About Us
South West Archaeology has a dedicated and highly professional staff, and these attributes form the
cornerstone of the practice. We ensure that all of our clients are able to fulfil the archaeological
requirements of the planning process and corporate responsibility with the aim of keeping costs and delays
to a minimum. We have experience of a wide variety of projects in both urban and rural settings relating
to
Listed buildings, scheduled monuments, landscape and geophysical surveys, renewable energy projects,
visual
impact assessments, heritage assessments, evaluation and excavation.
South West Archaeology were founded as a limited company by Colin Humphreys in January
2008, having originated c.2003 as a small co-operative of self-employed individuals, many of whom went on
to
form the initial staff of the company. Dr. Bryn Morris and Dr. Samuel Walls joined Colin as Directors in
February 2013. Colin retired in February 2017.
What We Offer
We offer a broad range of archaeological services that will help you meet your planning needs. For each of the archaeological services that we provide, we co-ordinate and compile the necessary reports to satisfy the requirements of the planning conditions.
What We Do
We co-ordinate and compile the necessary reports to satisfy the requirements of the planning conditions. We have presented the results of hundreds of projects ranging from simple Historic Environment Record (HER) entries up to full-scale excavation reports.
Our Vision
To foster and build upon the excellent reputation of South West Archaeology Ltd with existing clients, while promoting new business. We are all committed to develop South West Archaeology Ltd into the best archaeological consultancy in South West England.
Services
South West Archaeology primarily operates throughout Cornwall, Devon and Somerset,
but
is also able to work further afield. The cornerstone of our practice is a dedicated and highly
professional
team, all of whom are skilled across a variety
of archaeological and professional disciplines. We have a broad depth of experience in a range of
archaeological techniques, including Desk-Based Assessments, Historic Building Surveys and Archaeological
Excavation. We work in close partnership
with a variety of organisations including planners, architects and government bodies, in order to achieve
the best possible results for our clients and the archaeological record.
South West
Archaeology
offers a broad range of archaeological services that will help you meet your planning needs. For each of
the
archaeological services that we provide, we co-ordinate and compile the necessary reports to satisfy the
requirements
of the planning conditions. We have presented the results of hundreds of projects ranging from simple HER
entries, all the way up to full-scale excavation reports.
DESK-BASED ASSESSMENTS
Generally required as the first stage in any archaeological works relating to
development.
Generally
required as the first stage in any archaeological works relating to development, a desk-based
assessment is simply a study of all existing
information concerning the archaeology of a site or building – maps, documents, photographs,
previous studies etc. We generally carry out a site visit, but avoid the use of intrusive methods
at
this particular stage. This type of assessment
can be particularly useful in identifying the archaeological potential of an area, be it the
previous location of a Roman town, or an historic manor house that dates back further than
originally thought.
HISTORIC BUILDING SURVEY
Alterations to historic buildings often result in requirements for recording as
part
of the planning process.
Alterations
to historic buildings often result in requirements for recording as part of the planning process.
We
have extensive experience in producing
the necessary surveys and reports, including work on listed buildings.
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYING
South West Archaeology offers gradiometer and earth resistance surveying. The
particular method or combination of methods used depends on local soil conditions and the survey
requirements.
South
West
Archaeology offers gradiometer and earth resistance surveying. The particular method or
combination
of methods used depends on local
soil conditions and the survey requirements. The geophysical surveying equipment South West
Archaeology uses is specifically developed for archaeological surveying and is a proven technology
that can determine the potential for archaeological
features below the ground with no need at this stage for intrusive work. If excavation is
required,
the geophysical assessment can be used to place trenches over potential archaeological features.
When used in conjunction with software
designed to analyse and present the recorded data, these systems are capable of delivering fast
and
accurate assessments of the archaeology of both large and small sites.
HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENTS
There is a statutory requirement that developers consider the impact of their
development on the setting of Listed buildings and Conservation Areas.
There is a statutory requirement that developers consider the impact of their development on the
setting of Listed buildings and Conservation Areas. It is also a consideration for other heritage
assets like scheduled monuments and historic parks and gardens. The visual effect of a new
structure can be just as damaging as the physical impacts it can have upon buried archaeological
features, and this is why it is considered important.
FIELD EVALUATIONS
Commonly recommended for any site that shows potential for archaeological features
via the use of non-intrusive archaeological techniques.
Commonly
recommended for any site that shows potential for archaeological features via the use of
non-intrusive archaeological techniques, this
technique of investigation takes the form of machine-dug trenches typically covering 2-10% of the
site’s area. Any archaeology that is revealed during this process is excavated and recorded
sufficiently to understand it. The Historic
Environment Service of the relevant planning authority may recommend further works on the basis of
these results.
WATCHING BRIEFS
A common condition imposed following the assessment of a site’s archaeological
potential is that archaeologists should observe any ground works.
A
common
condition imposed following the assessment of a site’s archaeological potential is that
archaeologists should observe any ground works
on the site and record any significant material that is revealed. We have experience of numerous
watching briefs and have developed strategies to minimise any delays to the development that might
result.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION
Should it be required, South West Archaeology is able to carry out excavation and
recording in advance of development.
Should it be
required, South West Archaeology is able to carry out excavation and recording in advance of
development. Our team has many years
of experience on a wide variety of sites, and always aims to minimise the expense and delay of the
excavation by attempting to complete the assigned work as soon as possible.
PROJECT CONSULTANCY
South West Archaeology offers a complete archaeological package, tailor-made to
suit
your planning conditions.
South West
Archaeology offers a complete archaeological package, tailor-made to suit your planning
conditions.
Thanks to our highly qualified team,
South West Archaeology is able to offer our clients a service that will guide them through the
archaeological planning process. We can advise you on where to start as well as how to proceed
after
the initial phases. We can recommend
which course of action to follow, be it a short watching brief or, if necessary, a more rigorous
archaeological excavation. We will always see the project right through to the post-excavation
process as well as helping you to clear
your planning conditions.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
The renewable energy market continues to grow rapidly and these developments can
have
an impact on the setting of above ground heritage assets as well as an impact on below ground
archaeology.
The
renewable energy market continues to grow rapidly and these developments can have an impact on the
setting of above ground heritage assets
as well as an impact on below ground archaeology. South West Archaeology Ltd works in partnership
with renewable energy providers to tailor packages which assess the impact on the historic
environment and deliver mitigation strategies.
SCHEDULED MONUMENT CONSENT
Some archaeological sites are afforded additional protection due to their being
listed as Scheduled Monuments.
Some
archaeological sites are afforded additional protection due to their being listed as Scheduled
Monuments. In certain circumstances consent
is given for works in such areas. We have experience in seeing through the processes necessary to
gain such consent, aided by staff who have previously worked for Historic England, the advisory
body
in these matters.
Have a Question?
If you have any questions in relations to the many services we offer then we would love to hear from you.
Contact UsOur Skills
The staff at South West Archaeology have a deep understanding of the archaeology and built heritage of Devon and Cornwall, with experience of all periods and scales of site across the region. We have established relationships with many of the leading regional specialists, with whom we collaborate on specialists finds or on particular site types, like mills or churches.
Facts
A highly qualified, friendly team with years of experience in the commercial archaeological sector
Years Combined Experience
Projects
Years in the South West
Hard Workers
Our Projects
- Barnstaple
- Batson Hall Barn
- Clyst Honiton
- Cullompton
- Kenwith Castle
- Porthleven
- Putford
- Tiverton
- Treyarnon
- West Ogwell
- Doddiscombesleigh
Batson Hall Barn
South West Archaeology is a well-established independent archaeological practice based in South Molton, Devon. South West Archaeology primarily operates throughout Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, but also undertakes work further afield. The cornerstone of our practice is an enthusiastic, dedicated and highly professional team, all of whom are skilled across a variety of archaeological and professional disciplines. We have a broad depth of experience in a range of archaeological techniques, including Desk-Based Assessments, Historic Building Surveys and Archaeological Excavation. We work in close partnership with a variety of organisations including planners, architects and government bodies, in order to achieve the best possible results for our clients and the archaeological record.
We are employed by clients looking to carry out Planning, Development and Research Projects across the region. We provide a whole range of archaeological services including Project Consultancy, Watching Briefs, Geophysical Surveys and Excavation. We ensure that our clients are able to fulfil the archaeological requirements of the planning process and corporate responsibility, with the aim of keeping costs and delays to a minimum. By aiming for a swift completion of all jobs we take on, we allow for the harmonious existence of modern development and archaeology.
We also have experience of delivering public engagement projects, from site open days to longer term community archaeology projects investigating the history and archaeology of an area. We have undertaken excavations and outreach work in schools and accept student placements at our office in South Molton.
Clyst Honiton
Following work conducted in 2008 (a desk-based assessment and geophysical survey) South West Archaeology Ltd was asked to supervise the excavation of a series of evaluation trenches across two fields on the eastern edge of Exeter Airport Business Park. This sampling investigated both the geophysical anomalies identified previously and a representative sample of the remainder of the site. In addition, fieldwalking was undertaken across much of the site, which although producing predominantly 19 th century pottery also produced a small amount of (mostly burnt) lithic material, including a large flint biface dated to at least 60,000 years BP.
Most of the features encountered during excavation were modern in date (ceramic land drains and a probable water main). The only ancient feature encountered was a heavily truncated Middle Bronze Age ring ditch (1270-1020 calBC). Approximately 30% of the circumference of this feature survived, with three surviving fills. The middle fill contained a mass of fire- shattered rock and charcoal, a deposit with close similarities to the contemporary but enigmatic burnt mounds. It is possible the ring ditch has trapped material from such a mound – a mound now long-since destroyed – and this would make it only the second site in Devon to produce evidence for such a feature.
Cullompton
South West Archaeology undertook an excavation on land at Shortlands Lane, Cullompton, in advance of development. The initial documentary and cartographic research indicated we should encounter medieval and post-medieval material and features relating to the town water supply and the locally notable Bilbie bell foundry. Instead the excavations encountered part of a very well-preserved Roman settlement occupied from the earlier 2nd century through into the later 4th century.
Evidence for structures was limited, and it seems the site lies immediately to the south of any buildings. Unlike many urban or even rural sites, the amount of later disturbance was quite limited, and over much of the site Roman soil layers survived, allowing detailed stratigraphical relations to be established. The site was criss-crossed by ditches and features that can provisionally be assigned to at least 5 phases. The earliest feature was a deep prehistoric ditch crossing the site north-to-south. This was followed by four phases of Roman occupation, with evidence for a planned system of land division.
In terms of the artefactual evidence, a large assemblage and wide range of Roman ceramics were recovered, including the usual range of local Greywares, as well as imported finewares from elsewhere in Roman Britain and the Continent. A stamped amphora handle could even be traced to a specific location in the lower Guadalavir valley in Spain. Seven coins were recovered from stratified deposits, including a clipped coin of the usurper Magnentius (350-3 AD), indicating occupation on the site continued into the later 4th century AD.
The most significant find was a Roman cremation burial encountered on the western edge of the site. Two pottery vessels – the larger surviving intact – were found covered by a decorated shale board. The board was badly damaged and is currently being conserved by the staff of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. The primary vessel is an unusually large Butt Beaker, an imitation of Black Burnished wares, with almost unique incised decoration. This contained the remains of a cremated individual, together with a range of iron nails and studs, and the neck of a delicate glass unguent bottle. While most Roman cremations are dated to the 1st-2nd centuries AD, there are hints that this burial could be later, and it may form part of a contemporary cemetery on the edge of the Roman settlement.
The Roman settlement at Shortlands Lane is highly significant in the context of Roman Devon, as opportunities to excavate such sites on any scale are few and far between.
Doddiscombesleigh
South West Archaeology Limited was commissioned to undertake desk-based research and historic building recording of a Cider Barn at Doddiscombsleigh, prior to its conversion to holiday accommodation. The building is one of a group of Grade II listed farm buildings including a 16th century farm house and an early 19th century threshing barn. Within the Cider Barn the cider making apparatus survived largely intact and apparently in working order. The documentary evidence and the surviving machinery within Cider Barn both suggest that the present building were constructed and the machinery installed between c.1840 and 1860. This ties in with an expansion of the farm and expansion and adaptation of the farm buildings at that time, associated with a change in ownership.
Kenwith Castle
In 2007 planning permission was granted for the expansion of the Kenwith Castle care home, Abbotsham, to take place in two main phases of work. The area to be covered by Stage 2 is situated adjacent and to the north of the scheduled monument. Concerns were raised by the Local Planning Authority and Historic England regarding the impact of this development on the monument. Therefore, following consultation with Mr R. Cawthorne (the Landowner) and the Developer, the production of a management plan to address these concerns was agreed. In order to facilitate this a measured survey of the summit of the knoll was undertaken by South West Archaeology.
Kenwith Castle occupies the summit of a prominent knoll, which measures c.150m east to west and c.100m north to south and reaches an elevation of c.36m AOD. There are clear signs of modification to the summit of the knoll, the top of which has been scarped to create a steeper slope c.2m in height on the western and southern sides. On the western side this was supplemented with a short length of ditch accompanied by a counterscarp bank which now survives as a slight earthwork. To the south of the ditch, a path joins the terracing on the southern side of the summit. The interior of the enclosure has an area of c.550m 2 and is notably flat, suggesting it has been artificially created.
The field evidence of the enclosure at Kenwith bears most similarity to a llys, a high status settlement site of the early medieval period. However, the site is also potentially nationally important due to its associations with the battle of Arx Cynuit. The battle is an important one as it occurred at the nadir of the fortunes of King Alfred. Although the location of this event is not certain and a number of possibilities have been proposed for the battlefield, the evidence in support of Kenwith Castle is strong and it remains one of the leading candidates. During the second half of the 19 th century the Castle knoll was modified by the construction of a path to its summit and the planting of ornamental trees. This was undertaken in order to create an imposing approach to Kenwith Lodge when viewed from the new entrance to the property from the south.
Porthleven
The proposed development site for 30 houses on the North-East side of Porthleven was subject to archaeological excavation by the South West Archaeology team in May 2010. The excavations revealed traces of Bronze Age activity including several ditches and a small group of postholes in the northern section of the site. The finds from the site supported the radio-carbon dates for these features as they included several sherds of Middle/Late Bronze Age Trevisker ware.
Putford
Monitoring and recording work at St. Stephen’s Church, West Putford, Devon, consisted of three principal elements; the first was the archaeological investigation and recording of the deposits accumulated between the roof and ceilings, the second element involved the recording of the roof structures of the nave and transepts and the third element involved the archaeological recording of the south transept window.
The nave and north transept roof were revealed to have rather finely constructed double arch-braced trusses, whilst the south transept was of poorer quality, evidence this roof either having been altered or to have been a re-used structure. The existing lath-and plaster barrel ceilings were demonstrated not to be original features but later insertions. The east window recorded in the south transept had been subject to alteration but was likely to have been of late 13 th century origin. This was an earlier date than previously suggested for much of the structure of St Stephen’s.
Tiverton
South West Archaeology was asked to conduct a building survey, cartographic desk-based research, and an archaeological evaluation, followed by excavation, on the site of the Electric Bingo Hall, Newport Street, Tiverton in advance of the demolition of the building and during the site's future development. The documentary and cartographic evidence suggested that the former standing building on the site, known as the Electric Bingo Hall, was primarily used as a drill hall, and was converted for use as a cinema in the early 20th century before being converted into the bingo hall with a first floor snooker club. However, the evidence from within the building itself, although unattested within the documentary record, suggested additional possible former uses as both warehouse and theatre. The initial archaeological evaluation of the site revealed that its southern part contained no deposits or features of archaeological significance. In the northern part of the site, however, various features (generally pits) were found, some of which contained medieval ceramics. This material dated mainly to the 13th century but also included a possible Saxo-Norman shard. In limited areas, shallow deposits, including a possible floor with truncated clay-bonded wall footings, survived, with the pottery again suggesting a medieval origin. Generally these were covered by a layer of modern material relating to the 19th century building that had stood on the site. However, a strip about 7m wide along the eastern edge of the site lay outside the footprint of this building and more substantial archaeological deposits were found to have survived in this area. The lowest of these were later medieval or early modern in date and overlying medieval features cut into the natural or abutting probable medieval footings. Some of these layers were suggestive of demolition in the 17th century. A layer of cobbling that survived in much of the northeastern corner of the site post-dated this demolition. Later layers overlay this and there was considerable disturbance (notably service trenching) from the 19th century. The archaeology of this part of the site thus suggested medieval occupation fronting onto Newport Street, with demolition in the 17th century and the subsequent construction of structures and cobbled surfaces preceeding the Victorian and later activity which overlaid the majority of the site, as well as cut through it in places.
Treyarnon
South West Archaeology undertook a short programme of archaeological monitoring in September 2009 at Treyarnon, which revealed a largely featureless expanse of weathered shale bedrock, into which the foundations and service trenching of the former dwelling had been cut. In the northeast corner of the site, where the soakaway for the new dwelling was to be located, parts of three intersecting linear features were identified. One of these features curved gently to the north and potentially formed part of a penannular ring-ditch of presumed Prehistoric or Romano-British date. With the exception of two small beach pebbles, no finds were recovered from the site.
West Ogwell
South West Archaeology undertook an archaeological watching brief in West Ogwell in advance of the construction of a biomass boiler. This work was prompted by the close proximity which the development had to 16th century mansion house and the direct impact it would have upon the site of a building shown on 19th century maps.
Five phases of activity were identified during the excavations. The earliest was a substantial ditch (Phase 1), orientated east to west which yielded no dating evidence but was most likely of medieval or earlier date. This was followed by a period of landscaping (Phases 2 and 3) in the excavated area and the deposition of infilling material probably derived, in Phase 3, from debris associated with the construction of a house at West Ogwell by Thomas Reynell in 1589. Also associated with this house was a substantial clay-lined and stone-capped drain (Phase 4) which was probably constructed in the late 16th or 17th century and fell out of use by the late 17th or early 18th century. The final use of the site, apart from as an area for dumping early 20th century rubbish was for the construction of a stone barn with cobbled floors in the late 19th century (Phase 5) which survived into the late 20th century before being demolished due to storm damage.
Links and Affiliations
Testimonials
Mrs M
Private Client
Brilliant! this team saved me time and money in the process of our development and gave us some really
good advice. Very professional and honest with costs.
Dr. John P. Salvatore BA. FSA. MCIfA
Historic Environment Officer, Plymouth City Council
My only comment is congratulations on a job well done.
Planning Advice Officer
Cornwall Council Historic Environment
I especially appreciate the attention to detail you’ve given to contextualise and explain.
Mr C
Private Client
Thank you very much! And thanks for doing it so quickly. Much appreciated.
Team
Our Team is the key to the success of South West Archaeology and they are at the heart of the great services we can offer to our clients.
Faye Balmond MCIfA
Project Officer, Desk-based and GIS Lead
Joe Bampton MCIfA
Project Officer, Geophysical Lead
Peter Webb
Project Officer, Excavations Lead
Natalie Boyd
Project Officer - Archive Lead
Emily Wapshott
Project Officer - Historic Buildings LeadContact Us
Have an archaeological planning condition, looking for a career in archaeology, or just interested in what we do, then please contact us.