Project Hal Printworks
Aug 02, 2006 by Stuart Eve
As part of ‘Project Hal’ L – P assessed 5 different sites across the British Isles proposed for construction of News International’s new printing presses.
Working to a tight timeframe at the Broxbourne site, we built up survey and evaluation records over an area of 5.2 hectares, and excavated over 1.3 hectares of this multi-period site. Our early involvement ensured that the archaeological issues on site were identified at the beginning of the development programme and were dealt with swiftly and efficiently.
The project used an integrated database and Geographic Information System (GIS), continuously updated by field staff and specialists. All plans were scanned, geo-referenced, and digitised on a daily basis to allow rapid production of phased top plans for archaeologists in the field. Close dialogue between the field team and specialists ensured any recommended changes in sampling strategy or approach were implemented throughout the project.
The open area excavation took place from May to July 2005, revealing archaeological evidence from four broad periods: Early and Late Bronze Age, Medieval, and Post-Medieval. The field team discovered the remains of two rectilinear posthole-structured buildings and a sequence of inter-cutting ditches that formed part of Bronze Age and Medieval field systems. Our methodical and integrated approach provided a comprehensive archive that will greatly contribute to future research.
| Client: | Burks Green/News International |
| Site: | Project Hal, Waltham Cross |
| Development type: | Commercial |
| Archaeological Contract: | £75,000 |