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Summary

A group of anomalies recorded by geophysical survey which appeared to form a small system of enclosures was shown on excavation to be the remains of a medieval blowing house.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• BLOWING HOUSE (Medieval - 1066 AD (Between) to 1539 AD (Between))

Full description

Urmston, Ben, 2008, Avon Support Main, between Roborough and Houndall, near Plymouth, Devon. (Report - Geophysical Survey). SDV358939.

A geophysical survey was undertaken of a proposed 13km water main between Roborough and Houndall, near Plymouth, Devon. Several sites of archaeological interest were detected.
It is possible that a group of anomalies form a small system of enclosures (Area D1), although their weak contrast to the magnetic background and the coincidence of ploughing trends on a similar alignment make this interpretation less conclusive.

Taylor, S. R., 2009, Avon SWW Pipeline, Devon: Archaeological Mitigation Archive report, 14-17, Figs 7, 17-18, 25-27 (Report - Assessment). SDV364052.

The remains of a medieval blowing house was recorded in Area D1. The site was identified in the geophysical survey as a group of anomalies that appeared to form a system of enclosures. The site covers an area of c.18m by 10m, spanning the width of the pipeline corridor.
The earliest feature appears to be a shallow linear gully [1383] which runs north-south across the eastern part of the site. Wall 1381 is built over it. The structural elements comprise single course granite rubble walls which appear to form two buildings, that to the west being open sided, that to the east enclosed. Within the structures are a number of cut features while to the north of the buildings is a linear ditch. The full extent of the structures could not be determined nor the relationship between them. Medieval pottery, provisionally dated to the 13th-14th century was found in 15 contexts associated with the structures. Two sherds of possible Roman pottery were also recovered (context 1337). These must be residual but suggest activity in the area in this period.
Other finds included a granite mouldstone (SF1).
Initial appraisal of the site shows that it is located away from any known sources of tin. This suggests that the material was brought from some distance, perhaps from several sources.
See report for full details.

Ordnance Survey, 2015, MasterMap (Cartographic). SDV357601.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments: none recorded

Associated Finds

• FDV8646 - SHERD (XIII to XIV - 1201 AD to 1400 AD)
• FDV8648 - SLAG (XIII to XIV - 1201 AD to 1400 AD)

Associated Events

• EDV6830 - Geophysical Survey, Avon Support Main (Ref: 68262.02)
• EDV6704 - Archaeological Investigations Along the Route of the Avon Water Main Renewal. Avon Pipeline Scheme

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