Phase I of a large-scale evaluation by A Ford of OA prior to the submission of a planning application for residential development. A small number of worked flints were recovered, suggestive of low-level early prehistoric activity in the general vicinity. Of more significance was evidence of a Late Iron Age to 1st century Roman settlement, with indications that an intensification of activity might have occurred towards the end of this period. The presence of imported pottery, industrial residues and iron nails, together with a silver unit of Cunobelinus, suggest a settlement of moderate wealth and status may be present. A system of field enclosures was also revealed, dating evidence from which suggested a late prehistoric origin, with a Roman field system superimposed over this at a later date. Virtually no evidence for activity on the site between the 2nd century AD and the post-medieval period was encountered. However, a very large number of typologically similar pits backfilled with clay, were identified across the southern part of the site. The purpose of these pits is unclear, although some evidence for purification of clay fill deposits was noted, as well as hollows at the edges and centres of some features, possibly suggesting of a rapid excavation and backfilling process on the site. Virtually no dating evidence was recovered from these features apart from fragments of clay pipe from two separate pits. A number of the pits were cut by land drains that local sources suggest were excavated by Napoleonic prisoners of war. It is therefore surmised that the unknown industry represented by these pits had probably ceased by the early 19th century.