PCA Winchester conducted a watching brief efficiently and effectively during a single visit to Winchester Cathedral. The works comprised some limited below-ground excavation in the environs of the historic cathedral.

Due to the designation of the cathedral, Scheduled Monument Consent from Historic England was needed ahead of the discussed works and archaeological supervision was required. Further archaeological and historical background research suggested the potential for prehistoric, Roman, early medieval and high medieval remains. Notably, the site was found to be situated within a Roman insula during excavations in the 1960s and remains of ecclesiastical buildings pre-dating the cathedral as it stands today were also a likelihood.

Breaking ground at the site was conducted ahead of an electricity cable replacement programme. No archaeological remains were observed during this watching brief and no evidence for previous archaeological investigations was found. The layer at the base of the cable trench was caveated as having the potential to be backfill from the original excavations at the site. The programme of works was concluded, and the results were reported on in line with planning regulations.

Further watching brief works relating to more cable installation works were carried out between Prior’s Arch gate and Dome Alley within the Cathedral Close. Most deposits noted during these works were previously disturbed and reworked. While no previously unknown archaeological remains were uncovered, a small section of possible core work tentatively associated with the medieval Infirmary wall was recorded.

The expertise of PCA’s representative was noted and the client was highly satisfied with the archaeological services provided. The cable installation was able to continue smoothly as a result.