Watching Brief at Leigh Farm, Church Road, Abbot's Leigh

Standard watching brief methodology as per CIfA standard and guidance for this kind of project. Avon Archaeology Limited were appointed to undertake an programme of archaeological monitoring (watching brief), during the excavation of foundations, and other related sub-surface groundworks, following the partial demolition of the existing building at Leigh Farm, 16 Church Road, Abbots Leigh. A WSI prepared by Avon Archaeology Ltd indicated that the site is close to the historic core of the village which has at least early medieval origins, with the existence of sites of both prehistoric and Romano-British date in relatively close proximity to the development area; although prior to this work the archaeological potential of Leigh Farm itself was entirely unknown and untested. The farmhouse at Leigh Farm probably dates to the late 16th century, with later alterations. The farm lies close to the historic core of the village, which has at least early medieval origins. Historic maps showed a number of post-medieval agricultural outbuildings within the application site which have since been demolished, and the foundations of one such building were uncovered in Area 1. The monitoring was otherwise entirely negative and it is not considered that further mitigation, on any level, is necessary.