Monument MPM1221 - 117-119 Copnor Road

A watching brief at 117-119 in 2001 revealed evidence of the medieval West Field, a post-medieval soakaway and well.

Deep topsoil in the north west quarter of the site appeared to confirm that it had been part of a medieval open field known as West Field. A thin ridge of clay subsoil at a higher level than normal possibly represented a baulk or strip division within the field.

A small brick building survived in the far north east quarter of the site, close to a large pit. The pit, thought to be a soakaway, contained later post-medieval bricks. An exact date for the pit/soakaway could not be established, as no further dating evidence was available. It had been cut by a well lined with chalk blocks, which had been infilled in the early 20th century. This had probably occurred sometime between 1910-1933 when adjoining farm buildings marked on the 19th century maps were demolished.

As no evidence of substantial buildings was encountered during the watching brief, it is probable that the main farmhouse range was located beyond the northern boundary of the development site. The fact that no residual sherds of medieval pottery were found suggests that the farm may have been post-medieval in date, constructed after the medieval West Field was enclosed. Documentary evidence suggests the field had been enlosed by 1621.

Hampshire County Council, 2003, Archaeology in Hampshire Annual Report for 2002 (Bibliographic reference). SPM193.