Broxbourne School, High Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire
Broxbourne School, High Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire
Desk-Based Assessment SCCAS Report No. 2012/167
Client: Strutt & Parker LLP Author: J. A. Craven November 2012 © Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service
Broxbourne School, High Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment Report SCCAS Report No. 2012/167 Author: J. A. Craven Editor: Joanna Caruth Report Date: November 2012
HER Information Site Name:
Broxbourne School, High Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire
Report Number
2012/167
Planning Application No:
Pre-planning
Grid Reference:
TL 3639 0652
Project Officer:
John Craven
Client/Funding Body:
Strutt & Parker LLP
Digital report submitted to Archaeological Data Service: http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/library/greylit
Disclaimer Any opinions expressed in this report about the need for further archaeological work are those of the Field Projects Team alone. Ultimately the need for further work will be determined by the Local Planning Authority and its Archaeological Advisors when a planning application is registered. Suffolk County Council’s archaeological contracting services cannot accept responsibility for inconvenience caused to the clients should the Planning Authority take a different view to that expressed in the report.
Contents
Summary 1.
Introduction
5
1.1
Project Background
5
1.2
Site description
5
1.3
Topography and geology
6
1.4
Scope of this report
8
1.5
Aims
8
1.6
Methods
9
1.7. Legislative frameworks
2.
10
1.7.1. National legislation or policy
10
1.7.2. Local policy and guidance
12
Results
13
2.1
Scheduled Monuments
13
2.2
Hertfordshire HER search
13
2.2.1 All known archaeological sites within the PDA
13
2.2.2 All known archaeological sites within 1km of the centre of the PDA
13
Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings
20
2.3.1 Conservation Areas
20
2.3.2 Listed Buildings
20
2.3
2.4
Other Heritage or Environmental assets within 1km of the centre of the PDA 23 2.4.1 Registered Parks and Gardens
2.5. Cartographic study summary
23 24
2.5.1 Broxbourne Tithe map (1839) and apportionment (1840).
24
2.5.2 Broxbourne enclosure map (1850). HALS Ref. DP/24/26
24
1
2.6 3. 3.1
2.5.3 Broxbourne altered Tithe map and apportionment (1865).
25
2.5.4 Historic Ordnance Survey mapping
25
Site inspection
26
Assessment of impacts and effects
27
The archaeological potential of the PDA
27
3.1.1 Prehistoric
27
3.1.2 Roman and Anglo-Saxon
27
3.1.3 Medieval
27
3.1.4 Post-medieval
28
3.2
Potential level of archaeological preservation within the PDA
28
3.3
Potential impact of development on the archaeological resource
29
3.4
Potential impact of development on other heritage assets
29
4.
Mitigation measures
30
5.
Conclusions/Recommendations
32
6.
List of contributors and acknowledgements
32
7.
Bibliography
33
Websites
33
2
List of Figures Figure 1. Location map
7
Figure 2. HER sites and Registered Parks within 1km of the PDA centre
19
Figure 3. Listed buildings and Conservation Areas within 1km of the PDA centre
22
List of Appendices Appendix 1.
Tithe and enclosure maps
Appendix 2.
Historic Ordnance Survey maps
Appendix 3.
Site inspection photographs
List of Abbreviations used in the text DBA
Desk Based Assessment
HALS
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies
HER
Historic Environment Record
LDF
Local Development Framework
NPPF
National Planning Policy Framework
PAS
Portable Antiquities Scheme
PDA
Proposed Development Area
SM
Scheduled Monument
SCCAS/FT
Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service/Field Team
3
Summary This archaeological desk-based assessment of Broxbourne School, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, has been commissioned to inform the promotion of the site for residential development and a new school within the Local Development Framework.
Through an examination of the Hertfordshire HER and National Heritage List for England, a map regression exercise and a site inspection, this DBA has set the PDA within its immediate archaeological landscape and attempts to characterise the nature, date and potential for survival of archaeological deposits.
The DBA has identified low/moderate potential for archaeological deposits of local or regional importance from the prehistoric or post-medieval periods, the latter potentially relating to the construction period of the adjacent New River in the early 17th century. The preservation of such deposits is likely to vary from poor to good depending on location within the PDA.
It is suggested that further archaeological investigation, consisting of geophysical survey or trial trench evaluation, may be able to identify and assess the extent, character, density, depth and level of preservation of any archaeological deposits within the PDA, prior to or during submission of a planning application.
Consultation with the LPA’s archaeological advisor, is recommended at the earliest possible opportunity to determine the actual program of any further archaeological works required.
4
1.
Introduction
1.1
Project Background
This archaeological DBA has been prepared by SCCAS/FT, at the request of Strutt & Parker LLP. It is to form part of a submission document for the promotion of the site of Broxbourne School for residential development and a new school within the Local Development Framework.
This DBA is intended to establish the potential of the PDA for heritage assets by characterising the nature, date and potential for survival of archaeological deposits upon the site and the extent to which such deposits could be impacted upon by the proposed development. Advice as to the requirement and nature of further investigation to establish the archaeological potential of the PDA is also provided.
The Broxbourne School Development Brief produced by the Borough of Broxbourne (2012) states that the proposed development is for residential development on the existing school complex. This will consist of c.90 properties of mixed type and associated roads, parking and landscaping. A new secondary school will be constructed on the northern of two playing fields with the southern being retained as sports pitches for the new school
1.2
Site description
The subject of this DBA covers an area of approximately 8.3ha centred at TL 3639 0652, in the Borough of Broxbourne, Hertfordshire (Fig. 1). The modern town of Broxbourne lies to the west of the River Lee and the Hertfordshire/Essex county boundary and is part of a continuous line of urban development extending south towards Greater London and north to Hoddesdon. The county town of Hertford lies 6.5km to the north-west.
The PDA consists of two distinct parts; a northern area of 3.4ha occupied by a complex 5
of school buildings, parking, hard play and amenity areas, and a southern c.4.9ha area of playing fields including tennis courts. The present school has developed from the Baas Hill modern school built in the late 1950’s and Broxbourne grammar school which opened in the early 1960’s (Borough of Broxbourne 2012).
To the north the PDA is bordered by the rear gardens of a range of residential properties bordering Bell Lane or Boleyn Court and to the west by an open field, currently under grass scrub which is designated as a local nature reserve and community open space. The south-west corner of the PDA is bordered by Cozens Grove, a rectilinear strip of mature deciduous woodland and the remainder of the southern edge of the PDA is bordered by a public Right of Way, consisting of a track which to the east becomes Cozens Lane West. To the south of this track lies the southern school playing field. To the east of the PDA lies Eaton Gardens, a new residential development and a series of older properties fronting onto Broxbourne High Road. The New River passes by the south-east corner of the PDA.
1.3
Topography and geology
The PDA is located 0.75km to the west of the River Lea and immediately to the west of the artificial New River which was constructed in the early 17th century to provide water for the City of London (see HER entry in section 2.2 below).
The PDA lies on a gentle east facing slope, which rises from Broxbourne High Road to the east to Baas Hill to the west, at c.35m-40m above OD (Fig. 2).
The geology of the PDA consists of London Clay Formation sedimentary bedrock overlain by superficial deposits. To the west on the higher ground these are clay and silts of the Enfield Silt series, and to the east sand and gravels of the Taplow Gravel Formation (British Geological Society 2012).
6
N
©Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2012
N
70
50m
PDA
40m 30m
0
400
800m
©Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2012
Figure 1. Location map
7
1.4
Scope of this report
In order to set the PDA in its archaeological context a study area of a 1km radius from its centre was selected for examination (Figs. 2-3).
In accordance with the NPPF, the Government’s guidance on archaeology and planning, (http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/nppf) this assessment examines the available archaeological sources. These include the National Heritage List for England (NHLE), the Hertfordshire HER and reports of any archaeological investigations, all readily available cartographic or aerial photographic sources held by the HER or Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies (HALS), and a site walkover.
1.5
Aims
The aim of the DBA is to determine, as far as reasonably practicable from the existing records, the likely extent, character and quality of the known and potential archaeological resource of the PDA and wider study area. In particular the DBA will: •
Collate and assess the existing information regarding archaeological and historical remains within and adjacent to the PDA.
•
Identify any known archaeological sites which are of sufficient potential importance to require an outright constraint on development (i.e. those that will need preservation in situ).
•
Assess the potential for unrecorded archaeological sites within the application area.
•
Assess the likely impact of past land uses and the potential quality of preservation of below ground deposits, and where possible to model those deposits.
•
Assess the potential for the use of particular investigative techniques in order to aid the formulation of any mitigation strategy.
8
1.6
Methods
The following methods of data collection have been used to meet the aims of the DBA: •
A search of the Hertfordshire HER and NHLE for any records within 1km from the centre of the PDA, and an examination of the literature with reference to archaeological excavations within the study area. The results are described and mapped in section 2 below.
•
A search for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas that lie within the study area and may have a line of sight to the PDA was carried out on the NHLE and Hertfordshire HER. A summary is presented in section 2.3 below.
•
Enclosure and tithe maps for Broxbourne held by Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies have been examined, and a collated report of 19th and 20th century Ordnance Survey mapping obtained. A report summarising the results of the cartographic survey is presented in section 2.4 below, with the maps being presented in Appendices 1 and 2.
•
A search for aerial photography of the area was made through enquiry of the Hertfordshire HER and of the Cambridge University Collection of Aerial Photographs website. No aerial photographs of the study area were identified.
•
A site inspection to determine the presence of any factors likely to impact upon the overall assessment of the PDA’s archaeological potential was conducted on the 13/11/2012. Digital photographs taken during the inspection are presented in Appendix 3.
9
1.7. Legislative frameworks 1.7.1. National legislation or policy NPPF National Planning Policy Framework (which replaced PPS5 in March 2012, which in turn had replaced various guidance such as PPG 15 and PPG 16) provides guidance for planning authorities, developers and others on planning and the historic environment (paragraphs 128 & 129 below).
128. In determining applications, local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance. As a minimum the relevant historic environment record should have been consulted and the heritage assets assessed using appropriate expertise where necessary. Where a site on which development is proposed includes or has the potential to include heritage assets with archaeological interest, local planning authorities should require developers to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation.
129. Local planning authorities should identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset that may be affected by a proposal (including by development affecting the setting of a heritage asset) taking account of the available evidence and any necessary expertise. They should take this assessment into account when considering the impact of a proposal on a heritage asset, to avoid or minimise conflict between the heritage asset’s conservation and any aspect of the proposal.
Scheduled Monuments The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act of 1979 statutorily protects Scheduled Monuments (SMs) and their settings as nationally important sites.
10
Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Listed buildings are protected under the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act of 1990. This ensures that listed buildings are given statutory protection against unauthorised demolition, alteration and extension. Buildings are listed because they are of special architectural importance, due to their architectural design, decoration and craftsmanship; also because they are of historical interest. This includes buildings that illustrate important aspects of the nation's social, economic, cultural or military history or have a close association with nationally important persons or events.
Conservation Areas are designated for their special architectural and historic interest, usually by the local planning authority. Any alterations to properties, structures, trees etc in a conservation area may need permission from the local planning authority.
Registered Parks and Gardens A Registered Park or Garden is a site included on the 'Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England’ which is maintained by English Heritage. It currently identifies over 1,600 sites assessed to be of national importance. Registration is a ‘material consideration’ in the planning process, meaning that planning authorities must consider the impact of any proposed development on the special character of a registered park or garden.
11
1.7.2. Local policy and guidance Chapter 8 of the Broxbourne Local Plan (Second Review), which was adopted in 2005, details local policy towards heritage. This plan is currently under review (New Local Plan 2012). Of particular relevance is section 8.4 and policies HD1 to HD11 which concern archaeological sites, Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas. Of these policies HD1 to HD3 concern archaeological heritage assets.
Policy HD1. Effect of development on nationally important sites and Monuments Planning Permission will not be granted for development which would adversely effect the site or setting of nationally important archaeological remains, whether Scheduled or unscheduled. Policy HD2. Requirements for evaluation of heritage asset Applicants for development on, or adjacent to, sites of known archaeological interest or sites believed to possess potential archaeological significance, will be required to submit the results of an archaeological field evaluation prior to determination of any application for development.
Policy HD3. Preservation of heritage asset Where the council considers that archaeological sites or monuments of local importance and their settings are likely to be affected by development, physical preservation in situ will be the preferred option. The decision whether to preserve in situ will be made on the basis of the intrinsic importance of the remains and the possibility of preservation in situ through the careful design, layout and siting of new development. Where preservation in situ is not merited, planning permission may be subject to conditions and/or a legal agreement requiring that provision be made for the investigation and recording of the remains and publication of a report of findings prior to commencement of the development.
12
2.
Results
2.1
Scheduled Monuments
A search of Scheduled Monuments was carried out on the Hertfordshire HER and on the National Heritage List for England website (NHLE 2012). There are no SM’s within 1km of the centre of the PDA.
2.2
Hertfordshire HER search
The Hertfordshire HER only represents the archaeological material that has been reported, this is the ‘known’ resource. It is not therefore, a complete reflection of the whole archaeological resource of this area because other sites may remain undiscovered, this is considered as the ‘potential’ resource. Figure 2 shows all sites recorded in the HER within the study area.
2.2.1 All known archaeological sites within the PDA There are no known archaeological sites within the PDA.
2.2.2 All known archaeological sites within 1km of the centre of the PDA There are twenty-four HER entries recorded within 1km of the PDA, from the prehistoric, medieval and post-medieval periods. Summarised HER entries are given below by period:
Prehistoric Hertfordshire HER No. 17381. Two unstratified worked flints, a core and a blade, found in evaluation of an area of land east of the A10 at Baas Hill. They were collected from the topsoil of adjacent trenches at the SW corner of the site, and comprised a 'patinated broken multi-platform core', and a 'patinated broken blade, very rolled'.
13
Bronze Age (BC 2,350 - BC 801) Hertfordshire HER No. 2099. A side-looped bronze spearhead of Middle Bronze Age date found during gravel working at Nazeing. The exact provenance is unclear but likely to have come from old gravel workings in Nazeing Marsh, between Broxbourne and Nazeing.
Hertfordshire HER No. 2266. Bronze spearhead apparently found with urn (HER No.2100), but this is a late Iron Age pedestal urn, so the association must be doubtful although the practice of curating much older objects in the late Iron Age is not unknown. Maybe a bronze spearhead recorded as being found in the 19th century in Broxbourne.
Hertfordshire HER No. 4903. Bronze axehead with a squared socket and loop and moulded socket rim, found during gravel digging.
Iron Age (BC 800 – 42 AD) Hertfordshire Her No. 2100. A 'Belgic pedestal urn' apparently found with a Bronze Age spearhead (HER No. 2266) although the association is unlikely. A large 1st century AD pedestalled bowl in a possibly Romanised fabric.
Medieval (AD 1066 – AD 1539) Hertfordshire Her No. 1910. Church Of St Augustine, Churchfields. Church of 15th16th century date with late 15th and early 16th century tomb chests and a 12th century font. As a medieval parish church must have replaced an earlier structure. A watching brief on groundworks for an extension to the Parish Hall, immediately to the south of the church, discovered the remains of a late 18th/early 19th century vault containing the remains of four burials of the Lewin family, one of which was within a lead coffin. Adjacent to the likely site of the manorial mill (HER No. 5779).
Hertfordshire HER No. 2032. Manorial site with fishponds and possible moat. The manor of Baas is documented from the 13th century, when it was held by Henry de Bathonia. In 1569 it passed to the Cecil Estate. The fishponds lie to the west of the 14
house and are well-preserved, comprising 3 ponds in line and are referred to in a 1275 survey of the estate. A linear depression to the south of the house could be a moat.
Hertfordshire Her No. 6090. Possible starting point of 13th century conduit, built in 1220 to transport water to Waltham Abbey and town of Waltham, from springs in Wormley (HER No. 6110). Pipes carried water across fields, meadows and marshes, three millponds, and the main stream of the river Lea. There were 16 settling-tanks along the route, which was operational from February 1222.
Hertfordshire Her No. 6110. Possible site of three holy springs or wells, Smallwells, Wormley, from which water was conveyed through a tank and conduit [6090] to supply water to Waltham Abbey in 1220-2.
Hertfordshire HER No.11470 An apparently medieval hollow way, now a public right of way between Baas Hill and Cozens Lane West. Shown on the 1883 OS maps as running west from Broxbourne Farm to White Stubbs Lane. The route appears therefore to be a continuation of White Stubbs Lane, one of the major co-axial droveways through Broxbourne and Wormley Woods, and is plainly a continuation of Cozens Lane.
Alongside Cozens Grove the trackway is enclosed by substantial and well-preserved coppiced hedge banks and ditches. The track fades out rapidly west of the wood although the bank survives along the south side and very slight traces of it remain at the base of the hedge on the north side of Cozens Lane West.
A cross-section profile recorded by Enfield Archaeological Society in 2009 showed the track as just under 10m wide and nearly a metre deep between raised banks. The road surface was cambered, with gullies along the edges, and consisted of a gravel surface over a pebble base, with later resurfacing in the 18th or 19th centuries.
15
Post-medieval (AD 1539 – AD 1900)
Hertfordshire Her No. 5087. Road bridge over the New River, rebuilt and adopted by the county in 1924. Span c.6.3m, width c.11.3m.
Hertfordshire Her No. 5645. Railway bridge over the River Lea. Brick piers, concrete wing walls, iron girder through, open iron rail parapet.
Hertfordshire Her No. 5699. Road bridge on the south side of the road, skew with brick piers, flat iron girder with 1868 Cochrane Grove and Co, iron arcaded side rails.
Hertfordshire Her No. 5700. Road bridge over New River, Mill Lane. Brick piers, flat iron girder with 1841, iron latticed siderails. Brick piers and wing walls remain but the rest of the bridge is now wooden, used as a pedestrian bridge.
Hertfordshire Her No. 5701. Road Bridge, Church Lane, Wormley Hill. Brick Piers, low arched iron girder with date 1841, iron latticed siderail with Hunter below hand rail. A wooden pedestrian bridge has been constructed on the north side and a service pipe runs on the south side.
Hertfordshire Her No. 5779. Remains of former steam corn mill largely destroyed by fire in the early 1950s, when an engineering works. Presumed to be on or close to the site of the medieval manorial watermill. Partial shell of red and yellow brick survives, probably early mid 19 century, and what may have been the mill house, probably early 18 century.
Hertfordshire Her No. 5999. The New River. Built by Sir Hugh Myddelton between 1608 and 1613 to carry water from Ware to London. The River followed the 100 foot contour along the Lea valley from its source springs at Chadwell and Great Amwell between Hertford and Ware. It was originally nearly 40 miles long, ending at Clerkenwell, where a reservoir, the New River Head, was constructed. It now ends at Stoke Newington, and is about 24 miles long. Various bends have been straightened.
16
Hertfordshire HER No. 13483. The Mustard Pot, 97-99 High Road. A late 17th-early 18th century timber-framed house directly on the frontage of the old London to Cambridge coach road, and called the Mustard Pot from when it was used as a café in the 1930s. Grade II listed (NHLE entry no. 1173649).
Hertfordshire HER No. 15350. A human tibia, assumed to have come from the parish churchyard, found in silt beneath the bridge at Broxbourne Mill.
Hertfordshire HER No. 15624. Priests House, 90 High Road. A two-storey house with an early 17th century timber frame. Grade II listed (NHLE entry no. 1100512).
Hertfordshire HER No. 15700. The Baas. A late 15th century manor house, in two halves. The eastern half is in red brick, the three-storey western half is timber-framed and weatherboarded. The house was altered in the late 17th century and the 19th century. Situated on a manorial site documented since the 13th century (Her No. 2032). Grade II* listed (NHLE entry no. 1348382).
Hertfordshire HER No. 15701. Small park and formal garden at medieval Baas Manor (HER No. 15700) is a 15th century house, and the manor (HER No. 2032) is documented from the 13th century. Formal garden, walled and hedged with a small area of parkland and St John's Well, which is covered with a brick wellhouse, that feeds the medieval fishponds (HER No. 2032).
Hertfordshire HER No. 16311. Monson Almshouses. A two-storey red brick building with parapet and hipped roof built in 1728 by Lady Monson. A single-bay rear extension to the south was added in the early 19th century and a longer rear extension in the mid 19th century.
Hertfordshire HER No. 16312. 76-78 High Road. A 16th-17th century timber-framed building, once an inn on the old London-Cambridge road, given a new facade in the early 19th century. Grade II listed (NHLE entry no. 1100511).
Hertfordshire HER No. 17442. Northern and western limits of a Tudor to early 17th 17
century brick kiln, possibly connected with the New River, identified in evaluation trench north of Eaton Gardens, under a dense layer of brick rubble. The bricks are presumed to have been made for a local building project such as bridges associated with the construction of the New River between 1608 and 1613, or for a nearby house.
Undated Hertfordshire HER No. 12449. Baas Hill Common, Baas Hill. Registered Common Land.
Hertfordshire HER No.11469 Possible ditch and bank features in Cozens Grove, a remnant oak-hornbeam woodland. These comprise substantial and well-preserved coppiced hedge banks and ditches alongside the track (HER No. 11470) on the south side of Cozens Grove and are likely to date to the medieval or earlier periods. Also well-preserved woodland banks and ditches along the west and east boundaries of the wood, which appear to be contemporary, and may be former wood pasture boundaries. Alternatively they may relate to later woodland management. A ditch runs NW-SW within and near the northern edge of the wood, coinciding with the boundary mapped on the 1883 OS map.
18
Study Area
16311 16311
17381 17381 16312 16312
2100/2266 2100/2266
15624 15624
5699 5699 1910 1910
13483 13483 15350 15350 12449 12449
5779 5779
5645 5645 5700 5700
15701 15701
15700 15700
5999 5999
2032 2032
11469 11469
PDA 17442 17442
11470 11470
5087 5087
1000252 1000252
2099/4903 2099/4903
6110 6110 6090 6090 5701 5701
Study Area
0
0.5
1km
©Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2012
Figure 2. HER sites and Registered Parks within 1km of the PDA centre
19
2.3
Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings
A search carried out on the Hertfordshire HER and on the National Heritage List for England website (NHLE 2012) has identified four Conservation Areas lying partially or wholly within the study area and over thirty Listed Buildings (Fig. 3). Descriptions of each area are summarised from the Broxbourne Local Plan Second Review.
2.3.1 Conservation Areas The eastern part of the PDA, where it fronts onto Broxbourne High Road, lies within the New River Conservation Area. This is primarily residential in character and includes the New River Bridge, probably built in the 1840's when the New River was widened.
The Conservation Areas of Broxbourne to the north-east and Wormley to the south lie partially within the study area. Broxbourne once formed part of the extensive Broxbournebury Estate which centred on Broxbournebury.
The Conservation Area of Wentworth Cottages lies immediately to the south of the PDA, on the eastern side of the New River, and consists of a group of early 20th century cottages for workers on the nearby Broxbournebury estate.
2.3.2 Listed Buildings The listed buildings within the study area are generally split into four distinct clusters. Of these two consist of buildings within the Wormley and New River Conservation areas, while the third and largest cluster lies in and around the Broxbourne Conservation Area. A further three lie to the west at Baas Manor.
Of the thirty plus buildings only eight have a potential line of sight to the PDA and could be impacted upon by any development. These all lie within 200m of the PDA boundary in the New River Conservation area and summaries of their NHLE entries are given below:
20
List entry no. 1348408. 195, Broxbourne High Road. Grade II. Includes No 2 Cozens Lane East. 17th century timber frame, altered in the 19th century.
List entry no. 1348411. Yew Tree Cottage, 172, High Road. Grade II. Probably 16th century in origin with 17th, 18th and mid 19th century alterations.. Timber frame, plastered and stuccoed and tiled roof. Interior has been altered and there are modern additions to the rear.
List entry no. 1100509. 175 And 177 Including Wall On South Side, High Road. Grade II. Possibly 17th century timber frame, altered early 19th century. Cement-rendered with an old tile roof.
List entry no. 1100513. The Red House At The Broxbourne School, 162, 164 And 166, High Road. Grade II. Early 18th century, altered mid/late 18th and 19th century. Red brick. Hipped, red tile roof. Modern extension on N.
List entry no. 1100514. Bridge House, 168, High Road. Grade II. 17th century timber frame, altered 19th century.
List entry no. 1100515. Outbuilding At Number 172 (Yew Tree Cottage), High Road. Grade II. Probable former 18th century bakehouse to rear of house. Timber frame and plaster, weatherboarded with westerngable end in red and yellow stock brick. Terracotta tile roof. Included for group value.
List entry no. 1100516. Garage At Number 172 (Yew Tree Cottage). Grade II. 18th and early 19th century timber frame stable and trap house. Weatherboarded. Red tile roof. Included for group value.
List entry no. 1100553. 165, High Road. Grade II. Early-mid 19th century, possibly 18th century origin. Painted stucco, hipped slate roof.
21
N
Study Area
Broxbourne
1100553 1100553 1100553 1100553 1100553
New River
1100509 1100509 1100509 1100509 1100509
PDA
1100513 1100513 1100513 1100513 1100513 1100514 1100514 1100514 1100514 1100514 1100514 1100516/1100515/1348411 1100516/1100515/1348411 1100516/1100515/1348411 1100516/1100515/1348411 1100516/1100515/1348411 1348408 1348408 1348408 1348408 1348408
Wentworth Cottages
Study Area Wormley
0
0.5
1km
©Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2012
Figure 3. Listed buildings and Conservation Areas within 1km of the PDA centre
22
2.4
Other Heritage or Environmental assets within 1km of the centre
of the PDA 2.4.1 Registered Parks and Gardens There is one Registered Park or Garden within 1km of the centre of the PDA. This garden or other land is registered under the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 within the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens by English Heritage for its special historic interest.
List entry Number. 1000252. Wormleybury A late 18th century, Grade I listed country house, on the site of an earlier 17th century house. Surrounded by a landscape park, developed in the 1770s from an earlier formal scheme, together with remnants of early 19th century gardens. The 19th century park was c.57ha in size, and was bounded to the east by the New River. The park has since been reduced by the construction of the A10 dual carriageway and the Registered extent corresponds to its 18th century extent.
23
2.5. Cartographic study summary A map regression exercise has been carried out, based on tithe and enclosure maps held by Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies and 19th and 20th century Ordnance Survey mapping. All maps are included in Appendices 1 and 2.
2.5.1 Broxbourne Tithe map (1839) and apportionment (1840). The tithe map of 1840 (HALS Ref. DP/24/27/1, appendix 1) shows that the basic layout is largely unchanged, with the High Road and Bell Lane being clearly shown and the modern boundaries of the PDA in large part can be seen to correspond to boundaries on the tithe map.
Points of particular note include Cozens Lane West which is shown as a continuous road running to Cozens Grove, two small buildings (presumably farm or garden buildings or similar) and a pond in the eastern part of the PDA, and two large rear extensions to the Red House (which appears to be two separate properties) extending into the PDA.
The bulk of the PDA to the west is situated on open fields, numbered as 205 and 238. These are described in the apportionment as Grove Field and West Common Field respectively, both being in arable use and the ownership of Henry Cozens.
The eastern part of the PDA is split into several smaller plots in differing use and ownership. Thomas Henry Thorsby owned 228 and 228a, both described as meadow, and 230, described as garden and pleasure grounds. Sarah Smith owned 232, described as garden and pleasure grounds, and 233 and 234, both named as ‘orchard’ and described as meadow.
2.5.2 Broxbourne enclosure map (1850). HALS Ref. DP/24/26 The enclosure map of 1850 (HALS Ref. DP/24/26, appendix 1), apart from stylistic differences is essentially unchanged from the 1839 tithe map. As it uses the same numbering for the different fields and plots it is likely that it directly derives from the 24
earlier map.
2.5.3 Broxbourne altered Tithe map and apportionment (1865). The main change by the altered tithe map of 1865 (HALS Ref. DP/24/27/2, appendix 1) is the division of field 238 into two by the addition of an east-west boundary across its northern part. 238a is recorded as continuing as arable land in the apportionment while 238b is pasture. The other noticeable change is that the small building shown in 1839 as adjacent to the pond is no longer present.
2.5.4 Historic Ordnance Survey mapping The Ordnance Survey map of 1879/1880 shows further division of the main arable field. Other field and property boundaries appear to be unchanged although there is now considerable extra detail regarding other aspects. Areas of tree planting are clearly shown, as are a series of pathways, presumably garden features, and several small structures, to the rear of the Red House. This detail clearly shows the difference between the arable fields to the west and meadows, orchards and gardens to the east, as suggested in the earlier tithe apportionments. A small building is also again shown to the south of the pond.
The 1898 Ordnance Survey shows yet another sub-division in the western arable fields but otherwise the previous layout is essentially unchanged. Plots 199 and 200 are still shown as wooded and the various outbuildings are unchanged, apart from the loss of the extensions to the rear of the Red House and an additional structure to the southwest of the pond.
The 1924 Ordnance Survey shows significant changes in the western part of the PDA with the removal of several field boundaries and a new rectangular building, labelled as a pavilion, in the north-east corner of the now single arable field. The trackway to the south is now shown only as a footpath along the edge of the PDA between Cozens Grove and Cozens Lane west. The eastern part of the PDA has had one boundary removed and the Red House is labelled as Golf Club House. 25
By 1968/1969 the PDA is shown as being occupied by Baas Hill School and Broxbourne Grammar School. With the exception of a missing building in the north-west corner of the building complex the layout is all but identical to the present school. Likewise the playing fields are very similar to the modern layout, with tennis courts and artificial embankment clearly marked. The playing field is however subdivided on its eastern side and one building and two glasshouses are present.
2.6
Site inspection
A visit to the PDA was made on 13/11/2012, to determine the presence of any factors likely to impact on the overall assessment of its archaeological potential. Photographs of the PDA taken during the site inspection are included in Appendix 3.
The school complex is situated on a slight east facing slope and it is clear that there has been an element of landscaping of the natural topography to create the existing playing field. The ground-level at the western edge of the playing field continues from that in the open field to the west but the slope then appears to have been levelled by a build up of ground. A c.1m drop in ground levels is then marked by a modern embankment which crosses the field from the western corner of the school buildings to the north-east corner of Cozens Grove, indicating that the centre of the playing field may have been cut into the natural slope. Ground-levels in the eastern part of the playing field then appear to be broadly continuous with those to south and east.
The school itself is a mixture of late 20th century buildings. To the west these and other infrastructure have been terraced into the natural slope, indicating considerable truncation and changes in ground-level. The eastern half of the buildings are situated on more level ground, and are set amidst sizeable open areas of car parking and lawn interspersed with mature trees, with little evidence of any major change to ground levels.
26
3.
Assessment of impacts and effects
3.1
The archaeological potential of the PDA
3.1.1 Prehistoric The topographic location of the PDA, overlooking the valley of the River Lea, is a typical setting for prehistoric occupation and the five records within the study area which relate to evidence of prehistoric activity suggest at least a low-level of activity in the vicinity of the PDA at different periods. However these records all consist of individual find spots, and are spread out to the north-west, south-east and north-east, so there is no indication of any particular focus of occupation at any time. The absence of any known archaeological deposits may however be partly or largely due to a lack of systematic archaeological fieldwork in the study area.
The present evidence therefore suggests that the PDA has a low/moderate potential for producing archaeological deposits of prehistoric date, and that any such would likely be of local or regional significance.
3.1.2 Roman and Anglo-Saxon There are no recorded sites within the study area relating to either Roman or AngloSaxon activity, although again this absence may be largely due to a lack of systematic fieldwork within the study area. This suggests that the PDA has minimal or low potential for producing archaeological deposits of these dates, although the significance of any such deposits could vary widely.
3.1.3 Medieval The PDA is likely to have been open land between settlement centres at Baas Manor, Wormleybury and Broxbournebury to the west and Broxbourne to the north-east. It seems likely that the layout shown on the later Tithe map is largely a continuation of that of the medieval period, although additional field boundaries etc may have been present.
While the hollow way along the southern edge of the PDA, and the ditch and banks in Cozens Grove, may all have medieval origins there is no evidence to suggest any 27
roadside settlement extending along it and the PDA is generally thought to have only low potential for medieval deposits of minor significance such as infilled field boundaries.
3.1.4 Post-medieval Although the majority of HER records within the study area relate to the post-medieval period these largely consist of the New River, river or railway bridges and listed buildings. The map regression exercise has clearly shown that the PDA largely consisted of open arable or pasture farmland and gardens since at least 1840 and, apart from changes to field boundaries and minor structures, saw little change until the development of the school. Apart from one building in the north-west corner of the school complex there has been little change since the late 1960’s.
This suggests that the PDA generally has only low archaeological potential for deposits of minor significance, such as former outbuildings, boundaries or garden features.
However the early 17th century brick kiln recorded at Eaton Gardens, just outside of the PDA, is of particular significance. The kiln is presumed to have been associated with the construction of the New River and accompanying development and, as its site is clearly shown as open fields on the Tithe map, appears to have been totally abandoned and demolished by the 19th century. There is a moderate possibility therefore that other remains relating to the New River construction period may survive within the PDA and that these would be of local or regional significance.
3.2
Potential level of archaeological preservation within the PDA
Until the 20th century the majority of the PDA consisted of open arable or pasture farmland and gardens. This suggests that any pre-medieval archaeological deposits are likely to have been in a good state of preservation below ploughsoils until the development of the school.
The area of the school buildings has since seen significant ground disturbance, particularly to the west where buildings are terraced into the natural slope, which is likely to have had a severe detrimental impact on any archaeological deposits. However 28
there are still substantial open areas, particularly to the east, where ground-levels seem little changed and modern disturbance may not extend below pre-existing soils.
The playing field has been subjected to modern landscaping to remove the natural slope but any truncation to a depth below pre-existing ploughsoils may have been limited to a band across its centre. It is probable that any archaeological deposits under the playing field remain in a good state of preservation.
3.3
Potential impact of development on the archaeological resource
The construction of a new school complex on the existing playing field is likely to have a significant detrimental impact upon any archaeological remains that may exist, unless an appropriate mitigation strategy is adopted.
While the residential development of the existing school complex will also involve significant ground disturbance the impact upon archaeological deposits is likely to be reduced due to the significant disturbance that has already occurred. However there are sizeable areas where deposits may survive and the development will again likely have a significant detrimental impact unless an appropriate mitigation strategy is adopted.
3.4
Potential impact of development on other heritage assets
The proposed development also has potential to directly impact upon the setting of several listed buildings, and on the nature and appearance of the New River Conservation Area. The development may also have an indirect impact on the setting of the Wentworth Cottages Conservation Area.
However the setting of listed buildings such as The Red House have already been affected by the 20th century development of the wider area, including the present school itself. The impact of development therefore is likely to be low but should be considered and mitigated against in design proposals.
The development will have no impact upon the Wormleybury Registered Park, as there is no line of sight and they are separated by the modern A10. 29
4.
Mitigation measures
The PDA is thought to have low/moderate potential for archaeological deposits of local or regional importance from the prehistoric or post-medieval periods. The preservation of such deposits is likely to vary from poor to good depending on location within the PDA.
At present there are currently no grounds to consider refusal of planning permission in order to achieve preservation in situ of any designated heritage assets such as Scheduled Monuments, or of important but non-designated heritage assets. However as the PDA has not been subject to any previous systematic archaeological investigation, the actual presence, nature and state of preservation of any such archaeological deposits is unknown.
National and local guidance recommends that potential archaeological sites are evaluated prior to the determination of any planning application to assess the nature and significance of any archaeological deposits present. Such investigations can then enable the LPA’s archaeological advisors to make informed decisions regarding heritage assets in respect of any planning application, and determine the need and scope for refusal of development to provide preservation in situ of important archaeological deposits, or a requirement for excavation and preservation by record prior to or during development, which can be imposed by conditions on planning consent.
The sites recent history and present land-use means that further non-intrusive investigation in the form of geophysical survey may be an appropriate first step in investigating the archaeological potential of the playing field. This could be followed by a systematic programme of evaluation trial trenching targeting geophysical anomalies and the open, relatively undisturbed spaces amongst the school buildings with the aim of identifying and assessing the extent, character, density and depth of any archaeological deposits present, and to assess the extent of any disturbance caused by the previous land use of the PDA on their preservation.
While the likely impact of the residential redevelopment of the school complex on
30
neighbouring heritage assets and Conservation Areas is thought to be low a sympathetic approach to design could minimize this further, or even bring positive benefits.
Consultation with the LPA and its archaeological advisors, should take place at the earliest possible opportunity to determine the program of archaeological works that will need to be carried out. Until further investigation is undertaken, it is usually impossible to define the extent of archaeological work that may be required on a site and equally difficult to calculate the likely cost and time implications. Bearing this in mind developers are strongly advised to undertake archaeological evaluations at the earliest opportunity to clarify the likely archaeological work required and its cost.
31
5.
Conclusions/Recommendations
Through an examination of the Hertfordshire HER and National Heritage List for England, a map regression exercise and a site inspection, this DBA has set the PDA within its immediate archaeological landscape.
In general the topographic location of the PDA and the known archaeology of the area suggest that there is a low/moderate potential for encountering archaeological remains within the PDA and that such deposits are likely to vary in quality of preservation depending on location.
It is suggested that further archaeological investigation may be able to identify and assess the extent, character, density, depth and level of preservation of any archaeological deposits within the PDA, prior to or during submission of a planning application.
Consultation with the LPA’s archaeological advisor, is recommended at the earliest possible opportunity to determine the actual program of any further archaeological works required.
6.
List of contributors and acknowledgements
This project was funded and commissioned by Strutt and Parker LLP. The desk based assessment was carried out by John Craven, of SCCAS/FT.
SCCAS/FT would like to acknowledge Dr Isobel Thompson, Historic Environment Unit, Hertfordshire County Council for providing the HER search and Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies for providing access to tithe and enclosure maps.
32
7.
Bibliography
Borough of Broxbourne, 2012, The Broxbourne School Development Brief.
Websites Broxbourne Local Plan Second Review http://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_policy/development _plan/local_plan_2005.aspx
British Geological Society. http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/
Cambridge University Collection of Aerial Photography http://www.geog.cam.ac.uk/cucap
National Heritage List For England. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/protection/process/national-heritage-listfor-england
33
Appendix 1. Tithe and enclosure maps
©Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies
Figure 1. Approximate position of PDA (red outline) overlain on 1839 Broxbourne Tithe map. Orientated north to top. HALS Ref: DP/24/27/1
©Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies
Figure 2. Approximate position of PDA (red outline) overlain on 1850 Broxbourne Enclosure map. Orientated north to top. HALS Ref: DP/24/26
©Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies
Figure 3. Approximate position of PDA (red outline) overlain on 1865 Broxbourne altered Tithe map. Orientated north-east to top. HALS Ref: DP/24/27/2
Appendix 2.
Historic Ordnance Survey maps
Ordnance Survey® Historical Mapping Extract www.centremapslive.com
Site Details:
Approximate outline of PDA
Client Ref: 21123 Report Ref: CMAPS-CM-190755-21123-191112 536401, 206493 Grid Ref: Map Name: County Series Map date:
1879-1880
Scale:
1:2,500
Printed at:
1:2,500
Produced by GroundSure Environmental Insight www.groundsure.com Supplied by: www.centremapslive.com [email protected] Crown copyright all rights reserved. Licence No: 100035207
Production date:
19 November 2012
To view map legend click here Legend
Ordnance Survey® Historical Mapping Extract www.centremapslive.com
Site Details:
Approximate outline of PDA
Client Ref: 21123 Report Ref: CMAPS-CM-190755-21123-191112 536401, 206493 Grid Ref: Map Name: County Series Map date:
1898
Scale:
1:2,500
Printed at:
1:2,500
Produced by GroundSure Environmental Insight www.groundsure.com Supplied by: www.centremapslive.com [email protected] Crown copyright all rights reserved. Licence No: 100035207
Production date:
19 November 2012
To view map legend click here Legend
Ordnance Survey® Historical Mapping Extract www.centremapslive.com
Site Details:
Approximate outline of PDA
Client Ref: 21123 Report Ref: CMAPS-CM-190755-21123-191112 536401, 206493 Grid Ref: Map Name: County Series Map date:
1924
Scale:
1:2,500
Printed at:
1:2,500
Produced by GroundSure Environmental Insight www.groundsure.com Supplied by: www.centremapslive.com [email protected] Crown copyright all rights reserved. Licence No: 100035207
Production date:
19 November 2012
To view map legend click here Legend
Ordnance Survey® Historical Mapping Extract www.centremapslive.com
Site Details:
Approximate outline of PDA
Client Ref: 21123 Report Ref: CMAPS-CM-190755-21123-191112 536401, 206493 Grid Ref: Map Name: National Grid Map date:
1968
Scale:
1:2,500
Printed at:
1:2,500
Produced by GroundSure Environmental Insight www.groundsure.com Supplied by: www.centremapslive.com [email protected] Crown copyright all rights reserved. Licence No: 100035207
Production date:
19 November 2012
To view map legend click here Legend
Ordnance Survey® Historical Mapping Extract www.centremapslive.com
Site Details:
Approximate outline of PDA
Client Ref: 21123 Report Ref: CMAPS-CM-190755-21123-191112 536401, 206493 Grid Ref: Map Name: National Grid Map date:
1969
Scale:
1:1,250
Printed at:
1:2,500
Produced by GroundSure Environmental Insight www.groundsure.com Supplied by: www.centremapslive.com [email protected] Crown copyright all rights reserved. Licence No: 100035207
Production date:
19 November 2012
To view map legend click here Legend
Appendix 2. Site inspection photographs
1 12
8 2 9 6 7 5
10 11
3
4
0
150
300m
©Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2012
Photo locations
Photo 1, facing south-west
Photo 2, facing north-east
Photo 3, facing north
Photo 4, facing north
Photo 5, facing west
Photo 6, facing north
Photo 7, facing north-west
Photo 8, facing north-west
Photo 9, facing south
Photo 10, facing west
Photo 11, facing south-west
Photo 12, facing north-west
Archaeological Service Field Projects Team Delivering a full range of archaeological services
•
Desk-based assessments and advice
•
Site investigation
•
Outreach and educational resources
•
Historic Building Recording
•
Environmental processing
•
Finds analysis and photography
•
Graphics design and illustration
Contact:
Rhodri Gardner Tel: 01473 265879 Fax: 01473 216864 [email protected]
www.suffolk.gov.uk/business/business-services/archaeological-services
Desk-Based Assessment SCCAS Report No. 2012/167
Client: Strutt & Parker LLP Author: J. A. Craven November 2012 © Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service
Broxbourne School, High Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment Report SCCAS Report No. 2012/167 Author: J. A. Craven Editor: Joanna Caruth Report Date: November 2012
HER Information Site Name:
Broxbourne School, High Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire
Report Number
2012/167
Planning Application No:
Pre-planning
Grid Reference:
TL 3639 0652
Project Officer:
John Craven
Client/Funding Body:
Strutt & Parker LLP
Digital report submitted to Archaeological Data Service: http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/library/greylit
Disclaimer Any opinions expressed in this report about the need for further archaeological work are those of the Field Projects Team alone. Ultimately the need for further work will be determined by the Local Planning Authority and its Archaeological Advisors when a planning application is registered. Suffolk County Council’s archaeological contracting services cannot accept responsibility for inconvenience caused to the clients should the Planning Authority take a different view to that expressed in the report.
Contents
Summary 1.
Introduction
5
1.1
Project Background
5
1.2
Site description
5
1.3
Topography and geology
6
1.4
Scope of this report
8
1.5
Aims
8
1.6
Methods
9
1.7. Legislative frameworks
2.
10
1.7.1. National legislation or policy
10
1.7.2. Local policy and guidance
12
Results
13
2.1
Scheduled Monuments
13
2.2
Hertfordshire HER search
13
2.2.1 All known archaeological sites within the PDA
13
2.2.2 All known archaeological sites within 1km of the centre of the PDA
13
Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings
20
2.3.1 Conservation Areas
20
2.3.2 Listed Buildings
20
2.3
2.4
Other Heritage or Environmental assets within 1km of the centre of the PDA 23 2.4.1 Registered Parks and Gardens
2.5. Cartographic study summary
23 24
2.5.1 Broxbourne Tithe map (1839) and apportionment (1840).
24
2.5.2 Broxbourne enclosure map (1850). HALS Ref. DP/24/26
24
1
2.6 3. 3.1
2.5.3 Broxbourne altered Tithe map and apportionment (1865).
25
2.5.4 Historic Ordnance Survey mapping
25
Site inspection
26
Assessment of impacts and effects
27
The archaeological potential of the PDA
27
3.1.1 Prehistoric
27
3.1.2 Roman and Anglo-Saxon
27
3.1.3 Medieval
27
3.1.4 Post-medieval
28
3.2
Potential level of archaeological preservation within the PDA
28
3.3
Potential impact of development on the archaeological resource
29
3.4
Potential impact of development on other heritage assets
29
4.
Mitigation measures
30
5.
Conclusions/Recommendations
32
6.
List of contributors and acknowledgements
32
7.
Bibliography
33
Websites
33
2
List of Figures Figure 1. Location map
7
Figure 2. HER sites and Registered Parks within 1km of the PDA centre
19
Figure 3. Listed buildings and Conservation Areas within 1km of the PDA centre
22
List of Appendices Appendix 1.
Tithe and enclosure maps
Appendix 2.
Historic Ordnance Survey maps
Appendix 3.
Site inspection photographs
List of Abbreviations used in the text DBA
Desk Based Assessment
HALS
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies
HER
Historic Environment Record
LDF
Local Development Framework
NPPF
National Planning Policy Framework
PAS
Portable Antiquities Scheme
PDA
Proposed Development Area
SM
Scheduled Monument
SCCAS/FT
Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service/Field Team
3
Summary This archaeological desk-based assessment of Broxbourne School, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, has been commissioned to inform the promotion of the site for residential development and a new school within the Local Development Framework.
Through an examination of the Hertfordshire HER and National Heritage List for England, a map regression exercise and a site inspection, this DBA has set the PDA within its immediate archaeological landscape and attempts to characterise the nature, date and potential for survival of archaeological deposits.
The DBA has identified low/moderate potential for archaeological deposits of local or regional importance from the prehistoric or post-medieval periods, the latter potentially relating to the construction period of the adjacent New River in the early 17th century. The preservation of such deposits is likely to vary from poor to good depending on location within the PDA.
It is suggested that further archaeological investigation, consisting of geophysical survey or trial trench evaluation, may be able to identify and assess the extent, character, density, depth and level of preservation of any archaeological deposits within the PDA, prior to or during submission of a planning application.
Consultation with the LPA’s archaeological advisor, is recommended at the earliest possible opportunity to determine the actual program of any further archaeological works required.
4
1.
Introduction
1.1
Project Background
This archaeological DBA has been prepared by SCCAS/FT, at the request of Strutt & Parker LLP. It is to form part of a submission document for the promotion of the site of Broxbourne School for residential development and a new school within the Local Development Framework.
This DBA is intended to establish the potential of the PDA for heritage assets by characterising the nature, date and potential for survival of archaeological deposits upon the site and the extent to which such deposits could be impacted upon by the proposed development. Advice as to the requirement and nature of further investigation to establish the archaeological potential of the PDA is also provided.
The Broxbourne School Development Brief produced by the Borough of Broxbourne (2012) states that the proposed development is for residential development on the existing school complex. This will consist of c.90 properties of mixed type and associated roads, parking and landscaping. A new secondary school will be constructed on the northern of two playing fields with the southern being retained as sports pitches for the new school
1.2
Site description
The subject of this DBA covers an area of approximately 8.3ha centred at TL 3639 0652, in the Borough of Broxbourne, Hertfordshire (Fig. 1). The modern town of Broxbourne lies to the west of the River Lee and the Hertfordshire/Essex county boundary and is part of a continuous line of urban development extending south towards Greater London and north to Hoddesdon. The county town of Hertford lies 6.5km to the north-west.
The PDA consists of two distinct parts; a northern area of 3.4ha occupied by a complex 5
of school buildings, parking, hard play and amenity areas, and a southern c.4.9ha area of playing fields including tennis courts. The present school has developed from the Baas Hill modern school built in the late 1950’s and Broxbourne grammar school which opened in the early 1960’s (Borough of Broxbourne 2012).
To the north the PDA is bordered by the rear gardens of a range of residential properties bordering Bell Lane or Boleyn Court and to the west by an open field, currently under grass scrub which is designated as a local nature reserve and community open space. The south-west corner of the PDA is bordered by Cozens Grove, a rectilinear strip of mature deciduous woodland and the remainder of the southern edge of the PDA is bordered by a public Right of Way, consisting of a track which to the east becomes Cozens Lane West. To the south of this track lies the southern school playing field. To the east of the PDA lies Eaton Gardens, a new residential development and a series of older properties fronting onto Broxbourne High Road. The New River passes by the south-east corner of the PDA.
1.3
Topography and geology
The PDA is located 0.75km to the west of the River Lea and immediately to the west of the artificial New River which was constructed in the early 17th century to provide water for the City of London (see HER entry in section 2.2 below).
The PDA lies on a gentle east facing slope, which rises from Broxbourne High Road to the east to Baas Hill to the west, at c.35m-40m above OD (Fig. 2).
The geology of the PDA consists of London Clay Formation sedimentary bedrock overlain by superficial deposits. To the west on the higher ground these are clay and silts of the Enfield Silt series, and to the east sand and gravels of the Taplow Gravel Formation (British Geological Society 2012).
6
N
©Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2012
N
70
50m
PDA
40m 30m
0
400
800m
©Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2012
Figure 1. Location map
7
1.4
Scope of this report
In order to set the PDA in its archaeological context a study area of a 1km radius from its centre was selected for examination (Figs. 2-3).
In accordance with the NPPF, the Government’s guidance on archaeology and planning, (http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/nppf) this assessment examines the available archaeological sources. These include the National Heritage List for England (NHLE), the Hertfordshire HER and reports of any archaeological investigations, all readily available cartographic or aerial photographic sources held by the HER or Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies (HALS), and a site walkover.
1.5
Aims
The aim of the DBA is to determine, as far as reasonably practicable from the existing records, the likely extent, character and quality of the known and potential archaeological resource of the PDA and wider study area. In particular the DBA will: •
Collate and assess the existing information regarding archaeological and historical remains within and adjacent to the PDA.
•
Identify any known archaeological sites which are of sufficient potential importance to require an outright constraint on development (i.e. those that will need preservation in situ).
•
Assess the potential for unrecorded archaeological sites within the application area.
•
Assess the likely impact of past land uses and the potential quality of preservation of below ground deposits, and where possible to model those deposits.
•
Assess the potential for the use of particular investigative techniques in order to aid the formulation of any mitigation strategy.
8
1.6
Methods
The following methods of data collection have been used to meet the aims of the DBA: •
A search of the Hertfordshire HER and NHLE for any records within 1km from the centre of the PDA, and an examination of the literature with reference to archaeological excavations within the study area. The results are described and mapped in section 2 below.
•
A search for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas that lie within the study area and may have a line of sight to the PDA was carried out on the NHLE and Hertfordshire HER. A summary is presented in section 2.3 below.
•
Enclosure and tithe maps for Broxbourne held by Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies have been examined, and a collated report of 19th and 20th century Ordnance Survey mapping obtained. A report summarising the results of the cartographic survey is presented in section 2.4 below, with the maps being presented in Appendices 1 and 2.
•
A search for aerial photography of the area was made through enquiry of the Hertfordshire HER and of the Cambridge University Collection of Aerial Photographs website. No aerial photographs of the study area were identified.
•
A site inspection to determine the presence of any factors likely to impact upon the overall assessment of the PDA’s archaeological potential was conducted on the 13/11/2012. Digital photographs taken during the inspection are presented in Appendix 3.
9
1.7. Legislative frameworks 1.7.1. National legislation or policy NPPF National Planning Policy Framework (which replaced PPS5 in March 2012, which in turn had replaced various guidance such as PPG 15 and PPG 16) provides guidance for planning authorities, developers and others on planning and the historic environment (paragraphs 128 & 129 below).
128. In determining applications, local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance. As a minimum the relevant historic environment record should have been consulted and the heritage assets assessed using appropriate expertise where necessary. Where a site on which development is proposed includes or has the potential to include heritage assets with archaeological interest, local planning authorities should require developers to submit an appropriate desk-based assessment and, where necessary, a field evaluation.
129. Local planning authorities should identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset that may be affected by a proposal (including by development affecting the setting of a heritage asset) taking account of the available evidence and any necessary expertise. They should take this assessment into account when considering the impact of a proposal on a heritage asset, to avoid or minimise conflict between the heritage asset’s conservation and any aspect of the proposal.
Scheduled Monuments The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act of 1979 statutorily protects Scheduled Monuments (SMs) and their settings as nationally important sites.
10
Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Listed buildings are protected under the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act of 1990. This ensures that listed buildings are given statutory protection against unauthorised demolition, alteration and extension. Buildings are listed because they are of special architectural importance, due to their architectural design, decoration and craftsmanship; also because they are of historical interest. This includes buildings that illustrate important aspects of the nation's social, economic, cultural or military history or have a close association with nationally important persons or events.
Conservation Areas are designated for their special architectural and historic interest, usually by the local planning authority. Any alterations to properties, structures, trees etc in a conservation area may need permission from the local planning authority.
Registered Parks and Gardens A Registered Park or Garden is a site included on the 'Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England’ which is maintained by English Heritage. It currently identifies over 1,600 sites assessed to be of national importance. Registration is a ‘material consideration’ in the planning process, meaning that planning authorities must consider the impact of any proposed development on the special character of a registered park or garden.
11
1.7.2. Local policy and guidance Chapter 8 of the Broxbourne Local Plan (Second Review), which was adopted in 2005, details local policy towards heritage. This plan is currently under review (New Local Plan 2012). Of particular relevance is section 8.4 and policies HD1 to HD11 which concern archaeological sites, Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas. Of these policies HD1 to HD3 concern archaeological heritage assets.
Policy HD1. Effect of development on nationally important sites and Monuments Planning Permission will not be granted for development which would adversely effect the site or setting of nationally important archaeological remains, whether Scheduled or unscheduled. Policy HD2. Requirements for evaluation of heritage asset Applicants for development on, or adjacent to, sites of known archaeological interest or sites believed to possess potential archaeological significance, will be required to submit the results of an archaeological field evaluation prior to determination of any application for development.
Policy HD3. Preservation of heritage asset Where the council considers that archaeological sites or monuments of local importance and their settings are likely to be affected by development, physical preservation in situ will be the preferred option. The decision whether to preserve in situ will be made on the basis of the intrinsic importance of the remains and the possibility of preservation in situ through the careful design, layout and siting of new development. Where preservation in situ is not merited, planning permission may be subject to conditions and/or a legal agreement requiring that provision be made for the investigation and recording of the remains and publication of a report of findings prior to commencement of the development.
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2.
Results
2.1
Scheduled Monuments
A search of Scheduled Monuments was carried out on the Hertfordshire HER and on the National Heritage List for England website (NHLE 2012). There are no SM’s within 1km of the centre of the PDA.
2.2
Hertfordshire HER search
The Hertfordshire HER only represents the archaeological material that has been reported, this is the ‘known’ resource. It is not therefore, a complete reflection of the whole archaeological resource of this area because other sites may remain undiscovered, this is considered as the ‘potential’ resource. Figure 2 shows all sites recorded in the HER within the study area.
2.2.1 All known archaeological sites within the PDA There are no known archaeological sites within the PDA.
2.2.2 All known archaeological sites within 1km of the centre of the PDA There are twenty-four HER entries recorded within 1km of the PDA, from the prehistoric, medieval and post-medieval periods. Summarised HER entries are given below by period:
Prehistoric Hertfordshire HER No. 17381. Two unstratified worked flints, a core and a blade, found in evaluation of an area of land east of the A10 at Baas Hill. They were collected from the topsoil of adjacent trenches at the SW corner of the site, and comprised a 'patinated broken multi-platform core', and a 'patinated broken blade, very rolled'.
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Bronze Age (BC 2,350 - BC 801) Hertfordshire HER No. 2099. A side-looped bronze spearhead of Middle Bronze Age date found during gravel working at Nazeing. The exact provenance is unclear but likely to have come from old gravel workings in Nazeing Marsh, between Broxbourne and Nazeing.
Hertfordshire HER No. 2266. Bronze spearhead apparently found with urn (HER No.2100), but this is a late Iron Age pedestal urn, so the association must be doubtful although the practice of curating much older objects in the late Iron Age is not unknown. Maybe a bronze spearhead recorded as being found in the 19th century in Broxbourne.
Hertfordshire HER No. 4903. Bronze axehead with a squared socket and loop and moulded socket rim, found during gravel digging.
Iron Age (BC 800 – 42 AD) Hertfordshire Her No. 2100. A 'Belgic pedestal urn' apparently found with a Bronze Age spearhead (HER No. 2266) although the association is unlikely. A large 1st century AD pedestalled bowl in a possibly Romanised fabric.
Medieval (AD 1066 – AD 1539) Hertfordshire Her No. 1910. Church Of St Augustine, Churchfields. Church of 15th16th century date with late 15th and early 16th century tomb chests and a 12th century font. As a medieval parish church must have replaced an earlier structure. A watching brief on groundworks for an extension to the Parish Hall, immediately to the south of the church, discovered the remains of a late 18th/early 19th century vault containing the remains of four burials of the Lewin family, one of which was within a lead coffin. Adjacent to the likely site of the manorial mill (HER No. 5779).
Hertfordshire HER No. 2032. Manorial site with fishponds and possible moat. The manor of Baas is documented from the 13th century, when it was held by Henry de Bathonia. In 1569 it passed to the Cecil Estate. The fishponds lie to the west of the 14
house and are well-preserved, comprising 3 ponds in line and are referred to in a 1275 survey of the estate. A linear depression to the south of the house could be a moat.
Hertfordshire Her No. 6090. Possible starting point of 13th century conduit, built in 1220 to transport water to Waltham Abbey and town of Waltham, from springs in Wormley (HER No. 6110). Pipes carried water across fields, meadows and marshes, three millponds, and the main stream of the river Lea. There were 16 settling-tanks along the route, which was operational from February 1222.
Hertfordshire Her No. 6110. Possible site of three holy springs or wells, Smallwells, Wormley, from which water was conveyed through a tank and conduit [6090] to supply water to Waltham Abbey in 1220-2.
Hertfordshire HER No.11470 An apparently medieval hollow way, now a public right of way between Baas Hill and Cozens Lane West. Shown on the 1883 OS maps as running west from Broxbourne Farm to White Stubbs Lane. The route appears therefore to be a continuation of White Stubbs Lane, one of the major co-axial droveways through Broxbourne and Wormley Woods, and is plainly a continuation of Cozens Lane.
Alongside Cozens Grove the trackway is enclosed by substantial and well-preserved coppiced hedge banks and ditches. The track fades out rapidly west of the wood although the bank survives along the south side and very slight traces of it remain at the base of the hedge on the north side of Cozens Lane West.
A cross-section profile recorded by Enfield Archaeological Society in 2009 showed the track as just under 10m wide and nearly a metre deep between raised banks. The road surface was cambered, with gullies along the edges, and consisted of a gravel surface over a pebble base, with later resurfacing in the 18th or 19th centuries.
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Post-medieval (AD 1539 – AD 1900)
Hertfordshire Her No. 5087. Road bridge over the New River, rebuilt and adopted by the county in 1924. Span c.6.3m, width c.11.3m.
Hertfordshire Her No. 5645. Railway bridge over the River Lea. Brick piers, concrete wing walls, iron girder through, open iron rail parapet.
Hertfordshire Her No. 5699. Road bridge on the south side of the road, skew with brick piers, flat iron girder with 1868 Cochrane Grove and Co, iron arcaded side rails.
Hertfordshire Her No. 5700. Road bridge over New River, Mill Lane. Brick piers, flat iron girder with 1841, iron latticed siderails. Brick piers and wing walls remain but the rest of the bridge is now wooden, used as a pedestrian bridge.
Hertfordshire Her No. 5701. Road Bridge, Church Lane, Wormley Hill. Brick Piers, low arched iron girder with date 1841, iron latticed siderail with Hunter below hand rail. A wooden pedestrian bridge has been constructed on the north side and a service pipe runs on the south side.
Hertfordshire Her No. 5779. Remains of former steam corn mill largely destroyed by fire in the early 1950s, when an engineering works. Presumed to be on or close to the site of the medieval manorial watermill. Partial shell of red and yellow brick survives, probably early mid 19 century, and what may have been the mill house, probably early 18 century.
Hertfordshire Her No. 5999. The New River. Built by Sir Hugh Myddelton between 1608 and 1613 to carry water from Ware to London. The River followed the 100 foot contour along the Lea valley from its source springs at Chadwell and Great Amwell between Hertford and Ware. It was originally nearly 40 miles long, ending at Clerkenwell, where a reservoir, the New River Head, was constructed. It now ends at Stoke Newington, and is about 24 miles long. Various bends have been straightened.
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Hertfordshire HER No. 13483. The Mustard Pot, 97-99 High Road. A late 17th-early 18th century timber-framed house directly on the frontage of the old London to Cambridge coach road, and called the Mustard Pot from when it was used as a café in the 1930s. Grade II listed (NHLE entry no. 1173649).
Hertfordshire HER No. 15350. A human tibia, assumed to have come from the parish churchyard, found in silt beneath the bridge at Broxbourne Mill.
Hertfordshire HER No. 15624. Priests House, 90 High Road. A two-storey house with an early 17th century timber frame. Grade II listed (NHLE entry no. 1100512).
Hertfordshire HER No. 15700. The Baas. A late 15th century manor house, in two halves. The eastern half is in red brick, the three-storey western half is timber-framed and weatherboarded. The house was altered in the late 17th century and the 19th century. Situated on a manorial site documented since the 13th century (Her No. 2032). Grade II* listed (NHLE entry no. 1348382).
Hertfordshire HER No. 15701. Small park and formal garden at medieval Baas Manor (HER No. 15700) is a 15th century house, and the manor (HER No. 2032) is documented from the 13th century. Formal garden, walled and hedged with a small area of parkland and St John's Well, which is covered with a brick wellhouse, that feeds the medieval fishponds (HER No. 2032).
Hertfordshire HER No. 16311. Monson Almshouses. A two-storey red brick building with parapet and hipped roof built in 1728 by Lady Monson. A single-bay rear extension to the south was added in the early 19th century and a longer rear extension in the mid 19th century.
Hertfordshire HER No. 16312. 76-78 High Road. A 16th-17th century timber-framed building, once an inn on the old London-Cambridge road, given a new facade in the early 19th century. Grade II listed (NHLE entry no. 1100511).
Hertfordshire HER No. 17442. Northern and western limits of a Tudor to early 17th 17
century brick kiln, possibly connected with the New River, identified in evaluation trench north of Eaton Gardens, under a dense layer of brick rubble. The bricks are presumed to have been made for a local building project such as bridges associated with the construction of the New River between 1608 and 1613, or for a nearby house.
Undated Hertfordshire HER No. 12449. Baas Hill Common, Baas Hill. Registered Common Land.
Hertfordshire HER No.11469 Possible ditch and bank features in Cozens Grove, a remnant oak-hornbeam woodland. These comprise substantial and well-preserved coppiced hedge banks and ditches alongside the track (HER No. 11470) on the south side of Cozens Grove and are likely to date to the medieval or earlier periods. Also well-preserved woodland banks and ditches along the west and east boundaries of the wood, which appear to be contemporary, and may be former wood pasture boundaries. Alternatively they may relate to later woodland management. A ditch runs NW-SW within and near the northern edge of the wood, coinciding with the boundary mapped on the 1883 OS map.
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Study Area
16311 16311
17381 17381 16312 16312
2100/2266 2100/2266
15624 15624
5699 5699 1910 1910
13483 13483 15350 15350 12449 12449
5779 5779
5645 5645 5700 5700
15701 15701
15700 15700
5999 5999
2032 2032
11469 11469
PDA 17442 17442
11470 11470
5087 5087
1000252 1000252
2099/4903 2099/4903
6110 6110 6090 6090 5701 5701
Study Area
0
0.5
1km
©Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2012
Figure 2. HER sites and Registered Parks within 1km of the PDA centre
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2.3
Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings
A search carried out on the Hertfordshire HER and on the National Heritage List for England website (NHLE 2012) has identified four Conservation Areas lying partially or wholly within the study area and over thirty Listed Buildings (Fig. 3). Descriptions of each area are summarised from the Broxbourne Local Plan Second Review.
2.3.1 Conservation Areas The eastern part of the PDA, where it fronts onto Broxbourne High Road, lies within the New River Conservation Area. This is primarily residential in character and includes the New River Bridge, probably built in the 1840's when the New River was widened.
The Conservation Areas of Broxbourne to the north-east and Wormley to the south lie partially within the study area. Broxbourne once formed part of the extensive Broxbournebury Estate which centred on Broxbournebury.
The Conservation Area of Wentworth Cottages lies immediately to the south of the PDA, on the eastern side of the New River, and consists of a group of early 20th century cottages for workers on the nearby Broxbournebury estate.
2.3.2 Listed Buildings The listed buildings within the study area are generally split into four distinct clusters. Of these two consist of buildings within the Wormley and New River Conservation areas, while the third and largest cluster lies in and around the Broxbourne Conservation Area. A further three lie to the west at Baas Manor.
Of the thirty plus buildings only eight have a potential line of sight to the PDA and could be impacted upon by any development. These all lie within 200m of the PDA boundary in the New River Conservation area and summaries of their NHLE entries are given below:
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List entry no. 1348408. 195, Broxbourne High Road. Grade II. Includes No 2 Cozens Lane East. 17th century timber frame, altered in the 19th century.
List entry no. 1348411. Yew Tree Cottage, 172, High Road. Grade II. Probably 16th century in origin with 17th, 18th and mid 19th century alterations.. Timber frame, plastered and stuccoed and tiled roof. Interior has been altered and there are modern additions to the rear.
List entry no. 1100509. 175 And 177 Including Wall On South Side, High Road. Grade II. Possibly 17th century timber frame, altered early 19th century. Cement-rendered with an old tile roof.
List entry no. 1100513. The Red House At The Broxbourne School, 162, 164 And 166, High Road. Grade II. Early 18th century, altered mid/late 18th and 19th century. Red brick. Hipped, red tile roof. Modern extension on N.
List entry no. 1100514. Bridge House, 168, High Road. Grade II. 17th century timber frame, altered 19th century.
List entry no. 1100515. Outbuilding At Number 172 (Yew Tree Cottage), High Road. Grade II. Probable former 18th century bakehouse to rear of house. Timber frame and plaster, weatherboarded with westerngable end in red and yellow stock brick. Terracotta tile roof. Included for group value.
List entry no. 1100516. Garage At Number 172 (Yew Tree Cottage). Grade II. 18th and early 19th century timber frame stable and trap house. Weatherboarded. Red tile roof. Included for group value.
List entry no. 1100553. 165, High Road. Grade II. Early-mid 19th century, possibly 18th century origin. Painted stucco, hipped slate roof.
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N
Study Area
Broxbourne
1100553 1100553 1100553 1100553 1100553
New River
1100509 1100509 1100509 1100509 1100509
PDA
1100513 1100513 1100513 1100513 1100513 1100514 1100514 1100514 1100514 1100514 1100514 1100516/1100515/1348411 1100516/1100515/1348411 1100516/1100515/1348411 1100516/1100515/1348411 1100516/1100515/1348411 1348408 1348408 1348408 1348408 1348408
Wentworth Cottages
Study Area Wormley
0
0.5
1km
©Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2012
Figure 3. Listed buildings and Conservation Areas within 1km of the PDA centre
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2.4
Other Heritage or Environmental assets within 1km of the centre
of the PDA 2.4.1 Registered Parks and Gardens There is one Registered Park or Garden within 1km of the centre of the PDA. This garden or other land is registered under the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 within the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens by English Heritage for its special historic interest.
List entry Number. 1000252. Wormleybury A late 18th century, Grade I listed country house, on the site of an earlier 17th century house. Surrounded by a landscape park, developed in the 1770s from an earlier formal scheme, together with remnants of early 19th century gardens. The 19th century park was c.57ha in size, and was bounded to the east by the New River. The park has since been reduced by the construction of the A10 dual carriageway and the Registered extent corresponds to its 18th century extent.
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2.5. Cartographic study summary A map regression exercise has been carried out, based on tithe and enclosure maps held by Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies and 19th and 20th century Ordnance Survey mapping. All maps are included in Appendices 1 and 2.
2.5.1 Broxbourne Tithe map (1839) and apportionment (1840). The tithe map of 1840 (HALS Ref. DP/24/27/1, appendix 1) shows that the basic layout is largely unchanged, with the High Road and Bell Lane being clearly shown and the modern boundaries of the PDA in large part can be seen to correspond to boundaries on the tithe map.
Points of particular note include Cozens Lane West which is shown as a continuous road running to Cozens Grove, two small buildings (presumably farm or garden buildings or similar) and a pond in the eastern part of the PDA, and two large rear extensions to the Red House (which appears to be two separate properties) extending into the PDA.
The bulk of the PDA to the west is situated on open fields, numbered as 205 and 238. These are described in the apportionment as Grove Field and West Common Field respectively, both being in arable use and the ownership of Henry Cozens.
The eastern part of the PDA is split into several smaller plots in differing use and ownership. Thomas Henry Thorsby owned 228 and 228a, both described as meadow, and 230, described as garden and pleasure grounds. Sarah Smith owned 232, described as garden and pleasure grounds, and 233 and 234, both named as ‘orchard’ and described as meadow.
2.5.2 Broxbourne enclosure map (1850). HALS Ref. DP/24/26 The enclosure map of 1850 (HALS Ref. DP/24/26, appendix 1), apart from stylistic differences is essentially unchanged from the 1839 tithe map. As it uses the same numbering for the different fields and plots it is likely that it directly derives from the 24
earlier map.
2.5.3 Broxbourne altered Tithe map and apportionment (1865). The main change by the altered tithe map of 1865 (HALS Ref. DP/24/27/2, appendix 1) is the division of field 238 into two by the addition of an east-west boundary across its northern part. 238a is recorded as continuing as arable land in the apportionment while 238b is pasture. The other noticeable change is that the small building shown in 1839 as adjacent to the pond is no longer present.
2.5.4 Historic Ordnance Survey mapping The Ordnance Survey map of 1879/1880 shows further division of the main arable field. Other field and property boundaries appear to be unchanged although there is now considerable extra detail regarding other aspects. Areas of tree planting are clearly shown, as are a series of pathways, presumably garden features, and several small structures, to the rear of the Red House. This detail clearly shows the difference between the arable fields to the west and meadows, orchards and gardens to the east, as suggested in the earlier tithe apportionments. A small building is also again shown to the south of the pond.
The 1898 Ordnance Survey shows yet another sub-division in the western arable fields but otherwise the previous layout is essentially unchanged. Plots 199 and 200 are still shown as wooded and the various outbuildings are unchanged, apart from the loss of the extensions to the rear of the Red House and an additional structure to the southwest of the pond.
The 1924 Ordnance Survey shows significant changes in the western part of the PDA with the removal of several field boundaries and a new rectangular building, labelled as a pavilion, in the north-east corner of the now single arable field. The trackway to the south is now shown only as a footpath along the edge of the PDA between Cozens Grove and Cozens Lane west. The eastern part of the PDA has had one boundary removed and the Red House is labelled as Golf Club House. 25
By 1968/1969 the PDA is shown as being occupied by Baas Hill School and Broxbourne Grammar School. With the exception of a missing building in the north-west corner of the building complex the layout is all but identical to the present school. Likewise the playing fields are very similar to the modern layout, with tennis courts and artificial embankment clearly marked. The playing field is however subdivided on its eastern side and one building and two glasshouses are present.
2.6
Site inspection
A visit to the PDA was made on 13/11/2012, to determine the presence of any factors likely to impact on the overall assessment of its archaeological potential. Photographs of the PDA taken during the site inspection are included in Appendix 3.
The school complex is situated on a slight east facing slope and it is clear that there has been an element of landscaping of the natural topography to create the existing playing field. The ground-level at the western edge of the playing field continues from that in the open field to the west but the slope then appears to have been levelled by a build up of ground. A c.1m drop in ground levels is then marked by a modern embankment which crosses the field from the western corner of the school buildings to the north-east corner of Cozens Grove, indicating that the centre of the playing field may have been cut into the natural slope. Ground-levels in the eastern part of the playing field then appear to be broadly continuous with those to south and east.
The school itself is a mixture of late 20th century buildings. To the west these and other infrastructure have been terraced into the natural slope, indicating considerable truncation and changes in ground-level. The eastern half of the buildings are situated on more level ground, and are set amidst sizeable open areas of car parking and lawn interspersed with mature trees, with little evidence of any major change to ground levels.
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3.
Assessment of impacts and effects
3.1
The archaeological potential of the PDA
3.1.1 Prehistoric The topographic location of the PDA, overlooking the valley of the River Lea, is a typical setting for prehistoric occupation and the five records within the study area which relate to evidence of prehistoric activity suggest at least a low-level of activity in the vicinity of the PDA at different periods. However these records all consist of individual find spots, and are spread out to the north-west, south-east and north-east, so there is no indication of any particular focus of occupation at any time. The absence of any known archaeological deposits may however be partly or largely due to a lack of systematic archaeological fieldwork in the study area.
The present evidence therefore suggests that the PDA has a low/moderate potential for producing archaeological deposits of prehistoric date, and that any such would likely be of local or regional significance.
3.1.2 Roman and Anglo-Saxon There are no recorded sites within the study area relating to either Roman or AngloSaxon activity, although again this absence may be largely due to a lack of systematic fieldwork within the study area. This suggests that the PDA has minimal or low potential for producing archaeological deposits of these dates, although the significance of any such deposits could vary widely.
3.1.3 Medieval The PDA is likely to have been open land between settlement centres at Baas Manor, Wormleybury and Broxbournebury to the west and Broxbourne to the north-east. It seems likely that the layout shown on the later Tithe map is largely a continuation of that of the medieval period, although additional field boundaries etc may have been present.
While the hollow way along the southern edge of the PDA, and the ditch and banks in Cozens Grove, may all have medieval origins there is no evidence to suggest any 27
roadside settlement extending along it and the PDA is generally thought to have only low potential for medieval deposits of minor significance such as infilled field boundaries.
3.1.4 Post-medieval Although the majority of HER records within the study area relate to the post-medieval period these largely consist of the New River, river or railway bridges and listed buildings. The map regression exercise has clearly shown that the PDA largely consisted of open arable or pasture farmland and gardens since at least 1840 and, apart from changes to field boundaries and minor structures, saw little change until the development of the school. Apart from one building in the north-west corner of the school complex there has been little change since the late 1960’s.
This suggests that the PDA generally has only low archaeological potential for deposits of minor significance, such as former outbuildings, boundaries or garden features.
However the early 17th century brick kiln recorded at Eaton Gardens, just outside of the PDA, is of particular significance. The kiln is presumed to have been associated with the construction of the New River and accompanying development and, as its site is clearly shown as open fields on the Tithe map, appears to have been totally abandoned and demolished by the 19th century. There is a moderate possibility therefore that other remains relating to the New River construction period may survive within the PDA and that these would be of local or regional significance.
3.2
Potential level of archaeological preservation within the PDA
Until the 20th century the majority of the PDA consisted of open arable or pasture farmland and gardens. This suggests that any pre-medieval archaeological deposits are likely to have been in a good state of preservation below ploughsoils until the development of the school.
The area of the school buildings has since seen significant ground disturbance, particularly to the west where buildings are terraced into the natural slope, which is likely to have had a severe detrimental impact on any archaeological deposits. However 28
there are still substantial open areas, particularly to the east, where ground-levels seem little changed and modern disturbance may not extend below pre-existing soils.
The playing field has been subjected to modern landscaping to remove the natural slope but any truncation to a depth below pre-existing ploughsoils may have been limited to a band across its centre. It is probable that any archaeological deposits under the playing field remain in a good state of preservation.
3.3
Potential impact of development on the archaeological resource
The construction of a new school complex on the existing playing field is likely to have a significant detrimental impact upon any archaeological remains that may exist, unless an appropriate mitigation strategy is adopted.
While the residential development of the existing school complex will also involve significant ground disturbance the impact upon archaeological deposits is likely to be reduced due to the significant disturbance that has already occurred. However there are sizeable areas where deposits may survive and the development will again likely have a significant detrimental impact unless an appropriate mitigation strategy is adopted.
3.4
Potential impact of development on other heritage assets
The proposed development also has potential to directly impact upon the setting of several listed buildings, and on the nature and appearance of the New River Conservation Area. The development may also have an indirect impact on the setting of the Wentworth Cottages Conservation Area.
However the setting of listed buildings such as The Red House have already been affected by the 20th century development of the wider area, including the present school itself. The impact of development therefore is likely to be low but should be considered and mitigated against in design proposals.
The development will have no impact upon the Wormleybury Registered Park, as there is no line of sight and they are separated by the modern A10. 29
4.
Mitigation measures
The PDA is thought to have low/moderate potential for archaeological deposits of local or regional importance from the prehistoric or post-medieval periods. The preservation of such deposits is likely to vary from poor to good depending on location within the PDA.
At present there are currently no grounds to consider refusal of planning permission in order to achieve preservation in situ of any designated heritage assets such as Scheduled Monuments, or of important but non-designated heritage assets. However as the PDA has not been subject to any previous systematic archaeological investigation, the actual presence, nature and state of preservation of any such archaeological deposits is unknown.
National and local guidance recommends that potential archaeological sites are evaluated prior to the determination of any planning application to assess the nature and significance of any archaeological deposits present. Such investigations can then enable the LPA’s archaeological advisors to make informed decisions regarding heritage assets in respect of any planning application, and determine the need and scope for refusal of development to provide preservation in situ of important archaeological deposits, or a requirement for excavation and preservation by record prior to or during development, which can be imposed by conditions on planning consent.
The sites recent history and present land-use means that further non-intrusive investigation in the form of geophysical survey may be an appropriate first step in investigating the archaeological potential of the playing field. This could be followed by a systematic programme of evaluation trial trenching targeting geophysical anomalies and the open, relatively undisturbed spaces amongst the school buildings with the aim of identifying and assessing the extent, character, density and depth of any archaeological deposits present, and to assess the extent of any disturbance caused by the previous land use of the PDA on their preservation.
While the likely impact of the residential redevelopment of the school complex on
30
neighbouring heritage assets and Conservation Areas is thought to be low a sympathetic approach to design could minimize this further, or even bring positive benefits.
Consultation with the LPA and its archaeological advisors, should take place at the earliest possible opportunity to determine the program of archaeological works that will need to be carried out. Until further investigation is undertaken, it is usually impossible to define the extent of archaeological work that may be required on a site and equally difficult to calculate the likely cost and time implications. Bearing this in mind developers are strongly advised to undertake archaeological evaluations at the earliest opportunity to clarify the likely archaeological work required and its cost.
31
5.
Conclusions/Recommendations
Through an examination of the Hertfordshire HER and National Heritage List for England, a map regression exercise and a site inspection, this DBA has set the PDA within its immediate archaeological landscape.
In general the topographic location of the PDA and the known archaeology of the area suggest that there is a low/moderate potential for encountering archaeological remains within the PDA and that such deposits are likely to vary in quality of preservation depending on location.
It is suggested that further archaeological investigation may be able to identify and assess the extent, character, density, depth and level of preservation of any archaeological deposits within the PDA, prior to or during submission of a planning application.
Consultation with the LPA’s archaeological advisor, is recommended at the earliest possible opportunity to determine the actual program of any further archaeological works required.
6.
List of contributors and acknowledgements
This project was funded and commissioned by Strutt and Parker LLP. The desk based assessment was carried out by John Craven, of SCCAS/FT.
SCCAS/FT would like to acknowledge Dr Isobel Thompson, Historic Environment Unit, Hertfordshire County Council for providing the HER search and Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies for providing access to tithe and enclosure maps.
32
7.
Bibliography
Borough of Broxbourne, 2012, The Broxbourne School Development Brief.
Websites Broxbourne Local Plan Second Review http://www.broxbourne.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_policy/development _plan/local_plan_2005.aspx
British Geological Society. http://www.bgs.ac.uk/opengeoscience/
Cambridge University Collection of Aerial Photography http://www.geog.cam.ac.uk/cucap
National Heritage List For England. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/protection/process/national-heritage-listfor-england
33
Appendix 1. Tithe and enclosure maps
©Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies
Figure 1. Approximate position of PDA (red outline) overlain on 1839 Broxbourne Tithe map. Orientated north to top. HALS Ref: DP/24/27/1
©Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies
Figure 2. Approximate position of PDA (red outline) overlain on 1850 Broxbourne Enclosure map. Orientated north to top. HALS Ref: DP/24/26
©Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies
Figure 3. Approximate position of PDA (red outline) overlain on 1865 Broxbourne altered Tithe map. Orientated north-east to top. HALS Ref: DP/24/27/2
Appendix 2.
Historic Ordnance Survey maps
Ordnance Survey® Historical Mapping Extract www.centremapslive.com
Site Details:
Approximate outline of PDA
Client Ref: 21123 Report Ref: CMAPS-CM-190755-21123-191112 536401, 206493 Grid Ref: Map Name: County Series Map date:
1879-1880
Scale:
1:2,500
Printed at:
1:2,500
Produced by GroundSure Environmental Insight www.groundsure.com Supplied by: www.centremapslive.com [email protected] Crown copyright all rights reserved. Licence No: 100035207
Production date:
19 November 2012
To view map legend click here Legend
Ordnance Survey® Historical Mapping Extract www.centremapslive.com
Site Details:
Approximate outline of PDA
Client Ref: 21123 Report Ref: CMAPS-CM-190755-21123-191112 536401, 206493 Grid Ref: Map Name: County Series Map date:
1898
Scale:
1:2,500
Printed at:
1:2,500
Produced by GroundSure Environmental Insight www.groundsure.com Supplied by: www.centremapslive.com [email protected] Crown copyright all rights reserved. Licence No: 100035207
Production date:
19 November 2012
To view map legend click here Legend
Ordnance Survey® Historical Mapping Extract www.centremapslive.com
Site Details:
Approximate outline of PDA
Client Ref: 21123 Report Ref: CMAPS-CM-190755-21123-191112 536401, 206493 Grid Ref: Map Name: County Series Map date:
1924
Scale:
1:2,500
Printed at:
1:2,500
Produced by GroundSure Environmental Insight www.groundsure.com Supplied by: www.centremapslive.com [email protected] Crown copyright all rights reserved. Licence No: 100035207
Production date:
19 November 2012
To view map legend click here Legend
Ordnance Survey® Historical Mapping Extract www.centremapslive.com
Site Details:
Approximate outline of PDA
Client Ref: 21123 Report Ref: CMAPS-CM-190755-21123-191112 536401, 206493 Grid Ref: Map Name: National Grid Map date:
1968
Scale:
1:2,500
Printed at:
1:2,500
Produced by GroundSure Environmental Insight www.groundsure.com Supplied by: www.centremapslive.com [email protected] Crown copyright all rights reserved. Licence No: 100035207
Production date:
19 November 2012
To view map legend click here Legend
Ordnance Survey® Historical Mapping Extract www.centremapslive.com
Site Details:
Approximate outline of PDA
Client Ref: 21123 Report Ref: CMAPS-CM-190755-21123-191112 536401, 206493 Grid Ref: Map Name: National Grid Map date:
1969
Scale:
1:1,250
Printed at:
1:2,500
Produced by GroundSure Environmental Insight www.groundsure.com Supplied by: www.centremapslive.com [email protected] Crown copyright all rights reserved. Licence No: 100035207
Production date:
19 November 2012
To view map legend click here Legend
Appendix 2. Site inspection photographs
1 12
8 2 9 6 7 5
10 11
3
4
0
150
300m
©Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Suffolk County Council Licence No. 100023395 2012
Photo locations
Photo 1, facing south-west
Photo 2, facing north-east
Photo 3, facing north
Photo 4, facing north
Photo 5, facing west
Photo 6, facing north
Photo 7, facing north-west
Photo 8, facing north-west
Photo 9, facing south
Photo 10, facing west
Photo 11, facing south-west
Photo 12, facing north-west
Archaeological Service Field Projects Team Delivering a full range of archaeological services
•
Desk-based assessments and advice
•
Site investigation
•
Outreach and educational resources
•
Historic Building Recording
•
Environmental processing
•
Finds analysis and photography
•
Graphics design and illustration
Contact:
Rhodri Gardner Tel: 01473 265879 Fax: 01473 216864 [email protected]
www.suffolk.gov.uk/business/business-services/archaeological-services
