St James Area Redevelopment, Dover, Archaeological Monitoring of Geotechnical Investigation

Between April and May 2008 Oxford Archaeology (OA) carried out a programme of monitoring and recording during a geotechnical survey in the St James area of Dover Kent. The investigation was commissioned by
CgMs Consulting Ltd on behalf of Bond City Development Ltd in advance of re-development of the site.
In total 41 geotechnical interventions, along with data from previous archaeological work, were assessed in order to further characterise the sub-surface (geo)archaeological sequence. Correlation of lithological
data into key stratigraphic units has allowed the creation of a preliminary deposit model for the site.
The model demonstrates that significant topographical and sedimentary variation is present underlying the development area .The sequence comprises two phases of storm beach development (typified by interbedded
sands and gravels) and phases of estuarine sedimentation (typified by silt and peat formation). These deposits overlie soliflucted chalk and gravel.
The estuarine deposits have generally remained waterlogged and should be considered of palaeo-environmental interest, The potential for the preservation or organic material is high, and may include the remains of
wooden structures given the development lies on the site of the silted up Roman Harbour. The development is also immediately adjacent to the site of the Dover Bronze Age boat.
Overlying that natural sequence is a significant thickness of up to 4m of
well-preserved, stratified, medieval and post-medieval archaeology. These deposits are generally sealed beneath a thin layer of modern madeground, although there are localised areas of disturbance extending to
greater depths. To the east of the development, in the Russell Street car park and adjoining land to the BP Garage, stratified archaeological deposits overlie the storm beach deposits between 2.5m and 4m in depth.
Well-preserved archaeological remains in the form of stone, chalk and brick built structures with associated deposits, have been previously identified. To the west, between Dolphin Lane and St James Lane, the model indicates disturbance of up to 2m, and in the areas of former basements and the gas works this is likely to be much greater.
Overall the potential of the site to preserve stratified multi-period archaeological remains is considered high. It is likely that the development will impact on archaeological and waterlogged deposits that
underlie the site that will require mitigation through design or excavation.