on behalf of

Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd

and

West Raynham Developments Ltd

Land at Urlay View Stockton-on-Tees archaeological desk-based assessment

report 2739 October 2011

Contents
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Summary Project background Landuse, topography and geology Site walk over survey Historical and archaeological development The potential archaeological resource Impact assessment Recommendations Sources 1 2 3 3 4 6 6 6 6 7

Appendix 1: Historic Environment Record

Figures
Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3: Figure 4: Figure 5: Figure 6: Figure 7: Figure 8: Figure 9: Figure 10: Figure 11: Figure 12: Figure 13: Figure 14: Figure 15: Site location and Historic Environment Record Site as existing Proposed development Extract from John Speeds Map of Durham, 1610 Extract from Greenwoods Map of Durham, 1820 Extract from a plan of an aqueduct from Middlesbrough to Darlington, 1850 Extract from the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map, 1857 Extract from the 2nd edition Ordnance Survey map, 1894 Extract from the 1923 edition Ordnance Survey map Extract from the 1954 edition Ordnance survey map The northern field, looking south The north western corner of the northern field and western boundary The southern field, looking west Service cover close to the southern boundary of the southern field Land adjacent to the A67, looking west

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Land at Urlay View, Stockton-on-Tees desk-based assessment report 2739 October 2011

1.
1.1

Summary
The project
This report presents the results of an archaeological desk based assessment, conducted in advance of a proposed development on land north of the A67, at Urlay Nook, Stockton on Tees. The assessment comprised a search of pertinent documentary and cartographic records, records of archaeological interventions, the Historic Environment Record, and a site walk over survey. The works were commissioned by Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd and West Raynham Developments Ltd and conducted by Archaeological Services Durham University.

1.2

The archaeological resource

1.3 No archaeological resource has been identified which requires preservation in situ. There are no historic or statutorily protected buildings on the site. There are no Scheduled Ancient Monuments on or in the vicinity of the site. There is no direct evidence of prehistoric or Roman activity in the proposed development area. There is, however, evidence that the surrounding area was exploited in these periods and an as yet unidentified resource relating to this has the potential to extend into the proposed development site. It is unlikely that there was a settlement on the site during the medieval period, and it is probable that the area was exploited for agricultural purposes during the medieval and post medieval periods. Evidence for this, in the form of ridge and furrow and associated field boundaries, may survive below ground, although there are no surviving earthworks.

1.4

1.5

Impact assessment
1.6 The proposed development has the potential to impact upon any archaeological resource that may be present through ground reduction and the construction of foundations, roads and associated services.

Recommendations
1.7 It is recommended that the potential of the area to contain an archaeological resource is evaluated through geophysical survey, supplemented by targeted trial trenching as necessary.

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Land at Urlay View, Stockton-on-Tees desk-based assessment report 2739 October 2011

2.
2.1

Project background
Location (Figures 1 & 2)
The site is located to the north of the A67, at Urlay Nook, Stockton on Tees (NGR centre: NZ 40819 14360). It is roughly rectangular in plan, and covers an area of approximately 7ha. To the north is the B1273, with the Stockton to Darlington railway line immediately beyond. To the west is agricultural land, to the east a modern housing estate, and to the south the A67.

Development proposal (Figure 3)

2.2 The proposed development is for the construction of residential properties, public access buildings, public amenity land and access routes.

Objective
2.3 The objective of the scheme of works was to assess the nature, extent and potential significance of any surviving archaeological resource within the proposed development area so that an informed decision may be made regarding the nature and scope of any further scheme of archaeological works that may be required in relation to the proposed development.

Methods statement
2.4 The works have been conducted in accordance with standard Archaeological Services procedures for desk based assessments. The works comprised the study of pertinent cartographic and other historical sources, records of previous archaeological interventions, sites listed in the Historic Environment Record (HER) within 1km of the proposed development area, and a site walk over survey. HER references are referred to in brackets throughout the text of this report, and are listed in Appendix 1.

Planning guidance
2.5 This assessment and its recommendations are a considered response to the proposed development in relation to Government policy, as it is set out in Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment, and the Historic Environment Planning Practice Guide.

Dates
2.6 The field visit took place on 28th September 2011. This report was prepared for October 2011.

Personnel
2.7 Research was conducted and this report prepared by Judith Roberts, with illustrations by David Graham. The Project Manager was Daniel Still.

OASIS
2.8 Archaeological Services Durham University is registered with the Online AccesS to the Index of archaeological investigationS project (OASIS). The OASIS ID number for this project is archaeol3 111636.

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Land at Urlay View, Stockton-on-Tees desk-based assessment report 2739 October 2011

Acknowledgements
2.9 Archaeological Services Durham University is grateful for the assistance of the staff of Durham County Record Office, and personnel of Tees Archaeology and Palace Green Library, Durham, in facilitating this scheme of works. Tees Archaeology also provided the maps for Figures 7, 8 and 10.

3.
3.1

Landuse, topography and geology

Landuse
At the time of this assessment, the proposed development area comprised two fields under cultivation and a strip of grassland used as a footpath.

Topography
3.2 The proposed development area sloped down from 30m OD in the north to approximately 25m OD in the south. South of the site and the A67 is Nelly Burdons Beck which feeds into the River Tees at Yarm.

Geology and soils

3.3 The solid geology of the area comprises Pennine Middle Coal Measures overlain by Devensian glaciofluvial deposits.

4.
4.1

Site walk over survey

A walk over survey was conducted, to help ascertain the potential of the proposed development area to contain any archaeological resource. The visit noted site topography, earthworks and areas of modern overburden, modern services, boundaries, buildings and other upstanding remains. A pro forma recording sheet was completed. At the time of the walk over survey the proposed development area comprised two fields with a strip of grassland to the south, adjacent to the A67, which contained a public footpath. The northern field had been ploughed and seeded. The northern boundary comprised a wooden post and rail fence. A strip of land on the south side of the fence had not been ploughed and contained coarse grass and weeds, including some wetland species (Figure 11). The north western corner was very wet. The western boundary of the field was marked by a low hedge and bank (Figure 12). The eastern boundary was also marked by a low hedge. The southern field had been ploughed and planted. Along the eastern part of the field there was standing water (Figure 13). The southern part of the field was also wet. Close to the south eastern corner of the field was a metal service cover which was overgrown with weeds (Figure 14). A broad strip of land lay between the southern field and the tree belt lining the A67. This area had been mown and was used as a public footpath. There were several service covers that stood proud of the grass, on brick or concrete surrounds (Figure 15).

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

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Land at Urlay View, Stockton-on-Tees desk-based assessment report 2739 October 2011

5.
5.1

Historical and archaeological development

Previous archaeological works
No previous archaeological works have been identified within the proposed development area. An archaeological assessment was carried out on the Royal Naval Supply Depot (HER 452) to the north of the study area. A desk based assessment and building recording was carried out at Carter Moor Farm (HER 605), to the north east. At The Grange, Egglescliffe, a desk based assessment, building survey and excavation has taken place (HERs 781, 782 and 783).

The prehistoric period (up to AD 70)

5.2 There is no direct evidence of prehistoric activity in the proposed development area. There is, however, evidence that the surrounding area was exploited in prehistory; there is, for example, a significant scatter of flints across the Tees Valley which is indicative of activity from the Mesolithic period. A Neolithic axe was found during excavations at Ingleby Barwick to the east. Cremation burials, cremations and settlements of Bronze Age date have also been identified at Ingleby Barwick. In 1870 a crouched inhumation was found at Egglescliffe (over 1km to the south east). There are also records of a log boat being found before 1852 at Yarm, to the south east of the study area, during construction of a railway. The cropmark of a rectangular enclosure at Long Newton (Larberry Pastures, Scheduled Monument 1006741) just over 5km to the north west, has a suggested Iron Age or Romano British date.

The Roman period (AD 70 to 5th century)

5.3 It is probable that the pattern of later prehistoric hamlets and farmsteads in the region continued into the Roman period. However, there is evidence for the Romanisation of the landscape, including an improved road network as well as the establishment of Roman villas. One of these was identified less than 3km to the east at Ingleby Barwick, and there have also been stray Roman finds at other sites, for example at Preston Farm. There is no direct evidence however of Roman activity within the proposed development area.

The medieval period (5th century to 1540)

5.4 There is no direct evidence for medieval occupation at Urlay Nook but the name is thought to derive from the Old English Lurla (a personal name) and hou or law (hill or spur). In the early 13th century there is a reference of a gift of land in Lurlehou and Egglescliffe (Page 1928, 223). In 1250 the place name is recorded as Lurelaw (Watts 2002). There is considerable evidence of medieval occupation in the area the name Egglescliffe is thought to have Danish origins (Dingle 1973, 4). There are deserted or shrunken medieval villages in the area, at Sadberge, West Newbiggin, West Middleton and West Hartburn. Ridge and furrow agriculture associated with medieval settlement has also been noted in the area to the west of Urlay Nook. A medieval field system has also been recorded around Carter Moor Farm (HER 1521). It is likely that the proposed development area was unoccupied in this period but exploited for agricultural purposes. No ridge and furrow earthworks were observed on the site.

The post medieval period (1541 to 1899)

5.5 In spite of Urlay Nook having medieval origins it does not appear on Speedss map of 1610, which may suggest that the settlement consisted of scattered farms rather than a nucleated village.

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Land at Urlay View, Stockton-on-Tees desk-based assessment report 2739 October 2011

5.6

Late 18th century maps (viewed online) show Urley Nook (or Early Nook) with settlement to the west and north of the proposed development area. Carter Moor Farmhouse dates to this period (HER 5292). The area to the east was largely agricultural until the mid 19th century with scattered farmsteads (HERs 4957 and 5294). Greenwoods map of 1820 (Figure 5) marks scattered settlement at Larley Nook, clustered around the junction of the Long Newton Lane with Urlay Nook Road, to the south of Urlay Nook bridge. Buildings are marked to the south of the road in the approximate position of Urlay Nook Farm (west of the proposed development area) although the precise location of the buildings is uncertain because of the scale of the map. The Stockton to Darlington railway (HER 3556) was built in 1825 and dramatically changed the use of the area. Other features associated with the development of the railways include the Urlay Nook signal box (HER 4792), Allens West railway station (HER 4189) and the Yarm branch of the Stockton to Darlington railway (HER 6957). In 1833 the chemical works at Urlay Nook (HER 4187) was established (Page 1928, 222). The chemical works was built to take advantage of the transport links provided by the railway and originally produced fertiliser and sulphuric acid (Tomlin 1975, 7). They later switched to the production of chromium. None of the buildings on the site date to the mid 19th century (Rowe 1999, 27). At the time of the site visit decommissioning and demolition of the chemical works was under way. A plan of the Stockton to Darlington Railway (Figure 6) shows the northern field within the proposed development area, and marks the Chemical Works and Urlay Nook Farm (but does not name them as such). An undated tithe plan of the parish (EP/Eg/1) shows the southern field divided into two parts. A remnant of this field boundary can be seen crossing the strip of land along the southern part of the development area. The 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1857 (Figure 7) shows the area divided into two fields, with Urlay Nook House and associated buildings to the west and the Chemical Works and Bay Horse Public House to the north west. A track leads from the chemical works past Urlay Nook House, to join the road to the south east, and this track runs within the southern boundary of the proposed development area. This track may have earlier origins. The railway has been constructed to the immediate north of the proposed development area. The 2nd edition Ordnance Survey map of 1894 (Figure 8) marks the railway as the Darlington to Saltburn Branch line. The proposed development site is here shown as one field.

5.7

5.8

5.9

5.10

5.11

5.12

5.13

The modern period (1900 to present)

5.14 The 1923 and subsequent editions of the Ordnance Survey map show the east to west field boundary dividing the area into two fields and the lay out of the fields remaining unchanged until the building of the A67 road corridor (Figures 9 and 10). The road was constructed a little way to the south of the two fields, creating a wide

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Land at Urlay View, Stockton-on-Tees desk-based assessment report 2739 October 2011

strip of uncultivated land around the footpath. This is included within the proposed development area. 5.15 During the Second World War the area to the north of the development site was used by the Ministry of Defence for dismantling aircraft (Metal Reclamation Unit 2). Subsequently it became a Royal Naval Supply Depot (HER 5295). In 1997 it closed and is now the Urlay Nook Admiralty Ecology Park.

The buildings
5.16 There are no statutorily protected or historic buildings within the site or in the vicinity.

Scheduled Ancient Monuments and other Designated Heritage Assets

5.17 There are no Scheduled Ancient Monuments or other designated heritage assets within the proposed development area or the near vicinity.

6.
6.1

The potential archaeological resource

There is no direct evidence for prehistoric or Roman activity within the study area but the presence of activity in the surrounding area indicates that an as yet unidentified resource has the potential to exist. Archaeological deposits relating to the medieval and post medieval period may survive over the site. This evidence is likely to relate to agricultural activity rather than settlement.

6.2

7.
7.1

Impact assessment
Direct impact
The proposed development has the potential to impact upon the archaeological resource through landscaping and the construction of foundations, access roads and associated services.

8.
8.1 8.2

Recommendations
No archaeological deposits have been identified which require preservation in situ. It is recommended that the potential of the area to contain an archaeological resource is evaluated through geophysical survey, supplemented by targeted trial trenching as necessary.

9.

Sources
Cartographic sources
Speed, 1610 A map of the County of Durham Greenwood, 1820 Map of the County of Durham Ordnance Survey 1st Edition, 1" sheet 103 Ordnance Survey 2nd Edition, 25" sheet 56 Ordnance Survey 1923 Edition, 25" sheet 56 Ordnance Survey 1954 edition, 6" sheet NZ 41 SW

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Land at Urlay View, Stockton-on-Tees desk-based assessment report 2739 October 2011

Ordnance Survey 1957 edition 1:25,000 sheet NZ 41

Other sources
Dingle, A T 1973 Egglescliffe, a short history of the village Page, W 1928 The Victoria History of the County of Durham 3. London Tomlin, D M 1975 The Early Chemical Works of Teeside in The Cleveland Industrial Archaeologist 4 Rowe, P 1999 The 19th century Industrial Archaeology of Stockton on Tees Watts, V 2002 A Dictionary of County Durham Place Names, 3. Northamptonshire

Durham County Record Office

D/Lo Acc 1750(D) 32/2 104/5 Stockton RDC South East Durham Area proposed road diversions at Urlay Nook near Stockton EP/Eg/1 Tithe plan of Egglescliffe, no date JMC/104/5 Urlay Nook By pass, 1970 Q/D/P 186 Stockton, Middlesbrough and Yarm Waterworks, Aqueduct from Middlesbrough Station to Darlington via Stockton, Urlay Nook, Fighting Cocks and branch to Yarm, deposited 30th November 1850

Websites
http://ads.ahds.ac.uk http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com~genmaps http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery http://www.british history.ac.uk http://www.dur.ac.uk/picturesinprint http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk http://www.magic.gov.uk http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk www.english heritage.org.uk www.keystothepast.info www.visionofbritain.org.uk

Aerial photographs
Ordnance Survey Aerial Photograph Sortie 66 196, Frames 045 and 046, 1:2500, 1966 was consulted at the offices of Tees Archaeology.

Geotechnical works
No records of geotechnical works within the proposed development area were identified for this assessment.

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Land at Urlay View, Stockton-on-Tees desk-based assessment report 2739 October 2011

Appendix 1: Historic Environment Record

The tables include sites recorded within the vicinity of the proposed development area (within an approximate radius of 1km from the site).

Historic Environment Record

(PRN = Public Record Number) PRN Description 1521 Field system 3556 Stockton to Darlington Railway 4187 Urlay Nook chemical works 4189 Allens West railway station 4191 Eaglescliffe Grange windmill 4792 Signal box 4957 The Grange farmstead 5292 Carter Moor Farmhouse 5294 Low Crook farmstead 5295 Naval store 6775 Barn to the north of Carter Moor Farmhouse 6776 Barn to the north west of Carter Moor Farmhouse 6957 Yarm branch of the Stockton to Darlington Railway Date post medieval 1825 19th century 19th century 19th century 19th century 19th century 18th century 19th century mid 20th century 19th century 19th century 19th century

Listed buildings
PRN 1139254 Description Carter Moor Farmhouse Grade II

Previous archaeological interventions

PRN 452 605 781 782 783 description Royal Naval Supply Depot; archaeological assessment Carter Moor Farmhouse; building recording The Grange, Eaglescliffe; desk based assessment The Grange, Eaglescliffe; building survey The Grange, Eaglescliffe; archaeological excavation

Archaeological Services Durham University

on behalf of

Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd

and

Land at Urlay View Stockton-on-Tees archaeological desk-based assessment report 2739 Figure 1: Site location and HER

West Raynham Developments Ltd

Reproduced from Explorer 304 1:25 000 by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown copyright 2000. All rights reserved. Licence number AL100002176

16

1521

15

605 6776 5292 6775

5295 452 4187 4792 5294 4189

14

6957 4957 782 781 4191 783

13

12

39
site location HER site

40
HER event

41
0

42
1km scale 1:25 000 for A4 plot

Reproduced from Explorer 304 1:25 000 by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown copyright 2000. All rights reserved. Licence number AL100002176

on behalf of

Taylor Wimpey UK Ltd

and

West Raynham Developments Ltd

Land at Urlay View Stockton-on-Tees archaeological desk-based assessment report 2739 Figure 2: Site as existing

0 scale 1:8000 for A4 plot

400m

proposed development area