis of the three trenches, that the stratigraphic material comprised only deposits of natural soils, sands and clays. Arguably however, though on a very tentative basis, one might be assume that some of these deposits were intentionally placed with respect to levelling the ground around the church as a preparatory measure to the farming, which occurred in the early 20′ century (Prestwich Heritage Society; unpublished report). Moreover it might be the occurrence of this phase of farming which produced the forked linear feature in Trench 2, which might now be interpreted as a possible plough mark or furrow.

Above : Forked Linear feature in Trench 2

However, though there was an apparent dearth of early archaeological material in the excavated trenches, it might prove imprudent to suggest that the remaining area surrounding the church (other than that disturbed by graves) is equally devoid of evidence relating to activities in antiquity. If only viewed from a geological perspective, the fact that the church and its immediate environs are located on a drift geology predominantly comprising sands, it might be reasonable to assume that this location would have been highly profitable for faming and settlement, particularly in prehistoric times, due to its excellent drainage and agricultural properties.

  The site’s topographic status is perhaps equally if not more convincingly an indication of its potential for inviting settlement activity in antiquity. For example, its position on a promontory escarpment would have provided natural defences against potential attack whilst additionally facilitating a place for keeping or corralling livestock. Furthermore, its proximity to Bradley Brook would have also provided a nearby water source, thus possibly adding greater appeal to an already auspicious location. Indeed, these features seem to have been commonly valued as determinants in site selection, a fact perhaps underscored through a comparison with other later prehistoric defended sites located in both Lancashire and Cheshire.

 

Above : Linear feature in Trench 2 .

Compare with diagram above.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *