Event/Activity EPM61 - Archaeological watching brief at Vectis Way, Cosham, Hampshire

Watching brief undertaken by CKC Archaeology in association with the construction of a residential complex of 11 flats at Vectis Way, Cosham, in 2002. Until the 20th century the site appears to have been situated within farmland, and was possibly once part of a medieval open field system. Mid-20th century maps show the site was occupied by a large building constructed between 1950 and 1971 which was demolished c10 years prior to the watching brief taking place. The building does not appear to have been residential, suggesting a commercial or industrial use. A soil strip of the site to depths of 0.75m below the present ground surface was monitored. No archaeological features were observed. The remains of the mid-20th century building which previously stood on the site were represented by a series of concrete piles c1m sq. x 2m deep. These were removed by machinery. Evidence of more recent ground disturbance probably related to the demolition of this building. The site appears to have been soil stripped when the mid-20th century building was constructed, as there was little evidence for any surviving in situ archaeological deposits and no residual artefacts dating to before the 20th century were seen in excavated soils. Accession number: 2002/13