Excavations 2022

In support of drainage works at Rudchester Farm Cottage within Rudchester Farm, Northumberland, a programme of archaeological monitoring was conducted to assess the potential for underlying archaeological remains. Rudchester lies near the Roman Fort of Vindobala and its associated civilian settlement (vicus), making the area archaeologically sensitive.

Excavations involved the hand-digging of a narrow trench (approx. 0.40m wide and 0.25m deep) running north–south through the centre of the cottage and extending beneath the north wall to connect with an existing service trench in the yard. A small additional pit was also hand-dug near the doorway. Both excavations penetrated a layer of dark grey-brown made ground containing sandstone rubble, brick fragments, glazed tile, and occasional roofing slate. These deposits extended uniformly beneath the former concrete floor of the building.

No archaeological features or significant finds were uncovered in any of the excavated areas. The debris observed appears to relate to post-medieval demolition and rebuilding activity, likely linked to 18th–19th century phases of construction and reshaping of the farmstead.

A final stage of excavation involved mechanical ground reduction using a small excavator, which confirmed the presence of the same made ground with similar building debris. No evidence of earlier occupation layers, features, or artefacts related to domestic use was encountered.

Conclusion
The investigation concluded that no archaeological remains were disturbed by the works. All ground excavated was limited to modern made ground, likely associated with previous building activity. As such, no further archaeological monitoring is required for this project. However, due to the site’s location near the Roman Fort and vicus, any future groundworks in this area should still be archaeologically monitored to mitigate the risk of disturbing previously unrecorded remains.