Tesco, Stourport-on-Severn. Archaeological Evaluation

Birmingham Archaeology was commissioned in September 2010 by the Santon Group, acting on behalf of Tesco plc (with advice from J L Hearn) to undertake an archaeological evaluation in advance of a proposed supermarket development at Stourport-On-Severn, Worcestershire (centred on NGR SO 81347113). Birmingham Archaeology undertook an evaluation of the site between 20th and 30th September 2010. The evaluation followed a desk-based assessment which identified a number of areas of potential for buried archaeological deposits within the development site boundary. The evaluation involved the excavation of nine trenches in order to assess the archaeological potential of those areas within the site where the proposed development could affect buried archaeological deposits. The three trenches located towards the northern edge of the site aimed to provide evidence of occupation of the village of Mitton dating to the medieval or early post-medieval period. Two trenches were located close to the River Stour to assess the potential for waterlogged alluvial flood deposits and possible palaeochannels. Most of the remainder of the trenches were sited within, or close to the footprint of the former carpet factory, in order to test the survival of buried structures. The trenches positioned in the northern part of the site did not provide any evidence of activity dating to the medieval or early post-medieval periods. The trenches located closest to the River Stour indicated that the area had been reduced in level, and later built-up during the post-medieval period; no evidence of waterlogged remains or palaeochannels was found. The trenches located towards the southern end of the site, notably Trench 9, identified the buried remains of the carpet factory. No significant archaeological features or deposits were identified by trenching.