Biochemistry Building phase 1, South Parks Road, Oxford

Between the 24th July 2006 and the 10th August 2006 Oxford Archaeology (OA) carried out an archaeological watching brief at the site of the biochemistry building, South Parks Road, Oxford. The work was commissioned by Laing O'Rourke on behalf of the University of Oxford in advance of the construction of a new biochemistry building for the University of Oxford. The Phase 1 watching brief was concerned with monitoring the grubbing out of the extant foundations of the Rudolf Peters building (demolished to make way for the new biochemistry building), and the reduction of the ground level for the piling mat. The watching brief revealed a series of linear features which were dated to the late Iron Age / early Romano-British period as well as a series of post-medieval rubbish pits. A group of seven postholes was uncovered which may represent a fence line or similar structure. Four substantial postholes were seen at the bottom of a tree throw hole, however their purpose was not clear. The linear features represent the ongoing use of the area for agriculture during the late Iron Age / early Roman period, whilst the pits suggest that the area was subsequently used for the limited disposal of domestic waste during the post-medieval period.