Symonds Yat. Archaeological Impact Assessment. APAC. LTD

DOCUMENT NO 564 November 2022
A.P.A.C. Ltd.
Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy
ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
AIA/SY/2022
Symonds Yat Promontory Fort, Symonds Yat
Gigaclear Ltd
Pre-Planning Advice, English Heritage
PREPARED BY DR N PHILLIPS
A.P.A.C. Ltd Symonds Yat, Promontory Fort AIA/SY/22
Summary
This document is an archaeological impact assessment report on a proposed area of

disturbance, to be undertaken within the boundary of a scheduled monument.
The report introduces the known archaeological details of the site; including both
documented history and physical remains, as a basis on which to assess the possible
impact of excavating a service trench through the site.
The path of the trench has a small margin of routes available, and so it is hoped to
mitigate the potential damage to archaeological resources by identifying an
optimum route offering least, relative, potential impact.
Copyright Notice:
A.P.A.C. Ltd. retains copyright of this report under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988. Use of information from this document is granted
by APAC. Ltd, provided correct citation is included.
The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577) to reproduce map information; Copyright remains otherwise
with the Ordnance Survey.
Frontispiece: Img_0269. View along western verge south of cabinet, (SW-CHSCH-CLS0012), Verge in excess of 2m
1
Contents
Summary .............................................................................................................................................................................1
Contents ..............................................................................................................................................................................2
Figures ................................................................................................................................................................................3
Plates ...................................................................................................................................................................................3
Appendix .............................................................................................................................................................................4
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................................5
Location of the Site .............................................................................................................................................................5
Geology ...............................................................................................................................................................................5
Topography .........................................................................................................................................................................5
Aims & objectives...............................................................................................................................................................6
Scope ...................................................................................................................................................................................6
Brief archaeological and historical background ..................................................................................................................6
Procedures ...........................................................................................................................................................................7
Results of research ..............................................................................................................................................................7
Assessment ..........................................................................................................................................................................8
Mitigation ............................................................................................................................................................................9
Archive................................................................................................................................................................................9
Health & Safety: .................................................................................................................................................................9
Project Management: ........................................................................................................................................................10
Copyright ..........................................................................................................................................................................10
Bibliography and References: ...........................................................................................................................................11
2
Figures
01 Site Location map
02 Detail of schedule area
03 Heritage Asset Map
04 1st Series Ordnance Survey Map
Plates
01. West side of road. Remains of innermost rampart showing top of bank. Remaining
height 3.5m above levelled ditch 4m wide. Ditch 1.5m below road verge
02. East side of road. Remains of innermost rampart showing external south face.
Remaining height 2m above levelled ditch
03. View along western verge south of cabinet, (SW-CHSCH-CLS0012), Verge in excess
of 2m at driveway to Rose Cottage garage.
04. View from bridge showing western verge at bridge before it ends at near vertical edge
05. View of cabinet, (SW-CHSCH-CLS0012), Verge in excess of 2m
06. 5m Pole-cam. Located on driveway garage of Rose Cottage. Current cabinet on west
towards south. Detail view shows 1.5m verge available along the road.
07. 5m Pole-cam. Located on driveway to west of road. View shows 1.5m verge narrows at
corner by Rose cottage. Eastern verge has a masonry wall and about 700mm width.
08. Drain in foreground western verge and drain in easter verge below telegraph pole, Rose
cottage right
09. 5m Pole-cam. Located on eastern verge showing ample width to east of road and
restricted width to west at Old Post office.
10. 5m Pole-cam. Located on eastern verge showing ample width to east of road and
restricted width to west, along Rose Cottage Garden. Note drain in gully, bottom right.
11. 5m Pole-cam. Located on western verge showing ample width at entrance to carpark.
Less width to verge to the east from this point but there is a narrow, surfaced, foot path.
12. 5m Pole-cam. Located on eastern verge showing surfaced pathway and verge over 2m,
Vegetation manged with fence. Western verge narrowing towards bridge
13. East side of road which widens just before bridge and then reduces abruptly to nothing,
West side reducing against rock outcrop.
14. Corner showing reduction of western verge at Rose Cottage and increase of verge east
after wall. Note drainage gully in front of Cottage fence
3
15. Corner at Rose Cottage showing increase of verge area on eastern side of road along
Old Post office
16. Drain on western gutter just north of post box
17. 5m Pole-cam. Located on western verge showing ample width of verge after driveway
to Old Post office. Pavement to east after layby.
18. West side of road. Wide verge leading to carpark. 500mm Revetted wall above drain to
ditch. Remains of innermost rampart behind signpost, in vegetation
19. Revetted wall in verge above drain feeding to rampart ditch west. Drop of 500mm to
1.5m at inner ditch
20. East side of road. Remains of innermost rampart showing top of bank. Remaining height
2m above levelled ditch
21. Fire Hydrant cover in raised verge on western bank.
22. Two service marker plates in depression behind raised verge, south of the bridge.
23. View from bridge showing western verge at bridge base.
Appendix
Appendix I Digital Photographic Record
Appendix II English Heritage: Symonds Yat, Promontory Fort
Appendix III HER Report for Area 19
4
Introduction
The client; Gigaclear Ltd, proposes to install an Ultrafast Broadband Fibre Optic cable, within fibre optic ducting, along
the route of the B4432 at Symonds Yat, Gloucestershire. The work is being undertaken in keeping with the Department
of Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), remit; Building Digital UK (BDUK) to ensure that every home and business
in the UK can access fast and reliable broadband.
The installation of the ducting will require excavation of a 300mm wide trench, varying in depth from 350mm to 700mm
below surface. The required depth will vary due to existing surface cover: within the roadside verges 300mm-350mm
deep will be sufficient, whereas, within the roadway the depth will need to be 700m.
It is assumed that the verge option is more cost effective commercially, and probably less destructive archaeologically;
however, the commercial viability of trenching within the verge may be compromised if existing services are present. As
no information has been given as to a detailed trenching route, a general assessment of available options will be given.
Such a ground disturbance proposal as this would normally require planning consent from the local planning authority,
in this case Forest of Dean Authority, Gloucestershire. As the proposed work will cross the schedule monument Symonds
Yat, Promontory Fort, Listing: 1016760, scheduled Monument Consent, from Historic England, will be required prior to
any invasive work.
NB. It should be noted that the remit of this project is confined to the area of the scheduled monument, only.
Due to the nature of the work and the potential impact on significant archaeological resources, Historic England have
advised the client that an Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) would be a desirable mitigation resource at the outset
of the planning proposal, (HE. PA01193765). Such an (AIA) project would provide a detailed record of the proposed
route and features from which viable options could be assessed, not only ensuring reduction of potential impact on
archaeological resources but also of potential unnecessary costings to the client.
On the advice of Historic England, the client approached APAC. Ltd, a local archaeological consultancy and a tender for
the work was submitted and agreed.
Location of the Site
The location of the site is to the southeast of Symonds Yat East, above a narrowing of two stretches of the river Wye,
which form a loop tapering at two gorges. Access is by way of the B4432, between Goodrich to the north and Coleford
to the south. National Grid Coordinate for the scheduled Monument is SO 56411 15798, fig 01.
Geology
The site is at a narrow part of the river Wye loop; geological processes have cut through the ‘Black Rock’ (BGS 22)
carboniferous limestone to form two 120+m high gorges, which form the enclosed promontory. Atop the main limestone
strata is a formation of sedimentary limestone ‘Llanelly Formation’ (ibid.), on which the hill fort is situated.
Topography
The promontory was undoubtably recognised in prehistoric times for its natural defensiveness, an attribute that was
enhanced with the addition of earthworks of banks and ditches to the south, forming the promontory fort. A very useful
interpretation of the site archaeology was provided by Parry after his excavations in 1994 and is shown in fig 02.
Today, the area is a tourist/leisure/educational attraction manged by the Forestry Commission. The site, which is
enclosed within the forest has a large carpark and various leisure facilities and nature trails. Comments on the present
land management state:
• ‘…two separate trackways cut through all five ramparts’ as noted by Walters in his book on Ancient Dean.
(Walters, 1994. P46).
• An early field investigation noted ‘The interior is for the most part tree covered but has been mutilated by quarrying,
and tipping for the construction of car parks. There are no hut circles or traces of habitation’, FI NVQ 11-APR-58.
5
In addition to the leisure facilities, there are a few detached residential properties towards the south with their own gardens;
however, the most intrusive is the B4432, which cuts through the centre of the scheduled monument on its way north. Some
vestiges of ramparts are visible along the road, for instance towards the east, PL01 and towards the southwest, PL02.
NB. Plate locations and directions of view are plotted in Plates and listed in Appendix I.
Aims & objectives
The aim of the Archaeological Impact Assessment is to establish the potential of impact by the proposed development, if
the application is approved.
This will be done by:
Identifying the archaeological assets that might be affected by the proposed development.
Defining and analysing the archaeology in its setting to understand; how or if, the proposed work would have any
negative, impact and if so its level of acceptability.
Consideration of options to improve or mitigate the impact of the proposed development.
Scope
The actual route of the proposed disturbance, as advised by client, is shown in fig 01, insert, and annotated in fig 02. The
proposed route comprises a 360m long trench along the B4432; shown in red. In fig 01, the route passes through the
scheduled area, shown in orange hatch, whilst in fig 02, the relationship to the archaeology is clearly shown.
The southern boundary of interest to this report begins with the installed optic fibre junction cabinet SW-CHSCH-CL50012
at NGR 356525 215659: PL03, and ends at NGR: 356387 215943, PL04.
Brief archaeological and historical background
The archaeological background and history of the Promontory fort is more than adequately supplied in the Historic
England listing 1016760, and the HER area summary report 19; both are reproduced in Appendix II & Appendix III,
respectively.
To summarise these two sources: the Promontory fort has an origin in prehistory that is definitely Iron Age, although
Bronze Age artefacts have been found there, and palaeolithic sites known in relatively close, proximity. A Roman
presence is also attested from chance finds after storm damage. Popular opinion has always associated the defensive
works to Offa in the later, AD. 8th century, and it is probable that they were appropriated as part of that defence. The
earliest record of the defences was made 1297 but the earliest examination of the site did not happen until the second half
of the 19th century.
There are limited events of archaeological disturbance within the fort, some provide an indication of the ground makeup
and some an archaeological resource potential:
HER 16500 various dates, searches for Offa’s Dyke inconclusive

HER 25212 2003 Site visit 356397 215986 possible iron extraction industrial
HER 33236 2006 Lidar. 36000 210000 linear features
HER 33716 2009. Geophysical Survey. 356357 215808. No significant archaeology
HER 52881. 1996. Archaeological Watching brief at 356443 215758. 750mm depth no archaeology
HER 52882. 1996. Archaeological Watching brief at 356419 215754. 300mm depth no archaeology
Having introduced the background description of the scheduled monument, it is worth further consideration of the
immediate area that will be subject to the proposed impact. The route of the B4432 is the focus of the work, but the current
metaled surface is an obvious later development; a point noted in the 1958 field investigation comments cited above: ‘The
north-south road, which cuts across the eastern part of the promontory, bears no visible trace of antiquity’ FI NVQ 11-
April-58). The same field investigator also noted that there was no trace of an entranceway; but does that ignore the very
visible route of the road through the northern cut.
6
The road/trackway is first recorded on the ordnance survey 1st series map of 1831, fig 04; clearly in the same location as
today, and two of the southern ramparts, through which it cuts, are also shown. The reason for a road through this rock
cut gap, leading down from a precipitous height, is unknown but it does provide access to the Huntsham peninsular to the
north, which is otherwise cut off from access by the river Wye. The Huntsham Peninsular has a later prehistoric standing
stone (The Queen Stone, 109570) a Roman Villa: mentioned by Walters but not in the HER, and medieval presence, all
which could have provided a raison d'être for such an access track. I reference to the medieval, a ferry at Huntsham, which
may be related to ‘through- access’, is also recorded in 1387, (Wilson, 1870, V3. p1025). Conversely, as the track passes
under high buttresses of the rock itself, it would provide a very defensible approach from the north.
The promontory fort has origins in prehistory with later finds from the Roman period as has been attested above and
from the 1990-91 excavation, (Parry 1994 59-72). However, prior to the Parry excavation, storms in 1990 uprooted
some of the trees within the fort; one of which ‘lifted a 3m section of bed-rock, which revealed iron-smelting slag and
sherds of local early Roman pottery’, (Walters 1994 p 46). Walters further noted there was ‘no evidence of secondary
smithing and so he postulated the processed iron could have been supplied to Ariconium, where smiting was known
(ibid. p72). It is a possibility, therefore that the road to the north may have been a Roman, iron supply transportation
link.
Whether a prehistoric track, Roman, or medieval road, the route’s later assimilation is pure conjecture at this stage, but
the possibility is a factor in any intrusive work along this documented, early 19th century route.
The typical modern road would have a surface course, a binder course, a base course, a subbase, course and a compacted
subgrade, which could be around 450/500mm deep. This would mean that the required trench depth of 700mm, would
cut a further 200mm, probably through rock but possibly earlier constructions or surfaces.
Procedures
Documentary Research
Documentary research was undertaken with the intent of possibly enhancing, the brief background history of the site
given above. This research included a HER search from Gloucester Archives, but also local and online venues.
Site visit
A site visit was undertaken to better assess the proposed route through the scheduled monument and identify any logistics
or access problems. The opportunity arose during the site visit to contact the ground contractor and discuss their actual
digging procedures.
A second site visit was arranged in order to do some recording of the terrain and vegetation to be encountered. All
photographs were taken with digital cameras; one handheld and one mounted on a 5m pole cam. The data recorded was
collected in RAW or TIFF format; resolution at least 12MP+.
Results of research
Overview
The current road has evidence of drainage gullies most of its length, which indicate ground disturbance to at least,
coarse subgrade depth. Along the eastern section is a kerb side wall indicating disturbance for foundations, also, a long
section of pavement, again indicative of ground disturbance. Along the western, southern section the verge is slightly
raised but narrows, whilst towards the mid to northern section, the verge is a raised domed ridge but with various buried
services. Both verges are non-existent at the bridge and beyond. It is worth noting that from the bridge and downhill for
two miles, signage advises there is no footpath access along the road.
Detail description of the road route
Starting from the south of the area of assessment, the current extent of laid trench ends at the cabinet, located at NGR.
356529, 215599, which is south of the scheduled monument. The trench to this point has been cut into the grass verge
along the west of the road, which has an available width of just over 2 metres PL05.
7
The 2m width verge narrows to 1.5m beyond the driveway to Rose Cottage garage and continues for just over 20m
PL06, before tapering off at the corner of the road, PL07. The eastern verge for this section is practically non-existent
as the road abuts a masonry wall to a private garden. The wall ends at a pathway through the woods, identifiable with the
blue sign, to the left of at the telegraph pole in PL08, there is also an iron gully drain close to the base of the telegraph
pole. The same plate shows that just beyond the corner, the western verge widens again but notably there is another cast
iron gully cover, set in the gutter.
Along this section, the verge on the east PL09 is considerably wider and even accommodates a layby PL10. After the
layby the verge has a metalled pathway PL11, which continues for a while, PL12, before widening considerably PL13.
Approaching the cut, the path goes east to the high-level walkway over the road. The cut through the rock on which
stands the high-level walkway has no verge on either side.
After Rose Cottage, the western verge widens slightly and is raised about 150mm behind a curb PL14. The gully drain,
detailed PL08 above, is located at the beginning of the curb stretch. The verge between Rose Cottage and Old Post Office
is shown in PL15, which identifies: the telegraph pole, post box, paving, and curb, all of which indicate previous ground
disturbance. A view along the verge adjacent to Old Post Office is given in PL16, which shows the amount of existing
street furniture is already in place at this point, and another road drain.
To the north of Old Post Office, the verge widens considerably PL17 but it is then cut through by the unmetalled track
to the car parks, PL11. Just before the access track to the carparks, is another road drain, PL18, dug into the verge to a
depth of 500mm. The rear wall of the verge has a masonry revetment to stop collapse, PL19. The drain itself opens
1.5ms down, in to the current 4m wide ditch between the innermost ramparts of the promontory fort, PL01.
The eastern verge at this location also suggests a cut through the ramparts but their remains are less prominent, in PL02
PL20.
Beyond the carpark access track, the verge on the west is very wide, giving way to the open woods and the promontory
fort interior. Along the roadside, the verge forms a slightly domed ridge, indicative of buried services such as those noted
in PL21 (Fire Hydrant) and PL22 (concrete cable or pipe Markers).
Within the cut through the rock, there is no verge on either side, nor was it considered safe to walk in this area as the
traffic was quite unpredictable and not always moving at a reasonable speed. Beyond the bridge there is a small area to
the west, PL04, after which the verge gives way to a sheer drop some 200/300mm of the road edge PL23. There is no
verge on the east side of the road as the bank is the base of the rock outcrop of the Yat Rock, viewpoint.
Assessment
As was stated at the beginning, the exact route for the duct trench has not been supplied so the best available option to
complete this assessment was to look at each of the three possible routes: roadway, west verge and east verge.
Commercial expedience will not be considered; in its own right, as that is not the remit of this assessment, however,
disturbance caused by pre-existing trenching does considerably reduce the potential of any impact on buried
archaeological resources.
Western verge.
As this is where the current optic fibre terminates, it will be the starting point for the forward trench. The verge itself is
made up ground, quite probably, to at least the required depth of 300mm, and therefore any trenching is unlikely to
expose buried archaeology. A possible exception may arise through the rampart areas. The surviving rampart ditch has
been filled to create a causeway for the road. In the case of the inner two ramparts the causeway is at least 1.5m in height
above the current ditch bottom. Where the rise of each rampart interfaces with the verge, there may be some vestiges of
rampart fill. This may of course be the same for the flattened ramparts they their positions are no longer evident. At the
bridge and beyond there is no verge available.
Eastern verge.
The southern section of the road has no useable verge as the road practically abuts the wall. The wall itself will have
foundations greater than the required 300mm but any excavation here would destabilise the wall. The mid-section to the
bridge has a very wide slightly raised verge and pavement area which offers ease of construction. A slight risk of cutting
8
into rampart fill exists but at a depth of 300mm for the trench, this sems unlikely. Again, through the cut and down the
hill there is no available verge.
Roadway
This would at first appear to be the best option, even with a road almost 200 years old, especially as there is evidence of
drainage and possible service runs. It should be noted that HER52881 recorded only road make-up and clay/stone to
750mm with no archaeology except 1 horseshoe, (ibid.). However, the possible existence of earlier roads beneath the
current one, increases the risk of disturbance to archaeology. The current road is possibly 450mm to 500mm in depth,
therefore, the required depth would put the trench at least 200mm/250mm into the sub surface. That subsurface may be
geology but could equally be compacted earth, cobbles, or maybe a surface rich in artefacts. It should be noted that
HER52881 recorded only
Mitigation
Either of the verges provide the best route as regards potential of disturbance to archaeological resources.
The road by nature of its reason to exist and the excess depth required provides the greatest risk of impact on any
archaeological resources.
At the gap through the bridge and down the road there are no alternatives to the roadway.
Whichever route or mixture of routes is taken, the excavation work should be done under the supervision of an
archaeological watching brief. With such a narrow trench, it will be very difficult to spot in situ archaeology so attention
must be maintained at all times including regular inspection of the excavated soil.
Archive
The original Archive will be retained by APAC.Ltd
Copies of the digital archive will be sent to Gloucester Archive, and HE
The project archives will consist of all original records, and all documentation that relates to the report.
A synopsis of the project will be submitted to CBA Midlands and the full client report published online through Scribd.
Health & Safety:
The Project Team will operate in accordance with the health and safety procedures as set out in: -
 The Health and Safety Work Act (1974) and related legislation.
 The Standing Conference of Archaeology Unit Managers Health and Safety Manual (2002).
 A Risk Assessment for the project will be drawn up by a competent CIEH risk assessor in accordance with CDM
2015 as appropriate.
All necessary protective clothing and equipment will be used.
A First-Aid kit and Accident Book will be kept on site at all times, with a Health and Safety file.
9
Project Management:
Dr Neil Phillips, A.P.A.C. Ltd, will manage the project.
Dr N. Phillips has been active in archaeology since 1997, completing his 1st degree in 1999 followed by
a research Phd in 2004. Dr Phillips started and has been director of A.P.A.C. Ltd since 2004.
A.P.A.C. Ltd is an archaeological consultancy specialising in landscape archaeology and survey work.
Dr Phillips interests lie locally with the medieval period and industrial period although he has been
involved in international Palaeolithic projects both in the UK as well as Europe and Africa. Scibd
currently carries a range of archaeological projects completed by APAC Ltd (search APAC. Ltd or Dr N
Phillips).
APAC. Ltd has current Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance with Towergate (24765101 CHC)
Copyright
A.P.A.C. Ltd will retain full copyright of any reports and specialist reports, under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act
of 1988 with all rights reserved.
A.P.A.C. Ltd hereby gives permission for the monitoring authority to use any documentation directly relating to the
project as described in this Project Design.
10
Bibliography and References:
Hart, C. E., 1945 The Metes and Bounds of the Forest of Dean. Transactions of the Bristol and Gloucestershire
Archaeological Society. Vol:66, 166-207,
Historic England PA01193765. Pre-Application Advice Symonds Yat Promontory Fort, Symonds Yat,
Gloucestershire. 05/09/22
Schedule 1016760 & map scale 1:10000
HSE. Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974.
FI NVQ 11-April-58 Field Observation On SO 51 NE 3. (Visual Assessment) 1958-04-11
Parry, C., 1994 Symonds Yat Promontory Fort, English Bicknor, Gloucestershire: Excavations 1990-91.
Transactions of the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society Vol:112, 59-72.
Walters, B., 1992. The Archaeology of Ancient Dean and the Wye Valley, Thornhill Press. Gloucestershire.
Wilson, J.M., 1870 The Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales: Embracing Recent Changes in Counties,
Dioceses, Parishes, and Boroughs: General Statistics: Postal Arrangements: Railway
Systems etc and forming a Complete Description of the Country. A Fullarton & Co., Edinburgh,
Glasgow, London, Dublin.
A.P.A.C. Registered Address: Wyastone Estate, Wyastone Leys, Monmouth, NP25 3SR.
Tel: 07734962919. Mobile: 07734962919 Email: apac.philips@btinternet.com
Company Registration No 05041541 VAT Reg No 826 3628 19
Director: Dr N. Phillips D.Phil. BA (Hons).
11
Symonds Yat, Promontory Fort
The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
N
NGR:
356411
215798
Fig 01: Location A.P.A.C. Ltd AIA/SY/22

Symonds Yat, Promontory Fort
adapted from Parry (TBGAS) Proposed route, Gigaclear
Fig 02: Site plan in early 1990s A.P.A.C. Ltd AIA/SY/22

Symonds Yat, Promontory Fort.
N N
25212
33716
52881
52882
1016760
Legend
NGR SO 356422 215833

Scheduled Monument
HER Events
Route for trench
A.P.A.C. Ltd. AIA/SY/22

Fig 03: Heritage asset map
500m

Fig 04: Ordnance Survey, First Series, sheet 43; 1831
Photo ID: IMG_0279
West side of road. Remains of innermost

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
rampart showing top of bank. Remaining

N
height 3.5m above levelled ditch 4m wide.
,216200 ,216200
Ditch 1.5m below road verge

,216100 ,216100
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 01
Photo ID: IMG_0276
East side of road. Remains of innermost

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
rampart showing external south face.

N
,216200 ,216200 Remaining height 2m above levelled ditch
,216100 ,216100
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 02
Photo ID: IMG_0269
View along western verge south of cabinet,

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
(SW-CHSCH-CLS0012), Verge in excess of 2m

N
at driveway to Rose Cottage garage.
,216200 ,216200
,216100 ,216100
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 03
Photo ID: IMG_0293
View from bridge showing western verge at

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
bridge before it ends at near vertical edge

N
,216200 ,216200
,216100 ,216100
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 04
Photo ID: IMG_0270
View of cabinet, (SW-CHSCH-CLS0012),

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
Verge in excess of 2m
N
,216200 ,216200
,216100 ,216100
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 05
Photo ID: DSCN1947
5m Polecam. Located on driveway garage of

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
Rose Cottage.
N
,216200 ,216200 Current cabinet on west

towards south.
,216100 ,216100
Detail view shows 1.5m verge available along
the road.
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 06
Photo ID: DSCN1948
5m Polecam.
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
N
Located on driveway to west of road.
,216200 ,216200
View shows 1.5m verge narrows at corner by

,216100 ,216100
Rose cottage.
Eastern verge has a masonry wall and about

,216000 ,216000
700mm width.
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 07
Photo ID: SM094853
Drain in foreground western verge and drain

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
in easter verge below telegraph pole, Rose

N
Cottage right
,216200 ,216200
,216100 ,216100
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 08
Photo ID: DSCN1949
5m Polecam.
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
N
Located on eastern verge showing ample
,216200 ,216200 width to east of road and restricted width
to west at Old Post Office.
,216100 ,216100
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 09
Photo ID: DSCN1950
5m Polecam.
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
N
Located on eastern verge showing ample
,216200 ,216200 width to east of road and restricted width to
west, along Rose Cottage garden.
,216100 ,216100
Note drain in gully, bottom right.
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 10
Photo ID: DSCN1952
5m Polecam.
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
N
Located on western verge showing ample
,216200 ,216200 width at entrance to carpark.
,216100 ,216100
Less width to verge to the east from this point
but there is a narrow, surfaced, foot path.
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 11
Photo ID: DSCN1957
5m Polecam.
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
N
Located on eastern verge showing surfaced
,216200 ,216200 pathway and verge over 2m,
,216100 ,216100
Vegetation manged with fence.
Western verge narrowing towards bridge

,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 12
Photo ID: IMG_0286
East side of road which widens just before

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
bridge and then reduces abruptly to nothing,

N
,216200 ,216200 West side reducing against rock outcrop.
,216100 ,216100
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 13
Photo ID: IMG_0272
Corner showing reduction of western verge

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
at Rose Cottage and increase of verge east

N
after wall.
,216200 ,216200
Note drainage gully in front of Cottage fence

,216100 ,216100
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 14
Photo ID: IMG_0273
Corner at Rose Cottage showing increase of

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
verge area on eastern side of road along Old

N
Post office
,216200 ,216200
,216100 ,216100
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 15
Photo ID: SM095413
Drain on western gutter just north of post box

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
,216200 ,216200
,216100 ,216100
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 16
Photo ID: DSCN1953
5m Polecam.
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
N
Located on eastern verge showing surfaced
,216200 ,216200 pathway and verge over 2m,
,216100 ,216100
Vegetation manged with fence.
Western verge narrowing towards bridge

,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 17
Photo ID: IMG_0280
West side of road.

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
N
Wide verge leading to carpark.
,216200 ,216200
500mm revetted wall above drain to ditch.

,216100 ,216100
Remains of innermost rampart behind sign
post, in vegetation
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 18
Photo ID: SM093945
Revetted wall in verge above drain feeding to

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
ampart ditch west.

N
,216200 ,216200 Drop of 500mm to 1.5m at inner ditch
,216100 ,216100
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 19
Photo ID: IMG_0278
East side of road.

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
N
Remains of innermost rampart showing top of
,216200 ,216200 bank.
,216100 ,216100
Remaining height 2m above levelled ditch
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 20
Photo ID: SM095430
Fire Hydrant cover in raised verge on western

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
bank.
N
,216200 ,216200
,216100 ,216100
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 21
Photo ID: SM09333
Two service marker plates in depression

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
behind raised verge, south of the bridge.

N
,216200 ,216200
,216100 ,216100
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 22
Photo ID: IMG_0292
View from bridge showing western verge at

355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300
bridge base
N
,216200 ,216200
,216100 ,216100
,216000 ,216000
,215900 ,215900
,215800 ,215800
,215700 ,215700
,215600 ,215600
355900
356400
356200
356100
356000
356300

PLATE 23
A.P.A.C. Ltd APPENDIX I Symonds Yat, Promontory Fort
AIA/SY/22
Reasons for Designation
Promontory forts are a type of hillfort in which conspicuous naturally defended sites are adapted
as enclosures by the construction of one or more earth or stone ramparts placed across the neck
of a spur in order to divide it from the surrounding land. Coastal situations, using headlands
defined by steep natural cliffs, are common while inland similar topographic settings defined by
natural cliffs are also used. The ramparts and accompanying ditches formed the main artificial
defence, but timber palisades may have been erected along the cliff edges. Access to the interior
was generally provided by an entrance through the ramparts. The interior of the fort was used
intensively for settlement and related activities, and evidence for timber- and stone- walled round
houses can be expected, together with the remains of buildings used for storage and enclosures for
animals. Promontory forts are generally Iron Age in date, most having been constructed and used
between the sixth century BC and the mid-first century AD. They are broadly contemporary with
other types of hillfort. They are regarded as settlements of high status, probably occupied on a
permanent basis, and recent interpretations suggest that their construction and choice of location
had as much to do with display as defence. Promontory forts are rare nationally with less than 100
recorded examples. In view of their rarity and their importance in the understanding of the nature
of social organisation in the later prehistoric period, all examples with surviving archaeological
remains are considered nationally important.
The promontory fort at Symonds Yat is a very good example of its type and is one of only a few
such sites in Gloucestershire. The vast majority of the area of the fort is intact and is in good
condition. Little archaeological work has been done on the fort, and this, combined with its high
standard of preservation, ensures that there is much potential for further investigation of the site
in terms of its local, regional and national context. The fort will contain archaeological information
and environmental evidence relating to its use and the landscape in which it was constructed. The
fort at Symonds Yat is associated with another border defensive monument, Offa's Dyke. As a
monument open to the public which attracts large numbers of visitors each year, it forms an
important educational and recreational resource.
Details
The monument includes an Iron Age promontory fort lying within the Forest of Dean in a loop of
the River Wye. The promontory is triangular in shape with its base to the south, and the apex of
the triangle pointing north. The fort is 148m above sea level, and is defended on its north, west and
east sides by steep sided cliffs up to 122m high, and on its south side by a series of five banks and
four ditches. The promontory fort covers an area of about 6ha, almost half of which is taken up
with the parallel banks and accompanying ditches. The fort was popularly attributed to Offa, who
reigned between 784-796 AD, although in reality the nature of the defences and pottery found on
site place its date firmly in the Iron Age. Indeed, two scrapers, also found on the site, suggest that
there might have been a Bronze Age precursor to the Iron Age fort. The impressive defences
comprise a series of banks and ditches which control access to the innermost, northern, part of the
site. The most southerly and outermost line of defence, and the next two northwards, consist of
banks fronted by ditches. The ditches are `V' shaped, ranging from 4m to 5m in width at the top,
2m to 3m at the bottom, and are 0.5m to 1m deep. Behind each ditch the bank rises to a height of
between 1.2m to 2m. To the north of these, and forming the inner defensive structure, are a pair of
banks with a ditch between them. The outer bank of this pair is 0.8m high, behind which is a large
ditch 8m wide at the top, 5m wide at the bottom, and 1.5m deep. From the bottom of the ditch the
innermost bank rises to 4m high with a width of about 8m. The western end of the two outer banks
in the defensive system run into a lateral bank, 3m high and aligned north east-south west, which
appears to form a limit to the defences on the west side of the fort. The western end of the third
bank, however, disappears into the decline known as `Hollow Rock', and the two inner banks run
into the promontory edge on their west side. On the eastern side of the fort, the two southern banks
and ditches have been built over by a road, houses and a car park, but the second bank re-appears
on the east side of the road standing to 1.5m high and curving northwards to meet the third bank.
The two innermost banks run through to the promontory edge on their east side. Both the third and
fourth banks are quite denuded on their east sides, standing to only about 0.5m high, but the
innermost bank is still an impressive structure standing to about 2m high on its east side with its
ditch 3m wide and 0.5m deep. There is no obvious entrance, but it is thought that the entrance was
on the line of the road on the east side of the hillfort. To the north, beyond the last ditch, the interior
of the hillfort rises for about 60m and then flattens out for a distance of about 80m before rising
again to the edge of the promontory. Although the ramparts at Symonds Yat are recorded as early
as 1297, they did not attract antiquarian interest until the latter part of the 19th century.
Examinations of the earthworks were conducted by Nicholls in 1858 and Playne in 1877, but the
most comprehensive description of the site was given by MacClean in 1880 with an illustration
which shows detailed mapping of the earthworks. Since at least the 19th century the hillfort
ramparts have been associated with the Anglo-Saxon frontier earthwork of Offa's Dyke, however,
no recognised sections of Offa's Dyke are contiguous with Symonds Yat fort. In 1990/91 an
archaeological assessment, commissioned by the Forestry Commission, was undertaken in the area
proposed for the new log cabin and central car park. This produced abraded sherds of 1st century
AD pottery. A number of features are excluded from the scheduling; these are the log cabin and
the concrete plinth on which it stands, the buildings and outbuilding of Rose Cottage and the post
office, all signs, ticket machines and notice boards, the stone walls and fitments at the viewing
point, the wooden walkways, the footbridge and its supports, the surface and makeup of the B4432
road, all fences and fence posts, gates and gate posts, benches, barrier posts, the telephone box
and its supporting connections, telegraph poles; the ground beneath all these features is, however,
included.
Historic England 1016760

A.P.A.C. Ltd APPENDIX II Symonds Yat, Promontory Fort
AIA/SY/22
Area Summary Report

Gloucestershire Historic Environment Record (HER)
Summary Report for Area 19
Name Symonds Yat Camp, an Iron Age promontory fort located in a loop of the River Wye, English Bicknor.
Status SAM28861,HERITAGE AT RISK 2009
Grid Ref 356370 215690
Parish ENGLISH BICKNOR
Map Sheet SO51NE
HER 19 DESCRIPTION:-
Scheduled Monument Description - (formerly SAM78)
The monument includes an Iron Age promontory fort lying within the Forest of Dean in a loop of the River
Wye. The promontory is triangular in shape with its base to the south, and the apex of the triangle pointing
north. The fort is 148 metres above sea level, and is defended on its north, west and east sides by steep
cliffs up to 122 metres high, and on its south side by a series of five banks and four ditches. The
promontory fort covers an area of about 6 ha, almost half of which is taken up with the parallel banks and
accompanying ditches.
The fort was popularly attributed to Offa, who reigned between 784-796AD, although in reality the nature of
the defences and pottery found on site place its date firmly in the Iron Age. Indeed, two scrapers, also
found on the site, suggest that there might have been a Bronze Age precursor to the Iron Age fort.
The impressive defences comprise a series of banks and ditches which control access to the innermost,
northern, part of the site. The most southerly and outermost line of defence, and the next two northwards,
consist of banks fronted by ditches. The ditches are 'V' shaped, ranging from 4 metres to 5 metres in width
at the top, 2 metres to 3 metres at the bottom, and are 0.5 metres to 1 metre deep. Behind each ditch the
bank rises to a height of between 1.2 metres to 2 metres. To the north of these, and forming the inner
defensive structure, are a pair of banks with a ditch between them. The outer bank of this pair is 0.8 metres
high, behind which is a large ditch 8 metres wide at the top, 5 metres wide at the bottom, and 1.5 metres
deep. From the bottom of the ditch the innermost bank rises to 4 metres high with a width of about 8
metres.
The western end of the two outer banks in the defensive system run into a lateral bank, 3 metres high and
aligned north east-south west, which appears to form a limit to the defences on the west side of the fort.
The western end of the third bank, however, disappears into the decline known as 'Hollow Rock', and the
two inner banks run into the promontory edge on their west side. On the eastern side of the fort, the two
southern banks and ditches have been built over by a road, houses and a car park, but the second bank
re-appears on the east side of the road standing to 1.5 metres high and curving northwards to meet the
third bank. The two innermost banks run through to the promontory edge on their east side. Both the third
and fourth banks are quite denuded on their east sides, standing to only about 0.5 metres high, but the
innermost bank is still an impressive structure standing to about 2 metres high on its east side with its ditch
3 metres wide and 0.5 metres deep. There is no obvious entrance, but it is thought that the entrance was
on the line of the road on the east side of the hillfort.
To the north, beyond the last ditch, the interior of the hillfort rises for about 60 metres and then flattens out
for a distance of about 80 metres before rising again to the edge of the promontory.
Although the ramparts at Symonds Yat are recorded as early as 1297, they did not attract antiquarian
interest until the latter part of the nineteenth century. Examinations of the earthworks were conducted by
Nicholls in 1858 and Playne in 1877, but the most comprehensive description of the site was given by
Maclean in 1880 with an illustration which shows detailed mapping of the earthworks. Since at least the
19th century the hillfort ramparts have been associated with the Anglo-Saxon frontier earthwork of Offa's
Dyke, however, no recognized sections of Offa's Dyke are contiguous with Symonds Yat fort. In 1990/91
an archaeological assessment, commissioned by the Forestry Commission, was undertaken in the area
proposed for the new log cabin and central car park. This produced abraded sherds of 1st century AD
pottery.
A number of features are excluded from the scheduling; these are the log cabin and the concrete plinth on
which it stands, the buildings and outbuilding of Rose Cottage and the post office, all signs, ticket machines
and notice boards, the stone walls and fitments at the viewing point, the wooden walkways, the footbridge
and its supports, the surface and makeup of the B4432 road, all fences and fence posts, gates and gate
posts, benches, barrier posts, the telephone box and its supporting connections, telegraph poles; the
ground beneath all these features is, however, included. {Source Work 2873.}
"The earthworks at Symonds Yat are popularly attributed to Offa and may possibly have been utilised by
his engineer, since they provide a link between adjacent stretches of cliffs which form a natural frontier.
They are, however, older, being the elaborate and characteristic defences of a promontory fort facing south
of Early Iron Age date. The level flat, here 485 foot above sea level has on either flank precipitous scarps
400 feet high. The fourfold defence rests on these scarps, the original entrance to the defended area being
apparently on the site of the existing, and very ancient, north-south road. West of this road the earthworks
are undamaged, east of it they have suffered and are suffering degradation. The innermost vallum is very
fine, it was found to measure 35 foot on the scarp at a favourable point with a crest about 10 foot above
natural ground level. {Source Work 102.}
The north-south road which cuts across the eastern part of the earthwork, bears no visible trace of antiquity
to the east of this road only the inner bank of the defences survives. The others, with the ditches have been
destroyed, as have all traces of an entrance. The major portion of the defences is in good condition and is
tree covered. The innermost bank is the strongest up to 4.5 metres high measured from the bottom of the
ditch. The wide ditch has a small outer bank which is not repeated in the succeeding outer lines of defence.
The further 3 lines of defence consist in each case of a bank averaging 1.7 metres high measured from the
bottom of its outer ditch which averages 0.7 metres deep. The interior is for the most part tree covered but
has been mutilated by quarrying and tipping for the construction of car parks. There are no hut circles or
traces of habitation. {Source Work 862.}
Promontory fort defended by earthworks. {Source Work 902.}
Plans of work at Symonds Yat Camp in 1973 are located in a plan cabinet at Gloucester City Museum.
{Source Work 484.}
1880 - Sir J Maclean gives a description Symonds Yat Camp in his article in Volume IV of the Transactions
of the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society. A plan of the camp is included. Maclean
discusses the banks and notes that the ends of the second, third and fifth banks on the eastern side had
been destroyed. He notes that the original entrance is lost. Maclean comments that two old roads traverse
the site (shown on the map) one used for hauling timber and the second being the highway from Coleford
to Ross.{Source Work 1704}.
c. 1900 - The ramparts of the Hillfort are marked as "Camp" on the OS 2nd Series 25" County map.
{Source Work 5136.}
c. 1925 - The ramparts of the Hillfort are marked as "Offa's Dyke" on the OS 3rd Series 25" County map.
{Source Work 5138.}
1931 - As part of his survey of Offa's Dyke, Fox suggested that although the earthworks at Symonds Yat
were popularly attributed to Offa, they were older. Although he did suggest that they may have been
utilized by Offa's engineer. {Source Work 102.}
1983 - As part of his review of the evidence for Offa's Dyke, Noble reported that Symonds Yat was
frequently mentioned in medieval perambulations, and that one of the prehistoric ramparts on the
promontory had been accepted as Offa's Dyke. He also reported that a reference to " Les Dikes in
Mayleskoyt" dating to 1279 is usually taken to mean the earthworks at Symonds Yat. {Source Work 2424.}
1975 - Tree covered in Fairey aerial photographs. Thick cover - ramparts are not visible. {Source Work
615.}
1980 - There is an 'Area History' record in the SMR entry for Symonds Yat Camp for a 'Modern Excavation'
by 'T. Rogers' in 1980. No further details of this have been found in the site file. {Pers. comm. L. Butler.}
1990 - In January 1990, bloomery smelting slag and 1st century Severn Valley ware pottery was found
beneath a fallen tree. {Source Work 5938.}
1990 (19/9) - Gloucestershire County Council Archaeology Service were commissioned by the Forestry
Commission to carry out an archaeological evaluation of areas affected by the upgrading of visitor-facilities
at Symonds Yat. The work began with the excavation of an extension to the log cabin covering some 30
square metres. Two post-holes of uncertain date were found cut into a weathered subsoil, covered with a
thin tree-soil containing modern finds, with abraded middle Iron Age pottery and early wheel thrown sherds
of the 1st century AD. {Source Work 4637.}
1991 (19/9) - The archaeological assessment, commissioned by the Forestry Commission continued until
March 1991. In the area around the Log Cabin and Central Car Park the excavation of a further seven trial
trenches was undertaken. These revealed modern deposits of hardcore sealing a thin tree-soil which in
turn lay over a natural limestone subsoil. The tree-soil contained many finds of 19th and 20th century
pottery and glass. It also contained abraded sherds of pottery dating to the first century AD. Two fabrics
were present: grog-tempered sherds from hand-made vessels falling within the range of Gloucester Type
Fabric 2 and an early Severn Valley ware sherd. No contemporary deposits were identified, but the
material appears to signify that the interior of the hillfort was occupied during the late Iron Age/early Roman
period." {Source Work 2491.}
It should be noted that the two 'post-holes' reported in Source Work 4637, excavated in 1990 at the site of
the log cabin extension, are later described as small pits, apparently cut from a modern ground surface and
probably relating to the construction or use of the log cabin. {Source Work 3208.}
1994 (19/5) - An archaeological watching brief was undertaken in February 1994 by Gloucestershire
County Council Archaeology Section, to observe the replacement of a leaking water pipe within the
scheduled ancient monument. Work was confined to the re-excavation of the existing trench carrying the
pipe, and no significant archaeological deposits were observed during the work. SO5640615852 -
SO5636315857. Archive deposited at Dean Heritage Centre under accession number SOYDH 2001.60
{Source Work 840.}
1990-1994 - Costings and proposals for work undertaken by Gloucestershire County Council Archaeology
Service on the cabin area and later correspondence regarding publication in Transaction of the Bristol and
Gloucester Archaeological Society and costings for that have been shredded. {06/01/2006.}
Notice board on site 'Promontory Fort. Iron Age B '. 1958? {Source Work 862.}.
1991 - In FC compt 555a. {Source Work 2610.}
1995 - The hillfort was included in the survey area of the Offa's Dyke Management Survey as SMR 16500.
It was concluded that the ramparts were not constructed as part of Offa's Dyke, but that the hillfort may
have acted as an access point through the Offan frontier at this point. {Source Works 2206, 6650.}
1995 (19/6) - A watching brief was undertaken by Gloucestershire County Council Archaeology Service
during June 1995 at Symonds Yat Camp. No archaeological finds or features were observed during the
ground intrusion. {Source Work 3920.}
1996 - An archaeological watching brief was carried out on 19th January 1996, when the Midland
Electricity Board (MEB), under class consent, had to find and repair a faulty electricity cable. The cable was
cut close to the site of the log cabin via a hole c.0.40 metres in diameter and 0.40 metres deep. A second
hole at the site of the break in the cable (at SO56461571) was approximately 0.30 metres deep. Only the
backfill of the cable trenches was disturbed, and no archaeological deposits were affected by the work.
{Source Work 484.}
1996-1997 (19/7) - An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Gloucestershire County Council
Archaeology Service on 18th December 1996 and 6/7th January 1997. This was in connection with
groundworkâ€™s carried out by contractors on behalf of MEB. Two new staywires were fixed at a sub-
station electricity pole and a c.300 metre long cable trench excavated from this pole. The trench
dimensions were generally c.0.27 metres wide by c.0.75 metres deep; it ran along a forest track and then
the B4432 road. Once trenching reached the north boundary of the SAM, the watching brief was
concluded, although excavation continued along the road. Excavated material consisted primarily of
road/track make-up with natural clays/stone below. No archaeological features were observed. A
horseshoe was recovered from the trench section along the road at a depth of c.0.55 metres, at the base of
the modern make-up. The site archive has been deposited at Dean Heritage Museum under accession
number 2001/60. {Source Work 6151.}
1997 - A management plan for the site was prepared by Jon Hoyle of Gloucestershire County Council
Archaeology Service in August/September 1996, and finally revised in August/September 1997. {Source
Work 3921.}
1998 - An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Avon Archaeological Trust on 3rd September
1998 at SO56531562 in connection with the construction of a conservatory at Rose Cottage. No features or
finds of archaeological significance were noted. {Source Work 4783.}
See also SMR Area Management screen.
2002 - Negative archaeological watching brief at Symonds Yat Promontory Fort, February 2002, to observe
the replacement of a leaking water pipe within the SAM. {No source has been identified for this work. It is
possibly work done under SMC for which no report was written or provided. Pers. Comm. T Grubb 12-08-
21.}
2003 - This area was mapped at 1:10,000 scale as part of the English Heritage: Gloucestershire NMP
project. The earthwork promontory fort is not visible on aerial photographs due to extensive tree cover
(Source Works 4249 and 7549.}
2005 - A revised management plan for the site was prepared by Jon Hoyle of Gloucestershire County
Council Archaeology Service in March 2005. {Source Work 8233.}
2005 - An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Gloucestershire County Council Archaeology
Service on 27/01/2005 during the excavation of five post holes within the interior of the promontory fort. No
deposits or features of archaeological significance were recorded, though a fragment of tap slag was
retrieved from the spoil of posthole 2. {Source Work 8231.}
2005 - A watching brief carried out in the excavation of post holes only recorded revised management plan
for the site was prepared by Jon Hoyle of Gloucestershire County Council Archaeology Service in March
2005. {Source Work 8233.}
2009 - An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Gloucestershire County Council Archaeology
Service on the 27th January 2009 at Symonds Yat, English Bicknor. No archaeological features or deposits
were exposed during the works. {Source Work 9636.}
2009 - Geophysical survey at Symonds Yat promontary fort, English Bicknor. No significant archaeological
features were located during the survey. {Source Work 9795.}
2009 - Gloucestershire County Council Archaeology Service (GCCAS) was commissioned by Phil Moreton
of The Forestry Commission, to undertake a programme of archaeological monitoring during the
groundworks associated with resurfacing and new drainage along the main pedestrian access at Symonds
Yat, Gloucestershire (OS NGR 356378 215960). The development site is within the Scheduled Monument
of Symonds Yat Iron Age Promontory Fort (Scheduled Monument No. 28861). The pedestrian access runs
from the south of the Scheduled Monument through the ramparts and into the interior of the hill fort (see
Fig 1). No archaeological features or deposits were exposed during the works. {Source Work 9746.}
2009 - Generally satisfactory but with significant localised problems. {Source Work 9917.}
2014 Updated management plan. See Source Work 12625.

Symonds Yat. Promentory Fort Appendix III A.P.A.C. Ltd
AIA/SY/22
Digital Photographic Record Contexts: <Surface> (Deposit) {Structure} [Cut]
Photo ID OS. View Description Photographer Date of Compiled Date

Plate
Ref: facing photograph by compiled
356531 5m Polecam. Located on driveway to garage of Rose Cottage. Current cabinet (SW-CHSCH-CLS0012)
DSCN1946 N NP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215585 on west. View shows 1.5m verge available along the road.
356529 5m Polecam. Located on driveway garage of Rose Cottage. Current cabinet on west towards south. PL06
DSCN1947 215622 N NP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
Detail view shows 1.5m verge available along the road.
356534 5m Polecam. Located on driveway to west of road. View shows 1.5m verge narrows at corner by Rose PL07
DSCN1948 215625 N NP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
cottage. Eastern verge has a masonry wall and about 700mm width.
356537 5m Polecam. Located on eastern verge showing ample width to east of road and restricted width to west PL09
DSCN1949 NNW NP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215680 at Old Post office.
356538 5m Polecam. Located on eastern verge showing ample width to east of road and restricted width to west, PL10
DSCN1950 S NP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215681 along Rose Cottage garden. Note drain in gully, bottom right.
356518 5m Polecam. Located on eastern verge showing ample width to east of road and layby. More restricted
DSCN1951 S NP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215709 width to verge on west continues. View along Old Post office garden note drain in gutter, centre left
356455 5m Polecam. Located on western verge showing ample width at entrance to carpark. Less width to verge PL11
DSCN1952 N NP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215751 to the east from this point but there is a narrow, surfaced, foot path.
356456 5m Polecam. Located on western verge showing ample width of verge after drive way to Old Post office. PL17
DSCN1953 S NP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215753 Pavenment to east after layby.
356456 5m Polecam. Located on eastern verge showing surfaced pathway, some narrowing due to vegetation.
DSCN1954 215753 NNW NP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
Verge to left (west) raised, domed ridge around 400mm above road surface.
356442 5m Polecam. Located on eastern verge showing surfaced pathway and verge over 2m,. Western verge
DSCN1956 215785 NNW NP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
raised, domed ridge around 400mm above road surface. narrowing towards bridge
356414 5m Polecam. Located on eastern verge showing surfaced pathway and verge over 2m, Vegetation PL12
DSCN1957 215844 NNW NP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
manged with fence. Western verge narrowing towards bridge
356417 5m Polecam. Located on eastern verge showing surfaced pathway and verge. Western verge at a wider
DSCN1958 215845 SSE NP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
patch.
356389 5m Polecam. Located on western verge showing narrowing of both verges towards bridge. Western verge
DSCN1959 NNW NP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215889 has rock outcrop
356353 Location on western verge showing narrowing of both verges towards north and down hill
DSCN1960 NNW NP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
216010
356343 Location on western verge showing narrowing of both verges towards bridge. Note drop to right at rock
DSCN1961 SSE NP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
216022 face.
356530 View along western verge north of cabinet, (SW-CHSCH-CLS0012), at ranging rod.
Img_0267 S AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215610
356538 View along western verge north of cabinet, (SW-CHSCH-CLS0012), Verge in excess of 2m at driveway to
Img_0268 S AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215639 Rose Cottage garage.
356526 View along western verge south of cabinet, (SW-CHSCH-CLS0012), Verge in excess of 2m at driveway
Img_0269 N AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP PL03
215600 to Rose Cottage garage.
356529 View of cabinet, (SW-CHSCH-CLS0012), Verge in excess of 2m
Img_0270 S AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP PL05
215599
356529 Detail of cabinet, (SW-CHSCH-CLS0012), Verge in excess of 2m
Img_0271 S AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215599
356535 Corner showing reduction of western verge at Rose Cottage and increase of verge east after wall. Note
Img_0272 S drainage gully in front of Cottage fence AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP PL14
215696
Page 1 of 2
Symonds Yat. Promentory Fort Appendix III A.P.A.C. Ltd
AIA/SY/22
Digital Photographic Record Contexts: <Surface> (Deposit) {Structure} [Cut]
356521 Corner at Rose Cottage showing increase of verge area on eastern side of road along Old Post office
Img_0273 SE AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP PL15
215726
356536 Corner showing reduction of verge west 1m at Old Pos office and increase of verge east
Img_0275 NW AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215715
356474 East side of road. Remains of innermost rampart showing external south face. Remaining height 2m
Img_0276 NW AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP PL02
215774 above levelled ditch
356477 East side of road. Remains of innermost rampart showing top of bank. Remaining height 2m above
Img_0278 SW AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP PL20
215790 levelled ditch
356458 West side of road. Remains of innermost rampart showing top of bank. Remaining height 3.5m above
Img_0279 W AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP PL01
215774 levelled ditch 4m wide. Ditch 1.5m below road verge
356457 West side of road. Wide verge leading to carpark. 500mm revetted wall above drain to ditch. Remains of
Img_0280 NW AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP PL18
215757 innermost rampart behind sign post, in vegetation
356462 West side of road has a raised, domed verge and inner ditch. Slip road leads to carpark. Eastern werge
Img_0281 NW AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215746 has pavement
356434 East side of road, path area and west side a domed verge leading to carpark.
Img_0282 SE AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215826
356435 East side of road, path area leading to bridge in the distance. Western verge, domed embankment about
Img_0283 NW AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215786 400mm above road surface.
356484 West side of road with domed verge and east side with path and fence.
Img_0284 SE AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215893
356406 West side of road with 400mm high, domed verge, over 2m high. East side with path and fence.
Img_0285 SE AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215867
356398 East side of road which widens just before bridge and then reduces abruptly to nothing, West side
Img_0286 NW AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP PL13
215897 reducing against rock outcrop.
356385 View from bridge showing narrowing verges, note rock outcrop along west (right)
Img_0287 S AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215926
356381 View from bridge showing narrowing verges
Img_0291 N AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP
215936
356369 View from bridge showing western verge at bridge base
Img_0292 S AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP PL23
215951
356366 View from bridge showing western verge at bridge before it ends at near vertical edge
Img_0293 NW AOP 10/11/2022 22/11/2022 NP PL04
215955
356461
SM093945 SW Revetted wall in verge above drain feeding to rampart ditch west. Drop of 500mm to 1.5m at inner ditch NP 27/11/2022 27/11/2022 NP PL19
215752
356531
SM094853 SE Drain in foreground western verge and drain in easter verge below telegraph pole, Rose cottage right NP 27/11/2022 27/11/2022 NP PL08
215679
356531
SM095413 SE Drain on western gutter just north of post box NP 27/11/2022 27/11/2022 NP PL16
215493
356413
SM09333 N Two service marker plates in depression behind raised verge, south of the bridge. NP 27/11/2022 27/11/2022 NP PL22
215852
356407
SM095430 N Fire Hydrant cover in raised verge on western bank. NP 27/11/2022 27/11/2022 NP PL21
215873
Page 2 of 2

Symonds Yat. Archaeological Impact Assessment. APAC. LTD

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Symonds Yat. Archaeological Impact Assessment. APAC. LTD

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DOCUMENT NO 564 November 2022

ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Symonds Yat Promontory Fort, Symonds Yat

Pre-Planning Advice, English Heritage

This document is an archaeological impact assessment report on a proposed area of

01 Site Location map

02 Detail of schedule area

03 Heritage Asset Map

04 1st Series Ordnance Survey Map

05. View of cabinet, (SW-CHSCH-CLS0012), Verge in excess of 2m

21. Fire Hydrant cover in raised verge on western bank.

23. View from bridge showing western verge at bridge base.

Appendix I Digital Photographic Record

Appendix II English Heritage: Symonds Yat, Promontory Fort

Appendix III HER Report for Area 19

Location of the Site

Aims & objectives

This will be done by:

Consideration of options to improve or mitigate the impact of the proposed development.

Brief archaeological and historical background

HER 16500 various dates, searches for Offa’s Dyke inconclusive

Detail description of the road route

The original Archive will be retained by APAC.Ltd

Copies of the digital archive will be sent to Gloucester Archive, and HE

Health & Safety:

All necessary protective clothing and equipment will be used.

Dr Neil Phillips, A.P.A.C. Ltd, will manage the project.

Bibliography and References:

Schedule 1016760 & map scale 1:10000

HSE. Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974.

FI NVQ 11-April-58 Field Observation On SO 51 NE 3. (Visual Assessment) 1958-04-11

Fig 01: Location A.P.A.C. Ltd AIA/SY/22

adapted from Parry (TBGAS) Proposed route, Gigaclear

Fig 02: Site plan in early 1990s A.P.A.C. Ltd AIA/SY/22

NGR SO 356422 215833

A.P.A.C. Ltd. AIA/SY/22

A.P.A.C. Ltd. AIA/SY/22

Photo ID: IMG_0279

West side of road. Remains of innermost

rampart showing top of bank. Remaining

Ditch 1.5m below road verge

A.P.A.C. Ltd. AIA/SY/22

Photo ID: IMG_0276

East side of road. Remains of innermost

rampart showing external south face.

,216200 ,216200 Remaining height 2m above levelled ditch

A.P.A.C. Ltd. AIA/SY/22

Photo ID: IMG_0269

View along western verge south of cabinet,

(SW-CHSCH-CLS0012), Verge in excess of 2m

A.P.A.C. Ltd. AIA/SY/22

Photo ID: IMG_0293

View from bridge showing western verge at

bridge before it ends at near vertical edge

A.P.A.C. Ltd. AIA/SY/22

Photo ID: IMG_0270

View of cabinet, (SW-CHSCH-CLS0012),

A.P.A.C. Ltd. AIA/SY/22

Photo ID: DSCN1947

5m Polecam. Located on driveway garage of

,216200 ,216200 Current cabinet on west

A.P.A.C. Ltd. AIA/SY/22

Photo ID: DSCN1948