Document No: 501

PRN No: 167029

A.P.A.C. Ltd.

Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy

ARCHAEOLOGICAL WATCHING BRIEF

River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon

Tŷ’r Afon, Rhodfa’r Capten, Aberhonddu.

Planning Application No: 15/11949/FUL-18/16788/CON

Prepared for:
Brecon Beacon National Parks Authority

By: S Reames 24/01/2022

 A.P.A.C. Ltd River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon WB/CWB/20

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY

This document is a report on an archaeological watching brief undertaken during ground

disturbance works necessary for the construction of a single domestic dwelling at Captain’s Walk,
Brecon.
APAC. Ltd was contracted by the client to undertake the watching brief following a Written Scheme
of Investigation in response to a planning condition imposed by Brecon Beacons National Park
Authority.
The watching brief revealed the existing standing walls encompassing the site extended deeper than
originally thought and contain features suggesting they were potentially part of a more elaborate
structure.
The internal area of the development site contained stratified dumps of redeposited natural.
No archaeological resources were encountered.

Mae’r ddogfen hon yn adroddiad ar orchwyl gwylio archeolegol a wnaed yn ystod gwaith torri tir
oedd yn angenrheidiol ar gyfer adeiladu un tŷ annedd yn Rhodfa’r Capten, Aberhonddu.

Contractiwyd APAC Cyf. gan y cleient i gyflawni’r gorchwyl gwylio yn unol â Chynllun Archwilio
Ysgrifenedig (CAY) fel ymateb i amod cynllunio a osodwyd gan Awdurdod Parc Cenedlaethol
Bannau Brycheiniog.

Datgelodd y gorchwyl gwylio fod y muriau presennol sy’n amgylchynu’r safle yn ymestyn yn
ddyfnach nag a feddyliwyd a’u bod hefyd yn cynnwys nodweddion sydd yn awgrymu iddynt
unwaith ffurfio rhan o strwythur mwy cymhleth.

Cynhwysodd rhan fewnol safle’r datblygiad domennydd haenedig o bridd naturiol ailosodedig.
Ni ddaethpwyd o hyd i unrhyw adnoddau archeolegol.

Copyright Notice: A.P.A.C. Ltd. retains copyright of this report under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.

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: 152045: Post-ex Shot of Foundation Trenches – Aerial Shot © APAC LTD 2022.

2
 A.P.A.C. Ltd River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon WB/CWB/20

Contents

Contents..............................................................................................................................................................3
List of Figures ....................................................................................................................................................4
List of Plates .......................................................................................................................................................4
Appendices .........................................................................................................................................................4
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Planning Background .........................................................................................................................5
1.2 General ...............................................................................................................................................5
2 Location, Description, Geology and Topography ......................................................................................5
3 Brief Historical and Archaeological Background ......................................................................................6
3.1 Historical Background ........................................................................................................................6
3.2 Archaeological Background ...............................................................................................................7
4 Objectives and Aims ..................................................................................................................................7
4.1 Objective of a Watching Brief............................................................................................................7
4.2 Aims ...................................................................................................................................................7
5 Methodology ..............................................................................................................................................8
5.1 General ...............................................................................................................................................8
5.2 Ground Disturbance ...........................................................................................................................8
5.3 Recording ...........................................................................................................................................8
6 Results ........................................................................................................................................................9
6.1 General ...............................................................................................................................................9
6.2 Fieldwork ...........................................................................................................................................9
6.3 Finds .................................................................................................................................................11
6.4 Environmental ..................................................................................................................................11
7 Interpretation, Discussion and Conclusion ...............................................................................................12
7.1 Interpretation and Discussion ...........................................................................................................12
7.2 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................12
8 Archive .....................................................................................................................................................13
9 Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................................13
10 Bibliography and references .................................................................................................................14

3
 A.P.A.C. Ltd River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon WB/CWB/20

List of Figures

Figure 1 Location
Figure 2 HER Search Results
Figure 3a-i Map Progression
Figure 4 Pre-Excavation Site Plan
Figure 5 Site Plan
Figure 6 Representative Sections
Figure 7 Representative Section of Attenuation Tank
Figure 8a-b Representative Sections

List of Plates

Plate 1 Southeast looking shot showing four of the 12 brick portals within wall {104}
Plate 2 Southeast looking shot showing extent of bore holes prior to watching brief
Plate 3 Southeast looking shot showing aperture in the south-western corner of wall {104}
Plate 4 Southwest looking shot showing excavated extent of wall {104} with ledge visible 0.75m above
excavated base
Plate 5 Southwest facing section of attenuation tank
Plate 6 Shot looking east of wall {104} and external inspection chamber
Plate 7 Shot looking east of external drainage run

Appendices

I Context record and matrix

II Digital photographic record and contact sheets
III Finds

4
 A.P.A.C. Ltd River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon WB/CWB/20

1 Introduction
1.1. This document comprises a report of a programme of archaeological work conducted as a result of a planning
condition requiring an archaeological watching brief on land at River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon, Powys,
LD3 7DS (hereafter the Site) for the construction of a single residential dwelling.

1.1 Planning Background

1.1.1. A pre-planning application was submitted to the Brecon Beacon National Parks Authority (hereafter BBNPA)
in 2014 for the erection of a single residential dwelling on land immediately south of Captain’s Walk, Brecon
(Figure 1). This resulted in a desk-based assessment (hereafter DBA) being conducted due to the location of
the Site within an area of archaeological sensitivity and its proximity to scheduled monuments: BR177-the Town
Wall and Gatehouse, listed building 6829-a tower of the medieval town wall, listed building 6830-rear garden
wall of No. 3 Buckingham Place and listed building 6894-the garden wall to the rear of Havard and Morgannwg
Houses (Figure 2). The results of the DBA concluded ‘there is a potential for ground disturbance in the area to
impact on potential archaeology, possibly relating to the early Norman down defences’ (APAC Ltd, 2014). It
was also concluded that the Site was likely to have undergone significant ground disturbance since the 18th
century (ibid).

1.1.2. Following on from the DBA, a planning application (15/11949/FUL) was submitted to the BBNPA in 2015 for
the ‘erection of a new build house’. The planning application was granted in 2017 with condition 11 being
enforced:

‘11 The developer will ensure that a suitably qualified archaeological contractor is
present during the undertaking of all ground works associated with the development, so that
an archaeological watching brief can be maintained. The archaeological watching brief will
be carried out in accordance with the brief issued by the local planning authority and a written
scheme of investigation which has been submitted by the applicant and approved in writing by
the local planning authority, which must meet the standards laid down by the Chartered
Institute for Archaeologists in their Standard and Guidance for an Archaeological Watching
Brief. The Local Planning Authority must be informed at least 2 weeks prior to the
commencement of the development of the name of the archaeological contractor appointed to
the undertake the Watching Brief. A copy of the Watching Brief report shall be submitted to
the Local Planning Authority, to the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical
Monuments of Wales for inclusion in the National Monument Record, and to Clwyd Powys
Archaeological Trust for inclusion in the Regional Historic Environment Record (HER) within
two months of the fieldwork being completed.
Reason:
To ensure that any remains of archaeological significance disturbed in the course of the
development are excavated, recorded and reported.’ (BBNPA, 2017)

1.1.3. A new planning application, with the inclusion of a variation (18/16788/CON), was submitted in 2018 with
permission granted in 2020. The same mitigation condition 11 as in planning application 15/11949/FUL applied.

1.1.4. An archaeological written scheme of investigation (hereafter WSI) by APAC Ltd was submitted and accepted in
2020.

1.2 General

1.2.1. The groundworks were supervised and conducted by Simon Reames between September and November 2020
and January 2021 totalling eight days. The report was written by Simon Reames.

2 Location, Description, Geology and Topography

2.1. The Site is located in the central southern area of Brecon town, situated on the eastern bank of the River Usk
(Figure 1) and centred on National Grid Reference (hereafter NGR): SO 304438 228371.

5
 A.P.A.C. Ltd River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon WB/CWB/20

2.2. The Site comprised a broadly triangular parcel of land bounded to the north by Captain’s Walk access road and
river footpath, to the east by modern domestic dwellings and to the south and west by the northern bank of the
River Usk.

2.3. The underlying natural geology of the Site comprises of argillaceous rocks and sandstone from the St Maughans
Formation with superficial deposits of alluvium (British Geological Survey, 2022).

2.4. The Site occupied a flat, broadly triangular parcel of land encompassing approximately 0.052 acres and sat at an
average elevation of 131m above Ordnance Datum (hereafter aOD).

3 Brief Historical and Archaeological Background

3.1 Historical Background

3.1.1. A full history of the Site and surroundings has been provided in the DBA (APAC Ltd, 2014), therefore, a
summarised version follows.

3.1.2. Evidence of human activity is known in the area from prehistoric to industrial times. The most overt heritage
resource close to the Site is the circuit of the Norman defences which include a surviving tower and a raised bank
topped with a reconstructed masonry wall. Situated outside of the town defences, the Site is located in a suburb
of Brecon called Watton, listed as a ‘new borough’ in 1399 (CPAT, 1993). A period known as the Great
Rebuilding throughout Wales (1550-1640) saw the expansion of the town with the poorer inhabitants moved to
the suburbs beyond the old medieval defences. An Act of Parliament in 1776 granted the removal of the town
gates and sections of wall and by the end of the 18 century, Brecon had become part of the industrial boom. The
th

arrival of the Canal in 1800 and the various early tramways to the Brecon Forest mineral workings (Hughes,
1990) resulted in further increases to the population.

3.1.3. The earliest cartographic evidence of the area is John Speed’s 1610 Map of Breknoke (Figure 3a) which depicts
the area as empty land between the town walls and the River Usk. By 1744, Meredith Jones’ map (Figure 3b)
depicts the development area much the same as Speed’s map except for an increase in the River Usk’s width
with the river depicted as flowing much closer to the town walls. A similar depiction of the area is derived from
Butcher’s 1832 map (Figure 3c) which reveals the Site as part of an open pathway or road leading to the river.
Also of note in Butcher’s map is the removal of the town walls immediately north of the Site and the inclusion
of the ‘Captains Walk’ name for the area as well as the division of the land into names plots. The Tithe map of
1839 (Figure 3d) broadly continues this layout with no further information included.

3.1.4. The 1888 Six-Inch OS Map (Figure 3e) first depicts the Site as its own entity and broadly the same as it is today.
No structures are visible within or near the Site. The presence of a ‘ford’ is also noted within the river aligning
with Captain’s Walk road. The town wall tower is also depicted immediately north of the Site after being absent
from the 1832 and 1839 maps. This might suggest that the 1839 Tithe map was copied from Butcher’s 1832
map.

3.1.5. The first appearance of a structure within the development area becomes visible in the 1905 Six-Inch OS map
(Figure 3f) which depicts a rectangular structure along the south-western area of the Site. Immediately north,
the ford across the river is also clearly marked. The structure was utilised during the Second World War as a
block house as it afforded a good vantage point across a shallow portion of the river-the ford (Gil Chamber
Associates, 2018). No changes are apparent until 1953 (Figure 3g, h, i) when the structure is absent from the
development area as is the mention of a ford. Also of note is the eastern edge of the river has been altered to
afford more land.

3.1.6. The area between the river and the wall is currently a firm grass bank most probably related to the flood
prevention works of the early 1970s and evidenced further along the current path between the river and the site
of the ‘old town wall’:

6
 A.P.A.C. Ltd River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon WB/CWB/20

Little work on the channel of the river was required but flood walls and embankments were
constructed to confine the water to the river. Where there was open ground, embankments
were used…It is probably the case that most of the tourists now visiting the town never realise
the existence of the flood prevention works. (Usk River Authority)

3.2 Archaeological Background

3.2.1. Two trial test pits were excavated as part of an assessment investigation into ground conditions for the proposed
development in 2015 (Figure 4). Both test pits revealed similar layers of stratified fill material evidenced by the
presence of brick, rubble, china and glass (IMP Associates, 2015). A visual inspection of the land outside the
development area revealed similar artefacts suggesting (in the report) a large area of land had been built up in
the past (ibid).

3.2.2. A wall survey was undertaken in 2015 on the boundary wall encompassing the Site. The results of which
revealed structural issues to the northern and western walls and minor issues to the eastern and southern walls
(AJN Design & Surveying Services Ltd, 2015). Of particular note was the southwest corner in which the report
states the failure of the bearing capacity of the subsoil to hold the weight of the wall resulting in some movement
within the wall. The report also noted the inclusion of modern repointing to the wall in various locations, the
inclusion of a brick quoin to the gate opening and the later installation of a total of 12 brick portals to the western
and southern walls (ibid) (Plate 1).

4 Objectives and Aims

4.1 Objective of a Watching Brief

4.1.1. The aim of the watching brief is to establish the presence/absence of archaeological structures or other significant
features within the development area. Should any archaeological resource be revealed, their presence would be
recorded and a decision made as to any mitigation measures. The archaeological watching brief was carried out
to the standards laid down in the Chartered Institute of Field Archaeologists Guideline for Watching Briefs 2014:

The definition of an archaeological watching brief is a formal programme of observation and

investigation conducted during any operation carried out for non-archaeological reasons. This
will be within a specified area or site on land, inter-tidal zone or underwater, where there is a
possibility that archaeological deposits may be disturbed or destroyed. The programme will
result in the preparation of a report and ordered archive.

This definition and Standard do not cover chance observations, which should lead to an
appropriate archaeological project being designed and implemented, nor do they apply to
monitoring for preservation of remains in situ. A watching brief will preserve by record, within
the resources available, any archaeological deposits uncovered during groundwork.

The watching brief will ensure that: in the event of archaeological resources of significance,
being discovered and requiring treatment beyond the remit of the watching brief; then steps
would be implemented to ensure that their treatment would be undertaken within the standards
recommended by the CIFA.

Resulting from the watching brief, a report on the results will be produced, which will include
a detailed summary of the methodology, site history, deposits/features/structures/artefacts
uncovered and interpretation of the results. (CIFA, 2014).

4.2 Aims

4.2.1. In accordance with the agreed Written Scheme of Investigation (APAC, 2020) the general aims of the excavation
were to:

7
 A.P.A.C. Ltd River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon WB/CWB/20

• Establish the presence/absence of archaeological structures or other significant features within

the works area;
• Elucidate the character, distribution, extent and importance of any identified archaeological
deposits;
• Preserve by record, within the resources available, any archaeological deposits uncovered
during groundworks.

4.2.2. A specific aim of the watching brief was to:

• Locate and identify a former structure depicted in the 1905 Six-Inch OS map.

4.2.3. Overall, the archaeology of the Site as a whole, in its wider, local and regional context, will be
considered.

4.2.4. The watching brief was confined to the areas directly affected by the development and its associated
groundworks. All remains of potential interest were considered, regardless of their date.

5 Methodology

5.1 General

5.1.1. All land within the boundaries of the Site were subjected to archaeological monitoring.

5.1.2. All work was carried out in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work act 1974 and the Management of
Health and Safety Regulations 1992.

5.1.3. Health and Safety considerations were of paramount importance in conducting all fieldwork. Safe working
practises overrode archaeological considerations at all times.

5.2 Ground Disturbance

5.2.1. Under constant archaeological supervision, the land within the footprint of the development area was cleared by
a three-tonne tracked excavator fitted with a toothless ditching bucket. A 600mm wide toothless ditching bucket
was used to excavate down to the top of the archaeological horizon, undisturbed natural geology or the limit of
the dig depth, whichever occurred first.

5.2.2. Despite on going contact with the client’s groundworkers, the excavation for the external waste water drainage
route was not archaeologically monitored due to no prior notice being given for the excavation. Archaeological
intervention of this aspect of the work was in the form of a retrospective walkover survey of the disturbed area,
following notice of the works completion.

5.2.3. All spoil from the excavation was visually examined for artefacts.

5.3 Recording

5.3.1. A unique site code (WB/CWB/20) was allocated for all aspects of the project archive produced as a result of the
on-site works. All recording was undertaken using APAC Ltd’s pro forma recording system. Sections and plans
were drawn at recognised scales on drafting film as necessary. Digital photographs were taken in high resolution
JPEG or RAW format before conversion to TIFF format for archival storage.

8
 A.P.A.C. Ltd River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon WB/CWB/20

6 Results
6.1 General

6.1.1. All cuts are denotated with square brackets [ ], deposits with curved brackets ( ), walls/structures with brackets
{ } and surfaces with angled brackets < >.

6.1.2. The watching brief comprised of monitoring approximately 55.78m³ of ground disturbance by both mechanical
excavator and manual excavation.

6.1.3. Prior to the commencement of the watching brief, 15 metal piles had been bored into the development area and
infilled with rebar and concrete (Figure 4, Plate 2). The location of the piles demarked the extent of the dwelling
structure (Figure 5).

6.2 Fieldwork

6.2.1. No superficial geology was encountered during the watching brief.

6.2.2. Structure {104} was a dressed stone wall with lime mortar bonding that encompassed the development area;
with the exception of four meters for the entrance way and extending to a continuous length for 62m. Standing
to a maximum height of 2m above the present-day ground level, it was approximately 500mm in depth. Wall
{104} was laid with broadly uniform blocks of stone (300mm x 50mm) throughout, with some vague coursing
evident in the construction. The south-western corner of the Site was excavated to a depth of 1.3m below
present-day ground level; 129.7m aOD, for the installation of a new wastewater inspection chamber, which
revealed the wall’s continuation beyond this depth. Situated within the southern wall, at this corner, at a height
of 130.6m aOD, was an aperture (Plate 3) extending towards the southeast. This aperture was filled with the
same deposit (103) as the immediate area; no further investigation was carried out due to Health & Safety. A
void was observed in the location of the lintel over the aperture, possibly indicating a wooden lintel had been
present in the past. At the same level of the missing lintel (130.6m aOD), a 50mm deep ledge, extending into
the development area, was observed extending from the southern and western walls. Of unknown primary
purpose, this ledge could be evidence of an internal floor surface, now gone, and may also indicate wall {104}
to be a more complicated structure than just a wall (Plate 4). Below the present-day ground surface, the wall
appears in good condition with no missing mortar in the joints. Above the present-day ground level, the wall is
in moderate to poor condition with much of the lime mortar bonding missing and later repairs evident
throughout. Further alterations are also apparent in the form of a total of 12 brick portals incorporated to the
topmost area of the western and southern walls. No difference in construction method, returns or blocked
apertures were observed in any of the walls which all appeared contemporary with each other. Cut [105] was
issued as the foundation cut for wall {104} however, this was not observed on site and issued for stratigraphic
recording purposes.

6.2.3. Deposit (103) consisted of a loose mid-reddish-brown silty-clay observed across the Site. Deposit (103) was
encountered at approximately 0.5m below the present-day ground level (130.49m aOD) and extended, in the
south-western corner, to a depth exceeding 129.7m aOD; the final dig-depth for the inspection chamber (Figure
6a). Deposit (103) was potentially the same as (113) encountered in the attenuation tank area and consisted of
a redeposited superficial geology of unknown origin, however, most likely to have derived from excavated spoil
from the vicinity.

6.2.4. Immediately above deposit (103) was a loose dark-brown silty-clay (102) that varied from 0.2m to 0.45m in
depth across the Site. This deposit was a layer of modern deliberate backfill spread across the Site.

6.2.5. Confined to the southern half of the Site and superseding deposit (102) was a modern layer of loose, mid-grey
sand (101); used as a levelling/consolidation layer (Figure 6b).

6.2.6. Situated in the northern extent of the Site, an attenuation tank area was excavated to a depth of 1.5m below the
present-day ground surface (129.49m aOD) (Figure 7, Plate 5). At the base of the excavation, the topmost level
of a loose reddish-brown silty-clay deposit (117) was encountered containing common sub-rounded, poorly
sorted river gravels. Due to this being the limit of the excavation depth, it is unknown if this was a layer of

9
 A.P.A.C. Ltd River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon WB/CWB/20

redeposit natural or virgin superficial geology; however, the loose nature of the deposit was very similar to
deposit (103)/(113) thereby suggesting deposit (117) was another layer of human deposition.

6.2.7. A 0.2m thick band of loose greyish-black silty-clay (116) superseded deposit (117). This deposit was a dump
deposit of unknown origin and date and may represent normal waste deposition or deliberate backfilling.

6.2.8. Immediately above deposit (116) was a loose reddish-brown silty-clay (115) very similar to deposit (117) and
also containing common sub-rounded river gravels. Deposit (115) was a dump of redeposited natural originating
from the vicinity and indicating land alteration within the area.

6.2.9. A 0.05m thick lens of mid-grey silty-clay (114) covered deposit (115) (Figure 7, Plate 5), possibly represents
a layer of trample associated with the deliberate backfilling of the area. Deposit (113) was the same as (103)
and consisted of 0.34m thick layer of loose reddish-brown silty-clay with common sub-rounded river gravels
which overlay deposit (114). Deposit (113) was a deliberate backfill of excavated river gravels of unknown
origin dumped within the development area used to increase the ground surface.

6.2.10. Situated at the extreme northern extent of the attenuation tank area, a 0.02m thick lens of black silty-clay (112)
lay immediately over deposit (113). This deposit sloped gently to the north and is potentially a layer of trample
similar to deposit (114) associated with the deliberate backfilling of the development area (Figure 7, Plate 5).
The direction of this slope, to the north, may also indicate the direction from which the spoil material was
originating.

6.2.11. Deposit (111) was located immediately above deposit (112) in the northern extent of the attenuation tank area
and consisted of a deliberate backfill of a loose, mid-brown silty-clay. Of unknown origin, this deposit is the
same as the other layers encountered within the development area and was used to increase the ground surface
and/or consolidate the area.

6.2.12. Immediately above (111) was a 0.14m thick band of loose greyish-black silty-clay (110) of unknown origin.
Deposit (110) contained common flecks of charcoal throughout and could potentially be a layer of trample
similar to deposits (114) and (112), however; thicker in nature. Above deposit (110) was another layer of
redeposited natural (109) consisting of reddish-brown silty-clay with common sub-rounded river gravels.

6.2.13. Situated at the southern extent of the attenuation tank area, deposit (108) overlay deposit (109) and consisted of
a loose, black, silty-clay very similar to deposits (110), (114) and (112). Deposit (108) contained a shallow
gradient sloping to the south and common charcoal flecks throughout. Given the similarity to deposits (110),
(114) and (112), deposit (108) is potentially a thicker layer or trample indicating the direction of dumping during
the backfilling of the area.

6.2.14. Deposit (107) overlay deposit (108) and consisted of a loose reddish-brown silty-clay with common sub-rounded
river gravel components identical to deposits (117), (115), (113) and (109) indicating deposit (107) to be a dump
of redeposited natural of unknown origin (Figure 7, Plate 5). Also present within the deposit were flecks of
limestone mortar and rare root bioturbation.

6.2.15. Situated immediately above deposit (107) was a 0.06m thick band of black silty-clay (106) of unknown origin
or date. Deposit (106) was only visible extending across the attenuation tank area and is therefore limited to the
north-eastern area of the Site. It is unknown if deposit (106) is a remnant topsoil or another layer of trample.

6.2.16. Extending across the development area, deposit (100) overlay deposits (101) and (106) consisting of deliberately
dumped hardcore and a firm reddish-brown silty-sand overlying a ‘terram’ base creating the present-day ground
surface.

6.2.17. It was observed during the watching brief that all deposits contained very clear to sharp boundaries
distinguishing each other indicating each deposit was dumped in quick succession with little to no time for river
erosion or vegetational growth to impact the deposits.

6.2.18. The area of the external drainage route was situated immediately west of the south-western corner of the
development area and was not archaeologically monitored. The drainage route consisted of an inspection
chamber being installed 0.45m immediately west of wall {104} (Plate 6) and a drainage run extending three

10
 A.P.A.C. Ltd River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon WB/CWB/20

metres due south to an existing sewer line that runs northwest to southeast on the eastern bank of the River Usk
(Figure 5, Plate 7). A walkover survey was conducted over the area after the completion of the groundworks
with no archaeological material encountered.

6.3 Finds

6.3.1 The evaluation and watching brief produced a limited amount of finds which were processed by Mr A Phillips.

6.3.2. A complete finds index of all artefacts retrieved during the excavation and watching brief are listed in
Appendix 3.

6.3.3. It is noted that all finds were recovered from the upper deposits of the Site.

6.3.4. Ceramic

6.3.4.1. A total of 19 ceramic fragments were recovered during the watching brief and were analysed by Mr A Phillips.

6.3.4.2. Deposit (101) contained a total of 10 ceramic fragments. Three clay pipe stems were dated to the 18th to 19th
century and the remaining seven pottery fragments dated to between the 19th to 20th centuries.

6.3.4.3. Deposit (102) contained a total nine pottery fragments. A single sherd of green glazed earthenware potentially
dates to the late medieval period. The remaining eight pottery fragments were dated to between the 18th to 20th
Centuries.

6.3.4.4. All pottery retrieved from Site appeared domestic in nature.

6.3.5. Miscellaneous

6.3.5.1. A single crisp packet and single aluminium drinks can were retrieved from deposit (102) and dated to the late
20th century.

6.3.5. Finds Summary

6.3.5.1. The limited finds assemblage from the Captain’s Walk, Brecon represents an almost entirely post-medieval date.

6.3.5.2. The single sherd of potentially late medieval pottery within context (102) is residual in natural given its inclusion
with modern plastic confectionary wrappers and aluminium drinks cans from the same context. It is feasible this
sherd has been brought up from deposit (103) below during the deliberate backfilling process.

6.3.5.3. The remaining finds from deposit (102) span from the 18th to 20th centuries.

6.3.5.4. All finds from deposit (101) represent an identical date range to deposit (102).

6.3.5.5. The predominance of 18th to 19th pottery across the development area as a whole indicates the period when the
development area was more intensively utilised.

6.4 Environmental

6.4.1. No material suitable for environmental analysis was retrieved from the evaluation or watching brief.

11
 A.P.A.C. Ltd River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon WB/CWB/20

7 Interpretation, Discussion and Conclusion

7.1 Interpretation and Discussion

7.1.1. Wall {104} was the earliest feature encountered at Captain’s Walk, Brecon. Although in poor condition above
the present-day ground level with visible repairs and alterations, wall {104} appears to survive remarkably well
in its original state below ground which is at odds with the building survey conducted in 2015 which states a
failure of the bearing capacity of the subsoils in the south-western corner. Excavation in the south-western corner
has revealed wall {104} extends down a considerable depth with sub-surface features present. It is unknown if
the aperture to the south is a window or doorway however, it indicates the original ground surface was much
lower than that of the present day. The presence of the narrow lip protruding from the wall suggests the
possibility of a suspended floor above the aperture thereby indicating a split-level structure although further
investigation is required to confirm this possibility. From the scant evidence revealed on Site, no interpretation
can be inferred as to the primary purpose of this structure. Bar wall {104} itself, no evidence of the structure
depicted on the 1905 Six-Inch OS map was observed however, if wall {104} is the same as the structure depicted
on the OS maps, the cartographic evidence suggests a construction date of between 1888 and 1905 (Figures 3e
and 3f). The cartographic evidence also indicates the River Usk ran up to the west facing wall of the structure
thereby questioning the plausibility of the aperture encountered being a door or there was an area immediately
west of the structure that did not abut the river.

7.1.2. The internal area of the Site, as far the limited watching brief revealed, consists of a broadly regular pattern of
dumping and associated trample.

7.1.3. At the extreme southern extent of the Site, the majority of the backfill consists of a redeposited natural
(103)/(113) which forms a substantial layer within the development area. Although only a single layer was
observed on site, it is possible deposit (103)/(113) could be made up of multiple dumps of similar/the same
material.

7.1.4. The attenuation tank area at the northern extent of the Site allowed a more detailed sequence of deposition to be
observed. Here, a clearly defined sequence of deliberate dumps followed by a lens of trample can be seen
extending the from 130.75m aOD to 129.5m aOD (Plate 5). This, in addition to the sharp boundaries between
the contexts, indicates a deliberate methodology of rapid dumping was utilised to infill the development area.
This corroborates the flood prevention work mentions by the Usk River Authority that was conducted during the
1970s.

7.1.5. One reason for the additional layers seen at the northern extent of the Site could be that there was higher traffic
in this area or that traffic was limited to a certain extent during the depositional process.

7.1.6. The results of the watching brief also corroborate the test pits conducted in 2015. The results of Test Pit 1 closely
match the findings of the watching brief in the southern half of the Site with a modern surface overlying a loose
reddish-brown gravel (IPM Associates Ltd, 2015). The results of Test Pit 2 are broadly the same however, they
omit a level of detail the watching brief was able to identify, namely the presence of lenses of trample. This can
be explained by narrow nature of the test pit and lack of section cleaning not allowing for the stratigraphy to be
observed.

7.1.7. The report also found artefacts at lower levels which was not encountered within the watching brief. This can
be explained by later material potentially falling into the open test pit during excavation or, as a toothed bucket
was used, material from a higher level being pushed into lower levels during excavation.

7.1.7. No archaeological material was encountered around the external drainage route.

7.2 Conclusion

7.2.1. The watching brief undertaken at Captain’s Walk, Brecon was successful in identifying an absence of in situ
archaeological remains within the development area.

12
 A.P.A.C. Ltd River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon WB/CWB/20

7.2.2. Walls {104} extend deeper than originally expected and contained features suggesting the possibility the walls
are part of a more prominent structure that occupied the area. It is possible the walls are the remains of the
structure depicted on the 1905 Six-Inch OS map however, their current layout is at odds with those depicted.

7.2.3. The area within the confines of walls {104} is made up of a series of rapid dumps of redeposited natural
interspersed with layers of trample conducted during the 1970s as a flood prevention measure along the banks
of the River Usk.

7.2.4. No excavation deeper than 1.5m was monitored during the watching brief within the development area. Within
this range of excavation, no natural geology or archaeological horizon was encountered. Any potential
archaeological remains within the development area will therefore remain preserved in situ. The area of the
external drainage run was not monitored however, given the extent of the flood prevention works undertaken
during the 1970s and the disturbed ground associated with the existing sewer drain on the eastern back of the
River Usk, the likelihood of any significant archaeological resource being disturbed is minimal.

8 Archive

8.1. The archive will be prepared according to the Management of Archaeological Projects, English Heritage,
MoRPHE V1.2 (2015) so the records will be fully ordered and indexed. The project archives will consist of all
original records, and all documentation that relates to the watching brief; copies of the WSI and any relevant
correspondence will be included.

8.2. The original archive for the watching brief will be retained by APAC Ltd.

8.3. A digital copy of the archive will be deposited with RCAHMW in keeping with their published guidelines:
http://www.rcahmw.gov.uk/HI/ENG/Search+Records/Standards/Archive/

8.4. A further digital copy of the relevant information and report will be deposited with CPAT HER in keeping with
their published guidelines:
http://www.CPAT.org.uk/her/downloads/Guidance%20for%20the%20Submission%20of%20Data%20to%20
Welsh %20HERs.pdf

8.5. The archives will be deposited within twelve months of the completion of the watching brief with the agreement
of the landowner.

8.6. A synopsis of the project will be submitted to CBA Wales and the full client report published online through
Scribd.

9 Acknowledgements

9.1. Thanks to the groundworkers employed by ethical power connections for allowing APAC Ltd to undertake the
required work as efficiently as possible.

13
 A.P.A.C. Ltd River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon WB/CWB/20

10 Bibliography and references

AJN Design & Surveying Services Ltd, 2015, Boundary Wall Survey, Building Plot, Captains Walk, Brecon, Powys, Job
NR: 1121

APAC Ltd, 2014, Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment: Proposed Development of an Area of Land South of Captain’s
Walk, Brecon, DK/CW/14, Document No. 261

BBNPA, 2017, Notice of Decision: 15/11949/FUL

British Geological Survey, 2022, Geology of Britain Viewer, https://www.bgs.ac.uk/map-viewers/geology-of-britain-

viewer/ (accessed 19/08/2021)

(CIFA) Charted Institute for Archaeologists, 2014, Standard and Guidance for and Archaeological Watching Brief

CPAT, 1993, Brecon Town Study, CPAT Report 58, R.J. Silvester

Gil Chambers Associates, 2018, Design, Access, Flood Assessment and CEMP Statements: Proposed Single Story
Dwelling at River House, Captians Walk, Brecon, LD3 7DS

Hughes, S., 1990, The Brecon Forest Tramroads, The Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales

IPM Associates (Scotland) Ltd, 2015, Site Investigation Report, Proposed Dwelling House, Land at Captains Walk,
Brecon, Powys, LD3 7DY

Usk River Authority, Brief History of Usk River Board 1952-1965 and Usk River Authority 1965-1974, Pinnell &
Howells, Gwent Archives Library 4 ID. 404

Online Sources:

Google maps http://www.google.com/maps

http://magicmaps.co.uk

The National Library https://places.library.wales/

Of Wales

National Library of https://maps.nls.uk/

Scotland

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.

14
 River House, Captains Walk, Brecon

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
Figure 1: Location WB/CWB/20
Cited from APAC. Ltd DK/CW/14 A.P.A.C. Ltd
 River House, Captains Walk, Brecon

31091
97494 25378
25380
25379
25563 25381
25562 97572 25383
110552 29015 25382
25561
97543 25564 21917
29014
25565 97478 110537 25445
97594 25461 20149
16632 25566 25560 42350
16631 16720
97585
72133 31250 25113
97597 16332
20755 20753
31251 25115
25446 31097 25447 25116
20736 25118 25117
97576 25162 16628
31100
123129 97577
20102 25119
25165 20738
25163 31252
29020 29021 29022
97491
97514
25168 25534
25166
6882/BR177/6829 25107

6884 25164
6830 58985

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
6894 25145

89258 97570
Site
115514

6876 29024 29025

89258
89257

112348

89127

adapted from 1953 OS Brecknockshire XXVIII. 6”: mile

200m

Estimated visual impact area

HER listings within the visual impact area: Core HER listings within the visual impact area: Events

6830 C18/C19 Garden Wall 110552 Watching brief 19th/20th c landfill

6876 Post Medieval Ridge and Furrow 112348 Watching brief No finds
6882 Medieval Town Wall 123129 Watching brief Post Med
6884 Medeival Town Gate
6894 Unknown Garden Wall
29014 Medieval Urban Area
29020 Medieval Urban Area
29024 Medieval Urban Area
89258 Post Medieval Canal Wharf

Cited from APAC. Ltd DK/CW/14

Figure 2: HER Search Results A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20

 River House, Captains Walk, Brecon

Figure 3a: Speed 1610 Figure 3c: Butcher 1832

Figure 3b: Meredith 1744 Figure 3c: Tithe 1839

Approximate position of site

Cited from APAC. Ltd DK/CW/14

Figure 3a-d: Map Progression A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20

 River House, Captains Walk, Brecon

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
This first edition 1888 map shows that lane at the base of the
Captain’s Walk bank continues to the river edge and widens.
The town wall is marked by ‘Site of’ only but the tower
BR177 is marked at the river’s edge. The triangular area at
this point is similar to the proposed site although it is directly
on the edge of the river. The word Ford is also important as it
aligns with the lane beneath the Captain’s Walk.

3e: 1888 Six-Inch OS Brecknockshire XXVIII

1905, again the tower is marked but there is no wall to the

north and a narrow walkway or path edges directly to the
river with the ford position and ends marked. The area of the
proposed site was been cleared of vegetation and a long
building erected backing directly having been cut into the
bank.

3f: 1905 Six-Inch OS Brecknockshire XXVIII

Little change.

3g: 1937 Six-Inch OS Brecknockshire XXVIII

Little change.

3h: 1943 Six-Inch OS Brecknockshire XXVIII

This map shows considerable changes to the area which would

appear to be the beginnings of the present configuration. The
Captain’s Walk and tower remain unchanged however;
the bank of the river has been extended outwards to produce a strip
of land. Presumably, the narrowing of the river in such a way would
have increased the flow and deepened the channel thereby
destroying the fording point. The bank has also been increased at the
end of the walkway which no longer reaches the river. The final
change worth noting is the disappearance
of the longitudinal building recorded since 1905.

3i: 1953 Six-Inch OS Brecknockshire XXVIII

Cited from APAC. Ltd DK/CW/14 Figure 3e-i: Map Progression A.P.A.C. Ltd. WB/CWB/20
 River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon

Test Pit 2 Cap

tain’
s Wa
lk

Test Pit 1

KEY

Test Pit

Bore Hole

0 10m

Figure 4: Pre-Excavation Site Plan A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20

 River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon

E
J F
I Cap
Attenuation Tank tain’
s Wa
lk

H
G

KEY

Inspection Chamber Wall {104}

C Bore Hole
D Section Line
Inspection Chamber
A B Existing Inspection Chamber
Route of External Drainage
Route of Sewer Line

0 10m

Figure 5: Site Plan A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20

 River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon

Southeast Facing Section of Foundation Trench Southwest Facing Section of Foundation Trench
A B C D

131m 131m
(100)
(100)
(101)

(102) (102)

{104}

(103)

Key
CBM

0 1m 0 1m

Figure 6a: Representative Section Figure 6b: Representative Section A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20
 River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon

Southwest Facing Section of Attenuation Tank

E F
130.89m

(100)

(106)
(107)
(109) (108)

(110)
(111)

(112) (113)

(114)

(115)

(116)

(117)

0 1m

Figure 7: Representative Section A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20

 River House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon

Northeast Facing Section of Foundation Trench Northeast Facing Section of Foundation Trench
G H I J

130.89m 131m

(100)

(100)

(102)
(102)

0 1m 0 1m

Figure 8a: Representative Section Figure 8b: Representative Section A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20
 RIver House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon

Photograph

N
Southeast looking shot showing four
Cap
tain
’s W of the 12 brick portals within wall
alk
{104}.

Scales: N/A

0 10m

PLATE 1 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20

 RIver House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon

Photograph

N
Southeast looking shot showing
Cap
tain
’s W
alk
extent of bore holes prior to watching
brief.

Scales: 2x1m

0 10m

PLATE 2 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20

 RIver House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon

Photograph

N
Southeast looking shot showing
Cap
tain
’s W aperture in the south-western corner
alk
of wall {104}.

Scales: 1x2m

0 10m

PLATE 3 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20

 RIver House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon

Photograph

N
Southwest looking shot showing
Cap
tain
’s W
alk
excavated extent of wall {104} with
ledge visible 0.75m above excavated
base.

Scales: 1x2m

0 10m

PLATE 4 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20

 RIver House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon

Photograph

N
Southwest facing section of
Cap
tain
’s W
alk
attenuation tank.

Scales: 1x2m

0 10m

PLATE 5 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20

 RIver House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon

Photograph

N
Shot looking east of wall {104} and
Cap
tain
’s W external inspection chamber.
alk

Scales: 2x1m

0 10m

PLATE 6 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20

 RIver House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon

Photograph

N
Shot looking east of external drainage
Cap
tain
’s W run.
alk

Scales: 2x1m

0 10m

PLATE 7 A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20

Site Name: Captain's Walk, Brecon Appendix II A.P.A.C. Ltd
E167029
Project No: 501 Project Code: WB/CWB/20 Digital Photographic Record Contexts: <Surface> (Deposit) {Structure} [Cut]

Photo ID View Description Date of Compiled Date

Photographer Plate
Facing Photograph: by Compiled
Img_4423 SSE Pre-excavation shot of site S Reames 01/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021 2
Img_4424 NNW Pre-excavation shot of site S Reames 01/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4425 WSW Pre-excavation shot of site S Reames 01/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4426 SW Pre-excavation shot of site S Reames 01/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4427 WSW Pre-excavation shot of site S Reames 01/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4428 NW Pre-excavation shot of site S Reames 01/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4429 SSE Pre-excavation shot of site - southeast wall S Reames 01/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021 1
Img_4430 SW Pre-excavation shot of site - southwest wall - southern half S Reames 01/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4431 NW Pre-excavation shot of site - southwest wall - northern half S Reames 01/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4433 WSW East-northeast facing section of foundation trench (southwestern corner) S Reames 14/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4434 NNW Post-ex shot of foundation trench S Reames 14/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4436 SE Northwest facing section of drainage trench in southern half of site S Reames 14/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4437 SW Post-ex shot of drainage trench S Reames 14/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4438 ENE Post-ex shot of southernmost foundation trench S Reames 14/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4439 ENE West-southwest facing section of foundation trench (south-eastern corner) S Reames 14/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4440 WSW East-northeast facing section of drainage trench S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4441 NNW Post-ex shot of drainage trench (central area, eastern side) S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4442 WSW East-northeast facing section of foundation trench (north-western corner) S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4443 SSE Post-ex shot of foundation trenches S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4444 SSE Post-ex shot of foundation trenches S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4445 SSE Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - western trench S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4446 NNW Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - eastern trench S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4447 SW Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - northernmost cross trench S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4448 SW Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - northern half cross trench S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4449 SW Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - southern half cross trench S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4450 SSE Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - central trench S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4451 E Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - southernmost cross trench S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4452 N Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - overall shot S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4453 NNW Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - overall shot S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4454 S Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - southern half of site S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4455 W Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - central area of site S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4456 NW Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - northern half of site S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4457 NNW Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - northern half of site S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4640 SE Working shot of poured foundations - southern half S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4641 NW Working shot of poured foundations - northern half S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4642 NW Working shot of north-western corner of site S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021

Page 1 of 2
Site Name: Captain's Walk, Brecon Appendix II A.P.A.C. Ltd
E167029
Project No: 501 Project Code: WB/CWB/20 Digital Photographic Record Contexts: <Surface> (Deposit) {Structure} [Cut]

Img_4644 NNW Oblique shot of south-southeast facing section of drainage route S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4645 WSW Working shot of drainage area - south-western corner of site S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4646 WSW East-northeast elevation of wall {104} S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021 4
Img_4647 WSW East-northeast elevation of wall {104} S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4648 WSW East-northeast elevation of wall {104} S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4649 SSE North-northwest facing elevation of wall {104} with aperture S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021 3
Img_4650 SSE North-northwest facing elevation of wall {104} with aperture S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4651 SSE North-northwest facing elevation of wall {104} with aperture S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4652 SSE North-northwest facing elevation of wall {104} with aperture - area above aperture S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4653 SSE North-northwest facing elevation of wall {104} with aperture - area above aperture S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4655 ENE West-northwest facing section of soakaway S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021 5
Img_4658 WSW Post-ex shot of soakaway trench S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4659 N Post-ex shot of soakaway trench - western half of trench S Reames 02/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4674 NNW Post-ex shot of soakaway trench S Reames 09/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4675 NNW Post-ex shot of soakaway trench S Reames 09/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_4676 SSE Post-ex shot of soakaway trench S Reames 09/11/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
Img_5405 SE Post-ex shot of external drainage reinstatement S Reames 20/01/2022 S.Reames 21/01/2022
Img_5406 SE Post-ex shot of external drainage reinstatement S Reames 20/01/2022 S.Reames 21/01/2022
Img_5407 E Post-ex shot of external drainage reinstatement S Reames 20/01/2022 S.Reames 21/01/2022
Img_5408 NE Post-ex shot of external drainage reinstatement S Reames 20/01/2022 S.Reames 21/01/2022
Img_5409 E Post-ex shot of external drainage reinstatement - close up of inspection chamber and placement inrelation to wall {104} S Reames 20/01/2022 S.Reames 21/01/2022
Img_5410 E Post-ex shot of external drainage reinstatement - close up of inspection chamber and placement inrelation to wall {104} S Reames 20/01/2022 S.Reames 21/01/2022 6
Img_5411 SE Post-ex shot of external drainage reinstatement - area between inspection chambers S Reames 20/01/2022 S.Reames 21/01/2022 7
Img_5412 NE Post-ex shot of external drainage reinstatement - area between inspection chambers S Reames 20/01/2022 S.Reames 21/01/2022
152045 SSE Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - aerial shot S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
152100 SSE Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - aerial shot S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
152129 SSE Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - aerial shot S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
152142 SSE Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - aerial shot S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
152204 SSE Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - aerial shot S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
152253 SSE Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - aerial shot S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021
152307 SSE Post-ex shot of foundation trenches - aerial shot S Reames 15/09/2020 S.Reames 29/07/2021

Page 2 of 2
Site Name: Captain's Walk, Brecon Appendix I A.P.A.C. Ltd
E167029
Project No: 501, Code: WB/CWB/20-2 Context list Contexts: <Surface> (Deposit) {Structure} [Cut]

Context Area Feature Description Date Initials Modified Initials Finds

Deposit 14/09/2020 SR 28/07/2021 SR
100 Firm reddish-brown silty-sand. Modern uniform deposit consisting of hardcore over a terram base. Used to increase and level the site. X

101 Deposit Loose, mid-grey sand, very well sorted. A uniform layer of dust/sand used to level the site. Modern in date. 14/09/2020 SR 28/07/2021 SR 
Deposit Loose, dark brown/black silty-clay with common, poorly sorted, sub-angular 10-100mm coarse components. A deliberate backfilling of the 14/09/2020 SR 28/07/2021 SR
102
site with modern detrius used to increase the level of the site. Contained modern drink cans and plastic.

Deposit 14/09/2020 SR 28/07/2021 SR
Loose, mid-brown silty-clay with clear edges. A layer of soil only present at the base of the foundation trenches. Most probably a previous
103 X
topsoil the same/similar to the surrounding land outside of the walls. Not excavated into due to the limit of the foundation trench.

Structure A dressed stone wall with lime mortar bonding. Laid with approximately uniform stone blocks (300mmx50mm). A slight ledge protrudes on SR 28/07/2021 SR
104 the inside elevation, potentially for an internal floor surface? Very deep/thick. Has openings on the southern wall. Upper portion of the wall 02/11/2020 X
has modern brick addtitions.
105 Cut Cut for wall structure {104}. Not seen on site but issued for stratigraphic purposes. 02/11/2020 SR 28/07/2021 SR X
Deposit Loose black silty-clay with sharp edges and common sub-rounded 10-100mm moderately sorted stone components. Deposit appears to be a SR 28/07/2021 SR
106 03/11/2020 X
soil the similar to (103) only visible at the entrance of the site.
Deposit SR 28/07/2021 SR
Loose reddish-brown silty-clay with clear to sharp edges and moderately sorted 10-100mm sub-angular coarse components. Deposit is a
107 03/11/2020 X
deliberate backfill comprised of redeposited natural with flecks of lime mortar throughout (not retained). Minor root bioturbation present.

Deposit Loose black silty-clay with sharp edges and common moderately sorted sub-angular 10-100mm coarse components. A dump of material of SR 28/07/2021 SR
108 03/11/2020 X
unknown origin into the site used to increase the elevation of the ground surface. Charcoal flecks throughout.
Deposit Loose reddish-brown silty-clay with clear edges and common sub-angular to sub-rounded moderately sorted 10-150mm coarse components. SR 28/07/2021 SR
109 Deposit is a band of redeposited natural used to increase the level of the area at the entrance of the site. Unknown origin of deposit, 03/11/2020 X
potentially extracted from nearby.
Deposit Loose greyish-black silty-clay with sharp edges and common sub-angular poorly-sorted 10-150mm coarse components. A deliberate dump of SR 28/07/2021 SR
110 03/11/2020 X
waste material (most probably domestic refuse) situated at the entrance of the site. Unknown origin of deposit.
Deposit Loose mid-brown silty-clay with clear edges and common, moderately sorted sub-rounded 10-100mm coase components. A dump of SR 28/07/2021 SR
111 domestic refuse mixed in with other material at the entrance of the side. Used to build up the ground level to create a platform. Unknown 03/11/2020 X
origin of deposit.
Loose black silty-clay with sharp edges and common sub-rounded moderatey sorted 10-90mm coarse components. A thin layer of (most SR 28/07/2021 SR
112 Deposit 03/11/2020 X
probably) trample occurring during deliberate backfill of the site as indicated by the short horizon between the contexts.

Loose reddish-brown silty-clay with clear edges and common sub-rounded moderately sorted 10-150mm coarse components. A relatively SR 28/07/2021 SR
113 Deposit 03/11/2020 X
thick (0.35m) dump of redeposited natural from an unknown source deposited at the entrance to the site.
Loose mid-grey silty-clay with clear edges and common moderately sorted 10-150mm sub-rounded coarse components. A thin dump of SR 28/07/2021 SR
114 Deposit 03/11/2020 X
material in the entrance of site. Unknown origin. Used to increase the level of the ground surface.
Deposit SR 28/07/2021 SR
Loose reddish-brown silty-clay with clear edges, abundant poorly sorted 10-200mm sub-rounded coarse components. A band of deliberately
115 03/11/2020 X
dump redeposited natural. Contains large river gravels indicating excavated material originates from nearby/the river front area, possibly.

Page 1 of 2
Site Name: Captain's Walk, Brecon Appendix II A.P.A.C. Ltd
E167029
Project No: 501, Code: WB/CWB/20-2 Context list Contexts: <Surface> (Deposit) {Structure} [Cut]

Deposit Loose greyish-black silty-clay with clear edges and common sub-rounded moderately sorted 10-100mm coarse components. A dump of SR 28/07/2021 SR
116 03/11/2020 X
domestic refuse of unknown origin used to infill the area/increase the ground surface of the area. Situated at the entrance of the site.
Loose reddish-brown silty-clay with clear edges and abundant sub-rounded poorly sorted 10-300mm coarse components. Potentially another SR 28/07/2021 SR
117 Deposit band of redeposited natural located at the entrace of the site. Unknown origin. Possibly used to increase the ground surface or for dumping 03/11/2020 X
of waste.

Page 2 of 2
RIver House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20

RIver House, Captain’s Walk, Brecon

A.P.A.C. Ltd WB/CWB/20

 A.P.A.C. Ltd Appendix III WB/CWB/20
FINDS

DSCN8725
Find Area Context Description Period Date
1 102 1 sherd green glazed grey earthenware covered with limestone Late M? 14/09/20
1 sherd Somerset ware 18th
1 sherd glazed earthenware pancheon rim 18th/19th
3 shards green glass
1 sherd Mochaware 19th
1 sherd Willow pattern 19th/20th
1 thick sherd glazed white China

DSCN8716

Find Area Context Description Period Date

th
2 102 1 walkers crisps packet Late 20 14/09/20
1 drinks tin
 A.P.A.C. Ltd Appendix III WB/CWB/20
FINDS

DSCN8717
Find Area Context Description Period Date
3 101 3 clay pipe stems 18th/19th 15/09/20
1 sherd Pearlware plate base 19th
1 sherd Mochaware
1 sherd bone china cup rim
2 sherds white china with blue transfer print
1 sherd china with floral print decoration 20th
1 sherd white china