Archaeological Field Evaluation, Greater London
Border Archaeology were instructed to monitor the demolition of an existing RC hall and double garage and the construction of new extensions to the church hall and rear of the existing church in Romford.
In Brief
Key Points
- Programme Archaeological Field Evaluation; 5 trenches
- Foundation courses for the original day school
- Presence of demolition layer associated with the day school
- Evidence of a pit with palaeoenvironmental analysis showing frequent oak charcoal derived from timbers
Summary
Archaeological Evaluation revealed evidence for the foundation courses for the original day school building, demolished and replaced in 1890/91 and a related demolition layer.
The excavations revealed evidence for the demolition of a day school that was built on the site and demolished towards the end of the 19th century. Trench 002 yielded a brick wall from said school and its foundation cut. A shallow pit was present in Trench 004. The palaeoenvironmental analysis has suggested that it might have been used to dispose of architectural timbers from the demolition of the school.
Results
Five trenches were dug within the hexagonal plot that was the site and that measured c.2632sqm. The excavation did not reveal any evidence for features predating the construction of the church and its associated school. This also might suggest that the site remained at some distance from occupation until at least the mid-19th Century. This is further supported by the evidence recovered in a pit located within the confines of Trench 004 and the original day school building remains in Trench 002.
