PCA Winchester was commissioned to undertake an archaeological watching brief (monitoring and recording) on land at Hockley Golf Club, Winchester. The works were situated in the environs of two Scheduled Monuments comprising a Romano-British enclosure, including a probable farmstead or villa, along with associated later hollow ways and lynchets relating to medieval or post-medieval land use. It is also located within the South Downs National Park. The survival of these earthworks is indicative of the archaeological chalk landscape across Wessex. The importance of the area for both agricultural and domestic purposes from the Bronze Age through to the post-medieval period is evidenced through these monuments as well as through earlier excavations and the archaeological potential for trackways, cemeteries and field systems, was considered high as a result. Any archaeological remains found at Hockley Golf Club, not previously seen through satellite or excavation, would have had the potential to broaden our understanding of the functionality of the area through any one of these periods.

The PCA project manager aided the client in obtaining Scheduled Monument Consent from Historic England.

The archaeological works comprised monitoring the restoration and creation of six bunkers along multiple holes of the course. These investigations revealed no significant archaeological remains and the project continued efficiently, despite difficult weather conditions.

The programme of works was concluded, and the results were reported on in line with planning regulations.

The expertise of PCA’s representative was noted and the client was highly satisfied with the archaeological services provided.

‘Everything went as smoothly as possible considering the weather last week! Thanks very much for sending over Tom, he was very helpful and extremely professional.’