Report No.

EVTP/TAP/08 Jan 2009

A.P .A.C. Ltd.

Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy

ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION

PROPOSED PIPELINE ALONGSIDE THE ANGIDY RIVER, TINTERN.

Client: TAP Ltd. Report: Dr N. Phillips

A.P.A.C. Ltd

Tintern, Angidy, Hydro-Electric Project

EVTP/TAP/08

Summary

In May, 2007, Dr N Phillips of A.P.A.C. Ltd, was contacted by Mr. P. Powel, of TAP Ltd, in relation to proposed work to be undertaken in the Angidy Valley, Tintern. The proposed work involved the instillation of approximately one kilometer of water pipe, along the former leat system belonging to the Angidy Iron Works. The proposed water pipe will be used to harness the renewable power of the Angidy stream in a Community Owned Hydro Electric Project. Since the initial contact, Dr Phillips has had a continuing role in the project; undertaking in the first instance the production of a program of desk top and field evaluation prior to commencement of ground works. This present evaluation report was prepared in consultation with the earlier evaluation work, a desk base assessment and with advice from GGAT and Cadw at the site meeting on 15th July 2000. The purpose this evaluation is to describe a course of action which seeks to best elucidate the nature of the archaeological resources present in such a way as to inform and guide the work to be undertaken. The five test pits excavated for this evaluation have produced important information as to the archaeological resources that remain along the evaluation area. This information will be important in guiding the proposed works.

A.P.A.C. Ltd

Tintern, Angidy, Hydro-Electric Project

EVTP/TAP/08

CONTENTS Page
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 4 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE EVALUATION AREAS ........................... 4 BRIEF ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ........................... 5 RATIONALE OF THE PROJECT ............................................................................... 5 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES .......................................................................................... 6 METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................... 6 RESULTS ................................................................................................................... 6 CONCLUSIONS ....................................................................................................... 11 PREDICTED IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSAL ON KNOWN ARCHAEOLOGY....... 12 PROPOSED AVOIDANCE OR MITIGATION MEASURES ..................................... 12 ARCHIVE.................................................................................................................. 13 COPYRIGHT............................................................................................................. 13 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...................................................................................................... 14 AKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................... 14

A.P.A.C. Ltd

Tintern, Angidy, Hydro-Electric Project

EVTP/TAP/08

List of Figures
Figure 01 Figure 02 Figure 03 Figure 04 Figure 05 Location Map Trench location plan and proposed pipeline route Harris Matrix Schematic plan view, Evaluation Trench C Schematic section, Trench E

List of Plates
Plate 01 Plate 02 Plate 03 Plate 04 Plate 05 Plate 06 Plate 07 Plate 08 Plate 09 Plate 10 Plate 11 Plate 12 Plate 13 Plate 14 Plate 15 Plate 16 Trench A, View south east, topsoil removal Trench A, View east, context [101] stone inclusions Trench A, View south, Limit of excavation Trench B, Vertical view, wall [104] and leat bottom Trench B, View south, wall [105] Trench B, View east Trench B, Small test pit Trench C, View south west, wall [107] Trench C, View vertical, wall [107] & contexts [106], [108] & [109] Trench C, View vertical, wall [107], stepped construction Trench D, View east Trench D, View east, contexts [111] Trench D, View south, limit of excavation Trench E, View south Trench E, View east Trench B, View north, leat wall [114] and red clay foundation [115]

Cover photograph: upper leat below the Beaufort Dam, looking east

A.P.A.C. Ltd

Tintern, Angidy, Hydro-Electric Project

EVTP/TAP/08

1.

INTRODUCTION

This evaluation report has been produced from site work which was outlined in Archaeological Evaluation Design, EV/TAP/07, revised EV/TAP/08, July 08, submitted by Dr Neil Phillips, A.P.A.C. Ltd, in response to a proposed programme of works at the Angidy Valley Tintern, (NGR SO 513 003), fig 01. The proposed programme of works will involve the excavation of a trench, in which a water pipe for a hydro-electric community project will be laid. The client; Tintern Angidy Project Ltd, (TAP), is seeking planning permission from Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) for the building of the hydro electric turbine and associated structures, which are to be situated on the south bank of the Angidy River. The proposed pipeline can be seen in fig 02. The works will connect from the Beaufort Dam in the west, passing through the Angidy Furnace Site, Scheduled Ancient Monument MM197, to the point where the forestry track meets the road to the east of Furnace Farm. A water supply for the turbine will be tapped and piped from the Beaufort pond. It is proposed that the pipe will be laid in such a way as to minimise any disturbance to archaeological resources present. To do this it will be necessary to sink the pipe within the run of the original leat system associated with the wire works. In order to determine the type of archaeological resources present; Dr Phillips; during a site visit with TAP members and representatives of GGAT (Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust) and Cadw, reaffirmed that a series of evaluation trenches along the course of the proposed pipe line would be extremely enlightening at the pre-excavation stage of the development. Such a procedure of evaluation would provide information upon which to inform and guide any further development. The revised evaluation proposal, EV/TAP/08, set out a methodology for a test pitting strategy; based on information as to the proposed development, provided by (TAP), the results of a program of site visits, a Desk Based Assessment, DBA/TAP/08, February 2008 and guidance from GGAT and Cadw. The proposed pipeline crosses the scheduled monument (Monmouth 197, GGAT PRN 712G). The scheduled area, relates to the remains of the Abbey Furnace and its immediate surroundings. No evaluation work was undertaken within the scheduled area.

2.

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE EVALUATION AREAS

The areas evaluated, are located south of the Angidy River; between the Beaufort Pond and the Abbey Furnace, and the Furnace Pond to the Tintern/Raglan Road, east of Furnace Farm, fig 02. The linear area along which proposed the pipeline will run, is considered to be part of the leat system built to service the Abbey Tintern Ironworks complex. At present, the linear area is used as a public pathway and has for the most part, a surface of exposed soil occasionally bounded by stone and in some places forming a linear depression. It has also been noted how well the path still retains water (see cover inset). Five evaluation trenches were excavated in total: three; A, B, & C, between the Beaufort dam and the scheduled ancient monument and two; C & D, to the east of the Furnace dam, fig 02. In a revision of the evaluation proposal, EV/TAP/08, and in consultation with GGAT, all five trenches were reduced in size from 3m x 2m to a standard 3m x 1m, Maylan (GGAT) pers com. A, 3m x 1m, north/south, situated approx 25m down stream, east of the Beaufort Pond. There is no visible evidence for the leat at that point but Probert assumed its position to have been there, explaining its lack existing structure to mid 19th century alterations to the dam wall for the construction of the road (Probert 1982, 13). The position of Trench A was sited to examine the line of the leat to the dam and so prove its existence under the present raised footpath.
4

A.P.A.C. Ltd

Tintern, Angidy, Hydro-Electric Project

EVTP/TAP/08

B, was sited approx 108m down stream, east of the Beaufort Pond. B was 3m x 1m northeast/southwest. Its position was sited between a dry-stone revetment wall to the south and a line of stone to the north. The trench at this point sought to provide a complete section through the leat. Proberts excavation report suggests that the leats were stone edged and lined in clay (Probert 1982, 13). C, 3m x 1m northeast/southwest, was sited approx 10m west of the scheduled area. Its position was sited to the west of a depression in the ground, along the footpath, which may be associated with the east end of the leat terminal basin (Pickin 1982). This is the area at which it is proposed for the water pipe to deviate from the leat path in order to pass around the scheduled area. D, 3m x 1m north/south, was sited approx 47m down stream, east of the Furnace Farm Pond. The position for D was between an earthen cut to the south and a stone edging north. The trench here sought to provide another complete section through the leat. E, 3m x 1m north/south, was sited approx 125m down stream, east of the Furnace Farm Pond. Trench E was sited between an earthen cut to the south and a dry-stone wall to the north. Again, the intention was to gain a complete section through the leat. Evaluation trenches were not excavated beyond the required pipe depth, which is the maximum depth required by the pipe trench and varies throughout the site, (EV/TAP/08, fig 02). Within the depth parameter, it was possible to understand the character, distribution, extent and importance of at least the minimum number of archaeological features. In each trench, sufficient excavation was undertaken to reach either a significant archaeological horizon or the required depth mark. No evaluation trenches were excavated beyond the point at which safety would have been at risk.

3.

BRIEF ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Tintern was the site for the first water powered wire drawing works in Britain dated 1566, Doc 53, 1 and Probert 1982, 5). The area therefore, has an important part to play in the history of this industry. It is not until 1669 however, that documentary evidence attests the existence of the Abbey Tintern Ironworks (Probert 1982, 7). If this is the case then the associated leat systems that this project addresses are unlikely to pre-date the second half of the 17th century. Excavations between; 1979-81, (Probert 1982 & Picking 1982), were concerned with the Abbey Tintern Furnace site and a great deal of work was done in interpreting and conserving this important monument. Unfortunately, relatively little is known of the leat systems. The scheduled site today exhibits a line of stone bases, supporting the final section of the raised leat. The leat systems themselves have disappeared into the undergrowth, their courses having given way to footpaths and their features covered in soil or vegetation.

4.

RATIONALE OF THE PROJECT

Research Background The proposed development is to lay a water pipe from the Beaufort Pond, some 950m downstream, to a hydro electric turbine, yet to be constructed. It is hoped that the work can be undertaken with little to no disturbance of the archaeological resources present. In order to do this effectively it has been proposed to utilise the archaeology itself to guide the development thereby preserving in situ any archaeological resources.
5

A.P.A.C. Ltd

Tintern, Angidy, Hydro-Electric Project

EVTP/TAP/08

5.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

In accordance with revised Project Design (EV/TAP/08), this test trench evaluation programme: Has elucidated the character, distribution, extent and importance of the known and potential archaeological remains, which exist in the development area. Resulted in the production of this report which provides sufficiently detailed information to allow informed decisions to safeguard the archaeological resource, to be taken on the basis of its contents. Has specifically established the presence and extent of significant archaeological deposits, features and structures. Recovered enough information to enable assessment of the archaeological implications of the study area.

6.

METHODOLOGY

The evaluation trenching consisted of the excavation of five trenches 3m x 1m, fig 02, (parts of which were excavated to the base of the archaeological resource). All trenching was undertaken manually with resultant archaeological resources being cleaned, where possible, for recording. All contexts were recorded [###] on pro forma context sheets. The archaeological resources found, were recorded with digital photography. Detailed records of the evaluation trenching works were made in order that this post-excavation report could be produced. This report also contains an analysis of the findings which can be used as the basis from which to inform further development work at the site. Assessment and analysis of all data collected or compiled has been undertaken and included in this report. A complete archive of the work undertaken will be deposited with Monmouth Museum.

7.

RESULTS

Evaluation trench A, Description: Evaluation trench A; situated 25m east of the Beaufort Dam, fig 02, was marked out at 1m by 3m and the surface cleared of vegetation. Initial excavation, using a mattock and spade to remove the topsoil, context [100] fig 03, proved extremely difficult as the area consisted of heavily compacted, made up ground [101]. Context [101] consisted of mostly angular stone in a dark grey sandy soil, plate 01. As the depth of excavation increased, further work became constricted due to the size of the stones within the trench. Plate 02 shows a particularly large red sandstone boulder approx 100mm beneath the south east edge of the trench.
6

A.P.A.C. Ltd

Tintern, Angidy, Hydro-Electric Project

EVTP/TAP/08

A gradual, feathered change of stratigraphy was noted at about 700mm with a change to red sandstone/silt with angular small slabs of sandstone [102]. Context [102] was only reached at the southern end of the trench and is associated with the eroded layer of sandstone clay/silt [103] above the underlying, natural red sandstone (BGS 1981). It was noted that context [102] tended to slope down towards the north of the trench but it was not possible to verify its extent due to flooding, plate 03. A depth of 1.1m was reached in the north end of the trench but the fill remained entirely context [101]. No evidence of any structure was found within Trench A. Finds: Only two finds were present in trench A, both plastic and both came from the feathered interface between [101] & [102], at approx 700mm. The first, a 200mm length of white plastic tape 20mm wide can be seen in situ in plate 03; above and to the right of the mud puddle at the back of the trench. The second find, a piece of pale blue and white, Smith and Co Salt and Vinegar crisps wrapper carrying the Keep Britain Tidy logo and a best before JULY 80 instruction, was found in close proximity. Interpretation: The ground level at trench A is noticeably higher than the rest of the path where the leat was expected to have run; so there was reason to believe that any remains of the leat would be quite deep. However, the 1.1m depth reached in trench A, far exceeds the anticipated depth and also goes deeper than would be practical for a gravity fed water system here. It is presumed that the reason for the rise in ground level is to accommodate the access from the path to the higher road at the Beaufort Dam. The slope raises the path to the foot of the access steps and would appear from the finds, to have been modified at some point in the late 1970s or early 1980s. Visual Inspection of 2m thickness of river bank, between the Angidy River and Trench A shows an almost identical fill of stone jumble as seen within the excavation. This tends to support the interpretation that the area consists of made up ground. It is concluded therefore; that any remains of the leat in this area are unlikely to have survived recent works involved in raising or constructing the path at this point. Evaluation trench B, Description: Trench B was marked out across the path, 108m east of the Beaufort Dam, at a point between a drystone retaining wall on the south and including a dry-stone wall to the north, fig 02. The excavation was cleared of vegetation and topsoil [100] fig 03, removed with a mattock. The topsoil of a dark/red humus deposit was no more than 30mm in thickness. The northern end of the trench showed evidence of surface structure so this was cleaned off with a trowel to expose stone work [104], plate 04. The southern retaining wall [105] was also cleaned of vegetation, plate 5.

A.P.A.C. Ltd

Tintern, Angidy, Hydro-Electric Project

EVTP/TAP/08

Between the two retaining walls, the deposit of red sandstone/silt [102] was carefully removed; reaching a depth of 250mm in the north of the trench but rising to 120mm in the south. The northern edge of context [102] also contained a few angular red sandstone slabs, plate 06. Beneath [102] was context [103] a compacted natural sandstone/clay. A small test-pit 400mm x 400mm was excavated into [103] to a depth of 200mm, plate 07. The test-pit was excavated to investigate the structure of wall [104] and the consistency of context [103]. The small test-pit revealed [103] as a consistent fill of compacted red clay/silt with no finds or inclusions. The test-pit also revealed that wall [104] bas built directly on top of [103] and that a sealing layer of yellow clay [106] had been used on the joint. At the south end, the retaining wall [105] was also built directly on [103] but this time with no sealing clay was found. The distance between the two retaining walls is 2.3m and the maximum depth is on the north edge at 200mm. The floor of the leat is the natural compacted red sandstone clay/silt. Finds: Two small pieces of blue/green furnace slag were found on the upper surface of [104]. Interpretation: The two retaining walls [104] & [105] clearly form part of the leat system providing a lined channel for the water to pass along. The southern wall [105] retains the bank above the leat and the natural sandstone base slopes down gently from the base of the wall [105] to the base of wall [104]. Wall [104] however, retains the water within the leat from flowing towards the river which is adjacent to the north and some 1.2m below the base of the leat. In order to prevent leaks, the stone revetment on the north side was sealed with yellow clay [106] a quantity of which was found in situ. The floor of the leat would appear to be natural clay; the water channel being formed from raised sides. At this stage it is not possible to state how thick wall [104] was or how it was constructed. Evaluation trench C, Description: Trench C was marked out; 3m x 1m north/east south/west, across the path to the west of the scheduled area and adjacent to a point where part of the surviving leat, the southern retaining wall remains; exposed within the hedgerow, fig 02. This proposed measurement was reduced to 2.5m x 1m as the southern edge extended over the water filed leat. Unfortunately, extending to the north was not possible due to the presence of heavy vegetation. The excavation was cleared of surface vegetation and topsoil, [100] fig 03, using a mattock and spade. The topsoil of a dark/red humus deposit was again no more than 30mm in thickness, plate 08. Beneath the topsoil and running almost north/north/west by south/south/east was a masonry wall [107], plate 09. The wall which has a surviving width of 1.05m is faced on both edges and has internal rubble fill, bonded by yellow clay [106]. The southern edge of the wall, seen in plate 08 abutting the water, has a dressed stone face and would have been visible on the inside of the terminal basin.

A.P.A.C. Ltd

Tintern, Angidy, Hydro-Electric Project

EVTP/TAP/08

The northern edge of the wall can be seen butted against red, re-deposited, natural clay [108], plates 08 & 09. Context [108] contains charcoal inclusions making up c 40% of the matrix and visible as extensive black staining. The south western edge of wall [107], plate 09, shows a semi-circular area of dark brown soil [109] cut into [108]. This area of dark brown soil was excavated to examine its purpose and to better understand the nature of the wall and its depth at this point. The deposit [109] was found to contain pieces of rubble in the form of small irregular, angular, slabs of red sandstone in a dark brown soil matrix. The wall [107] was explored to a depth of 800mm at which point natural was reached. The wall has a stepped construction on the north and therefore outer edge; a good design for a containment structure, plate 10. The outer face was also not as well dressed as that on the inner side of the wall suggesting that it was not meant to be exposed. A schematic plan of the trench can be seen in fig 04 Finds: A few small pieces of blue/green furnace slag and charcoal were found in [108]. Interpretation: The wall [107] clearly forms part of the northern leat wall. Its structure is for the most part intact beneath ground level and still able to retain water as evidenced in plates 08 & 09. Its construction is faced stone with rubble fill in a sealing clay matrix. The outer edge is stepped, which may be for strength or could denote that the evaluation trench was excavated at a convex curve of the wall or some other weak point that required extra support. There is no evidence of a cut for wall [107] in context [108] and as the outer face of the wall has not been dressed as well as the inner, it is probable that the re-deposited [108] was added after the walls construction as part of the construction work. This would be in keeping with the findings of Pickings excavations that land to the north of the main furnace site was essentially made up ground, (Picking 1982). The origin of [109] is not clearly understood but it is possible that it may be associated with Pickings excavation work. It was not possible to examine the floor of the leat with this trench as it was under water. Evaluation trench D, Description: Trench D was marked out at 3m x 1m and set to cross the path; north/south, 47m east of Furnace Farm Pond, fig 02. The trench sectioned the path between an earthen bank to the south and a stone edging structure to the north. The excavation was cleared of vegetation and topsoil, [100] fig 03, using a mattock and spade. The topsoil of a dark/red humus deposit was again minimal at about 20mm in thickness, plate 11. Beneath the topsoil and extending to a depth of 500mm was a heavily compacted context of red sandstone clay/silt containing few stones [110] which had to be removed using a mattock, plate 11. Beneath [110] was an even harder consolidated context, this time consisting of an orange/red granular fill of mostly ferrous slag [111]. Within the 200mm thick context were flecks of charcoal, and
9

A.P.A.C. Ltd

Tintern, Angidy, Hydro-Electric Project

EVTP/TAP/08

two pieces of un-burnt charcoal, plate 12. After excavation had been completed, it was noticeable that context [111] was noticeably horizontal in deposition in comparison to the convex fills above and below. The hardness of [111] dictated its excavation using a pick axe which took a great deal of time. With this in mind and worsening daylight, it was necessary to reduce the trench width to 0.5m, plate 13. In the south end of the trench, at approximately 600mm depth, context [111] was found to be directly above [103] the natural compacted sandstone context also seen in trenches A & B. Context [103] however, sloped down to the north reaching a depth of 1m approximately 1m from the north edge of the trench. At approximately 600mm from the south end of the trench a new context was encountered beneath [111] and above [103]. This new context [112] consisted of a dark red, hard compacted, course grained fill, plate 11. The stone edging structure to the north was not confirmed within the confines of the trench. Finds: Two small lengths of un-burnt charcoal were found at the top of [111]. They were some 180mm in length and 30mm in diameter. Interpretation: No evidence of any built structure was found within this trench. What was found was a heavily compacted fill overlaying an event during which ferrous material was allowed to collect and consolidate to form a floor. The inclusions of charcoal and charcoal flecks indicate that this ferrous layer was built up as a cold deposit. Such a deposit may have been constructed to serve as a floor for either a path or leat bottom. Conversely, the deposition may have occurred as either spillage from wagons or water bourn debris, whilst the area was in use as a path or leat. As was noted above, the horizontal spread of [111] in an otherwise convex or sloping stratigraphic setting was quite noticeable and may add some bias towards the interpretation of water bourn deposition. The contexts [111], [112] & [113] overlay a sloping floor of natural compacted sandstone clay/silt, similar to that found in trenches A & B. Although no northern retaining wall or clay, sealant was found within the area of trench D; which would have identified the exposed feature as a leat, it is not possible to dismiss the prospect. Especially when interpreted in conjunction with the results arising from trench E (below) which confirms that trench D did expose part of the leat system. Evaluation trench E, Description: Trench E was marked out at 3m x 1m north/south and sited across the path between an earthen bank to the south and a dry-stone wall to the north; approx 125m down stream, east of the Furnace Farm Pond, plate 14. The excavation was cleared of vegetation and topsoil, [100] fig 03; using a mattock and spade. The topsoil of a dark/red humus deposit was again minimal at about 20mm in thickness.

10

A.P.A.C. Ltd

Tintern, Angidy, Hydro-Electric Project

EVTP/TAP/08

Beneath the topsoil and extending to a depth of 400mm was a heavily compacted context of red sandstone clay/silt containing few stones [110], plate 15. This context was identical to that found in trench D but not quite as deep. Context [110] again had to be removed with a mattock and again it overlay a hard orange/red granular context identical to [111] in trench D. Relying on experience gained in trench D, the hardness of [111], led to the sectioning of the trench along its length, to allow for the increase in time taken to pick axe through the consolidated deposition, plate 14. Identical to the findings in trench D, the depth of [111] was approximately 200mm and its deposition was as a horizontal band. At the south end of the trench, at approximately 500mm depth, context [111] was directly above [103] the natural, compacted sandstone context also seen in trenches A & B. Context [103] curved downwards towards the centre of the trench reaching a maximum depth of 1.32m, 1m from the south edge. At the north edge of the trench E, was feature [114], a dry-stone retaining wall to a considerable bank of material between the path and the Angidy River, plate 16. The wall, some five courses high, was constructed on top of a bank of dark red clay [115] starting at a depth of 200mm beneath the present topsoil. There was no evidence of any sealant used between the joints of the wall or as a fill between the wall base and the red clay surface. Context [115], a hard red clay with no inclusions, forms the base for the wall [114], dropping almost vertically for about 225mm before tapering out towards the centre of the trench at a depth of 1.31m. There were no tooling or application marks on the surface of [115]. Context [112], again identical to that found in trench D, occupied the space between [111] and [103] & [115]. Finds: Three small pieces of furnace slag. Interpretation: Trench E revealed evidence of a revetment wall, built upon a raised and tapered bank of clay, which itself was constructed on ground naturally sloping in the opposite direction fig 05. In cross section, this produces a channel which, because of clay sealing, could hold water. The centre of the channel contains a hard consolidated red granular fill topped with a horizontal deposit of consolidated ferrous material containing flecks of charcoal. The ferrous deposit is at a level roughly consistent with the bottom of the wall [114]. The level distance from the bottom of the wall to the top of the exposed natural [103] on the south edge of the trench is 2.5m. It is probable that trench E has revealed a shallow section of leat, possibly cut into a natural sandstone outcrop and revetted on the down-slope side with a clay bank surmounted by a dry-stone revetment wall.

8.

CONCLUSIONS

Four of the five trenches were successful in uncovering the structure of the leat systems at the Angidy site. In so doing, not only will this work provide guidance for the project for which this evaluation was commissioned but it will also increase our knowledge and understanding of the Angidy works. The evaluation at trench A produced disappointing results but did bring to our notice the damage that can be done to our heritage if the archaeological resources are not protected. Work for the
11

A.P.A.C. Ltd

Tintern, Angidy, Hydro-Electric Project

EVTP/TAP/08

construction of the road link across the Beaufort Dam in the 19th century and possibly more recent work has effectively removed all trace of the upper leat system. The four trenches that did expose parts of the leat system have shown that construction technique was to revette a natural sloping bank of red sandstone/clay, with an outer bank and/or wall of clay and stone to form a channel. The channel seems for the most part to have been about 2.5m wide and survives to a depth of about 200mm.

9.

PREDICTED IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSAL ON KNOWN ARCHAEOLOGY

The known impact of the proposal on the archaeology is that the excavation for the pipeline will expose the entire length of the two suspected but previously un-corroborated leat systems associated with the Angidy furnace and Furnace Dam sites. Carefully conducted, there should be little detrimental impact on the known archaeology. The evaluation has shown that the internal floor of the leat is a natural surface and as the excavation trench will be considerably less than the width of the leat; a carefully directed cut along the centre of the leat should leave the archaeology intact. However, two potential problems should be highlighted: On the Beaufort Dam leat, stretches of the path are too narrow at present to have accommodated the 2.5m leat. Either the south bank has slipped and buried some of the leat or the north edge of the leat has eroded. In either case, some damage may be caused in tracing where the leat is at these points. Conversely, the excavation does provide a chance to record these potential areas where archaeological resources may be being lost. The other problem concerns the point where the pipeline will have to break through the leat wall so as to skirt around the edge of the sensitive area of the scheduled site.

10. PROPOSED AVOIDANCE OR MITIGATION MEASURES

In order to avoid any impact on the archaeological resources present at the site the following measures are proposed: Excavation of the pipeline trench will be undertaken by a mechanical digger fitted with a small toothless bucket, maximum 0.5m. In areas where the ground is too hard, a small toothed bucket may be fitted after consultation with the archaeologist. In areas where the leat edge is visible, effort should be made to set the trench cut 0.75 m away. Where practical, surface vegetation should be cleared prior to excavation in an effort to identify leat structure. Each proposed line of the pipe trench will be assessed and agreed with the archaeologist prior to excavation. Should the line taken impact upon archaeological resources, effort must be made to re-direct the excavation to a less damaging course. Where the pipe breaches the leat wall, excavation should be carried out by hand and the possibility of laying the pipe under the wall be investigated.
12

A.P.A.C. Ltd

Tintern, Angidy, Hydro-Electric Project

EVTP/TAP/08

Close watching brief cover during excavation of the leat between the Beaufort Dam and the Angidy Furnace. Close watching brief cover during excavation around the edge of the scheduled site. Close watching brief cover during excavation of the ground along the side of the Furnace pond. Close watching brief cover during excavation of the ground and leat from the furnace pond to the proposed turbine house. Close watching brief cover on excavation work for the turbine house. A watching brief for the work between the road, to the east of the Furnace Pond, can be covered on an on call basis.

11. ARCHIVE
Monmouth Museum has been notified of the intention to deposit the project archive and this has been accepted. The project archive will consist of all original records, artefacts, ecofacts/samples and all documentation that relates to the evaluation. Copies of the WSI and any relevant correspondence will be included. The Archaeological Contractor will endeavour to persuade the legal owner of any artefacts, to transfer them to Monmouth Museum. The archive will be prepared according to the Management of Archaeological Projects, English Heritage, Second Edition, (1991) so the records will be fully ordered and indexed. The archive will comply with the United Kingdom Institute for Conservation (Archaeology Section) Guidelines for the Preparation of Excavation Archives for Long-Term Storage (1990) the Society of Museum Archaeologists Towards An Accessible Archive (1995) and to the reasonable requirements of Monmouth Museum. The archive will be deposited within twelve months of the completion of the evaluation and with the agreement of the landowner. A synopsis of the archive will be lodged with the Historic Environment Record. A synopsis of the project will be submitted to CBA Wales while an academic report will be published in the Gwent Local History Journal.

12. 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 TAP Ltd, Cadw and the monitoring authority to use any documentation directly relating to the project as described in this Project Design. 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.

13

A.P.A.C. Ltd

Tintern, Angidy, Hydro-Electric Project

EVTP/TAP/08

13. BIBLIOGRAPHY
BGS 1981. British Geological Survey 1981. England and Wales Sheet 250 Chepstow. Solid and Drift Geology 1:50 000. Cadw. Angidy Ironworks MM197(MON). Doc 53. Paar, H.W., & Tucker D.G., The Old Wireworks and Mills of the Angidy Valley at Tintern and Monmouth (Typed manuscript, draft with hand written notes). Pickin, J., 1982. Excavations at Abbey Tintern Furnace, Journal of the Historical Metallurgy Society V16. 2. EV/TAP/07. Project Design of an Archaeological Evaluation Programme For A Proposed Pipeline Alongside The Angidy River, Tintern. (Phillips, N., 2007) DBA/TAP/08. Desk Based Assessment, Proposed Hydro-Electric Project Angidy River Tintern. (Phillips, N., 2007). EV/TAP/08. Project Design of an Archaeological Evaluation Programme For A Proposed Pipeline Alongside The Angidy River, Tintern. (Phillips, N., 2007) Probert, G., (1982), Excavations of Abbey Tintern Ironworks. Gwent County Hall. (Unpublished held at Monmouth Museum).

14. AKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to acknowledge GGAT and Cadw for their guidance in completing this program of work and the members of TAP Ltd for their patient adherence to the needs of our heritage.

A.P.A.C. Ltd, Registered Address: 36 Hatherleigh Rd, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. NP7 7RG . 07734962919. Email: apac.philips@btinernet.com. Company Registration No 5041541. VAT Reg No 826 3628 19. www.apac.ltd.uk Director: Dr N. Phillips. D.Phil. BA (Hons). Cert Ed/FE. AIFA. AAI&S

14