PCA Winchester was commissioned to carry out an archaeological evaluation followed by a watching brief (monitoring and recording) at 63 Tower Street, Winchester. The works were carried out in respect of a development proposal to form a rear extension comprising of a cantilevered terrace and car port. The proposed development was in an area of high archaeological potential so the archaeological works were required as conditions of the planning consent.

The site lies in the north-eastern corner of the historic core of Winchester, and on the line of a section of the City’s defences that ran between Tower Street and Sussex Street. It was believed that evidence of the Roman defensive rampart would be found by the archaeological works.

The evaluation comprised of the excavation of a 1.4m x 1.2m test pit to a total depth of 0.45m below ground level. The watching brief comprised the monitoring the groundworks associated with the proposed development, in particular, the excavation of the foundation pads for the cantilevered terrace and car port. Two foundation pad pits measured 1.2m x 1.2m in plan and were 1.8m deep. These two foundation pits effectively deepened the northern and southern ends of the evaluation trench whilst leaving and island of unexcavated deposits between them.

In both the evaluation and the watching brief, archaeological deposits were revealed directly underneath the modern ground surface. The deposits sloped down from west to east, typical of Roman ramparts. The programme of works was carried out quickly and efficiently which meant that the client could carry on with work in a timely manner.

A post-excavation assessment has been produced and the archive deposited with the relevant parties as part of the planning conditions.