DOCUMENT NO 524 May 2021

PRN: E006587

A.P.A.C. Ltd.
Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy

Watching Brief Report

Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy

Prepared For:
Monmouthshire City Council
Planning Application No: DM/2018/02053

Report: Mr. S. Reames

QA: Dr. N. Phillips
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy WB/VHU/20

Summary

A.P.A.C. Ltd was commissioned by the Client to carry out an archaeological watching brief on land to the
east of Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy (centred on National Grid Reference (NGR): ST 343456
187157).

The development area revealed a sequence of natural geological layers from limestone bedrock to
present-day topsoil. Two modern intrusive features were encountered relating to the construction of the
Green Acres domestic structure.

No undisturbed archaeological material was encountered within the development area.

Comisiynwyd APAC Cyf. gan y Cleient i wneud gorchwyl gwylio archeolegol ar dir i’r dwyrain o Green
Acres, Vinegar Hill, y Gwndy (wedi’i ganoli ar Gyfeirnod y Grid Cenedlaethol (CGR): ST 343456
187157).

Datgelwyd yn lleoliad y datblygiad dilyniant o haenau daearegol o greigwely’r calchfaen hyd at yr

uwchbridd presennol.

Daethpwyd o hyd i ddwy nodwedd ymwthiol a berthynai i waith adeiladu strwythur domestig Green
Acres.

Ni chafwyd hyn i unrhyw ddeunydd archaeolegol heb ei darfu o fewn lleoliad y datblygiad.

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. 100045677) to reproduce map information; Copyright
remains otherwise with the Ordnance Survey.

Cover photograph: Overall Shot of South Facing Section of Development Area IMG_5028 (© A.P.A.C. Ltd 2021)

1
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy WB/VHU/20

Contents

Summary ......................................................................................................................................... 1
Contents ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Location ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Topography and Geology ................................................................................................................ 4
Brief Archaeological and Historical Background ........................................................................... 5
Aims and Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 6
Methodology ................................................................................................................................... 6
Results ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Finds ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Environmental ................................................................................................................................. 7
Conclusions ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Archive ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................... 8
Bibliography .................................................................................................................................... 9
Copyright ......................................................................................................................................... 9

2
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy WB/VHU/20

Figures

Figure 1 Location
Figure 2 Site Plan
Figure 3 Historic Asset Map (HAM)
Figure 4 Map progressions
Figure 5 Representative Sections

Plates
Plate 1 South facing section of excavation area
Plate 2 Southeast facing section of drainage trench

Appendices
Appendix 1 Context Index and Matrix
Appendix 2 Complete Site Photograph Archive

3
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy WB/VHU/20

Introduction

This archaeological watching brief report has been prepared by Mr S. Reames, in response to condition placed on a
planning application for a detached dwelling at Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy, Caldicot, Monmouthshire, NP26
3EJ (hereafter the Site), centred on National Grid Reference (NGR): ST 343456 187157.

The Planning Application: (DM/2018/02053), was submitted to Monmouthshire County Council, (hereafter MCC),
and following advice given by Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust (hereafter GGAT), MCC advised its
approval, with a condition:

Condition 3,

No development shall take place until the applicant, or their agent(s) or successors in title, has secured
agreement for a written scheme of historic environment mitigation which has been submitted by the
applicant and approved by the local planning authority. Thereafter, the programme of work shall be fully
carried out in accordance with the requirements and standards of the written scheme.

Reason: To identify and record any features of archaeological interest discovered during the works, in
order to mitigate the impact of the works on the archaeological resource. In accordance with the
requirements of Technical Advice Note (TAN) 24: The Historic Environment (2017).
DM/2018/02053

The archaeological mitigation condition was advised as the site lies within an area of the Gwent Levels where
previous archaeological works have uncovered evidence of human presence from Prehistory to present with
excavations in the vicinity of the proposed site indicating a strong Roman Presence. One such earlier excavation
discovered a Roman, stone sarcophagus containing the remains of a female inhumation. 45m east of the proposed
development. As a result of the historical importance of the area GGAT stated that:

‘The current proposal for the erection of a new detached dwelling on the ground immediately to the
east of the sarcophagus site has the potential to encounter significant archaeological remains’

MON2359/CG

The programme of works comprised of a watching brief during the intrusive groundworks associated with the
proposed development to assess the potential, level of, presence or absence of surviving archaeological remains
across the site.

The groundworks were supervised and conducted by Simon Reames for APAC.Ltd, in March and April 2021. The
report was written by S. Reames, background research by A. O. Phillips.

Location

Undy Village lies approximately 10km east of Newport and 4km west of Caldicot, Gwent: (Figure 1).

Travelling east on the M4 from Newport city, take junction 23A to Magor and the roundabout, take the A4810 exit
travelling south, followed by the first exit onto Magor Rd. Take the 3rd exit, east, at the roundabout onto the B4245
to Magor. Continue for approximately one mile through Magor and into Undy. Take a left turn onto Vinegar Hill,
then the second right. Follow the road a short distance, the site will be at the end. Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy,
Monmouthshire, NP26 3EJ, NGR: 343456 187157.

Topography and Geology

The Site occupies a predominantly square parcel of land bounded to the north and south by current lawn gardens, to
the east neighbouring residential structures and to the west by a current domestic structure. The encompassed area
of approximately 94.97m²: (Figure 2), is situated on a gradual slope which lies at an elevation of 20m above
Ordnance Datum (aOD) at the northern extent before falling to 17.34m aOD to the south.

4
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy WB/VHU/20

The underlying natural geology of the area comprises of Dolostone from Black Rock Limestone (British Geological
Survey, 2021) and superficial deposits of silty-clay.

Brief Archaeological and Historical Background

As a general overview: The Site lies immediately north of the Gwent Levels Historic Landscape of Outstanding
Historic Interest in Wales which is a completely manmade landscape reclaimed from the sea during the Roman
period. Previous archaeological works have revealed a human presence within the area from the prehistoric period
to the present-day. There is Roman and medieval settlement and activity within the area and St Mary’s Church,
whilst rebuilt during the later nineteenth century, has surviving architectural elements suggesting a thirteenth
century construction phase. Substantial twentieth century development has occurred within the area following the
expansion of Caldicot and Magor as satellite suburban residential foci for cities such as Newport and Cardiff to the
west and Bristol to the southeast.

In more detail: The GGAT correspondence letter, ref: MON2359/CG states the high potential for significant Roman
archaeological remains within the immediate vicinity of the Site. This is due to a previous excavation conducted 45
meters to the east for an earlier development that revealed a Roman stone sarcophagus containing a female
inhumation. The letter further suggests that due to these and other such findings in the Undy and Magor areas that
the evidence is ‘Indictive of a prolonged period of Roman settlement in the area’ ibid.

However: it was also noted that the evidence presented by the single sarcophagus was undeterminable to a single
event or part of a larger Roman estate or cemetery.

The specific area and surrounding villages are also notable for a large range of Medieval resources, both finds spots
and structures which suggest occupation of the area in this period.

The village itself is documented from 13th c, variously labelled Mundi (c.1200) and Gwndi (c. 1566), the precise
derivation of the Undy place name is unclear, although it may be an amalgam of the Welsh words Gwen (white) and
Tŷ (house), possibly indicative of a holy place or abode (Owen & Morgan, 2007).

A Historic Asset search of 500m centred on the given NGR: 343456 187157, was conducted and reproduced for
inclusion in this report: (Figure 3), Historic Asset Map. HAM. Instances of Listed buildings, Scheduled
Monuments, Conservation areas, world heritage sites and areas of historic interest, would have been included but
none were found within the target area.

The cartographic data for the area would suggest the current site/build to be a recent affair only being constructed in
the last 50 to 60 years.

The earliest data to be found was on the 1842 Tithe Map of the area: (Figure 4a), land division would interfere
earlier medieval strip farming. The majority of the area is under the apportionment of ‘Undy Great Field’

By the 1887 map: (Figure 4b), the land has been portioned up into smaller parcels of land. Two buildings to the
west of the site have been built/noted, however the boundary of one of the early strip plots, (west of the current site)
has survived and continues to do so up to current mapping.

The only note of change by the 1922 map: (Figure 4c), is that a quarry to the north has been noted, though due to its
notation as “OLD” quarry it could be suggested it has been there for a longer period of time.

The 1954 map: (Figure 4d), has been added to show the lack of structures on site up until presumably, at the very
least, the 1960’s.

Current mapping: (Figure 4e), shows the large scale of building the area has undergone in the late 20th/early 21st
century.

Due to the later construction of the build, and scale of works in the area, the cartographic data would suggest the
ground has been vastly disturbed by late 20th century construction.

5
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy WB/VHU/20

Aims and Objectives

The aims of an archaeological watching brief, as defined by the Charted Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA, 2014)
are:

• To ensure that any buried remains located within the development area are fully investigated and recorded
if revealed as a consequence of the site works.
• To provide an opportunity for the archaeologists present to signal to all interested parties, before the
destruction of the material in question, that an archaeological fid has been made for which the resources of
the watching brief itself are not sufficient to support treatment to a satisfactory and proper standard.
• If such a find is made, representatives of both the client and the regional Development Control
Officer/County Archaeologist will be informed and a site meeting organised, as appropriate.

In accordance with the agreed Written Scheme of Investigation (A.P.A.C., 2020) the general aims of the watching
brief were to:

• Establish the presence/absence of archaeological structures or other significant features within the works
area.
• Elucidate the character, distribution, extent and importance of any identified archaeological deposits.
• Preserve by record, within the resources available, any archaeological deposits uncovered during
groundworks.

Methodology
All land within the boundaries of the Site were subjected to archaeological monitoring.

The land within the footprint of the development area was opened by a 1.5 tonne tracked mechanical excavator
fitted with a grading bucket. The overburden was excavated down, under constant archaeological supervision, to the
top of the undisturbed natural geology.

All spoil from the excavation was visually examined for artefacts.

A unique site code (WB/VHU/20) was allocated for all aspects of the project archive produced as a result of the on-
site works. All recording was undertaken using A.P.A.C. Ltd’s pro forma recording system. Sections and plans
were drawn at recognised scales on drafting film as necessary. Digital photographs were taken in high resolution
Jpeg or RAW format before conversion to TIFF format for archival storage.

All work was carried out in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work act 1974 and the Management of Health
and Safety Regulations 1992.

Health and Safety considerations were of paramount importance in conducting all fieldwork. Safe working practises
overrode archaeological considerations at all times.

A risk assessment for the works was drawn up by A.P.A.C. Ltd and made available to all staff on site prior to the
commencement of the project.
Results

All deposits are denotated with curved brackets ( ) and cut with square brackets [ ].

The watching brief comprised monitoring of approximately 80m³ of ground reduction within the Site: (Figure 2) to
prepare the area for the foundation trenches.

The on-site watching brief was conducted over a period of a four days: 29th March to 1st April .

6
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy WB/VHU/20

An outcrop of bedrock (105) was encountered 0.96m below the present-day ground surface, 19.04m AOD, at the
northern extreme of the development area. This consisted of sub-angular limestone blocks extending and
descending southwards for approximately three meters: (Figure 5a, Plate 1).

Immediately above the bedrock (105) was superficial geology (104) which consisted of yellowish-brown silty-clays
that spanned the entire development area. This was followed by a mid-brown silty-clay subsoil (101) which was
encountered at 19.9m aOD at the northern extent of the Site: (Figure 5b, Plate 2).

Situated in the south-western corner of the development area, a modern soakaway cut, [106], extended eastwards
from the current Green Acres domestic structure approximately two meters and contained a single deliberate backfill
(107) of modern brick and modern construction refuse.

Overlying soakaway [106] was the present-day turf and topsoil layer.

Situated at the extreme western extent of the development area, a modern concrete path, cut [102] and fill (103),
associated with the current Green Acres domestic structure extended the length of the Site.

Finds

The watching brief produced no artefactual material.

Environmental

No material suitable for environmental analysis was demonstrated to be present within the impacted areas.

Conclusions
The watching brief undertaken at Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy was unsuccessful in identifying any in situ
archaeological remains within the development area.

A natural stratigraphic sequence was established for the majority of the site consisting of an outcrop of bedrock
followed by superficial geology, subsoil and the present-day topsoil and turf. This sequence remained consistent as
it followed the natural slope of the land from north to south.

At the western extreme of the Site, modern intrusion from the construction of the present-day Green Acres domestic
structure was apparent in the form of the modern soakaway and concrete pathway.

The final excavation depth for the drainage run at the southwestern corner was located within superficial geological
layer (104) which resulted in all archaeological features at a deeper depth remaining preserved in situ.

7
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy WB/VHU/20

Archive

The archive will be prepared according to the Management of Archaeological Projects, English Heritage, MoRPHE
V1.2 (2015) so the records will be fully ordered and indexed. The project archives will consist of all original
records, and all documentation that relates to the watching brief; copies of the WSI and any relevant correspondence
will be included.

The original archive for the watching brief will be retained by A.P.A.C. Ltd.

A digital copy of the archive will be deposited with RCAHMW within keeping with their published guidelines:
http://www.rcahmw.gov.uk/HI/ENG/Search+Records/Standards/Archive/

A further digital copy of the relevant information and report will be deposited with GGAT HER in keeping with
their published guidelines:
http://www.GGAT.org.uk/her/downloads/Guidance%20for%20the%20Submission%20of%20Data%20to%20Welsh
%20HERs.pdf
The archives will be deposited within twelve months of the completion of the watching brief with the agreement of
the landowner.

A synopsis of the project will be submitted to CBA Wales and the full client report published online through Scribd.

Acknowledgements

A.P.A.C. Ltd would like to thank the client for granting access to the site and to the on-site contractor for their
assistance throughout the excavation.

8
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy WB/VHU/20

Bibliography

A.P.A.C. Ltd, 2020, Written Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Watching Brief: WB/VHU/20 Green
Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy, WSI:WB/VHU/20, Document No: 524

MCC Plan Ap No: DM/2018/02053.

RE: Proposed detached dwelling at Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy, Monmouthshire,
NP26 3EJ

English Heritage Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (2006).

Chartered Institute
For Archaeologists. Standards and Guidance: for an Archaeological Watching Brief. 2014.

FAME. The Standing Conference of Archaeology Unit Managers Health and Safety Manual. 2002.

GGAT MON2359/CG
RE: Proposed detached dwelling at Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy, Monmouthshire,
NP26 3EJ, Plan Ap No: DM/2018/02053

HSE. Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974.

HSE. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. 2015

Owen, H.W. and

Morgan, R., 2007. Dictionary of the Place Names of Wales, Gomer, Llandysul

RCAHMW. National Standard and Guidance to Best Practice for Collecting and Depositing
Archaeological Archives in Wales, 2017.

The Welsh
Archaeological
Trusts. Guidance for the Submission of Data to the Welsh Historic Environment Records (HERs)
2018

Online Sources:
Google maps http://www.google.com/maps
Magic Maps http://magic.defra.gov.uk/
BGS 11/05/2021 http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html

Copyright

A.P.A.C. Ltd will retain full copyright of any reports and specialist reports, under the Copyright, Designs and
Patents Act of 1988 with all rights reserved.

A.P.A.C. Ltd hereby gives permission for the monitoring authority to use any documentation directly relating to the
project as described in this Project Design.

A.P.A.C. Registered Address: Wyastone Business Park, Monmouth, NP25 3SR

Tel: 01600891584. Mobile: 07734962919 Email: [email protected]
Company Registration No 05041541 VAT Reg No 826 3628 19
Director: Dr. N. Phillips D.Phil.

9
 The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
A.P.A.C. Ltd :WB/VHU/20
Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy

Fig 01: Location

 Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy

Foundation Trenches

A B

Proposed Dwelling

Green Acres

D
Drainage Trench C

Key
Site Area
Excavated Area
Existing Structure

0 20m

Figure 2: Site Plan A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/VHU/20

 Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy

Legend

NGR 343456 187157

Fig 03: Heritage asset map A.P.A.C. Ltd. WB/VHU/20

 Porton House, Whitson

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
N N

Fig 04a: Tithe map 1842 Fig 04b: Monmouthshire XXXV -

Surveyed 1881
Published 1887

N N

Fig 04c: Monmouthshire XXXV - Fig 04d: Monmouthshire XXXV -

Revised 1918 - 1919, Revised 1949,
Published 1922 Published 1954

Fig 04e: Modern mapping

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/PHW/20

 Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy

South Facing Section of Excavation Area Southeast Facing Section of Drainage Trench
A B
C D

20 m 17.34m
(100)
(100)
(101)

(101)
(104)

(104)

(105)

Key Key
Stone Stone

0 1m 0 1m

Figure 5a: Representative Section Figure 5b: Representative Section A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/VHU//20
 Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy

Photograph

N
South facing section of excavation
area.

Scale: 2x1m

0 20m

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/VHU/20

PLATE 01
 Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy

Photograph

N
Southeast facing section of drainage
trench.

Scale: 1x1m

0 20m

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/VHU/20

PLATE 02
Site: Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy

Site Code: WB/VHU/20 Appendix I A.P.A.C. Ltd

CONTEXT AREA FEATURE DESCRIPTION FINDS PHOTOGRAPHS

100 Deposit Loose, black silty-clay with clear edges and Y – Not IMG_5022, IMG_5023,
heavy root bioturbation. Present day ground Retained IMG_5024, IMG_5025,
surface consisting of turf and topsoil. Contains IMG_5026, IMG_5027,
modern CBM, brick and glass from the IMG_5028, IMG_5029,
construction of the present structure – Not IMG_5030, IMG_5031,
retained. IMG_5032, IMG_5033,
IMG_5034, IMG_5035,
IMG_5036, IMG_5039,
IMG_5040
101 Deposit Loose, mid-brown silty-clay with clear edges. N IMG_5023, IMG_5024,
Present-day subsoil with moderate worm and IMG_5025, IMG_5026,
root bioturbation throughout. IMG_5027, IMG_5028
102 Cut Cut of a modern concrete path running alongside N IMG_5023, IMG_5031,
the side of the current property. IMG_5032, IMG_5034,
IMG_5037
103 Deposit Compact, grey concrete with sharp edges. A N IMG_5023, IMG_5031,
poured concrete base with stone paving slabs IMG_5032, IMG_5034,
bedding in creating a path alongside the current IMG_5037
property.
104 Deposit Loose yellowish-brown silty-clay with clear N IMG_5023, IMG_5024,
edges. Superficial geology spanning the extent IMG_5025, IMG_5026,
of the development area. IMG_5027, IMG_5028,
IMG_5029, IMG_5030,
IMG_5031, IMG_5032,
IMG_5033, IMG_5034,
IMG_5035, IMG_5036,
IMG_5037, IMG_5038,
IMG_5039, IMG_5040
105 Deposit Compact, mid-yellowish-grey stone with clear N IMG_5024, IMG_5025,
edges. Outcrop of bedrock. IMG_5026, IMG_5028,
IMG_5029, IMG_5033,
IMG_5037, IMG_5038,
IMG_5039, IMG_5040
106 Cut Cut of a modern soakaway extending due east N IMG_5034
from the present property and filled with
deliberate backfill (107).
107 Deposit Loose mid-brown silty-clay with sharp edges. A Y – Not IMG_5034
single deliberate backfill of soakaway [106] Retained
containing a ceramic drain extending east from
the current property for approximately two
meters before entering the soakaway consisting
of loose modern brick.
Site: Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy

Site Code: WB/VHU/20 Appendix I A.P.A.C. Ltd

Site Name: Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy Appendix II A.P.A.C. Ltd
PRN:
Digital Photographic Record Project No: 524 Project Code: WB/VHU/20

View Date of Compiled

Photo No Area facing Description Phographer photograph by Date Plate
5019 NW Pre-Ex Shot of Development Area S. Reames 29/03/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5020 S Pre-Ex Shot of Development Area S. Reames 29/03/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5021 SE Pre-Ex Shot of Development Area S. Reames 29/03/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5022 NNW Working Shot - Topsoil Strip S. Reames 29/03/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5023 W East Facing Section of Development Area S. Reames 31/03/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5024 N South Facing Section of Development Area S. Reames 31/03/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5025 N South Facing Section of Development Area S. Reames 31/03/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5026 N South Facing Section of Development Area S. Reames 31/03/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5027 E West Facing Section of Devlopment Area S. Reames 01/04/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5028 N Overall Shot of South Facing Section of Development Area S. Reames 01/04/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021 1
5029 NE Oblique Shot of South Facing Section of Development Area S. Reames 01/04/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5030 SE Oblique Shot of West Facing section of Development Area S. Reames 01/04/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5031 SW Oblique Shot of East Facing Section of Development Area S. Reames 01/04/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5032 NW Oblique Shot of East Facing Section of Development Area S. Reames 01/04/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5033 NE Oblique Shot of South Facing Section of Development Area S. Reames 01/04/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5034 W Working Shot of Soakaway S. Reames 01/04/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5035 S North Facing Section of Southern Foundation Trench S. Reames 01/04/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5036 S North Facing Section of Drainage Trench S. Reames 01/04/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021 2
5037 WSW General Shot of Site S. Reames 01/04/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5038 ESE General Shot of Site S. Reames 01/04/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5039 N General Shot of Site S. Reames 01/04/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
5040 NE General Shot of Site S. Reames 01/04/2021 S. Reames 19/04/2021
Green Acres, Vinegar Hill, Undy

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/VHU/20