120: 51 Maryport Street, Usk. Desk Based Assessment

DOCUMENT NO 232 2014
A.P.A.C. Ltd.
Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
DESK BASED ASSESSMENT
51 Maryport St Usk
DB2/UMP/14
Prepared for:
Buckle Chamberlain (Agents)
By: Dr N Phillips.
A.P.A.C. Ltd 51 Maryport Steet, Usk DB2/UMP/14
Summary
An application was submitted to the local planning authority requesting approval to undertake a
limited amount of building work to an existing residential property.
As the property is within a scheduled area, the local planning department were advised by the
regional archaeological trust to consult with Cadw.
Cadw were duly contacted with a request for scheduled monument consent.
Cadw advised that before any work could be undertaken a desk-based assessment of the known
heritage of the area would need to be undertaken in order to inform their decision.
Some changes were then made to the planning proposals requiring a second application for
scheduled monument consent.
The desk-based assessment collated the known heritage of the area and was able to show that
previous disturbance had probably already disturbed the majority of the archaeology for one part
of the proposal therefore any further work would have minor impact.
The second area of work would have no impact on any archaeological resources as the proposed
work would cause no ground disturbance beneath the turf level.
Copyright Notice:
A.P.A.C. Ltd. retains copyright of this report under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.
The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577) to reproduce map information; Copyright remains
otherwise with the Ordnance Survey.
Cover Photograph: DSC06275
1
Contents
1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................4
2 Location...................................................................................................................................4
3 Scope and Objectives of the Study..........................................................................................5
4 Methodology ...........................................................................................................................5
5 Geology and Topography ........................................................................................................6
6 Archaeological and historical background ..............................................................................6
7 Desk-top Assessment and Baseline Conditions ....................................................................10
8 Predicted Impacts of the Proposal on Known Archaeology .................................................11
9 Summary and Recommendations ..........................................................................................12
10 Acknowledgements ...........................................................................................................13
11 Archive ..............................................................................................................................13
12 Staff ...................................................................................................................................13
13 Bibliography and References: ...........................................................................................14
2
Figures
1. Site Location map

2. Map progressions
3. 1801 Town plan
4. Roman Roads
5. Norman Usk
6. Excavations between 1965 & 1976
7. 1973 Geophysical Survey
8. Morrice 1801 & 1846 Usk Town Plans
9. Map progressions
10. Proposed plans and existing ground disturbance
11. Garage bearing pressure calculation
12. Composite of known archaeology and proposed site plan
Plates
1. Roman burial Urn from 1984 salvage excavation

2. Propose position for garage and drive way
3
1 Introduction
A proposed plan for ‘internal alterations and a rear extension’ to 51 Maryport Street Usk, NP15 1AF was submitted
by Buckle Chamberlain Partnership Ltd (Agent) for Mrs C. Lewis (Client) to Monmouth County Council, (MCC)
on 05/11/2013, (MCC, a, DC2013/00956).
As 51 Maryport Street lies within the area of a Scheduled Ancient Monument; MM 155 Usk Roman Site,
Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT) advised the council that they should consult with Cadw ‘as to the
impact of this proposed development’ before any decision is made concerning approval of the application,
(MON2071JBHD).
On 06/01/2014, approval of the proposed internal alterations and extension was given by MCC with a number of
conditions one of which stated that:
The developer shall ensure that a suitably qualified archaeologist is present during the
undertaking of any ground disturbing works in the development area, so that an archaeological
watching brief can be conducted. The archaeological watching brief shall be undertaken to the
standards of the Institute of Field Archaeologists. The local Planning Authority shall be
informed, in writing, at least two weeks prior to the commencement of the development of the
name of said archaeologist and no work shall begin until the Local Planning Authority has
confirmed in writing, that the proposed archaeologist is suitable. A copy of the watching brief
report shall be submitted to the local planning Authority within two months of the fieldwork
being completed by the archaeologist.
(MCC, b, DC2013/00956).
Acting on the condition approved by MCC, ground preparation work started: however, the agent was also reminded
of the need for Scheduled Ancient Monument consent.
Scheduled Ancient Monument consent was duly applied for and work was halted.
The response from Cadw advised the agent to:
employ a suitably qualified archaeologist to undertake a desk-top assessment to establish the

potential impact of the proposed scheme on the scheduled monument, the extent of the
archaeological mitigation works likely to be required (an their estimated cost) and to inform
any future decisions regarding this proposal.
(Mees, L., 10/01/2014. Cadw email)
The design brief for the desk based assessment was submitted to Cadw on the 20th of January and a response was
returned to APAC. Ltd: requiring for some changes to be made to the brief.
During the preparation of the second draft some changes were made to the original planning application proposing
the construction of a garage and drive, which Cadw informed the agent would require additional Scheduled
Monument Consent.
The additional application was applied for and the design brief re-drafted accordingly; resulting in the design brief
DB:DB4/UMP/14.
DB:DB4/UMP/14 was again refused requiring additional changes.
The required changes were made and DB:DB5/UMP/14 was submitted to Cadw on the 12th February 2014.
Cadw approved the design brief specification on 17th February 2014, allowing the work to proceed.
2 Location
Usk is a small market town in the valley of the River Usk from which it derives its name.
4
Possessing a bridge over the River, Usk is hub for transport with a network of roads utilising the crossing along
Bridge St A472.
Usk was the site of a short lived Roman Fortress although the current town has medieval origins.
The property, 51 Maryport St Usk is located at NGR 337904 200338, fig 01, on the southern edge of the current
town and within the Scheduled Ancient Monument known as MM155, Usk Roman Site, fig 02.
3 Scope and Objectives of the Study
The scope and objectives of the study followed the guidelines as set out in The Institute of Archaeologists Standard
and Guidance for historic environment desk-based assessment 2012: the relevant extract of which was included in
DB:DB5/UMP/14.
In brief:
The main scope and objectives of the archaeological assessment were to reveal by desk-based study, the nature,
significance and, where possible, the chronology of the archaeology within the area of the proposed development.
The purpose of the desk-based assessment is to gain information about the known or potential archaeological
resource within the given area (including presence or absence, character and extent, date, integrity, state of
preservation and relative quality of the potential archaeological resource), in order to make an assessment of its
merit in context, leading to one or more of the following:
 the formulation of a strategy to ensure the recording, preservation or management of the resource.
 the formulation of a strategy for further investigation, whether or not intrusive, where the character and
value of the resource is not sufficiently defined to permit a mitigation strategy or other response to be
devised.
 the formulation of a proposal for further archaeological investigation within a programme of research.
4 Methodology
For the purposes of the archaeological desk based assessment, the following sources were consulted:
 Gwent Archive
 The National Monuments Record (RCAHMW, Aberystwyth)
 The Historic Environment Record (GGAT, Swansea)
 Cadw
 All Ordnance Survey maps of the site and its environs
 Tithe, Apportionment and Parish maps (where available)
 Other Historical maps held in the Gwent Archives, Local Museums, Libraries or other Archives (where
relevant)
 Appropriate archaeological and historical books and journals, particularly excavation reports on works
carried out by Professor Manning between 1968 and 1976, and other evaluations undertaken in the study
area, including GGAT excavation report No. 230 and records of the partial excavation carried out at The
Orchard (GGAT event number E000326)
 Aerial Photographs
 All available borehole and trial pit data from the site and its immediate environs
 Any further geophysical and /or geotechnical data available
 A site inspection will be carried out and information relating to current land use and any other factors
which might affect the nature and survival of the archaeological resource
 Information regarding previous development work on the site will be collated and the impact on
archaeological remains assessed’
The data researched was cross referenced within the works collected to produce an overall record of the known
archaeological and historical resources of the site and its setting.
5
The data is initially presented as an overview of the general area before narrowing down to the town with its
Scheduled Ancient Monument designation.
Once the context of the site has been presented, the work proceeds to the 115m zone around the site as designated
by Cadw.
5 Geology and Topography
The majority of Usk lies beneath the 20m contour, on a solid bedrock of the Raglan Mudstone Formation:
Interbedded siltstone and mudstone, Downton Group; whilst to the north and west the geology is dominated by
much faulted, Mudstone and Calcerous, Llanbadoc and Llangibby beds, (BGS, Geoindex).
The boundary between the solid geologies is roughly demarcated by the River Usk which has itself deposited a layer
alluvium; Clay silt sand and gravel on which the Maryport Street site lies.
A 1981 borehole record, (SO30SE19/B 1981) is recorded at a 20m contour level just over 1 km to the north east of
the site giving the Raglan Marl at between 7.2 – 9.6m, (ibid); the site itself lies below the 15m contour.
At Usk, both the River Usk flowing from the northern direction and Olwy Brook from the north east, come within
close proximity to one another before continuing south towards the Severn at Newport.
The combination of the two water courses in close proximity; the Olway joins the Usk a few kilometres down
stream of the town, and the low level surroundings, establishes Usk on a flood plain.
Current Environment policy lists the lower Usk ‘as an area of low to moderate flood risk where we are generally
managing flood risk effectively (EAW 2010).
It has been suggested that flooding during the Roman period at the ‘unnecessarily low-lying fort’ gave it a raison
d’être as a supply port at the base of the road, (Frere, p100. 1978).
In 1801, Archdeacon Coxe wrote of the ‘town of Usk…Vale of Usk’: ‘a rich and fertile district but exposed to the
inundations of the Usk and Olwy’ (Coxe, p123. 1801).
Interestingly, when discussing raised earthworks to the south of the town which he thought were defensive, Coxe
reports that Mr Morrice, whose surveys Coxe used, fig 03, suggested they were for ‘the purpose of preserving the
town from the inundations of the Olwey’, (ibid, p126).
As to modern evidence of flooding, one need look no further than the conditions present at the time of writing,
although, even the present flooding has been considerably reduced by the recent flood prevention measures.
6 Archaeological and historical background
General Area
It is known that the general area of South East Wales, in which Usk is located, has hosted human events since
Prehistoric times, as evidenced by the remains of various period sites and small finds over the years.
Indeed, the earliest evidence for human activity in the immediate vicinity of Usk dates to the Mesolithic (c10,000-
4500 BC) as evidenced by finds of microliths around the valley bottom and along the river, (Olding, p1. 2008) &
Makepeace G, pers comm.).
Occupation at Usk in the late Neolithic and Bronze Age is also evidenced by lithic finds, a site in Old Market Street
added ‘6 circular post and stake built structures’, (ibid., p3)
Iron Age influence is also represented by finds assemblages and the remains of earthworks such as Twn y Bell
above Llanbadock, (Phillips, p153. 2004).
Of course, the Roman military fort itself attests to the presence of a hostile, well documented, indigenous Iron Age
population.
6
The Town
The currently accepted interpretation is that Usk is the Burrium recorded in the Antonine Itinerary; a suggestion
‘first recorded by William Camden at the end of the sixteenth century… Burrium of the Antonine Itinerary lay at
Usk, where the river Birthin and Vsk meete in one streame’, (Manning, p3 1981).
Bradney offered this in more detail in his History of Usk:
The earliest mention of Usk is in the Itinerary of Antoninus, where, in the twelfth itinerary,
Burrium appears on the road between Bomium [Boverton in Glamorganshire] and Virconium
[Wroxeter in Shropshire], and as being nine miles from Isca Legionum [Caerlleon] and twelve
miles from Gobannium [Abergavenny].
It also appears in the thirteenth itinerary from Caerlleon to Caleva [Henly-on-Thames], which
went by Blestium [Monmouth], Ariconium [Bury Hill nr Ross] and Clevum [Glousester],
(Bradney, p1 1921).
The accuracy of the given distance to the actual distance was commented on by Margary, as well as a description of
the routes; ‘the road from Ariconium continued through Monmouth to Usk where it forked west to Abergavenny
and south to Caerleon,’ (Margary, p331. 1955).
The basic road layout from this period can be seen in the Ordnance Survey map in fig 05.
However, the identification of Usk as Burrium has not always been accepted and a great deal of antiquarian
interpretation has been offered over the last few hundred years, for which Manning devoted the first chapter of his
excavation report; before eventually guiding the reader to reasoned acceptance based on archaeological resources
uncovered.
Dating of the fort is also covered by reasoned argument in Manning’s report; the final interpretation being that
Burrium must have been begun after AD 49 but before AD 61; although the caveat ‘we must admit absolute
certainty is impossible’ was included, (Manning, p 31. 1981).
The fort appears to have been abandoned in the mid 60s; however, a short period of limited occupation by the
Second Augustan Legion is believed to have happened between 85 and 120 AD; with a continued, possibly
industrial based presence, until the 4th century, (GGAT, p6 1993).
Little is known of Usk between the Roman period and the coming of the Normans but it is reasonable to assume that
the river crossing and the system of roads and possibly industrial workings would have assured the survival of Usk
as a habitable location.
Such an established hub and position of strategic importance was arguably recognised by the Normans in the late
12th century when they erected their castle, to the north of the present town, (Knight, pp76-78. 1987 & p55, 2008);
although, an earlier date of late 11th century has been suggested by Whittle (Whittle, p106, 1992).
Apart from occasional local skirmishes and a rather destructive visit by Glendower in 1402, (Bradney p11 1923),
the castle saw little action which would suggest that the associated town was equally untroubled.
It has been suggested that the town of Usk was set out by the lord’s surveyor: ‘possibly Osbert Cementarius
mentioned in the town’s first charter’, with burgages within the embanked town, north and west, whilst south and
east were given over to the priory, (Mein, p79. 2008), fig 05.
The simplified plan, fig 05, shows that with the exception of the positions for the western embankment, and the
southern leat, the configuration of the medieval defensive works show a very close relationship to the earlier Roman
earthworks; possibly inferring that some of the earlier works must have survived and were re-used.
In the case of the embankment east and south, associated with the Clawwd Du/mill leat that bounds the Maryport
site, Courtney argued that periodic clearing out of the leat would have continued to add to the embankment and that
the embankment also ‘served to deflect visitors to its toll gates’ into the town, (Courtney, p103. 1994).
7
It is probable that the name ‘Maryport’ refers to the gate (porta) on the road approach to St Mary’s church.
In reference to the town toll-gates: to increase the profit of a lord, everything that could be taxed was including;
entry to the market for buying and selling, brewing, and even a levy on death.
To ensure the profit, buying and selling outside the town by native Welsh people was prohibited as was their
customary practice of barter, (Mein, p79. 2008).
The development of the town from its Norman beginnings to the 18th century is quite well documented and can be
found in Courtney’s Report, (Courtney pp97-110. 1994).
Observations made at the end of the 18th century recorded Usk ‘as undoubtedly a place of great antiquity’ with
multiple layers of occupation infrastructure having been disturbed over the preceding years and during present
times, some still evident and others passed into word of mouth tradition’ (Coxe, p125. 1801).
Amongst the one hundred and fifty six inhabited houses at the end of the 18th century, Coxe noted early styles of
construction within the fabrics of dilapidated buildings; the buildings themselves having the appearance of having
been sacked, (Ibid.).
Present Usk, although grown a little larger, retains 136 listed entries mostly Grade II, within a core configuration
very similar to that as mapped by Morrice in 1801 fig 03.
Over the 19th and early 20th century, building work at Usk attracted the interest of antiquarians and later
archaeologists, providing some tantalising stories and in some cases, records of archaeological disturbance; an
interesting discussion of which is given in Manning’s own 1976-81 Excavation Report, (Manning pp3-13. 1981).
A plan showing Manning’s excavations 1965-1976, is given in fig 06; none of which had any direct impact on the
proposed site.
Other close but non direct archaeological interventions were:
00596g Excavation. Road R

00597g Excavation. Road R
00598g Excavation. Latrine R
00599g Excavation. Flagon buial R
00600g 2 post holes & pads, Building R
00601g Excavation, 2 cobble spreads R
04778g Map entry Toll House, demolished P. Med
05484g Evaluation. Road R
E002352 Excavation west of site. Road Roman finds R-P.Med
E003362 Emergency recovery, Burial urns R
E003423 Geophysical survey Modern
Of direct importance to this research but still outside the sites limit is the Geophysical work undertaken by Bartlett
in 1972 which did examine the immediate vicinity, resulting in a very detailed outline of the lost southern Roman
defensive embankment, fig 07, (Manning, pp87-88. 1981).
The upper plan shows the interpreted position of the Roman outer defences overlaid with Bartlett’s Geophysical
work, set out as 2 areas; 0042 & 0043 of 20m grids, along the south eastern edge.
The lower plan shows the shade plot of the data clearly identifying a range of magnetic anomalies which were
interpreted as a double 5m ditch separated by 7 metres, (ibid).
The ditches began to curve at the eastern end whilst at the western end they terminated at a causeway, presumed to
be the road with drainage ditch (ibid).
Another archaeological intervention which has proved invaluable to this work is a series of 5 evaluation trenches
excavated by GGAT in 1993, prior to replacement work for a sewer main, (GGAT 230. 1993)..
8
Although none of the trenches were excavated within the Maryport site; the path of the Roman Road ‘Via Praetoria’
which they uncovered at a depth of 200mm, could by its very nature as well as known direction, be plotted with
some degree of accuracy fig 08,(ibid., p9).
Maryport Street Site
Part of the research perimeter of the site set by Cadw is within the Scheduled Ancient Monument of The Roman fort
of Burrium which has been introduced above.
The site also encroaches onto the curtilage of the Grade II* listed building Cadw ID 2155, of New Bridewell Prison
built in 1841/2, ‘a pantopticon design, the model for prison layout for a generation,’ (RCAHMW).
The layout of the prison can be seen in Morris’s 1846, town plan which shows the recently built prison allotted to
field no 287, fig 08.
At this point, it is worth comparing the Morrice’s 1801, and Morris’s1846, fig 08 plans; specifically within the area
of the site, to reveal some important changes to the landscape.
N.B. Both spellings of Morris refer to the same person, Thomas Morris of Cardiff.
The first notable difference between the two maps is the 1841/2 Prison building occupying the field formerly known
as Cae Putta.
It is known that Roman period archaeological resources were found during work on the prison but unfortunately, no
records and scant finds remain.
A near contemporary journal entry stated: ‘A discovery of a considerable quantity of Roman pottery, bricks, &c.,
and some coins, has been lately made at Usk in digging the foundations of the new gaol’… ending with a request for
more information. (Arch Camb, p188 1846).
Nothing came of the appeal but Watkin, some years later in 1878 recorded verbal accounts from townsfolk telling of
two roads being discovered and numerous building foundations, (Manning, p7 1981).
Of particular relevance to the 51 Maryport Street site, is the area to the south of the prison; depicted originally as an
earthen bank with an irregular mill leat, Clawdd Du, along its outer bank.
By 1846, nothing remains of the earthen bank and the irregular meandering mill leat, has become a straight run;
presumably due to landscaping work during the building of the prison.
It is noticeable that both banks of the leat have been straightened which means that work had been carried out south
of the leat within the property of the current 51 Maryport Street site.
South of the leat, the field has also become enclosed; designated field number 289 the apportionment lists it as
meadow belonging to Illtyd Nichols, (GA DPA/104 84).
The 1801 plan also identifies that Maryport Street crossed the leat by a small arched bridge and passed an enclosed
field to the east before coming to a building known to have been a toll house: listed so on the 1st series Ordnance
Survey map of 1830 fig 09.
At the toll house there appears to be a gate across the road ‘To The New Passage’.
In the later 1846 plan, the bridge along with the aforementioned earthen bank has disappeared, whilst the small
enclosed field is listed as plantation 290, also belonging to Illtyd Nichols, (ibid.).
The apportionment lists building 291, Usk District of, Turnpike Roads. Trustees of, in the hands of William Davies,
(ibid.).
On the 1801 plan, west of the road and still within the designated research area, are a further length of leat, a mill
pond and a mill.
9
By 1846, again there is evidence of change with the mill pond, 156, (ibid.)., much greater in size and abutting the
road.
By the late 19th century, fig 09a, the Mill pond appears to have been filled in and the Clawdd Du restricted to a
narrow leat, whilst the turnpike and gate is still in position and the former field 289 has been planted with an avenue
of trees along the road with trees around the remaining three sides.
The next map, drawn up 20 years later, fig 09b, records that the toll house and the trees have been cleared from the
field to the east of the road; formerly 289, whilst a building has been erected over the former mill pond of 1846.
Again after a period of 20 years a new map was drawn, fig 09c, showing further building to the west of the road and
also to the north of the leat; within the prison curtilage.
A stone of unknown purpose is also marked at the corner of the leat and the road.
The final map in the sequence, fig 09d, shows that over the preceding 50 year period, a large house was built to the
west of the road and another to the east; the latter included a garden and enclosed area along the road.
The enclosed area, formerly an orchard (C Lewis. pers comm.) provided the land for Mill House, 51 Maryport Street
for which this research has been undertaken.
Mill House was built in 1984 by Mrs Lewis’s father and with Scheduled Monument Consent with a watching brief
condition, (Cadw 02/May/1984).
There appears to be some controversy over the work but an account in Archaeology in Wales states that;
…in August 1984 Mr A. G. Mein, a local resident noticed that the excavation trenches had been
excavated and in a visit to the site recovered pottery from the spoil heaps. At the behest of Mr Mein,
salvage works were carried out for the Trust by Mr J.D. Zienkiewicz. These resulted in the recovery
of two cremations and their containers together with a quantity of other pottery and a worked bone
pin…
(AW p65. 1998).
Unfortunately, Geoff Mein died recently and it has not been possible to trace any report; indeed, there is a
possibility that one was never produced.
GGAT who were responsible for the work, apologised to the client’s late husband six years after the work was
completed, after he had requested a copy of the report. Apparently, GGAT had had a lot of work on in Usk in 1984
so they couldn’t identify the report, (GGAT, 20th June 1990).
A follow up letter was sent 4 months later confirming the whereabouts of the finds and assurance that the question
of the report would be soon be resolved, (GGAT, 15th June 1990).
Following the second letter the urns were returned to Mr & Mrs Lewis and Plate 01 shows a photograph of one of
the urns currently in possession of Mrs C. Lewis.
7 Desk-top Assessment and Baseline Conditions
A.P.A.C. Ltd holds a limited amount of reference material on Monmouthshire in its library and in this instance was
able to provide the majority of the copies of antiquarian books, archaeological journals, and excavation reports
relating to the known archaeology of Usk. This material provided most of the background history of Usk as well as
the majority of the known archaeological work.
The Archaeology Data Service http://ads.ahds.ac.uk, was accessed online for archaeological resources recorded
within the vicinity of the site. The online link allowed access to the National Museums and Galleries of Wales
Collection which gave listings of archaeological resources from the area. This was useful in providing a larger
picture of land use in the vicinity and therefore the potential for further discoveries.
10
The British Geological Survey, web site, www.bgs.ac.uk, was accessed online for Geo-technical data. The online
search was able to provide a good geological appraisal of the area and show that there had been no geological work
done in the area designated for this (DBA).
British Listed Buildings, again an online search archive http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/ was able to add
some detail to the listed buildings within the search area.
Cadw was accessed online for confirmation of known archaeological resources within the area and the specific site
research parameter.
Monmouth Archaeology was able to provide copies of their two excavations within the locality of Maryport Street
and Cortney’s Fortress Excavation Report.
Gwent County Archives was able to supply relevant Ordnance survey maps, tithe map and apportionment which
allowed for a detailed appraisal of land use changes within the specified site area.
Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments Wales was accessed through the ADS database, see
above and Coflein. Very useful for information on New Bridewell Prison but no information on the archaeology
disturbed during the building.
Historic Environment Record, held by GGAT was accessed through Archwilio, the searchable database of the
Welsh Archaeological Trusts. This was used to cross reference detail with other sources and also provided
background resource material for the area.
A search was also requested by the client’s agent, which resulted in a copy of the 1998 Archaeology in Wales, entry
for Usk.
8 Predicted Impacts of the Proposal on Known Archaeology
The most illustrative way to describe the proposed work is with reference to the plans supplied by the client’s
architect, adapted with information arising from the research.
Figure 10 is a composite showing:
the existing footprint of the house

the proposed extension in green
extent of known ground disturbance in buff
the foot print of the new builds in highlighted in blue (adapted from Buckle Chamberlain and Associates)
position of trees in the orchard, pre-1984, (Rimmer, R.) with the relevant canopy in dotted green line
positions of excavations from which roman burial urns were recovered red dotted areas (Rimmer, R.) &
Lewis, C pers comm.
Garage & drive.
Beginning with the garage and drive, the proposal is to raise the drive above the present surface on permeable block
paving and the garage on a concrete raft.
The construction will involve only removal of turf for levelling, the proposed position is shown in Plate 02.
The field in which the proposed garage is to be built has been subject to agricultural, use including frequent
ploughing, Lewis, C. (pers Comm).
It has been calculated that the combined building and raft would exert a relatively low bearing pressure of 10.50
KN/M² to the underlying roadway, comparable to a tractor and trailer (Dickson Consulting) fig 11.
House extension.
The house extension will require footings for the walls; highlighted in green on the plan, measuring 4.175m x
5.175m to a depth level with that of the present house.
11
Scaling from the original plans by Rimmer; the proposed depth can be seen to have been c. 900mm, however, as the
area was previously an orchard, this depth is likely to have been increased as the tree root removal would have
softened the ground making it unsuitable for construction.
Indeed, two areas noted by the client; who was present at the 1984 excavation, as find positions for the two burial
urns, were described as ‘deeper than the rest possibly 6 to 8 ft’, (Lewis. C. pers comm.).
Total surface area of ground disturbance is c. 21.6m ² of which known existing ground disturbance amounts to a
minimum of 10.8m² for existing foundations and foul pipes with a further 0.m² for the water main; leaving a
potential ≥ 7.27m², undisturbed.
The water main is estimated; as per regulations, to be at ≤ 750m (Bevan, C. of Buckle Chamberlain and Associates).
Of the potential ≥ 7.27m², undisturbed, a large amount of ground disturbance must be added from the removal of the
large tree, 10m canopy, which used to stand precisely where the northern corner of the proposed extension meets the
present house.
The tree roots would have been removed during the excavation of the foundations and judging by the size of the tree
this could easily account for the 6 to 8 ft depth reported by the client.
Therefore, there is little likely hood that excavation for the extension will impact on any undisturbed archaeological
features.
In the context of the known archaeology, the current proposals do have a have a clear potential to impact on
archaeological resources as can be seen, on the composite plan in fig 12.
The figure shows the proposed site plan overlaid with Bartlett’s geophysical survey of 1973 and the predictions of
the GGAT evaluations in 1993.
The garage and most of the drive are directly over the Roman Road identified as the possible Via Praetorian which
when excavated to the south, at 2 and 3 was found to be at a shallow depth of around 200mm, (GGAT 230 A136
1993).
Of course, with such a shallow depth it is probable that the archaeological resource has already been damaged by
ploughing.
If the proposed work is kept to shallow turf removal as stated, then there is likely to be no impact to the
archaeological resource identified as a Roman Road.
In the case of the house extension, its position is just to the south of the road where extensive ground disturbance is
known and may have already disturbed any underlying archaeological resources.
That said, the urn burials prove that archaeological resources have been present on the site and so must increase the
probability of more being disturbed.
It is therefore suggested that the proposed work for the extension is likely to have a minor impact on any
archaeological resources.
9 Summary and Recommendations
The desk top research has produced a good deal of information relating the general archaeological and historical
importance of Usk which has been used to build background to for the assessment.
The site itself has been shown to have the potential to contain significant archaeological resources within its
perimeter, however in the case of the drive and garage; these are unlikely to be disturbed.
The house extension however, will impact on a small section of undisturbed ground which has the potential for
archaeological resources to be disturbed.
12
It is therefore recommended that all ground disturbance on the site, including turf removal for the garage and drive
should be subject to a condition requiring an archaeological watching brief.
10 Acknowledgements
My thanks for the patience of, and background history offered by Mrs C Lewis as well as allowing me to
photograph the burial urn. Thanks also to Steve Clarke at Monmouth Archaeological Society for the additional
information and use of the society records and library.
11 Archive
Original archive will be retained by APAC Ltd.
A secondary Archive will be deposited with Gwent Records Office.
Copies of the final report will be deposited with the client, Cadw, the HER.
A copy of the report will be placed online at sribd and a synopsis sent to Archaeology in Wales.
12 Staff
Dr. Neil Phillips, AIFA.
The copyright for this report shall remain with the A.P.A.C. Ltd.
13
13 Bibliography and References:
Rimmer, R., 1983? Proposed New House & Garage, at the Orchard, Llantrisnt Road, Usk Gwent for Mr G.
H. J. Lewis. Drawing No: 381161/1. Elevations, plans, and sections.
Proposed New House & Garage, at the Orchard, llantrisnt Road, Usk Gwent for Mr G. H.
J. Lewis. Drawing No: 381161/1a. Site plan and Block.
APAC. Ltd., 2014. Design Brief for an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment, 51 Maryport St, Usk.
DB:DB5/UMP/14.
Archaeologia
Cambrensis, 1846. Miscelllaneous Antiquarian Notices, Archaeologia Cambrensis Vol I. 1846.
Boon G, C., &

Hassall, M., 1982. Report on the Excavations at Usk 1965~1976. The Coins Inscriptions and Graffiti.
University of Wales Press.
Bradney, J, A.,
1923. A History of Monmouthshire Sir Joseph Bradney Volume 3 Part 1 The Hundred of Usk
(Part 1). (rep 1993) Academy Books.
Buckle Chamberlain
Partnership Proposed Extension 51 Maryport Street usk. Ground Floor Plan
1119[BD]01. October 2013.
Proposed Extension 51 Maryport Street usk. Site Plan as proposed

1119[BD]07. October 2013.
Proposed Extension 51 Maryport Street usk. Proposed Garden Room

Groundworks 1119[EF]200. Jan 2014.
Proposed Garage & change of use of land to increase residential curtilage

at 51 Maryport St, Usk, Monmouthshire. 1119[BD]10 Jan 2014.


OS Site Location Plan 1:1250.
Cadw Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979-section 2 Sheduled Monument
consent- Usk Roman Fort 2 May 1984. Barry, N.
Plan. MM155 Usk Roman Site-2013-12-17-Scheduled Area Map
PROPOSED INTERNAL ALTERATIONS AND SINGLE STOREY REAR

EXTENSION TO PROVIDE ANCILLARY LIVING ACOMMODATION: 51
MARYPORT STREET, USK. NP15 1AF 08/01/2014
PROPOSED INTERNAL ALTERATIONS AND SINGLE STOREY REAR

EXTENSION TO PROVIDE ANCILLARY LIVING ACOMMODATION: 51
MARYPORT STREET, USK. NP15 1AF 10/01/2014
Cadw - MM155 - Scheduled Monument Consent Application – 2014-2019 - Internal

alterations and single storey rear extension to provide ancillary living accommodation
14
Cadw - MM155 - Scheduled Monument Consent Application - 2014-2019 - New
detached domestic garage and change of use of agricultural land to residential curtilage
Mees, L., email to APAC Ltd. 17-01-2014.
Courtney, P., 1994. Report on the Excavations at Usk 1965~1976. Medieval and Later Usk.
University of Wales Press.
Coxe, W., 1801. An Historical Tour in Monmouthsire. 1801 (rep) 1995. Merton Priory Press Ltd.
Davis. R., 1999. The Tithe Maps of Wales. A guide to the tithe maps and apportionments of Wales in the
National Library of Wales. The National Library of Wales.
Dickson Consulting 51 Maryport St, Garage bearing Pressure calculation. 10/05/14.
Environment
Agency Wales., 2010. Wye and Usk Catchment Flood Management Plan Summary Report January 2010.
Greene, K., 1979. Report on the Excavations at Usk 1965~1976. The Pre~Flavian Fine Wares. University
of Wales Press.
Gwent Archives DPA/04 84. Plan of The Parish of Usk excepting the Hamlet of Gwehelog in the County
of Monmouth. Thomas Morris 1846.
Institute of
Archaeologists Code of approved practice for the regulation of contractual arrangements
in archaeology 2008.
Standard and guidance for historic environment desk-based assessment 2012
Glamorgan Gwent
Archaeological Trust MON2071/JBHD. RE: Proposed Internal Alterations and Single Storey Rear Extension
To Provide Ancillary Living Accommodation: 51 Maryport Street, Usk.
PL.App.No.: 2013/00956.
Archaeological Field Evaluation Usk Sewage Pumping Main, Usk, Gwent. GGAT
Excavation No 230. A136 93/060
HER:
Roman Road Caerleon 05484.0g Road, Roman.

Usk Roman Fort 05596.0g Road, Roman.
Usk Roman Fort 05597. Road, Roman.
Usk Roman Fort 05598. Latrine, Roman.
Usk Roman Fort 05599g Cremation Burial, Roman.
Usk Roman Fort 05600. Building, Roman.
Usk Roman Fort 05601. Feature, Roman.
Usk Roman Fort 05602. Oven, Roman.
HM Security Fence 05629. Find spot, Roman
HM Detention Centre Usk 02665g Listed Building (Post Med).
Turnpike Toll Gate, Usk 04778g. Toll House (Post Med).
Archaeological Excavations. Usk Main Rising E002352

Watching Brief, Usk Prison Security Fence E002358
Archaeological Excavations south of Usk Legionary Fortress 1994 E003362
Watching Brief Usk Cricket Club, Mill Lane, Usk. E003423.
Geophysical Survey at Usk Cricket Ground. E003785.
Letter to G.H.J Lewis. 20th June 1990. Ursilla. M. Spense, GGAT.

Letter to G.H.J Lewis. 15th October 1990. D. R. Evans, GGAT.
15
Frere, S., 1967 Britannia. A History of Roman Britain. (rev ed 1978). Routledge & Kegan Paul.
London.
Knight, J.K., 1987 The Road to Harlech. In Kenyon, J.R., and Avent, R., (eds) Castles in Wales and the
Marches, Essays in Honour of D.J. Cathcart King. Carediff: University of Wales Press.
Knight, J.K., 2008. (In) Usk Castle, Priory and Town. Logaston Press.
Manning, W.H., Report on the Excavations at Usk 1965~1976. The Fortress Excavations 1968~1971.
1981 University of Wales Press.
Marvell, A.G.,
Webster, P.V.,
Wilkinson, J.L.,
& Greep,s. Archaeology in Wales 38, 1998. Salvage finds from the Orchard, Usk.
Margary, I. D., 1955. Roman Roads in Britain. (rev ed 1967) .London: J. Barker.
Mein, G., 1986. Norman Usk The Birth of a Town. Mein.
Mein, G., 2008. (In) Usk Castle, Priory and Town. Logaston Press.
Michael, D.P.M., The Mapping of Monmouthshire. Regional publications Ltd: Bristol.

1985.
Monmouth Archaeology An Archaeological Watching Brief. 72 Maryport Street, Usk. MA07.11 April 2011.
An Archaeological Watching Brief. New Scout Hut, Maryport Street, Usk. MA27.07.
May 2007.
Monmouthshire
County Council DC/2013/00956.a. Housholder Application for Planning Permission for works or
Extension to a dwelling. 05/11/2013.
DC/2013/00956.b, Approval of Planning Permission. 06/01/2014
1119_OS map Site Location Plan PDF
Olding, F., 2008. (In) Usk Castle, Priory and Town. Logaston Press.
Ordnance Survey 1956. Map of Roman Britain, (3rd ed). Chessington.
Phillips, N., 2006. Earthwork Castles of Gwent and Ergyng AD 1050-1250. Oxford: BAR British Series 420
Salway, P., 1980. Oxford History of Britain, Roman Britain. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Whittle, E., 1992. A Guide to Ancient and Historic Wales, Glamorgan and Gwent. London: Cadw HMSO.
16
Online:
Archaeology Data Service
http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/
Archwilio The Historic Environment Record of the Welsh Archaeological Trusts.

http://www.archwilio.org.uk/
British Geological Survey

http://www.bgs.uk/geoindex/
British Listed Buildings

http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk
Magic
http://magic.defra.gov.uk/
Old Maps
http://www.old-maps.co.uk/
Open street map

http://www.openstreetmap.org/way
Promap
http://www.promap.co.uk/
National Library of Wales

http://cat.llgc.org.uk
Royal Commission of Ancient and Historical Monuments Wales

http://www.rcahmw.gov.uk/LO/ENG/Search+Records/Explore+Coflein/
Vision of Britain through Time

http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk
A.P.A.C. Registered Address: 36 Hatherleigh Rd, Abergavenny Monmouthshire NP7 7RG.

Tel: 07734962919. Mobile: 07734962919 Email: apac.philips@btinternet.com
Company Registration No 5041541 VAT Reg No 826 3628 19
Director: Dr. N. Phillips D.Phil. M. Phil. BA (Hons).Cert Ed/FE. AIFA.
17
51 Maryport St, USK
115m dia
Ordnance Survey Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
Fig 01: Location

A.P.A.C. Ltd DB/UMP/14
51 Maryport St, USK
Site position
Fig 02: Usk Schedule Ancient Monument A.P.A.C. Ltd DB/UMP/14

with Site Position
51 Maryport St, USK
Site position
T. Morrice surveyor in Coxe 1801
Fig 03: 1801 town plan A.P.A.C. Ltd DB/UMP/14

51 Maryport St, USK
Extract of the British section of the Antonine Itinerary
p21
Map of Roman Britain
Ordnance Survey 1956
Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
Fig 04: Roman Roads A.P.A.C. Ltd DB/UMP/14

51 Maryport St, USK
Site position
Interpretation of Norman Usk
p 80
Mein G 2008
no scale supplied
Fig 05: Norman Usk A.P.A.C. Ltd DB/UMP/14

51 Maryport St, USK
Site position
adapted from Courtney 1994
Fig 06: Excavations between 1965 &1976 A.P.A.C. Ltd DB/UMP/14

51 Maryport St, USK
Adapted from Manning 1981
0042
Geophysical
survey grids
0043
Site position
Site position
Adapted from Manning 1981
Fig 07: 1973 Geophisical Survey A.P.A.C. Ltd DB/UMP/14

51 Maryport St, USK
1801
1846
Site position
adapted from Morrice (in) Coxe.1801 adapted from Morrice 1846 Gwent Archives DPA/04 84
Fig 08, Morrice, 1801 and 1846 Usk Town Plans A.P.A.C. Ltd DB/UMP/14
51 Maryport St, USK
Ordnance Survey 1st series 1830 1:63360
Ordnance Survey 1882 1:2500
Ordnance Survey 1901 1:2500
Ordnance Survey 1920-21 1:2500
Ordnance Survey 1969-70 1:2500
0 25 50 75
Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
Fig 09: Ordnance Survey A.P.A.C. Ltd DB/UMP/14

Map progressions
51 Maryport St, USK
Build area
Position of large tree
adapted from
Positions of Roman
buirial urns
C. Lewis pers com &
FIG 10. Proposed plans and existing ground disturbance

51 Maryport St, USK
Fig 11. Calculation of bearing pressure A.P.A.C. Ltd DB/UMP/14

of garage and raft
51 Maryport St, USK
inset
inset
Site position
Site position
adapted from GGAT 230 A136 1993
Figure 12, Composite of known archaeology and proposed site plan

51 Maryport St, USK
DSC06274
Plate 01: Burial urn from 1984 salvage excavation.
DSC06277
Plate 02: Area of ground fro proposed garage and drive A.P.A.C. Ltd DB/UMP/14

120: 51 Maryport Street, Usk. Desk Based Assessment

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DOCUMENT NO 232 2014

DESK BASED ASSESSMENT

Cover Photograph: DSC06275

1. Site Location map

1. Roman burial Urn from 1984 salvage excavation

The response from Cadw advised the agent to:

employ a suitably qualified archaeologist to undertake a desk-top assessment to establish the

DB:DB4/UMP/14 was again refused requiring additional changes.

3 Scope and Objectives of the Study

5 Geology and Topography

6 Archaeological and historical background

Bradney offered this in more detail in his History of Usk:

Other close but non direct archaeological interventions were:

00596g Excavation. Road R

Maryport Street Site

7 Desk-top Assessment and Baseline Conditions

8 Predicted Impacts of the Proposal on Known Archaeology

Figure 10 is a composite showing:

the existing footprint of the house

Garage & drive.

9 Summary and Recommendations

Original archive will be retained by APAC Ltd.

A secondary Archive will be deposited with Gwent Records Office.

13 Bibliography and References:

Boon G, C., &

Proposed Extension 51 Maryport Street usk. Site Plan as proposed

Proposed Extension 51 Maryport Street usk. Proposed Garden Room

Proposed Garage & change of use of land to increase residential curtilage

Proposed Garage & change of use of land to increase residential curtilage

Proposed Garage & change of use of land to increase residential curtilage

OS Site Location Plan 1:1250.

Plan. MM155 Usk Roman Site-2013-12-17-Scheduled Area Map

PROPOSED INTERNAL ALTERATIONS AND SINGLE STOREY REAR

PROPOSED INTERNAL ALTERATIONS AND SINGLE STOREY REAR

Cadw - MM155 - Scheduled Monument Consent Application – 2014-2019 - Internal

Mees, L., email to APAC Ltd. 17-01-2014.

Dickson Consulting 51 Maryport St, Garage bearing Pressure calculation. 10/05/14.

Standard and guidance for historic environment desk-based assessment 2012

Roman Road Caerleon 05484.0g Road, Roman.

Archaeological Excavations. Usk Main Rising E002352

Letter to G.H.J Lewis. 20th June 1990. Ursilla. M. Spense, GGAT.

Mein, G., 1986. Norman Usk The Birth of a Town. Mein.

Michael, D.P.M., The Mapping of Monmouthshire. Regional publications Ltd: Bristol.

DC/2013/00956.b, Approval of Planning Permission. 06/01/2014

1119_OS map Site Location Plan PDF

Ordnance Survey 1956. Map of Roman Britain, (3rd ed). Chessington.

Archwilio The Historic Environment Record of the Welsh Archaeological Trusts.

British Geological Survey

British Listed Buildings

Open street map

National Library of Wales

Royal Commission of Ancient and Historical Monuments Wales

Vision of Britain through Time

A.P.A.C. Registered Address: 36 Hatherleigh Rd, Abergavenny Monmouthshire NP7 7RG.

Ordnance Survey Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)

Fig 01: Location

Fig 02: Usk Schedule Ancient Monument A.P.A.C. Ltd DB/UMP/14

T. Morrice surveyor in Coxe 1801

Fig 03: 1801 town plan A.P.A.C. Ltd DB/UMP/14

Extract of the British section of the Antonine Itinerary

Map of Roman Britain

Ordnance Survey 1956

Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)

Fig 04: Roman Roads A.P.A.C. Ltd DB/UMP/14