Monument MPM1221 - 117-119 Copnor Road

A watching brief at 117-119 in 2001 revealed evidence of the medieval West Field, a post-medieval soakaway and well. Deep topsoil in the north west quarter of the site appeared to confirm that it had been part of a medieval open field known as West Field. A thin ridge of clay subsoil at a higher level than normal possibly represented a baulk or strip division within the field. Documentary evidence suggests the field had been enlosed by 1621. A small brick building survived in the far north east quarter of the site, close to a large pit. The pit, thought to be a soakaway, contained later post-medieval bricks. An exact date for the pit/soakaway could not be established, as no further dating evidence was available. It had been cut by a well lined with chalk blocks, which had been infilled in the early 20th century. This had probably occurred sometime between 1910-1933 when adjoining farm buildings marked on the 19th century maps were demolished.