Event/Activity EPM36 - Milton Campus Watching Brief

An archaeological watching brief was carried by out by L-P Archaeology during the redevelopment of land at the Milton Campus site between the 4th April and 8th August 2004. The development involved the replacement of a 1930s training college with residential properties, associated landscaping and car parking facilities and a school building. The demolition of a series of buildings dating to the 1930s and 1960s was monitored, and a photographic record of some of these buildings was kept. Archaeological monitoring was also carried out during the removal of foundations and footings, and on intrusive groundworks. A deskbased assessment had indicated that a range of buildings belonging to Milton Farm had previously stood within the development site, and there was the potential that archaeological remains might be encountered. No deposits of archaeological significance were noted during the development work. Late post-medieval pottery was recovered from trenches for drainage dug on the road to the east of the site next to the walled garden. This area appeared to be outside the limits of the farmhouse. A large number of unfrogged bricks were observed in the make up under the slab of the foundations to the gatehouse building when it was removed. This suggested a building of 18th or early-19th century date was demolished prior to the construction of the gatehouse building. It was therefore concluded that it is likely that evidence of the farm buildings and house were destroyed by construction of the twentieth century buildings on the site. Accession No: 2004/497