Post-medieval remains at Hospital Farm (EHER 1937)

Excavation in May 1985 revealed post-medieval finds and remains, possibly relating to Hospital Farm

May 1985. Excavation. Trench 20 produced, possibly, remains "associated with the base or foundation of some lightly built structure". Lying on this, sealed by subsoil, was a layer containing small stones, brick-tile flecks, pieces of mortar, chalk pea grit, and a group of disarticulated sheep bones. There was nothing to indicate any specially prepared trench. A red brick drain was found in Trench 1, cut into a layer thought to be natural -probably flood plain alluvium. The sides and capping of the drain were of bricks. Finds from the fill indicate it dates from the 19th century or even from when the nurseries were laid out in the early 20th century. In Trench 30, a layer contained tiles and mortar. Tiles lying flat on its surface indicate that it was a trampled surface. A shallow cut or depression in it may be disturbance associated with the nursery. Mortar, tile and window glass in the subsoil "almost certainly derives from the demolition of Hospital Farm". This building debris was more abundant in the southernmost two trenches. This is "consistent with the tentative location of the farmhouse in the area of the oil tanks". <1>