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Summary

Settlement evidence comprising enclosure, ring ditches, pits, ditches, former field boundaries and agricultural activity.

Location

Protected Status

• SHINE: Prehistoric curvilinear, single ditched enclosure, ring ditch and linears south east of Roblynn's Hideaway

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• SETTLEMENT (Late Neolithic to Modern - 3000 BC to 2013 AD) + Sci.Date

Full description

Biggs, M., 01/2012, Geophysical Survey, Monkerton, Exeter (Report - Geophysical Survey). SDV350499.

The geophysical survey identified a number of archaeological anomolies indicating whole and partial ring ditches, some with nearby pits, a long narrow ditch with a shallow curve, and a probable former enclosure network. Many other linear and pit-like anomlies have been identified as possible archaeological features.

Griffith, F. M., 1996, DAP/AAM, Devon County Council DAP/AAM 10 18-JUL-1996 (Aerial Photograph). SDV338776.

Cropmarks which have possibly formed over an infilled ditch are visible. Map object based on this source.

Biggs, M., 2011, Tithebarn Lane, Redhayes, Exeter: Geophysical Survey Report (Report - Geophysical Survey). SDV355197.

The survey at Tithebarn Lane, Redhayes has identified a network of linear and pit-like anomalies surrounding the large probable prehistoric enclosure ditch and ring ditch that were identified in cropmark analysis. Many pit-like features, some with associated negative responses, appear in small clusters across the main field. Some of these anomalies appearing near to features of probable archaeological origin may be worthy of further investigation.

Sheldon, S., 2012, Land at Tithebarn Green, (Redhayes), Exeter, Devon: Archaeological Evaluation (Report - Evaluation). SDV355211.

The evaluation identified a number of archaeological features throughout the proposed development area which generally correlated well with the results of a preceding geophysical survey. Archaeological features encountered comprised ditches, pits and postholes, generally dated to one of two broad periods; prehistoric and post-medieval/modern. Evidence of Neolithic activity was identified in Trench 7 where four pits, seemingly forming a north-west/south-east alignment, were found to contain pottery of probable Middle Neolithic date. A 14C date recovered from one of the pits compliments such an interpretation.

Ordnance Survey, 2012, MasterMap (Cartographic). SDV348725.

Map object based on this source.

Joyce, S., 2012, Tithebarn Green (Monkerton), Devon: Archaeological Evaluation (Report - Evaluation). SDV355218.

The evaluation identified a number of archaeological features throughout the proposed development area which generally correlated well with the results of a preceding geophysical survey. Archaeological features encountered comprised ditches, pits and postholes, generally dated to one of three broad periods, prehistoric, medieval and postmedieval/modern. See report for full details.

Hegarty, C. + Knight, S. + Sims, R., 2014-2015, East and Mid Devon River Catchments National Mapping Programme Project (Interpretation). SDV356883.

Cropmarks which have possibly formed over an infilled ditch of potential prehistoric date are visible on aerial photographs of 1996. The single linear northeast to southwest aligned cropmark is sited on the eastern edge of Pin Brook enclosure and may represent part of an associated feature. The ditched feature has been assigned this number given the number of other such similar features identified here from the geophysical survey.

Wessex Archaeology, 2015, Land Off Tithebarn Lane, Redhayes, Broadclyst, Exeter, East Devon: Gradiometer Survey (Report - Geophysical Survey). SDV361435.

A detailed gradiometer survey was conducted over land at Tithebarn Lane, Redhayes, to establish the presence, or otherwise, and nature of detectable archaeological features in support of a planning application for the site as residential housing development consisting of 412 new homes.

In the northern area of the site, the geophysical data revealed a concentration of several circular
and linear anomalies, interpreted as ditches and enclosures as well as a number of probable pits mostly concentrated spatially around the ditches and enclosures. They indicate the likely presence of more than one phase of settlement of unknown date but archaeological evidence from previous evaluations and geophysical survey on land within the overall survey area and to the east and south of the site suggests origins across the prehistoric and medieval periods.

In the southern area of the site further ditches and enclosures, including two ring ditches, were
identified but at a lower concentration and overall much weaker in magnetic response. There were
fewer pit type anomalies detected but several larger areas of increased magnetic response which
could possibly be of archaeological potential if they constitute spreads of debris and refuse from former settlement activity.

Within the central portion of the site, few pit-like features are observed. Of the anomalies present,
most are continuations of linear features seen in the north and the south with some extending
across the site horizontally which have been interpreted as possibly being former field boundaries.

Other features identified across the site include former field boundaries corresponding to in location and orientation to former field boundaries on historic mapping. As well as this were numerous ploughing trends and trends of uncertain origin which are too weak and ephemeral and considered to have low archaeological potential.

A strong linear positive magnetic anomaly is located at 4011 within a larger area of ferrous response that borders the current field boundary and Pinhoe Brook. Although possibly a ditch type anomaly it is within an area of ferrous and may be modern in origin and is therefore interpreted as Possible Archaeology.

A positive linear anomaly at 4013 is on a different orientation to the anomalies of Possible Archaeology in its vicinity. It is possibly a ditch oriented north-east to south-west but its date or relationship to other nearby features cannot be interpreted further.

A series of short linear positive anomalies within a larger area of ferrous response at 4014 is very similar in response and context to 4011 (see above). They are picked out against the ferrous background as they are formed of a series of positive magnetic anomalies as opposed to dipolar anomalies which are indicative of ferrous type material. However, they could be modern or geological in origin and have therefore been interpreted as Possible Archaeology.

A number of weakly positive linear and oval shaped anomalies around 4021 to 4025 have been interpreted as Possible Archaeology. They are pit and ditch type anomalies but which do not form more definite larger features such as enclosure ditches or strong pit responses. Their weaker strength could be indicative of their degree of survival but also their spatial location away from the circular cropmark enclosure; as they are outside the potential settlement core this could be due to the ‘habitation effect’ (Gaffney and Gater 2003).

A number of linear positive anomalies between 4026 and 4033 are characteristic in response of a cut feature and are interpreted as single linear ditches. They extend across the fields D, E and F and are oriented either east to west or north-west to south-east in a similar orientation to the current field boundaries, which date to at least the 19th century as demonstrated on historic mapping (Ordnance Survey 1889). The form, shape and similar orientation of the anomalies with the current field boundaries suggests that these are former internal field boundaries.

Numerous weakly positive linear and parallel anomalies extending the length or width of the fields have been identified and interpreted as ploughing trends. There are predominantly two orientations of ploughing trends, with particular concentrations at 4036 and 4037, which follow the orientations of the current field boundaries and are probably post-medieval and modern in origin.

There are numerous weakly positive and ephemeral linear and curvilinear trends across the survey, such as at 4042 and these have been interpreted as trends of uncertain origin as their form and response means they cannot be characterised further. They are potentially archaeological in origin but could also be agricultural, natural or geological in origin.

Three ditch type features that are slightly curving in sections along their length and taken overall these three ditches bear a resemblance in layout to the ‘Y’ shaped or forked ditches to the northwest at 4005 (see MDV124512).

L-shaped positive anomaly and a short linear and parallel positive anomaly at 4048 and 4049 respectively which are interpreted as Probable Archaeology and most likely to be ditch type features.

Further anomalies at 4050 to 4056 are characterised as Possible Archaeology and take the form of positive linear, circular or oval-shaped positive anomalies typical of ditch and pit-type features. They are smaller and more dispersed features and not concentrated into one particular area or on overall larger feature such as an enclosure ditch. Their weaker responses and more ephemeral nature could suggest that they are less well-preserved or it could be due to a lack of contrast between the archaeological feature and the surrounding matrix outside of the possible main core habitation area, both inside and within the vicinity of the large curvilinear cropmark enclosure.

A series of large and broad linear positive anomalies around 4062 to 4066 are identified in the southern two fields with the anomalies broadly oriented east to west. They are broader, less defined and overlap in proximity to each other which is in contrast to other ditch type anomalies across the Site. They have been interpreted within the broader category of Agricultural and possibly represent ground disturbance from modern farming activity or ploughing.

Anomalies 4067 to 4070 are all broad areas of elevated magnetic values that are characterised as Increased Magnetic Response. Anomaly 4067 is broadly curvilinear in shape whereas 4068 to 4070 are approximately oval-shaped areas. These areas are difficult to assign archaeological potential as they could be anthropogenic or geological in origin. Anthropogenic causes could be from a wide range of features or activities such as a spread of magnetically enhanced debris produced by settlement activity through to spreads of modern rubbish deposited as part of agricultural practices.

There are numerous weak curving and linear trends visible across this area such as at 4071 and they have been characterised as trends of uncertain origin as they do not appear to form clear archaeological features and do not appear to represent ploughing trends.

Numerous weakly positive and closely spaced parallel linear anomalies have been identified across this area and interpreted as ploughing trends. There are broadly two different ploughing trend directions. A north to south orientation is seen around 4074 whereas anomalies 4072, 4073 and 4075 indicates the approximately east to west orientation of the ploughing trends in three different fields.

Parallel linear anomaly 4077 appears to extend almost to the field boundary on the eastern extent towards the south of Field H. This is interpreted as a ditch or possible historic field boundary that predates 1889 OS mapping (Ordnance Survey, 1889). The feature appears to be associated with the anomalies seen in the survey to the north, 4005 and to the south 4047.

An interpreted ditch at 4080 is orientated approximately north to south, at variance with the other identified features in this area. The ditch appears to be segmented into a number of well-defined zones. Although this may be due to more modern farming methods, such as deep ploughing, physically altering the archaeology present and disturbing areas of the feature.

Two ditches that extend perpendicular to the eastern field boundary at 4081 and 4082 are thought to be related to each other. These could be a remnant of previous agricultural activity such as historic field boundaries.

A wide, weakly positive feature is described in the dataset at 4083 to 4091 with magnetic. values ranging from -1 nT to +1 nT. The archaeological connotations for this feature may be that of a wide, shallow ditch extending east-west.

A further double-ditch feature is present at 4084. Although not close in proximity to those seen elsewhere (see above; 3.2.14) the shape and form bears a resemblance to the potentially prehistoric features seen at 4020 and may have a similar origin.

A double-ditch feature is present at 4084. The shape and form bears a resemblance to the potentially prehistoric features seen at 4020 and may have a similar origin (MDV124520).

Numerous weakly magnetic linear features are present parallel to the boundaries of fields surveyed. Examples of these can be seen at 4084 and elsewhere on the Site.

As with other areas of the Site, horizontal plough scars are prevalent in the central field, as seen at 4086 and 4079. From the data collected it is not possible to ascertain whether these are modern or historic in nature.

Numerous former field boundaries can be seen throughout the geophysical survey. 4087 shows a weakly defined ditch that is aligned with a previous field system as seen in Ordnance Survey mapping dating to 1889 (Ordnance Survey, 1889).

A north to south orientated linear anomaly 4090 is interpreted as a former field boundary. The positive anomaly has well-defined, straight extents both of which point to a former field boundary although it does not appear in historic mapping dating back to 1889 (Ordnance Survey). The linear anomaly may have a relationship with the double-ditch feature present in the geophysical survey undertaken to the north (Stratascan, 2011). They both lie in on a roughly north – south alignment with the northernmost feature being more sinuous.

Garland, N. + Whelan, J., 2016, Pinn Brook Enclosure, Redhayes, Exeter, Devon. Post-Excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design, 6, 18-20 (Report - Excavation). SDV364822.

The excavation of four areas recorded prehistoric occupation including a number of Neolithic
pits, an Early Bronze Age barrow monument and a later prehistoric ditched enclosure.
Following a hiatus in occupation, the enclosure was reoccupied in the 5th/6th century AD.
During this period the enclosure was subdivided and the enclosing ditch was re-excavated.
Evidence for a large-scale crop processing activities was recovered from environmental
remains from a number of corn-drying ovens. A probable medieval (13th-14th century)
inhumation cemetery, consisting of 93 graves, was also uncovered within the earlier
enclosure.

Garland, N., 2019, Prehistoric Settlement and Burial, Early Medieval Crop Processing and a Possible Early Medieval Cemetery Along the Clyst Valley: Investigations South of the Pin Brook, Broadclyst, near Exeter, 2015-2016, 103-145 (Article in Serial). SDV364821.

Archaeological excavations in 2015 and 2016 recorded significant prehistoric remains including a Neolithic pit alignment, an Early Bronze Age barrow and a later prehistoric ditched enclosure. Following a hiatus in occupation, the enclosure was re-occupied during the early medieval Within the eastern part of the re-established enclosure, there was evidence for large0scale early medieval crop processing, possibly indicative of monastic or secular estate ownership. A cemetery within the enclosure was poorly dated, but is most likely early medieval or medieval in date. In total, 97 graves were present, the cemetery having been revealed in its entirety, although the acidic soils had destroyed the human remains in all but 12 of the graves.

Sources / Further Reading

SDV338776	Aerial Photograph: Griffith, F. M.. 1996. DAP/AAM. Devon Aerial Photograph. Photograph (Paper). Devon County Council DAP/AAM 10 18-JUL-1996.
SDV348725	Cartographic: Ordnance Survey. 2012. MasterMap. Ordnance Survey. Map (Digital).
SDV350499	Report - Geophysical Survey: Biggs, M.. 01/2012. Geophysical Survey, Monkerton, Exeter. Stratascan Report. J3027. Digital.
SDV355197	Report - Geophysical Survey: Biggs, M.. 2011. Tithebarn Lane, Redhayes, Exeter: Geophysical Survey Report. Stratascan Report. J2996. Digital.
SDV355211	Report - Evaluation: Sheldon, S.. 2012. Land at Tithebarn Green, (Redhayes), Exeter, Devon: Archaeological Evaluation. Cotswold Archaeology Report. 12012. Digital.
SDV355218	Report - Evaluation: Joyce, S.. 2012. Tithebarn Green (Monkerton), Devon: Archaeological Evaluation. Cotswold Archaeology Report. 12033. Digital.
SDV356883	Interpretation: Hegarty, C. + Knight, S. + Sims, R.. 2014-2015. East and Mid Devon River Catchments National Mapping Programme Project. AC Archaeology Report. Digital.
	Linked documents:1
SDV361435	Report - Geophysical Survey: Wessex Archaeology. 2015. Land Off Tithebarn Lane, Redhayes, Broadclyst, Exeter, East Devon: Gradiometer Survey. Wessex Archaeology. 109300.01. Digital.
SDV364821	Article in Serial: Garland, N.. 2019. Prehistoric Settlement and Burial, Early Medieval Crop Processing and a Possible Early Medieval Cemetery Along the Clyst Valley: Investigations South of the Pin Brook, Broadclyst, near Exeter, 2015-2016. Proceedings of the Devon Archaeological Society. 77. Paperback Volume. 103-145.
SDV364822	Report - Excavation: Garland, N. + Whelan, J.. 2016. Pinn Brook Enclosure, Redhayes, Exeter, Devon. Post-Excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design. Cotswold Archaeology. 16375. Digital. 6, 18-20.

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV6060 - Geophysical Survey, Monkerton, Exeter (Ref: J3027)
• EDV6341 - Geophysical Survey on Land off TitheBarn Lane (Ref: J2996)
• EDV6343 - Archaeological Evaluation of Land at Tithebarn Green (Ref: 3678)
• EDV6344 - Archaeological Evaluation at Tithebarn Green (Monkerton) (Ref: 3715)
• EDV6530 - The East and Mid-Devon Rivers Catchment NMP project (Ref: ACD613)
• EDV8008 - Gradiometer Survey: Land Off Tithebarn Lane, Redhayes, Broadclyst, Exeter, East Devon (Ref: 109300.01)
• EDV8464 - Archaeological Evaluation at Tithe Barn Green (Monkerton) (Ref: 4504)
• EDV8465 - Excavation of land at Tithe Barn Green, Monkerton (Ref: 9198)
• EDV8788 - Excavation south of Pin Brook, Broadclyst (Ref: 889000)

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