An Archaeological Watching Brief and Evaluation at Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Chesterfield, Derbyshire

In May 2014 Archaeological Research Services Ltd. was commissioned by Inspire Design and Development Ltd. to undertake an evaluation at land off Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Derbyshire. The evaluation was carried out upon completion of a geotechnical survey and watching brief. Four test pits were previously monitored within the south-western area of the site where the course of a putative Roman road may be present as the remaining area appears to have been disturbed by former opencast mining activities. No archaeological features, deposits or artefacts were identified within the relevant test pits. The natural sub-stratum, consisting mainly of clay with laminations of coal seams, was encountered within all the four test pits at an overall depth of 300mm below the present ground level which was composed of topsoil, with the exception of Test Pit 17; the natural horizon in this test-pit was identified at a depth of approximately 700mm, indicative of there being disturbance in the area, probably related to former opencast mining activities. As a result of this evidence of disturbance, Steve Baker, Development Control Archaeologist for Derbyshire County Council suggested that four evaluation trenches be opened in the south-west corner of the site. These were originally intended to measure 50m in length by 2m in width. However, after consultation, the length of the trenches was shortened to measure between 24m and 40.5m in length. No features or finds of archaeological interest were observed during the monitoring of the geotechnical test pits or the excavation of the archaeological evaluation trenches.