ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS IN MARLOW - July 2010

Marlow as we see it today is, in historic terms, relatively recent, with most of what we see dating from no earlier than the 17/18th century, even though some elements may reflect an earlier period. Going right back in time, investigations by MAS have revealed evidence of significant occupation to the south west of the town from the Neolithic to the Iron Age, say 5500 to 2500 years ago. Evidence for this early period is considerable consisting of: settlement, houses, burials, a tanning works and agriculture, these investigations are continuing. Surrounding locations had Iron Age Hill Forts. This was not an area administered by Roman military and what little evidence of this period exists is actually Romano/British. Were the Saxons here, there are documents indicating that they knew the location but this may not have been on the area of the town we have today. A very few Saxon towns (burh) existed by say 750 AD but Marlow was not a burh. Most Saxon occupation was in small dispersed hamlets and at best this may have been what was here. Tony Reeve has done excellent work investigating this period. The name hints at the area being a marsh, documents mention a Bishop getting stuck in the mud, MAS investigation of an early palio channel adjacent to Low Grounds Lane, indicates that this channel went into this marsh somewhere near Court Garden (this is why Pound Lane floods). There is evidence from early 13th century documents of a main route through the town, crossing the Thames off the end of Park Street. From a similar source indications of large timbers being transported pulled by Ox teams from Widmer to Bisham, along this route (these loads were long and difficult to turn, indicating a more direct route than the current road layout)

So what was happening to our town between these early periods and say the 17/18th century when presumably it was evolving into what we see today. There are many theories and much speculation but no sound physical evidence. Whilst there have been a few isolated investigations from planning situations, which have not revealed much, surprisingly there has been little if any disciplined, structured archaeological investigation. MAS decided to apply its considerable fieldwork expertise to investigating this gap in our knowledge. Standard archaeological technique is to target investigation on known indicators but these are few. One indicator is that there must have been a different road system, another is the marsh and palio channel, suggesting a very wet area adjacent to the Thames, with access to the waterside probably by causeway. It is known that boats to London were loaded with goods from the Chilterns in the vicinity of Marlow. It was decided that the only way an investigation would be productive was to survey using geophisics, all potential areas and then more or less join up the dots.

There are various geophysical techniques, magnetometry is quick but doesn't work well on gravel with metallic content, resistivity has been shown to work well but is slow and is dependant on the right moisture level. Resitivity works by measuring minute variations in the grounds electrical resistance, disturbed features such as ditches and foundations hold more moisture and therefore have lower resistance, more dense features such as masonry hold less moisture and have higher resistance. If any evidence revealed is to be used in association with other evidence to build an overall picture, then any features and the surrounding area has to be accurately recorded. To achieve this English Heritage survey methods and standards have been used.

The search was on for any areas that were open and accessible, having the potential of revealing the required evidence, in this great assistance was given by Tony Reeve in suggesting locations. Also important was the owners approval, in this WDC, the Town Council and various Trusts have been most helpful, in particular Neil Marshall and Morris Oram, for which we are most grateful. An initial list was drawn up and sites inspected, of these 8 seemed to have potential.  The first 2 sites have now been surveyed, these are the east end of Higginson Park adjacent to the road and the north east side of Riley Recreation adjacent to Crown Lane, both sites revealed indications of early features.

Higginson Park

The area and a line of  3 twenty meter grids adjacent to the road boundary were surveyed. This area was chosen as being off the bank to the causeway and largely clear of obstruction.

The readings were downloaded from the meter and sent by e-mail. On receipt the data was loaded into an analysis program for plotting and then into the CAD program containing the ground survey. In this way the position, size and configeration of any features are known to an accuracy of +-10mm. A group of anomalies were revealed at the south end against the boundary. Experience and data analysis shows that these are most probably the remnant of small structures. The configeration indicating possibly small outhouses, sheds or similar.

Significant is that they are at an angle to and probably under the modern road and boundary. If this is correct the feature must predate the causeway and bridge.

Tony Reeve supplied a copy of a print of a view from the river west of the bridge, looking towards the church, pre the current bridge and causeway. This shows a building, possibly a warehouse or similar with a track on its east face from the river to presumably the old causeway. It also faintly shows what appear to be buildings on the west side of the old causeway. It is possible that these were demolished when the modern causeway was built. It maybe that the feature we have revealed is outbuildings to these and would explain why they appear to go under the modern road. Much more investigation is required before we can be sure of what has been revealed.

Riley Recreation

The same method was used as above with 5 twenty meter grids up the site south east to north west, plus another grid in the corner of the path. It had been intended to have the line of 5 grids immediately adjacent to the path but the ground was so dry no readings could be obtained, so the grid was moved over by 20m to an area with higher moisture. The grid positions were influenced by parch marks on an air photo. Whilst these parch marks can be from all manner of things they seemed to be indicating a small structure alongside the path and a larger one in the corner, this was the reason for the extra grid in the corner. Also used was a probe survey, this is a method where a steel rod is pushed into the ground and the position of solid obstructions recorded. With experience this is effective as solid brickwork or masonry sounds different from random stones etc. The lack of moisture in the ground caused problems with the resistivity readings and was very slow as at each position the meter had to wait until a reading was achieved. The method for analysis and plotting was as used on Higginson Park.

The probe survey revealed a structure of about 4.3 * 8.8m alongside and about halfway up the path, consistent with the air photo parch marks. These dimensions maybe a base with the structure somewhat smaller. We are told by the Trust that there had been a relatively recent shelter in this position on a concrete base, which burnt down.

The probe survey in the corner revealed indications of a rectilinear layout of bases consistent with parch marks and anomalies revealed by the resistivity. Experience indicates that these could be brick bases. The Trust tell us that there was an early building at this location, they refer to it as a pavilion. This information plus our results indicate a timber building at an angle on brick piers. Further investigation into what this was and date is underway. No evidence was found by probe or resistivity for a major building claimed as being alongside the ground, although it maybe that we were too far west to pick it up and this will be revisited when conditions are better.

The major revelation was a large feature on all grids at an angle. Analysis at various points along the length, shows this to be a ditch or trench some 4m wide and 1.5m deep. Its not quite straight but is consistent along its length. The method used was to take readings at 1m intervals and it is intended to re-survey a section using 0.5m intervals which will give greater definition. Nobody seems to know what this feature is. Interpretation of this type of analysis is uncertain and all we can say for the moment is that it could be a recent service trench or an old boundary or drainage ditch or a stream or glacial feature. As standard practice a search was made for any manholes or other indications of a modern feature but none relevant found, the Trust also have no recollection of a service trench at this point. Marlow Society are investigating if any documents help to explain what this is. All possible modern explanations must be eliminated before consideration is given to it being ancient and needing further investigation.

One aspect of these investigations that was most interesting was the number of people who stopped to tell us what they remembered about the sites. Some of this information helped us with the interpretation. Some people were so interested that they joined the Society on the spot. Significant were the number of young people from local schools who expressed intelligent interest. Food for thought were the number of these who said that their school should be more involved with this type of investigation and the history of the town.

Further investigation will be done on these two sites and a number of others, information on these will be on posters and sent to society members. If you want to know more, would like to join the Society and or would like to be involved or would just like to watch, contact.

Peter Borrows: 01628 483895,  peterborrows@gmail.com

or

Joy Blake: 01628 523896,  joyblake@btopenworld.com

Colin Berks MIFA MAAIS

July 2010

MAS FIELDWORK UPDATE July 2010

Organising Fieldwork involves the agreement and approval of, Landowners and Archaeological Authorities. MAS always works in accordance with relevant regulations and guidelines, issued by English Heritage, IFA, County etc., which have approval and procedural requirements. This policy has resulted in MAS gaining considerable credibility, leading to approvals for major site works but is very demanding.  Access agreements have to be signed, insurance requirements and risk assessment satisfied. Last but by no means least, dates have to be agreed, people contacted, informed and organised as do any equipment required. This can be a massive task made more difficult when landowners and similar keep changing things.

CLIVEDEN

A survey to identify possible archaeology was carried out by Wessex Archaeology, MAS was asked by the National Trust to carryout more detailed investigation of certain areas using survey, geophysics and excavation.

Phase 1, investigation of small areas of exposed brickwork on Green Drive. This with post excavation research and analysis was completed towards the end of 2009. The feature when fully revealed turned out to be much larger than anybody anticipated. There was a substantial structure some 40m long, consisting of a 0.75m thick wall with 8m long returns, plus other subsidiary structures. Analysis of the data indicated that there had been several phases of construction and alteration. Fortunately there were many finds in identifiable contexts, particularly a large number of clay pipes and glass shards. Anne and Ray Spencer did some excellent research into the clay pipes, revealing that they were of two main periods of about 1660 and 1725, dating of some of the glass confirmed these periods. The conclusion is that these dates indicate the major construction events. Pam Knight is producing a report on historic association so as to relate phases of building to historic events. This structure is apparently an architectural statement as would be used on a main entrance but its position is inconsistent with what is known about the early roads and access. An illustrated talk on this phase of the investigation and results will be given at the MAS AGM on Thursday 20th May.

Phase 1A. There is slight evidence for a very early entrance that might be consistent with an entrance gate at the position above. This would pass across Taplow Common to join the road north of the current entrance. Also there are apparent earthworks on this common that have no explanation. The next fieldwork therefore is a resistivity survey, south to north, over these earthworks and the possible line of the suspected road. Associated with this will be a contour survey so as to be able to relate the geophysics to apparent features. Depending on what is revealed this fieldwork may be extended. MAS is currently waiting for formal permission for this work but this is anticipated soon.

Further phases.  The instruction from NT also covers resistivity over the large areas of the front and back lawns and a detailed survey record of  a very large area known as the Pheasant area about a mile south of the house. Also we would like to investigate the position of the Manfield house shown on a 1580>1608 plan which predates all known buildings.

MARLOW, LOW GROUNDS

Investigation by MAS over a number of years has revealed significant archaeology, examples being, a Mesolithic mortuary enclosure, 3 Barrows (Bronze Age?), the possibility of a Neolithic Long Barrow or Causeway and most significant a Neolithic Tannery. The two southern Barrows, known as “A” south and “B” centre, showed intriguing anomalies. “A” has a double ditch with indications of something rectangular at the centre, this raises the slight possibility of a burial chamber. “B” is a single ditch with the north east part having been damaged but geophysics shows the other sections to be relatively intact. The south west section of the ditch shows anomalies on both magnetometer and resistivity plots that by comparison with other sites maybe cist burials. The Environment Agency are proposing to carryout flood protection works involving this area. Of significance is a proposed lake to hold back flood water, whilst this is being kept clear of the Barrows, it is intended to spread the excavated material over the Barrows, making further investigation difficult. County have made representation that MAS be allowed to carryout some further investigation and discussions with EA have produced agreement that MAS will be allowed access for a few weeks prior to the works commencing. A WSI and cost plan has been produced and submitted and it was thought that MAS would be given access shortly after Easter. However we have just learnt that due to complications the works may not now commence until 2011. Response to proposals is awaited and you will be informed as soon as we know.

MARLOW, HIGGINSON PARK

Prior to the current bridge and causeway, the Thames crossing and through road was along Saint Peter Street with a bridge to what is now the restaurant lawn on the south bank. Until fairly recently there were warehouses on the north bank just south of the current bridge where the flats are now. Whilst there is no firm evidence there are indications that warehouses, perhaps workshops and cottages and a road were on what is now the causeway and east end of Higginson Park. We made a proposal to the Higginson Trust, Town Council and WDC for permission to carryout an archaeological investigation of this area, initially using Resistivity. Permission has just been received and Peter Borrows will be sending out more detail shortly.

MARLOW, RILEY PARK

This is the area alongside Crown Lane, between the Central Car Park (Waitrose) and Cambridge Road. There are suspicions that there may have been an early road with buildings across this Park, possibly joining Dukes Place and Morris Place to the corner on Oxford Road. There is no evidence only logic based on early road layout and type of traffic. Discussions have taken place and a proposal made to the Riley Trust for a geophysics investigation. These were favourably received and we await confirmation of permission.

WALLINGFORD

Some MAS members are assisting with the current investigations by TWAS in association with the Universities, part of the Burg to Borough Project. This is mainly test trenches and geophysics and useful experience. If you wish to take part contact TWAS website.

SAXON & VIKING WALLINGFORD - Judy Dewey, Thursday 18th March 2010

Judy, who is the Hon. Curator of Wallingford Museum, gave an enjoyable and comprehensive account the massive defences of the royal Saxon burgh at Wallingford their significance, and some of the town’s early Royal and social history.