Wentloog, Cardiff: Archaeological Watching Brief

Newlands Road, Wentloog, Cardiff
Archaeological Watching Brief

December 2008
GGAT report no. 2008/079
Project no.P1318
A report for Golder Associates (UK) Ltd National Grid Reference:
by Rowena Hart BSc (Hons) MA ST 23614 79457
GG GI
ST E R
ED
RE
I A
AT
N
OR
G
IO
AN
I S AT
The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd

Heathfield House Heathfield Swansea SA1 6EL
Newlands Road, Wentloog, Cardiff: archaeological watching brief
Contents Page
Summary ........................................................................................................................2
Acknowledgements .........................................................................................................2
Copyright notice.............................................................................................................2
1. Introduction..........................................................................................................3
1.1 Project background and commission .................................................................3
1.2 Location and Topography ..................................................................................3
1.3 Historical and archaeological background.........................................................5
2. Methodology .........................................................................................................7
3. Finds ....................................................................................................................13
4. Conclusion ..........................................................................................................14
Appendix I: Context Inventory.................................................................................16
Figures
Figure 1. Site location ....................................................................................................4
Figure 2. Plan showing the trench location....................................................................8
Plates
Plate 1. Trench 1 south west facing section .................................................................10
Plate 2. Trench 5 north east facing section ..................................................................13
Front cover: Trench 1 south west facing section  GGAT

Summary
Golder Associates (UK) Ltd commissioned the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological
Trust Projects Division (GGAT Projects) to undertake an archaeological watching
brief during geotechnical site investigations at Newlands Road, Wentloog, Cardiff.
No archaeological finds, or features were encountered during the watching brief. The
known stratigraphy of the Wentloog Formation was identified down to the alluvial
clays of the Middle Wentloog including the well-developed phragmites-rich peat
horizon.
Acknowledgements
This project was managed by Richard Lewis BA MIfA and the fieldwork undertaken
by Rowena Hart BSc MA. The photographs and report were prepared by Rowena
Hart BSc MA, with illustrations by Paul Jones (GGAT Senior Illustrator).
Copyright notice
The copyright of this report is held by Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd;
GGAT has granted an exclusive licence to Golder Associates (UK) Ltd. and their
agents to use and reproduce the material it contains. Ordnance Survey maps are
reproduced under licence (AL 10005976), annotations are GGAT copyright.
2
1. Introduction
1.1 Project background and commission
Golder Associates outlined a series of geotechnical site investigations on a plot of
land off Newlands Road, Wentloog, Cardiff. The Curatorial Division of the
Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust (acting as the Council’s archaeological
advisors) recommended an archaeological watching brief to be conducted on all
ground works associated with the site investigations, in order to inform the decision as
to whether a full evaluation would be required as part of the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA).
The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Projects Division (GGAT Projects) was
commissioned by Golder Associates to undertake the watching brief. This was
undertaken on the 10th and 11th December 2008.
1.2 Location and Topography

Newlands Road is situated on the Wentloog Levels, on the north shore of the Severn
Estuary (Figure 1). The extensive estuarine low-lying alluvial plain of the Wentloog
Level forms the western portion of the Gwent Levels between the River Rumney, east
of Cardiff and the River Usk at Newport. The Wentloog Level is spread over three
parishes, Rumney, Peterstone Wentloog and St. Brides Wentloog. The Levels were
formed through gradual sediment deposition on the banks of the Severn during the
post-glacial rise in sea level and the surface deposits are of Quaternary estuarine clays
and silts interbedded with layers of peat and with poorly drained and neutral soils.
These surface deposits rest on soft Mesozoic (Triassic) marls except at the southwest
end where Triassic conglomerates overlap a low ridge of resistant Silurian sandstones
(Rumney Grit) (Rippon 1996). The Levels are identified as a Site of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI) chiefly for their diversity of flora and fauna associated with the reens
and banks; the foreshore areas are also noted for hosting migrant bird populations.
Principal features of the landscape include natural watercourses, natural
palaeochannels, artificial reens and an active salt marsh.
3
Wentloog Corporate Park, Wentloog, Cardiff: archaeological watching brief
GRID
Area shown in Figure2
Based on the 2005 Ordnance Survey 1:25000 Explorer 152 map with
the permission of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, ©
Crown Copyright, Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd, Licence
number AL10005976
0 1.00 2.00 3.00km
Figure 1. Location plan showing area of Figure 2

4
1.3 Historical and archaeological background

The Gwent Levels have been designated an Outstanding Historic Landscape
(HLW(Gt)2), as they represent the largest and most significant example in Wales of a
“hand-crafted” landscape. The Levels are entirely the work of humans, having been
recurrently inundated and reclaimed from the sea from the Roman period onwards.
The area has distinctive patterns of settlement, enclosure and drainage systems
belonging to successive periods of use, and a proven and possibly vast potential for
extensive, well-preserved, buried, waterlogged, archaeological and
palaeoenvironmental deposits surviving from earlier landscapes (CADW and
ICOMOS 1998, 61-5). The Levels rich and varied range of archaeological features
and artefacts include prehistoric footprints, occupation sites and artefacts, Roman and
medieval field systems, a medieval sea wall and modern WW2 defence structures.
The greatest influence upon the Levels landscape probably since Roman times is land
reclamation works of artificial drainage channels (Lewis 2005b).
The prehistoric period is represented by cattle hoofprints, Bronze Age roundhouses
and post-settings, flint, bone and discreet pottery scatters, mainly situated on the
intertidal foreshore to the southeast of the business park (Allen 1996b; Bell et al
2000). More recent work has identified several prehistoric timber structures thought to
be the remains of fish traps or temporary shelters within the intertidal zone, also to the
southeast of the business park (Lewis 2005a, 9-11; Tuck 2004, 10-11). Later
prehistoric activity is attested to by a Bronze Age looped and socketed axe (PRN
01999s) found in the vicinity of Lagoon B and buildings dating from Iron Age have
been excavated some distance to the east of the development area at Goldcliff and at
Greenmoor Arch.
Just over a kilometre to the northwest of the development area is the line of the
Caerleon-Cardiff Roman road. Air photograph evidence indicates that a rectilinear
network of relict ditches and grips extends across the area, linked to a system of
curvilinear reens. The regular ditch system is thought to have originated in a
reclamation of the marshland undertaken in either the Roman or medieval periods
(Allen and Fulford 1986; Locock 1998). Marvell (Nayling and Mcgrail 2004) argues
that on the levels the Roman landscape is buried and that the present landscape is of
medieval or post-medieval origin. To the south of the development area is the remains
of a late 16th-century sea wall (Scheduled Ancient Monument Gm 474) constructed
when pressure from rising tides and/or frequent floods made it necessary for new sea
defences to be provided. This monument is of great importance as it is one of the few
features that can be accurately dated and whatever the argument, the rectangular field
pattern to the north of it is accepted to have predated construction of the sea wall and
is thus considered a significant early landscape.
Further evidence for the widespread reclamation of this landscape was found during a
watching brief carried out in 1997 (Sell 1997) when in situ wooden structures were
discovered in three locations (PRNs 02827s, 02828s and 02829s,). These structures
are considered to be part of a water management feature of unknown length, with a
number of flanged pieces being interpreted as forming part of a sluice gate. While no
conclusive dating has been established for this feature, it is likely to date from the
medieval period or later.
Generally, the medieval landscape was dominated by pasture, much of it common;
there were also extensive ecclesiastical estates within the Levels area. Scattered
5
settlement has continued across the Wentloog Levels, the mid 17th century farmhouse
of Long Cross just to the northeast of the development area is one such example. The
post-medieval period saw the gradual enclosure of common land, a process completed
only in the 19th century.
6
2. Methodology
Five test trenches were mechanically excavated for the purpose of geotechnical
investigations (Figure 2). The trenches were excavated mechanically using a 2.5m
wide grading bucket. It was required that the depth of the trenches measured a
minimum of 4.60m. The trenches were located in the four corners of the proposed
building footprint and one trench in the centre (Figure 3).
A full written, drawn and photographic record was made of all archaeological
contexts, in accordance with the GGAT Manual of Excavation Recording Techniques.
Contexts were recorded using a single continuous numbering system, and are
summarised in Appendix 1. All contexts were photographed. Finds were selected
according to the GGAT Manual of Excavation Recording Techniques discard policy;
no finds were retained as they were all identified on-site as modern.
An archive of records relating to the preparation of the reports has been prepared to
the specifications in Management of Archaeological Projects (English Heritage,
1991) Appendix 6 and UKIC’s Archaeological Archives: a guide to best practice in
creation, compilation, transfer and curation 2007.
After an appropriate period has elapsed, copies of the report and archive index will be
deposited with the regional Historic Environment Record (HER). A copy of the
report and archive index will also be deposited with the National Monuments Record,
RCAHMW, Aberystwyth.
7
Wentloog Corporate Park, Wentloog: archaeological watching brief
Railway
GRID
4
5
2
3
Area shown in
Figure 3
Based on the 2008 Ordnance Survey 1:5000 Landplan map with the
permission of The Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown
Copyright, Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd, Licence number 0 100 200 300metres
Al10005976
Figure 2. Location of proposed development area (red) and locations of test-pits 1-5
8
Wentloog Corporate Park, Wentloog, Cardiff: archaeological watching brief
4
5
GRID
Based on the 2008 Ordnance Survey 1:5000 Landplan

map with the permission of The Controller of Her
Majesty’s Stationery Office, © Crown Copyright,
Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd, Licence
0 50.00 100metres
number Al10005976
Figure 3. Location of test trenches 1-5 within the proposed development area
9
3. Results
Trench 1 (Northern corner - ST23627, 79532)
This trench measured 3.5m in length and 2.5m in width. The maximum depth of
excavation was 5.0m (Plate 1).
The basal deposit encountered in this trench was a blue grey alluvial clay (107). There
were no inclusions in this deposit other than occasional anaerobically preserved roots.
The deposit had an average depth of 1.75m although it was not excavated to its base.
Sealing this was a well developed peat horizon (106), rich in Phragmites australis
(common reed). This peat had a depth of 0.25m and its upper surface was encountered
at exactly 3.0m below current ground level. Overlying the peat was a deposit of blue
grey alluvial clay (105) with an average depth of 1.33m and void of any inclusions.
Sealing this alluvial clay was a mottled alluvial grey clay with reddish brown
inclusions of marl clay (104). This deposit had an average depth of 0.60m. Overlying
104 was a poorly developed peat horizon (103). This deposit comprised grasses, moss,
leaves and large branches. Some machine cut posts were also included. This deposit
had an average depth of 0.1m with the upper surface of the peat encountered at a
depth of 0.97m below current ground level. Sealing this organic deposit was a mixed
deposit (102) comprising a grey silty clay with inclusions of reddish brown marl clay.
This deposit was very loose and clearly redeposited. This deposit contained modern
building and industrial debris including modern bricks, stone, iron objects (hinges,
nails, rods). The average depth of this deposit was 0.87m. The uppermost deposit in
this trench (101) was a thin, mid brown, silty clay topsoil with an average depth of
0.1m
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
Plate 1. Trench 1 south west facing section
10
Trench 2 (Northern corner - ST23547, 79468)

excavation was 4.7m.
The deposit had an average depth of 1.4m although the deposit was not excavated to
its base. Sealing this was a well developed peat horizon (207), rich in Phragmites
australis (common reed). This peat had a depth of 0.3m and its upper surface was
encountered at exactly 3.0m below current ground level. Overlying the peat was a
deposit of blue grey alluvial clay (206) with an average depth of 1.4m and void of any
inclusions. Sealing this alluvial clay was a mottled alluvial grey clay with reddish
brown inclusions of marl clay (205). This deposit had an average depth of 0.7m.
Overlying 205 was a poorly developed peat horizon (204). This deposit comprised
grasses, moss, leaves and large branches. This deposit had an average depth of 0.1m
with the upper surface of the peat encountered at a depth of 0.8m below current
ground level. Sealing this organic deposit was a mixed deposit (203) comprising a
grey silty clay with inclusions of reddish brown marl clay. This deposit was very
loose and clearly redeposited. The average depth of this deposit was 0.4m. Overlying
this redeposited clay and marl clay was a grey silty clay with modern inclusions of
brick, stone rubble and modern iron fittings (202). The uppermost deposit in this
trench (201) was a thin, mid brown, silty clay topsoil with an average depth of 0.1m.
Trench 3 (Southwest corner - ST23640, 79458)

deposit of blue grey alluvial clay (305) with an average depth of 1.7m and void of any
inclusions. Sealing this alluvial clay was a mottled alluvial grey clay with reddish
Overlying 304 was a very compact iron slag rich deposit with iron fragments and
pieces of cotton and nylon fabrics (303). The slag was fragmented into small pieces
(5mm – 30mm). This deposit had an average depth of 0.16m. Overlying 303 was a
grey silty clay with modern inclusions of brick, stone rubble and modern iron fittings
(302) with an average depth of 0.9m. The uppermost deposit in this trench (301) was a
thin, mid brown, silty clay topsoil with an average depth of 0.1m.
11
Trench 4 (Eastern corner - ST23664, 79479)

deposit of blue grey alluvial clay (405) with an average depth of 1.65m and void of
any inclusions. Sealing this alluvial clay was a mottled alluvial grey clay with reddish
Overlying 404 was a very compact iron slag rich deposit with iron fragments and
pieces of cotton and nylon fabrics (403). The slag was fragmented into small pieces
(5mm – 30mm). This deposit had an average depth of 0.1m. Overlying 403 was a grey
silty clay with modern inclusions of brick, stone rubble and modern iron fittings (402)
with an average depth of 0.85m. The uppermost deposit in this trench (401) was a
thin, mid brown, silty clay topsoil with an average depth of 0.1m.
Trench 5 (Eastern corner - ST23614, 79489)

excavation was 4.75m (Plate 2).
australis reeds. This peat had a depth of 0.15m and its upper surface was encountered
at exactly 3.0m below current ground level. Overlying the peat was a deposit of blue
grey alluvial clay (505) with an average depth of 1.25m and void of any inclusions.
Overlying 505 was a poorly developed peat horizon (504). This deposit comprised
grasses, moss, leaves and large branches. Included within the organic material was a
large base of modern glass bottle and a modern plastic switch. This deposit had an
average depth of 0.15m. Overlying 504 was a mixed deposit (503) comprising a grey
silty clay with inclusions of reddish brown marl clay. This deposit was very loose and
clearly redeposited. The average depth of this deposit was 1.16m. Deposit 503 was
overlain by a greyish brown silty clay (502) with modern inclusions of brick, stone
rubble and modern iron objects with an average depth of 0.32m. The uppermost
deposit in this trench (501) was a thin, mid brown, silty clay topsoil with an average
depth of 0.12m.
12
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
Plate 2. Trench 5 north east facing section
4. Finds
All finds recovered from the excavation were of modern date. They were examined
on site and discarded.
13
5. Conclusion
The watching brief revealed similar stratigraphies in each of the five geotechnical
trenches. The basal deposit encountered in all trenches was an alluvial clay of the
Middle Wentloog Formation. A well developed peat deposit formed the upper surface
of this Middle Wentloog Formation and has been dated at an adjacent site on the
Wentloog Levels to the Bronze Age period (Locock 1998). The Upper Wentloog
Formation overlaid the peat and was itself overlain by a medieval or post-medieval
deposit. The interface between the Upper Wentloog Formation and the medieval or
post-medieval deposit represents the exposed Roman landsurface of this area, referred
to as the Wentloog Palaeosol by Allen and Fulford (Fulford et al 1994, 177). This
stratigraphy supports the description that the current medieval/post-medieval
Wentloog Level is not a relict Roman landscape (Marvell 2004, 94-95).
The deposits overlying the Wentloog Formations are all modern in date and are
associated with the building, occupation and disuse of the timber yard that occupied
the southern part of the development area for no more than 21 years during the mid
20th century. From the Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 map of 1968 the timber yard is
clearly visible covering almost half of the development area with railway sidings. By
the Ordnance Survey 1:10,000 of 1989 there is no sign of the timber yard.
No archaeological features or finds were encountered during this watching brief. The
stratigraphy revealed the uppermost meter across the site comprised modern and
redeposited material. The medieval/post-medieval horizon was encountered at an
average of 1m below current ground level. The Roman horizon was encountered at an
average of 1.6m below current ground level (although it was deeper in Trench 3 at
2.3m below ground level). The Bronze Age peat horizon of the Middle Wentloog
Formation was encountered at an average of 3.0m below ground level. The alluvial
clay of the Middle Wentloog Formation, underneath the peat was not excavated to its
full depth.
14
Bibliography
Allen, JRL 1996a, The seabank on the Wentloog Level, Gwent: date of set-back from
documentary and pottery evidence. Archaeology in the Severn Estuary 7, 67-
84.
Allen, JRL, 1996b, Three final Bronze Age occupations at Rumney Great Wharf on
the Wentloog Level, Gwent. Studia Celtica, The Bulletin of the Board of Celtic
Studies 30 (1996), 1-16
Allen, JRL and Fulford, MG, 1986, The Wentloog Level: a Romano-British saltmarsh
reclamation in south-east Wales. Britannia 17, 91-118.
Bell, M, Caseldine, A and Neumann, H, 2000, Prehistoric Intertidal Archaeology in
the Severn Estuary Council for British Archaeology Research Report 120,
York
Cadw and ICOMOS, 1998, Register of Landscapes: Landscapes of Outstanding
Historic Interest, Pt 2.1. Cardiff.
Lawler, M, 1995, Cardiff Food Park, roundabout, archaeological watching brief.
GGAT unpublished report no 95/017, Swansea.
Lewis, RL, 2005a, Rumney Great Wharf II, Cardiff, archaeological watching brief
interim report. GGAT unpublished report 2005/040
Lewis, RL, 2005b, Capital Business Park: archaeological watching brief. GGAT
unpublished report 2005/068
Locock, M, 1998, GGAT 50 Coastal archaeology survey River Rhymney, Cardiff
(South Glamorgan) to river Wye, Monmouthshire (Gwent), GGAT unpublished
report 98/010
Locock, M, 1998, Land north of Wentloog Avenue, Cardiff Electronics facility Phase
1. Archaeological mitigation: Stage 4. Radiocarbon dating of
palaeoenvironmental sample. GGAT Unpublished Report 98/041
Nayling, N and McGrail, S, 2004, The Barland's Farm Romano-Celtic Boat Council
for British Archaeology Research Report 138, York.
Marvell, AG, 2004, Roman settlement and economy. In Nayling and McGrail 2004,
91 - 110
Rippon, S, 1996, Gwent Levels: Evolution of a wetland landscape, Council for British
Archaeology Research Report 105, York.
Sell, S, 1997, Archaeological watching brief at Cardiff Food Park, Rumney. GGAT
unpublished report no: 97/056, Swansea
Tuck, M, 2004, Flood Defence Works at Rumney Great Wharf, Cardiff:
archaeological watching brief. GGAT unpublished report 2004/102
15
Appendix I: Context Inventory

Context Location Type Depth Description Period
m (bgl)
101 Trench 1 Deposit 0 – 0.1 Mid brown, silty clay Modern
topsoil
102 Trench 1 Deposit 0.1 – 0.97 A redeposited, mixed silty Modern
clay with inclusions of red
marl clay. Frequent
inclusions of industrial
debis including machine
made bricks, large stone
fragments, plastics and
concrete.
103 Trench 1 Deposit 0.97 – 1.07 A black peaty deposit. Modern
Including fragments of
wood/branches, roots/leaves
and grass. Ground surface
belonging to the Timber
Yard (c.1968)
104 Trench 1 Deposit 1.07 – 1.67 A brown-grey alluvial clay Medieval/
mottled with inclusions of Post-medieval
brown marl clay.
105 Trench 1 Deposit 1.67 – 3.0 A blue-grey alluvial clay of Roman
the Upper Wenloog
Formation.
106 Trench 1 Deposit 3.0 – 3.25 A phragmites australis rich Bronze Age
peat sealing the top of the
Middle Wentloog
Formation.
107 Trench 1 Deposit 3.25 – 5.0 A blue-grey alluvial clay of Bronze Age
n.b. the Middle Wentloog
Formation.
201 Trench 2 Deposit 0 – 0.1 A mid brown silty clay Modern
topsoil.
202 Trench 2 Deposit 0.1 – 0.4 A grey clay containing Modern
frequent industrial debris
including brick, stone
numerous iron objects and
fittings.
203 Trench 2 Deposit 0.4 – 0.8 A redeposited, mixed silty Modern
clay with inclusions of red
marl clay.
Yard (c.1968)
brown marl clay.
206 Trench 2 Deposit 1.6 – 3.0 A blue-grey alluvial clay of Roman
the Upper Wenloog
Formation.
Middle Wentloog
Formation.
16

m (bgl)
208 Trench 2 Deposit 3.3 – 4.7 n.b. A blue-grey alluvial clay of Bronze Age
the Middle Wentloog
Formation.
topsoil
302 Trench 3 Deposit 0.1 – 1.0 A grey clay deposit Modern
comprising industrial waste
(bricks, concrete, kerb
stones, plastic bags)
303 Trench 3 Deposit 1.0 – 1.16 A slag rich deposit Modern
containing iron objects
(nails/hinges/road irons) and
fragments of cloth. Ground
surface belonging to the
Timber Yard (c.1968)
brown marl clay.
305 Trench 3 Deposit 2.3 – 3.0 A blue grey alluvial clay of Roman
the Upper Wenloog
Formation.
Middle Wentloog
Formation.
307 Trench 3 Deposit 3.3 – 4.69 A blue-grey alluvial clay of Bronze Age
formation.
topsoil.
402 Trench 4 Deposit 0.1 – 0.95 A brown grey silty clay Modern
comprising modern building
material (brick, iron,
concrete and plastics).
403 Trench 4 Deposit 0.95 – 1.05 A thin iron and slag rich Modern
compact industrial deposit.
Ground surface belonging to
the Timber Yard (c.1968)
brown marl clay.
the Upper Wenloog
Formation.
Middle Wentloog
Formation.
407 Trench 4 Deposit 3.2 – 5.0 n.b. A blue grey alluvial clay of Bronze Age
the Middle Wentloog
formation.
topsoil.
502 Trench 5 Deposit 0.12 – 0.44 A grey brown silty clay Modern
containing iron objects,
stone and modern brick.
17

m (bgl)
503 Trench 5 Deposit 0.44 – 1.6 A loosely bound, Modern
redeposited mixed grey clay
and brown clay.
Yard (c.1968). Contained
modern glass and plastic
the Upper Wenloog
Formation.
506 Trench 5 Deposit 3.0 – 3.15 A peat horizon forming the Bronze Age
upper layer of the Middle
Wentloog Formation. There
were fewer phragmites
reeds visible in this trench.
507 Trench 5 Deposit 3.15 – 4.75 A blue grey alluvial clay of Bronze Age
Formation.
n.b. – not bottomed
18

Wentloog, Cardiff: Archaeological Watching Brief

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Newlands Road, Wentloog, Cardiff

Archaeological Watching Brief

The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust Ltd

Front cover: Trench 1 south west facing section  GGAT

1.2 Location and Topography

Area shown in Figure2

0 1.00 2.00 3.00km

Figure 1. Location plan showing area of Figure 2

1.3 Historical and archaeological background

Based on the 2008 Ordnance Survey 1:5000 Landplan

Plate 1. Trench 1 south west facing section

Trench 2 (Northern corner - ST23547, 79468)

Trench 3 (Southwest corner - ST23640, 79458)

Trench 4 (Eastern corner - ST23664, 79479)

Trench 5 (Eastern corner - ST23614, 79489)

Plate 2. Trench 5 north east facing section

Appendix I: Context Inventory

Context Location Type Depth Description Period

Context Location Type Depth Description Period

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