Tithebarn Green, Monkerton, Devon: Archaeological Evaluation

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in February 2012 at Tithebarn Green (Monkerton), Devon. The fieldwork comprised the excavation of 13 trenches. The evaluation identified a number of archaeological features throughout the proposed development area which generally correlated well with the results of a preceding geophysical survey. Archaeological features encountered comprised ditches, pits and postholes, generally dated to one of three broad periods; prehistoric, medieval and post-medieval/modern. Evidence of earlier prehistoric activity was identified in Trench 13. This consisted of a residual Mesolithic flint blade, recovered from the fill of a ring ditch. Within Trench 1, pottery of possible Neolithic date was recovered from a north-west/south-east orientated ditch, although it is most probably residual within this context. Evidence of later prehistoric activity was identified in Fields 3 and 6. A possible ring-ditch, with a projected internal diameter of 15m, was identified in trench 8 and a possible roundhouse gully, with a projected internal diameter of 8.5m, was identified within Trench 13. Parallel trackway ditches of 11th- to 14th-century date were identified within Trenches 5, 6 and 7. Further ditches located within Trenches 5 and 7 attest to the presence of an enclosure to the south of the trackway similarly dated to the 11th to 14th centuries. A further pit and posthole were identified in Trench 6, which although undated may be contemporary. Post-medieval trackways were identified within Trench 15, with a probable modern trackway recorded in Trench 3. Further evidence of post-medieval activity consisted of ditches revealed within Trenches 2, 9, 10, 13, 14 and 15. The underlying axis of these fits within the general alignment of the current field systems.