Godstow Weir Reconstruction, Godstow, Oxford

During 1998 & 1999 the Oxford Archaeological Unit (OAU) undertook a watching brief at Godstow Weir, Godstow, Oxon (NGR SP 484091). Deposits and features associated with the construction of the existing weir and the creation of navigation cut and periodic dredging were identified and recorded. The topography of the deposits excavated at the north end of the island adjacent to the weir appeared to indicate that a greater volume of dredged material from the river had been deposited on the west side of the island than the east, an event may have occured at the time of the construction of the 'New Cut' in 1780 or during subsequent works. Clay and gravel river bed deposits were observed during the breaking out of the exisiting weir structure. No further archaeological evidence was recovered relating to the abbey buildings or grounds and no human remains encountered.