Amen Corner Bracknell Berkshire

Oxford Archaeology South (OAS) was commissioned by CgMs Consulting on behalf
of Bellway Homes Limited (North London) to undertake an archaeological evaluation
of the site of a proposed mixed use development comprising housing, a primary
school, SANG (Suitable Alternative Green Space) and associated facilities centred
on SU 83777 69324. The work was undertaken in February 2016. A total of 43
trenches were excavated across the site, of which 38 measured 50m by 2m and five
measured 30m by 2m. The trenches were laid out in a grid formation to insure
maximum coverage of the area under investigation, provide a good general
coverage of the site and to target geophysical and LiDAR anomalies.
Two linear features consistent with boundary and/or drainage ditches were identified
along the southern extent of the site and were indicative of some degree of land
division. Both were dated to the early-mid Iron Age. A third boundary and/or drainage
ditch, dating from the late Iron Age to early Roman period, was also identified and
most likely represents a later phase and continuation of activity on site.
Land division in the post-medieval period was also evidenced by three boundary
and/or drainage ditches, identified through a combination of recovered artefactual
materials and cartographic sources. An additional four ditches were identified,
although no dating evidence was recovered from these. It can be assumed that
these represented further land division and drainage. Further evidence was also
found for agricultural activity of late post-medieval date across the site in the form of
field drainage. The late 19th century OS mapping for the area shows that the southwestern
area was used for gravel quarrying and elements of this were identified.