Phase 1 Land at Comberton Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire

Oxford Archaeology carried out an archaeological trial-trench evaluation on
the Phase 1 site of a proposed residential development to the north of
Comberton Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, between 18 October and 05
November 2021. The fieldwork was commissioned by Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd.
A preceding geophysical survey of the wider proposed development site
undertaken in 2020 detected no anomalies suggestive of significant
archaeological remains. However, it identified linear anomalies interpreted to
be associated with Lord Foley’s Irrigation Scheme and an anomaly suggestive
of a sub-rectangular enclosure of undetermined origin. The geophysical
survey results also reflect former historic field boundaries and other postmedieval/
modern agricultural activities and modern impacts.
A total of 50 trenches were excavated across the 27ha Phase 1 site, some of
which were targeted on geophysical anomalies. Of these, 12 trenches were
found to contain archaeological remains, comprising ditches and a possible
ditch/pit. A moderately good correlation between the results of the
geophysical survey and the archaeological evaluation was demonstrated.
A single residual piece of worked flint provides evidence of a very limited and
probable transitory presence in the wider landscape during the early
prehistoric (Mesolithic–early Bronze Age) period.
Evidence of medieval occupation was concentrated in the south-east corner
of the site. Two ditches defined a large sub-rectangular enclosure, as
suggested by the geophysical survey results. The southern ditch truncated
another possible ditch/pit. Recovered from these features were small
quantities of domestic pottery dating to c 1250–1400, including a nearcomplete
cooking pot, and medieval roof tile fragments, as well as fired clay
and charcoal suggestive of a dump of burnt waste material from an
oven/hearth. Although no structural features were identified within the
enclosed area, these remains are indicative of medieval occupation on or very
near this area of the site.
The remains of post-medieval/modern agricultural activity were also
encountered on site and include a ditch that had been infilled by the late 18th–
mid 19th century and probably formed part of Lord Foley’s Irrigation Scheme,
an extensive water management system first established in the mid–late 17th
century. The remains of former field boundaries, a mill leat and land drains are
also demonstrative of agricultural use of the landscape during the more recent
historical period.