Strands Farm, Hornby, Lancashire. Evaluation Report

Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) was commissioned to undertake an archaeological evaluation by Dalesmoor Homes prior to the proposed development of land at Strands Farm, Lancaster Road, Hornby (SD 5850 6815); the site lies at the south-western end of the village of Hornby. The work was undertaken between 9th and 13th September 2002, and consisted of the excavation of five 15m long trenches. The trenches were positioned in order to trace any occupation across the area affected by the groundworks.
Hornby was one of the medieval towns of Lancashire. The evaluation revealed two north/south ditches, dated to between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries, thought to be the rear boundary ditches of burgage plots that may have had their frontage during the medieval period on, or close to, present day Station Road. Cartographic evidence suggests the medieval boundary may have been maintained throughout the post-medieval period, until the development of Strands Farm during the twentieth century. Several features, comprising dog and sheep/goat burials, gullies, and a layer of horticultural soil, represent activity in the rear gardens of the post-medieval properties that fronted onto Station Road.