Contents

1 Introduction 1 2 Location 1 3 Background 1 Archaeology 1 History 2 4 Analysis 3 Medieval Topography 3 Post-Medieval Topography 6 5 Recent Development 7 6 Importance and Potential 8 Criteria for Areas of Archaeological Importance 8 The Potential of Ringwood 9 Areas of Archaeological Importance 9 Research Framework 10 7 Sources 11 Documentary Sources 11 Maps and Plans 11 Bibliography 11 8 Abbreviations 12 Maps Map A Ringwood Environs Map B Medieval Plan Elements Map C Post-Medieval Plan Elements Map D Recent Development Map E Areas of Archaeological Importance

ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT

RINGWOOD 1. INTRODUCTION English Heritage has initiated a national series of Extensive Urban Surveys. Several counties have commenced such projects including Hampshire County Council who are undertaking the survey of the small towns of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The survey is intended to provide an up-to-date view of the archaeological resource in each of the towns building on earlier surveys (e.g. Hughes, 1976; Basford, 1980) and consists of three phases: Data Collection, Data Assessment and Strategy. The first stage, Data Collection, draws together the accessible history of the town, the archaeological knowledge and historic buildings data. The Data Assessment phase of the survey leads to the production of a report which presents a brief history of the town, (this document is not intended as a definitive history) an analysis of the plan of the town, an assessment of the archaeological and buildings data and the state of modern development resulting in the identification of areas of archaeological importance. Information about the development of the town through the ages, including plan-form analysis and the identified areas of archaeological importance, is also presented in cartographic form at the end of the report. The Strategy phase of the survey, uses the information presented in the Data Assessment combined with current statutory and non-statutory constraints, and present and future planning policy to make recommendations for policies regarding the historic environment. The policies may be incorporated into Local and Unitary Development Plans, non-statutory policies, supplementary guidance and for use within development control. 2. LOCATION Ringwood (NGR SU 145053) lies on the western edge of the New Forest in the valley of the River Avon at between 15 and 20m OD. The town is approximately 12km to the north of Christchurch and 9km south of Fordingbridge. The Avon forms the western limit of the town but until the late nineteenth century there was a large lake to the north-west of the town. The majority of the town lies on valley gravels. To both the east and west of the valley the geology is very varied with Bracklesham Beds, Barton Sands, Bagshot Beds and Plateau Gravels. 3. BACKGROUND ARCHAEOLOGY Introduction Generally, there are few records of sites or finds in the area around the town of Ringwood.

This is probably, in part, due to the nature of the landscape surrounding the town, with the flood plain of the river to the west and north which is mainly pasture, and heathland of the New Forest nearby to the east, both land-uses restricting the opportunity for field-walking or casual discovery.

Prehistoric Flint implements and debitage of Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age date

have been found in several locations around the outskirts of the town. A1 A possible Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age settlement site has been identified to the

south-east of the town based on a scatter or flint tools and debitage. Roman A2 There have been few artefacts of Roman date found in the area. A single Roman coin was

recovered from the south-eastern end of the town near Christchurch Road.

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Running parallel to Christchurch Street is a street called Quomp. This name is recorded in a survey of the manor in the eighteenth century (HRO 107M86/1) as part of one of the town’s fields, and is thought to contain the Old English word camp which may mean ‘an enclosed piece of land’ and could represent a link with Romano-British agriculture (Field 1993, 216).

A3 It is probable that the line of the Roman road from Otterbourne, which connected with the

Poole Harbour to Badbury Rings road, (Margary 422, 1955, 87) runs through the town, crossing the river in the vicinity of the old bridge. To the south-west of the town, the former line of the northern boundary of the parish of Christchurch took a straight course for more than 2km. It is possible that the parish boundary was following the line of the Roman road in this area.

Anglo-Saxon There are no sites of Anglo-Saxon date in or around the town. Excavations in the heart of the

town have failed to locate any evidence of occupation dating from before the twelfth century (Light 1991, 64).

HISTORY Anglo-Saxon Ringwood first appears in the documentary record in 955x958 in the will of Ælfsige, Bishop of Winchester. In 961 King Edgar granted land, a church, and a mill at Ringwood to Abingdon Abbey (Sawyer 1968, 1491; 690; Anon 1976). Early forms of the place-name include runcwuda (955x958), and rimucwuda (955), and is thought to be derived from rima ‘edge, border’. Thus the place-name may mean ‘border wood’ referring to the position of the settlement on the fringe of the New Forest, although its position near to the county boundary may have been the influence on the place-name (Coates 1993, 138). Ringwood lay near to the northern boundary of the parochia of the minster church at Christchurch (Hase 1984, 47) but it is not clear whether the church at Ringwood was a dependent chapel of Christchurch, as Ringwood was a royal estate. Medieval The king held the manor of Rincvede at the time of the Domesday Survey. Although the manor consisted of twenty-eight hides, only ten of them were at Ringwood and four of those had been taken into the Forest. The remainder of the hides of the manor were on the Isle of Wight. There was a recorded population of eighty-six, including eight slaves, a church, and a mill, although it is not known if the population living on the Island was included. The four hides in the Forest had supported fourteen villagers and six smallholders (Munby 1982, fol 39a). The overlordship of the manor remained with the king throughout much of the medieval period. This resulted in frequent changes in the lord of the manor, particularly during the reigns of John and Henry III (Page 1911, 607). In 1226 Henry III restored the manor to Richard Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, and in the same year granted the Earl a market charter for Ringwood (Page 1911, 607; 609). The town did not gain borough status, possibly because the frequent changes in ownership discouraged the necessary investment. The lack of legal town status does not appear to have been a restricting factor in the importance of the town as taxation records would seem to indicate that it was one of the wealthiest places in the county in the middle ages (Hughes 1994, 202). Only Winchester and Southampton were taxed more heavily in the 1334 Lay Subsidy. The town obtained a yearly fair in 1337 (Page 1911, 609).

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Post-medieval By the sixteenth century two fairs were being held in the town (Page 1911, 609) although the date of the origin of the second fair is not known. During the sixteenth century part of the town on the northern side of the market place and High Street was damaged by fire (Light 1991, 64). The population of the town appears to have risen during the seventeenth century based on the number of communicants at the parish church. Between the years 1603 and 1676 the numbers attending church rose by 15%, but this rise is well below the average population increase of 40% in all Hampshire towns (Rosen 1981, 175). Economically, the late medieval and post-medieval periods saw a decline in the fortunes of the town in comparison to many of the other towns of the county. Ringwood’s principle industries were connected with leather and cloth working. The town became famous for its gloves that were called ‘Ringwoods’ and collars and cuffs that were made at a factory at the south-eastern end of Quomp. 4. ANALYSIS MEDIEVAL TOPOGRAPHY Introduction The medieval town of Ringwood lay principally along one road orientated north-west/south-

east lying along the valley of the River Avon. The plan has been accurately described as an example of ribbon development (Hughes 1976, 122). The church and market lay at the western end of the road, with the majority of the town on both sides of the road to the south-east. However, the town also lies at a ‘cross-roads’ with an important route from Southampton, Up Street, (now Southampton Road) entering the town from the north-east, and heading towards Poole and the south-west.

Market, streets and bridges Market B1 The wide, but slightly irregularly shaped market place lies on the southern side of the

churchyard The market place narrows to the south-east as it leads into the High Street. Streets Ringwood lay at a crossing point of two routes; one generally north-south route along the

valley of the River Avon, the second running from north-east to south-west. These routes do not cross at a conventional cross-roads, but merge for a short distance along High Street and through the market place. The town principally lies along the valley road, consisting of the market place, High Street and Christchurch Street, with the route leading to north passing along the western boundary of the churchyard. The route from the north-east, which would have carried traffic to and from Southampton and Winchester, entered the town along Up Street (now Southampton Road) and connected with the south-eastern end of the High Street. It is possible that there has been some reorganisation of the line of this route. As it approached the town along Poulner Lane, it lay on a west-south-west/east-north-east line, but near to the manor house, the line of the road changes abruptly so as to link with the south-east end of High Street, and feed all traffic through the town. If the line of Poulner Lane is continued to the south-west, it would pass the southern side of the church and the line of the route was continued on the west of the river by the road to Poole. This line may approximate with the line of the Roman road.

On the southern side of High Street there are several lanes that run along the length of the

property plots, and give access to the common land to the south-west of the town. One of the lanes is called Kingsbury’s which has led to the suggestion that the name recalls an early royal enclosure or burh (Hughes 1976, 121), although the antiquity of the name is not known. The first record found of the name by the present author is on a twentieth-century OS map.

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‘Kingsbury’ street names have been taken to indicate Anglo-Saxon fortified royal enclosures in some other Wessex towns, for example, Marlborough and Wilton in Wiltshire, (Haslam 1984, 101; 122), but there is no plan element that would suggest such an enclosure in Ringwood. There are several other names, for example, Kingsmead and Kingsfield (Hughes 1976, 121), several Kingstons, and a Kingstream around the area of the town, that probably reflect the royal ownership of the manor in the medieval period.

Bridge B2 Bridge Street probably crossed one of the branches of the River Avon by a medieval bridge,

although the existing structure is of nineteenth-century date. Medieval Property plots High Street/Market Place - south side B3 There is some evidence of planning in the town, but this appears to have been restricted to the

southern side of the market place and High Street where long, narrow, plots lying at right angles to the street. These plots stretch along almost the whole southern side of the town. The property plots back on to Bickerley Common and there is a road along the rear of the plots that may have functioned as a back lane. A water-course, known as Town Ditch, runs across the rear parts of some of the plots. The stream may have provided the necessary water for industrial activities such as tanning or cloth dying.

High Street/Market Place - north side B4 On the northern side of the market place and High Street, the property plots lie in two discrete

areas and are very different to those on the southern side. Adjoining the eastern side of the churchyard, and facing onto the northern side of the market place, is a block of properties with square and rectangular plots. The second block of properties principally faces High Street, but also faces onto Up Street along its eastern side, and has a small lane along the northern side. The property plots in this area are, generally, long, narrow plots but they do not lie at right angles to the High Street as the plots on the southern side, but they are orientated towards the end of the market place and Up Street. Excavations in this area have shown that there has been some reorganisation of the property boundaries, possibly after the fire in this area in the sixteenth century. Several medieval ditches that formed the boundaries of three tofts extending northwards from High Street were found. There was no evidence for occupation from before the twelfth century (Light 1991, 64).

West Street B5 On the north-western side of West Street is a short row of properties with a small lane running

along the rear of the plots which are probably of medieval origin. Late medieval property plots B6 Christchurch Street It is uncertain, at present, how far the town extended to the south-east. Along Christchurch

Road there are some buildings that incorporate timber-framed structures that, although not listed as late medieval, may be of sixteenth-century construction.

Up Street As with Christchurch Street, the extent of the late medieval town along Up Street is not

known. As Up Street led towards Southampton and Winchester, it would have been an important route into the town and so it could be expected that there was some development in this area in the medieval period. The Manor House, on the northern edge of town, is thought to have been rebuilt in the early seventeenth century that suggests that there may have been a medieval building on the site.

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Buildings Manor House (not located) There are fourteenth century references to a ‘capital messuage’ with a garden (PRO

SC11/595), but the exact location of the manor house is not known at present. It has been suggested that it stood to the north-east of the church and although a map of c.1580 (HRO Photocopy 374) shows what has been described as ‘formal gardens’ it does not show the manor house (Light 1991, 64). The map shows buildings to the north, and north-east of the church and several small hedged closes, but not formal gardens. The building to the north of the church is shown in a large plot and may be either the manor house or the court house. This area has now been mostly incorporated into the churchyard. A survey of the manor taken in 1593 (HRO 51M74/M2) records that the manor was near to the court house, which suggests that the manor had been demolished at that date.

An indenture of 1783 records a piece of ground where a mansion house had stood and this

reference has been taken to relate to the site of the manor house (Light, 1988). However, the term ‘mansion house’ could be used for any large house and should not be accepted as meaning the manor house without other evidence.

Court House (not located) There are medieval references to a court house but, as with the manor, there is no direct

evidence to show where the court house stood, although the 1593 survey of the manor (HRO 51M74/M2) includes several references that would indicate that the manor house, church, court house, mill and pound were all close to each other (Light 1988).

Church B7 A church was recorded on the manor of Ringwood in the Domesday Survey but the earliest

architectural feature in the present church is a piscina in the chancel that is of the late thirteenth-century (Pevsner and Lloyd 1967, 474) at which date the church was rebuilt.

The churchyard is irregular in shape, with a curvilinear southern and western boundary. Hospital (Not located) There are no references to a hospital in Ringwood but a late eighteenth century survey of the

manor (HRO 107M86/1) records that one of the fields of the town was called ‘Spittle Field’, a name frequently found in association with the sites of medieval hospitals (Field 1993, 205). Within Spittle Field were Crow Road furlong and Quomp. There is still a street called Quomp that runs parallel to, and on the north-east side of Christchurch Road. Quomp may have continued on towards Crow and so Spittle Field would appear to have been on the eastern side of the town. Frequently, the sites of medieval hospitals were later used for the construction of almshouses. There are almshouses in Quomp, and given the lack of any other possible site at present, the site of the almshouses represents the most likely location for the ‘spittle’ name.

Mills B8 Domesday Book recorded one mill on the manor of Ringwood (Munby 1982, fol 39a) and by

the early fourteenth century there were two mills. In the sixteenth century there was a mill described as a fulling mill (Page 1911, 609) but fulling appears to have been undertaken in the town from at least the fifteenth century as a fuller of the town was convicted of poaching in the Forest (Stagg 1983, 113).

Bartlett’s Mill stood to the north-west of the church and may be the site of the mill recorded in

Domesday Book. The mill on Bickerley Common to the south of the town may also represent the site of a

medieval mill.

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POST-MEDIEVAL TOPOGRAPHY Roads, streets and bridges The Winchester-Wimborne road was turnpiked in 1759 (HRO 44M69 G1/129) but this did

not lead to alteration in the street pattern of the town, and there were no other significant alterations in the town plan during the post-medieval period.

Bridge C1 The existing bridge that carries West Street across the Avon was built in the early nineteenth

century. Property plots C2 In the post-medieval period the town mainly expanded along Christchurch Road to the south-

east of the town centre, but there was also some expansion along Up Street. At the south-east end of the town there are several ‘islands’ of properties which give the

impression that they are encroachment onto an area of common. Such development is often regarded as being of eighteenth and nineteenth century date. However, within one of these areas in Ringwood, that bounded by Coxstone Lane on the east and north, there are buildings of seventeenth-century date which, on closer inspection, may include late medieval elements.

The Tithe Apportionment map of 1845 (HRO 21M65/F7/195/2) shows quite a large gap in the

properties on the northern side of Christchurch Road suggesting that development was intermittent and formed an irregular row of properties, with the spaces between in-filled later.

Buildings Many of the town centre buildings were either rebuilt, or earlier buildings were given new

facades during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Some of these facades may conceal evidence for earlier buildings.

A survey of the manor of 1789 (HRO 107M86/1) recorded that the Market House was valued

at £10. Manor House C3 The building now known as the Manor House on Southampton Road is thought to have been

rebuilt in 1624 as part of the Rectory Manor (Light, 1988). Church C4 The churchyard has been extended to incorporate the plots to the north of the church that were

shown on a map of 1580 (HRO Copy/374/1). The church, a large, impressive building, was extensively rebuilt between 1853-5 and is

probably one of the finest buildings designed by the Francis brothers (Pevsner and Lloyd 1967, 474).

Chapels (Not shown on map) A Quaker Meeting House was built in 1727 (Anon, 1976) and there were also Unitarian,

Baptist and Methodist chapels in the town. Cemetery C5 To the east of the town, on the northern side of Hightown Road, is a cemetery within which

are two chapels, one Episcopal and the other a Dissenter’s chapel.

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Almshouse C6 Clark’s Almshouses, which stand at the north-western end of Quomp, were built in 1843. The

almshouses may have been built on the site of earlier almshouses or the possible hospital that gave rise to the name ‘Spittle Field’ (see Hospital, p5).

Mills C7 Bartletts Mill Bartletts Mill was demolished in 1853 and a new mill was constructed on the site. This mill

was also demolished to allow construction of the town’s by-pass (Anon, 1976). Mill on Bickerley Common The mill on Bickerley Common ceased working in the mid-twentieth century. The mill had

been used variously as a corn mill, for fulling, and sawing timber. The mill house still stands and is a private residence but the mill leat has been filled in (Ellis 1969, 134).

Tanning C8 A survey of the manor in 1789 (107M86/1) recorded at least three tan-yards. The site of one

tannery on the north-eastern side of Christchurch Road was excavated and several clay lined pits were found.

The OS 1st Edition 6” map of 1872 shows a tannery in the area behind the library on the

south-western side of Christchurch Road. Brick making (Not shown on map) Brick making was undertaken in the vicinity of the town as there are references to brick kilns

and clay pits in a manorial survey of 1789 (HRO 107M86/1). Other trades and industries Collar and cuff making C9 There was a collar and cuff factory at the south-eastern end of Quomp. The factory was built

between 1844 and 1872 and is shown on the OS 1st Edition 6” map of the latter date. Railway C10 The Ringwood to Dorchester railway line was completed in 1847 by the Southampton and

Dorchester Railway Company. The line was taken over by the London and South Western Railway Company in 1848 (Anon, 1976).

5. RECENT DEVELOPMENT One of the major developments that have been undertaken in Ringwood since the completion of the 1976 implication survey is the construction of the by-pass to the north of the town. Feeder roads from the town centre have also been constructed. Also to the north of High Street and Market Place, two supermarkets have been built on the area behind the buildings fronting High Street. Car parks have also been constructed in this area. Most residential development in the town has occurred to the north-east of the town centre and therefore has had little impact on the archaeological resource of the medieval town.

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6. IMPORTANCE AND POTENTIAL CRITERIA FOR THE AREAS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE AND POTENTIAL Introduction The primary aim of the Data Collection and Data Assessment phases of the project is to enable the identification of areas of archaeological importance within each town to inform the Strategy phase of the project. Four such areas of importance have been defined, and the criteria for these are briefly described below. Although they are all described in this introduction, not all towns will have areas within each of these categories. Levels of Archaeological Importance The levels of importance are Areas Comprising Nationally Important Remains; Areas of High Archaeological Importance; Archaeologically Important Areas; and Areas of Limited Archaeological Importance. As additional archaeological information becomes available, and a greater understanding of the archaeological resource of the town is achieved, it is possible that some areas will be re-assigned to different levels of importance. Areas Comprising Nationally Important Remains Areas of identified nationally important archaeological remains, whose location, character and importance have been demonstrably established. These remains merit physical preservation in situ. The criteria used to assess national importance is set out in Annex 4 of the Secretary of State’s non-statutory guidance note PPG16, and are briefly noted below. • Period • Rarity • Documentation • Group Value • Survival/Condition • Fragility/Vulnerability • Diversity • Potential This category will include Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Areas of High Archaeological Importance Areas considered to include other important archaeological remains, whose location, character and importance are inferred from observation, research and interpretation. Those remains are likely to merit preservation in situ. Where preservation is not justified appropriate archaeological recording will be required. Areas of High Archaeological Importance may: • Contain well preserved, archaeological deposits which may not be of national importance, but

which are of importance to the understanding of the origins and development of the town; • Be areas where the destruction, without archaeological record, of well preserved archaeological

deposits means that the last surviving elements have an increased value for the understanding of the origins and development of the town;

• Have been identified as having significant water-logged deposits; • Have a high number of existing medieval buildings. The survival of medieval buildings may also

indicate that there is well preserved stratigraphy beneath the building; • Be areas that are thought to have High Archaeological Importance due to their proximity to other,

recognised, plan elements even though there is little direct evidence to indicate high importance.

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For example, the area around an isolated church that may have been the focus for earlier settlement may be defined as an Area of High Archaeological Importance.

It is possible that areas that areas of High Archaeological Importance may, through further archaeological or documentary work, be shown to include Nationally Important Remains. Archaeologically Important Areas Areas considered to contain archaeological remains of some importance. Where these remains cannot be preserved in situ, they are likely to require appropriate archaeological recording. Such areas: • Are significant elements in the plan but where there has been a moderate level of modern

development or cellaring; • Have had little archaeological work undertaken within them but cartographic or documentary

sources suggest that they may have been within the historic core of the town or areas of important suburban development.

Surviving archaeological deposits in Archaeologically Important Areas will probably have a relatively high density but, due to pressures of development over many centuries, there may be a high level of fragmentation. Areas of Limited Archaeological Importance Areas considered to include archaeological remains of a character unlikely to provide significant information, or archaeological remains whose integrity has been severely compromised by development. These remains may require appropriate archaeological recording if threatened by development. Areas of Limited Archaeological Importance may: • Have a good survival of archaeological deposits, but where there is likely to be a low density of

archaeological features; • Be areas with significant modern development resulting in limited archaeological importance,

either due to the scale of development or due to the limited nature of the archaeological resource before development;

• Be areas where the current hypothesis supports only a limited possibility of encountering archaeological remains.

THE POTENTIAL OF RINGWOOD Areas of Archaeological Importance Areas Comprising Nationally Important Archaeological Remains No areas have been recognised that are considered to contain archaeological deposits that are of national importance. Areas of High Archaeological Importance The areas to both the north and south of West Street, Market Place and High Street, which form the core of the medieval town, are Areas of High Archaeological Importance. However, for the most part the area only includes the building lines and the area immediately behind the buildings as there has been considerable development in the rear parts of the plots, especially on the northern side of High Street where there has been extensive development. The church and churchyard also lie within the Area of High Archaeological Importance. Archaeologically Important Areas The property plots facing Christchurch Road lie within an Archaeologically Important Area. It is thought that development began within this area in the late medieval or early post-medieval period, but there is little information available to closely date the stages of the town’s development. As the town expanded along this street, various trades and industries that were not welcomed in the built-up area,

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for example, tanning or kilns, may have been gradually pushed further from the town centre, and evidence for such activities may still survive, especially along the sides of the small stream that runs through the rear part of these plots. The date of development of properties along Southampton Road is also not fully understood at present, and therefore areas that do not have modern development on them are Archaeologically Important Areas. Areas of Limited Archaeological Importance The rear parts of the properties on the north and south side of Market Place and High Street are Areas of Limited Archaeological Importance. Although there has been a reasonably high level of development in these areas, within the southern plots there are still some significant areas that have not been developed which may contain evidence of trades and small scale industries undertake in the town. The rear parts of the plots may also contain rubbish pits and latrines that could provide information about the trade of goods and the diet of the inhabitants of the town in the medieval and post-medieval periods. On the northern side of High Street, there is a large car-park, the construction of which may have truncated, although not completely destroyed, any archaeological deposits thus reducing their importance. The site of the almshouses in Quomp is an Area of Limited Archaeological Importance due to the possibility that there was a medieval hospital on the site and the modern development that has occurred to the east and west of the almshouses. If this site was to be shown to contain remains of the hospital, it could represent one of the least disturbed medieval hospital sites in Hampshire, and would, therefore, become an Area Containing Nationally Important Archaeological Remains or an Area of High Archaeological Importance, depending upon the survival of any archaeological deposits. Research Framework • The line of the Roman road It has been assumed that Ringwood lies on a Roman road, although it has never been observed in

any archaeological intervention in the town. The road may have had a significant influence of the original siting of the town, and could have also influenced the position of the church and manor.

• Manor House The location of the manor house, one of the most important buildings in the town, is not known. It

is thought that the building stood to the north-east of the church, which would put it away from the market place and High Street. Identification of the manorial site may result in a re-assessment of the development and plan form of the town.

• The wealth of the medieval town Ringwood was one of the wealthiest towns in Hampshire in the Middle Ages but at present the

basis for this standing is uncertain. There is no large-scale industrial activity recorded in the town and the surrounding landscape, except for the valley of the Avon, is poor quality land, probably ruling out agriculture as the source of wealth.

• The extent of the medieval town Although it is possible to identify the centre of the medieval town as the area around the market

place and along High Street, the extent of the town to the south-east and along Southampton Road is less certain. Research, both documentary and fieldwork, could refine the understanding of the growth of the town. Such research may also throw light on industries that were undertaken on the fringe of the settlement.

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• Hospital At present there is no direct documentary evidence for a hospital in Ringwood, but the field name

‘Spittle Field’ would suggest that there may have been a hospital in the town. Further documentary research may confirm the presence of such a foundation. At present the site of the almshouses in Quomp represents the most likely site. Research into the history of this site is required, which may need to supported by archaeological survey.

7. SOURCES DOCUMENTARY The Hampshire Record Office holds several manorial surveys of sixteenth- to eighteenth-century date. Some of these documents have been consulted in the course of this survey, but they have not been systematically studied. MAPS AND PLANS 1580 Map of the parish of Ringwood (HRO Copy 374/1) 1845 Tithe Apportionment map (HRO 21M65/F7/195/2) 1872 OS 1st Edition 6” map Sheet 70 BIBLIOGRAPHY Anon 1976 Ringwood - A Short Illustrated History Ringwood and District Round Table Basford, H.V. 1980 The Vectis Report Isle of Wight County Council. Coates, R 1993 The Place-Names of Hampshire Ensign Southampton Ellis, C.M. 1969 ‘A Gazetteer of the Water, Wind and Tide Mills of Hampshire’ in Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 25, for 1968 119-140 Field, J. 1993 English Field-Names Longman Harlow Hase, P.H. 1984 ‘The Mother Churches of Hampshire’ in Haslam, J. [Ed] Anglo- Saxon Towns in Southern England Phillimore Chichester Haslam, J. 1984 ‘The Towns of Wiltshire’ in Haslam, J. [Ed] Anglo-Saxon Towns in Southern England Phillimore Chichester Hughes, M.F. 1976 The Small Towns of Hampshire. The Archaeological and Historical Implications of Development Hampshire Archaeological Committee Light, A. 1988 Personal communication with the County Archaeologist, M. Hughes about the cattle market site. Letter held in the SMR, Hampshire County Council Light, A. 1991 ‘Ringwood - Cattle Market’ in Hughes, M.F. [Ed] Archaeology in Hampshire 1990 Hampshire County Council Winchester Margary, I.D. 1955 Romans Roads in Britain Phoenix House London Munby, J [Ed] 1982 Hampshire Domesday Book Phillimore Chichester Page, W. [Ed] 1911 Victoria History of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight 4, Archibald Constable London Pevsner, N & 1967 Hampshire and the Isle of Wight The Buildings of England Lloyd, D. Penguin Harmondsworth Rosen, A. 1981 ‘Winchester in Transition’ in Clark, P. [Ed] Country Towns in pre-Industrial England 1580-1700 Leicester University Press Leicester Sawyer, P.H. [Ed] 1968 Anglo-Saxon Charters Royal Historical Society London

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Stagg, D.J. [Ed] 1979 A Calendar of New Forest Documents AD1244-1334 Hampshire Record Series 3, Hampshire County Council Winchester Stagg, D.J. [Ed] 1983 A Calendar of New Forest Documents The Fifteenth to the Seventeenth Centuries Hampshire Record Series 5, Hampshire County Council Winchester 8. ABBREVIATIONS HRO Hampshire Records Office nd No date of publication given NGR National Grid Reference OD Ordnance Datum OS Ordnance Survey SMR Sites and Monuments Record

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Contents

1 Introduction 1 2 Areas of Potential Archaeological Importance 2 3 Archaeological Responses to Development 4 Historic Ringwood: A Strategy for its Future 4 A Strategy for Ringwood 6 5 Historic Ringwood 6 6 Planning History 7 7 The Management of Ringwood’s Archaeological Heritage 7 8 The Future Strategy 10 Appendix Development Plan Policies 13 Maps Map A Ringwood Conservation Area Map B Modern Development Map C Areas of Archaeological Importance

ARCHAEOLOGICAL STRATEGY DOCUMENT

RINGWOOD 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Historic towns have long been a focus of settlement and community in the landscape. This

continuity of urban settlement indicates both the benefits of urban living in terms of quality of life and economic advantage, and that these towns in particular are stable, adaptable and well connected. They are the product of change necessary to meet the needs of successive generations. The archaeological evidence that accumulates within the town illustrates the social, economic, religious, technological and political change through time, not only in that community but locally, regionally and nationally. This archaeological evidence is buried, with artefacts and features such as wall footings, pits, wells and post holes, but is also within the fabric of the historic building and in the patterns of the streets and the layout of the property plots.

1.2 Archaeological evidence is important for its potential to increase future knowledge and for its

value as a leisure, education and tourism resource. These remains are finite and non-renewable, and are susceptible to destruction both in episodes of development and by cumulative erosion through small scale change. The quality of the urban environment can rely heavily on the historic and cultural attributes of the town. A sustainable future for these settlements and communities must integrate the past with the future.

1.3 In addition to the statutory protection afforded by listing and scheduling, the development of

government policy for the archaeological and the historic environment has contributed to a change in attitudes towards the preservation, assessment and evaluation of both the buried and standing archaeological resource by local authorities. This is particularly the case in the larger historic towns and cities, like Southampton and Winchester. Government advice in PPG 15 and 16 has highlighted the desirability of preserving historic and archaeological remains, in particular presuming a case for the preservation of nationally important remains (PPG 16 para 8). The advice identifies the important role of local authorities in planning, education and recreation for the protection and management of archaeological sites (PPG 16 para 14). There is a necessity to consider the impact of a development on archaeological remains and PPG 16 emphasises the importance of informed decision making. Where preservation is not merited or justified it is clear that it is reasonable for the planning authority to satisfy itself that the developer has made appropriate and satisfactory provision for the excavation and recording of remains (PPG 16 para 25). During such considerations the Sites and Monuments Record and the Assessment accompanying this Strategy have a role, but in some circumstances the planning authority may require additional archaeological information from the applicant prior to the determination of the application (PPG 16 paras 21 and 22).

1.4 Although an archaeological survey of Hampshire's smaller market towns was produced in

1976, it has become clear in recent years that there is still a lack of archaeological understanding of the origins and development of the majority of Hampshire’s historic towns. This has meant that the protection and management of the archaeological and historical resource in these towns has been insecure. Consequently it has become increasingly important to establish archaeological frameworks and strategies for the smaller historic towns in Hampshire, to protect as appropriate the historic resource, and to ensure it is fully incorporated within the sustainable future of the towns.

1.5 Archaeological discoveries have added to the available information on the small-towns of

Hampshire creating the subsequent need for management strategies. This in turn has increased the importance of understanding how the basic economic, social and chronological evidence relates to the origins and development of each town. Although the assessment of all available archaeological and historical information will allow the formulation of a set of academically-based research frameworks/priorities (as set out in the Archaeological Assessment Documents), these priorities must be considered to inform future development control decisions and should be able to absorb and adapt to future archaeological discoveries.

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1.6 Consequently, English Heritage have commissioned an Extensive Urban Survey for

Hampshire's historic towns. The survey project has been undertaken through an English Heritage-funded post based in the County Planning Department of Hampshire County Council, with the support and assistance of the County Archaeologist and his staff. The survey provides an up-to-date assessment of the readily available archaeological and historical resource of each selected historic town and consists of three phases: data collection, data assessment and the formulation of a Strategy. The results of the data collection and data assessment form the contents of the Archaeological Assessment Document. The Assessment Document presents the archaeology and history of each town, an analysis of the existing town plan, an evaluation of the archaeological potential, the research priorities and the identification of areas of archaeological importance. Areas of archaeological importance, as well as additional site information, are presented both in text and key maps.

1.7 The Strategy phase of the survey utilises the information presented in the Archaeological

Assessment Document and combines it with current government policies and guidance, development plan policies and other local non-statutory policies to provide an enhanced understanding of the likely archaeological implications of development proposals and is for use by the planning authority, developers and the public. Recommended responses and guidance regarding the archaeological and historic environment are then outlined. Key maps accompany this Strategy. Naturally a survey of this nature will, on the one hand offer up fresh understanding of the town, and on the other hand raise further questions concerning the origins and development of Hampshire's towns.

1.8 It is important to recognise the continuing role of the Sites and Monuments Record, specialist

archaeological advice and English Heritage. Whilst the Strategy anticipates a range of responses, specialist advice from local authority archaeologists and English Heritage in the light of specific development proposals will be needed to interpret the data, to confirm the importance of the archaeological remains, to judge the significance of the impact and to consider the need for and the benefits of pre-determination evaluation. As new data becomes available in the light of the results of observations, excavations and future research so the understanding of the nature and extent of the historic and archaeological component of the town is likely to evolve. It is inevitable that the interpretation of the Strategy will evolve with it.

1.9 This Strategy document is in two parts, one which is a general introduction to the Extensive

Urban Survey whilst the second part deals specifically with Ringwood’s town strategy. The Appendix includes excerpts from the Hampshire Structure Plan and Local Plans.

2.0 Areas of Potential Archaeological Importance 2.1 Introduction The primary aim of the data collection and data assessment phases of the Historic Towns

Survey Project has been to define areas of varying potential archaeological importance in each town. Four area types have been created, each being ascribed a different grade of archaeological potential. A suite of archaeological responses are then proposed for each of the four areas, from which the most appropriate would be recommended for a particular development. Criteria for the four areas of archaeological importance can be found in the Archaeological Assessment Document. As additional archaeological information becomes available and a greater understanding of the nature and significance of the archaeological resource is achieved, it is possible that some areas will be re-assigned to different levels of importance to reflect our changing understanding of the origins and development of the town. Archaeological evaluation will form a particularly significant tool in defining the desirable archaeological response. The provision by the applicant of the results of an archaeological field evaluation may frequently be requested, as outlined by PPG 16 (paragraphs 21 and 22), reflecting the general recognition of the importance of urban archaeological deposits. The archaeological response to an application in any given urban area will reflect the anticipated

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archaeological response in this document (section 3) as well as any evaluation results, where such a study is appropriate and the results are available.

2.2 Some nationally important archaeological remains are designated as Scheduled Ancient

Monuments and as such are protected by the 1979 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act. Designation has been primarily directed towards field monuments and built structures. In view of the detailed control afforded by the Act it is not best suited to the management of extensive archaeological remains within populated and evolving urban centres. In the urban context the scheduled element of the archaeological resource is usually discreet and monumental such as a castle, or a town gate. Scheduling has been used in areas of long term open space encompassing well preserved underlying archaeological evidence, or where significant attrition occurs by processes outside planning control. In general, however, there are likely to be nationally important archaeological remains which are not scheduled but rely on recognition of their importance and due weight being given to them within the planning system.

2.3 Areas of Archaeological Importance (A) Areas of Nationally Important Archaeological Remains (ANIAR) These are areas identified as nationally important archaeological remains, including

Scheduled Ancient Monuments, whose location, character and significance have been ably demonstrated. The impact of development on both the setting and the fabric of the monument is a material consideration.

(i) Scheduled Ancient Monuments Scheduled Ancient Monuments are to be physically preserved in situ. The procedures for the

management of Scheduled Ancient Monuments are enshrined in the relevant legislation (Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979), along with details appertaining to grant aid to owners. Development affecting a Scheduled Ancient Monument will require Scheduled Monument Consent from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Such consent is independent of the planning determination, and might not be forthcoming. English Heritage are the archaeological advisors to the Secretary of State and the advice and opinion of English Heritage should be sought by the planning authority for any application affecting a Scheduled Ancient Monument, prior to determination.

(ii) Other Nationally Important Archaeological Remains As stated in the Government's archaeological guidance within the planning system (PPG16),

the management of other nationally important archaeological remains are to be considered within the remit given to local planning authorities and the development control process. Consequently serious consideration must be given to the physical preservation in situ of nationally important remains. The criteria used to assess “national importance” are set out in Annex 4 of PPG 16.

Although some historic buildings are also Scheduled Ancient Monuments, most are listed

rather than scheduled and are often of archaeological importance, a fact recognised by PPG 15 (paragraph 2.15). Important archaeological remains are often incorporated into surviving buildings or structures. The preservation of those remains should be fully considered in the same manner as those nationally important below-ground archaeological remains, as indeed should the archaeological recording of standing remains which cannot be preserved.

(B) Areas of High Archaeological Importance (AHAI) These are areas that have the potential to contain archaeological remains, buried and standing,

whose importance, location and character can be inferred through observation, research and interpretation. These remains may merit physical preservation in situ. Where preservation is

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not justified appropriate archaeological investigation and recording would be a requirement in advance of development.

Because of ongoing archaeological and historical research or evaluation results, AHAI's may

be re-assessed and consequently considered of national importance or even for scheduling, in which case policies and procedures as laid down for (A) above should be followed. Equally, additional information might demonstrate a lower archaeological importance than currently anticipated.

(C) Archaeologically Important Areas (AIA) These are areas that have the potential to contain archaeological remains which may provide

moderate levels of archaeological information. Whilst in some cases physical preservation is possible, it is most likely that the archaeological response would be one of appropriate investigation and recording, unless the developer wishes to achieve the preservation of the site.

(D) Areas of Limited Archaeological Importance (ALAI) Areas considered to have the potential to include archaeological remains of a character

unlikely to provide significant information or archaeological remains whose integrity or density has been compromised by previous development. These remains may require appropriate observation and recording if threatened by future development.

3.0 Archaeological Responses to Development 3.1 Important archaeological remains in an historic urban environment can be anticipated and

consequently current Government policies for the management of archaeological remains within the planning process are set out in PPG 16. In summary, the PPG requires that the most important archaeological remains should be preserved in situ and that, when preservation is not possible, or justified, those archaeological remains adversely affected should be adequately investigated and recorded before and/or during development (such archaeological mitigation may include survey, excavation, recording, post excavation research, preparation and publication of a report). It also states that if early discussions with local planning authorities and consultation of the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) indicate the possible presence of important archaeological remains, it is reasonable for the planning authority to request developers to undertake an archaeological evaluation of the proposed development site, before any decision is made on the planning application (PPG 16 paragraphs 21 and 22). Such an evaluation would aim to provide the additional archaeological evidence necessary to ensure that the full archaeological implications of the development can be properly considered prior to any irreversible decision being made.

3.2 In view of the recognised archaeological importance of complex urban deposits, the need for

evaluation might frequently be anticipated. However the assessment of the need for an evaluation can only be taken in the light of the nature of the development and its location and extent, and so no ‘Areas of Evaluation’ have been incorporated into this document. The results of the evaluation might well clarify that the level of archaeological importance of any given site is different from that anticipated in this document. For this reason the results of evaluation should be available prior to the determination of the application so that the full impact of the development on archaeological remains can be properly considered.

3.3 The advice given in PPG 15 and PPG 16 and subsequently adopted within Hampshire’s

structure and local plan policies, means that there are a number of archaeological options or responses to development proposals. These include:

(1) Refusal of planning permission in order to ensure the physical preservation of the remains

(which may be above or below ground) and their setting. Where possible the planning authority should consider the longer term management of these resources.

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(2) A re-design of the development proposal in order to demonstrably secure preservation. Redesign of the proposal may include an engineering solution or amendments to the layout to achieve preservation. If such a response results in the physical preservation of important archaeological remains the local planning authority should ensure the physical management of those remains within the development. This could be achieved, for example, by a management plan sponsored by the local authority, the site owner/developer and local amenity societies.

(3) Allowing development to proceed, subject to satisfactory arrangements for archaeological

investigation and recording, including standing buildings, before development commences, secured by an archaeological condition.

(4) Allowing development to proceed, subject to satisfactory arrangements for archaeological

observation and recording, including standing buildings, while development is taking place, secured by an archaeological condition.

(5) Allowing development to proceed, with no archaeological requirement. 3.4 These responses provide a flexible framework for the consideration of individual development

proposals which affect archaeological remains. Within individual developments more than one response might be necessary reflecting variations of archaeology or the nature of development across the site. They will assist both developers and planners in the preparation and determination of planning applications.

3.5 In addition to the preservation of the more important archaeological remains, there may be a

good case for their promotion and preservation through, for example, interpretation panels or printed leaflets, and their use as an educational resource or as an amenity for the town’s inhabitants and visitors. This should provide a better understanding and enjoyment of the town's archaeological and historic heritage and to promote support for the local authority’s policies for that heritage. This could be undertaken and sponsored by the site owners, the local authority, schools, local amenity groups or through partnerships between such organisations, and may be particularly welcome where positive policy towards tourism exists.

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4.0 A Strategy for Ringwood 4.1 There are four historic towns in the New Forest district within this project - Fordingbridge,

Lymington, Lyndhurst, and Ringwood. Dating from different periods they have developed in differing ways and for different reasons. The archaeological resource in each case is subsequently unique. Whilst each town’s archaeological and historic significance is already reflected in local plan policies for the management of those resources and is subject to the guidance of advice in PPG 16 and 15, this document provides additional guidance for Ringwood.

4.2 Although the Local Plan has been adopted containing policies for the urban historic

environment, this Strategy may be taken as additional material consideration in the development control process, introducing further guidance for the preservation and management of Ringwood's archaeological and historic heritage. It has been compiled in light of the Government’s advice considering archaeological remains and the historic environment within the planning process (PPG 15 and 16) and relevant policies in the Hampshire County Structure Plan and the New Forest District Local Plan. Consequently this Strategy could therefore be considered for adoption by the local planning authority as planning guidance (as defined in PPG 12 3.18-3.19) to supplement the policies of the District Local Plan.

4.3 The Strategy develops the information presented in the Archaeological Assessment Document

for Ringwood, in particular the identified areas of archaeological importance. Appropriate archaeological responses have been formulated for consideration by the District Council in anticipation of development proposals, although detailed advice should be sought in the light of development details. These responses can inform the management of the archaeological resource, and provide the controls and guidance which the District Council should use when considering planning applications. The Strategy may also promote changes in current and proposed Conservation Area designations, the establishment of town trails as well as other local amenity and/or educational proposals for the interpretation and enhancement of Ringwood's historic environment.

5.0 Historic Ringwood 5.1 This section is a summary of the more detailed accounts of the archaeology, history,

topography and architecture of Ringwood to be found in the Archaeological Assessment Document that accompanies this Strategy.

5.2 Ringwood is on the River Avon at the western edge of the New Forest. It is on the eastern

bank of the river at a point where the main road between Southampton and Christchurch crosses the river and the north-south route along the eastern side of the river valley.

5.3 Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age material has been found in the vicinity of

the town, and a Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age settlement was located to the south-east of the town. Little material of Roman date has been found, although it is possible that the Roman road from Otterbourne crosses the River Avon in the area of Ringwood. No evidence of Anglo-Saxon date has been found in or around the town.

5.4 The earliest document relating to Ringwood dates from the tenth century. It indicates that it

was a royal estate and reference is made both to a church and a mill. Domesday Book also records the church and a mill. The church, which may have been a dependant chapel of the minster church at Christchurch, was rebuilt in the nineteenth century. By the sixteenth century there were at least two mills in the town, one of which was described as a fulling mill.

5.5 Ringwood remained a royal estate throughout the medieval period and although it was granted

a market charter in 1226 it never gained borough status despite being one of the wealthiest towns in the county. Elements of the plan of the town, particularly the property plots on the southern side of High Street, suggest that they were planned and may indicate a period of reorganisation in the town.

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5.6 In the late medieval and post-medieval periods there appears to have been a decline in the fortunes of the town. Ringwood’s principle industries were leather and cloth making, and both tanning and fulling are mentioned in historic documents. Brick making is also recorded.

6.0 Planning History Development Plans 6.1 The New Forest District Local Plan Consultation Draft was published for public comment in

November 1994. The deposit version was published in November 1995. A Local Plan Inquiry was held between September 1996 and April 1997. The Inspector’s Report of the Public Inquiry into Objections to the Local Plan was published in August 1998. Modifications were published in February 1999. The Plan covers the period to 2001.

6.2 The policies and supporting statements for the management of the archaeological and

historical environment in both the Hampshire County Structure Plan (Review) and the District Local Plan (as detailed in the Appendix) have the same core understanding that archaeological remains, whether above or below ground, and their settings are a finite and non-renewable resource that should not be needlessly or thoughtlessly destroyed or damaged. Both plans underwrite the fact that whilst a small number of archaeological sites and historic buildings are protected by legislation, the majority rely on Structure Plans, Local Plans and the development control process for their continued protection and management.

Ringwood Conservation Area (Map A) 6.3 The Ringwood Conservation Area was designated in 1983 and extended in 1993.

Government guidance PPG 15 advises that "the definition of an area’s (Conservation Area) special interest should derive from an assessment of the elements that contribute to, or detract from it". These elements can include its historical development and archaeological significance, property boundaries, building materials etc. Consequently where it can be shown that significant archaeological remains survive and whose preservation is of paramount importance, this Strategy document may assist the District Council when considering Conservation Area designation.

Recent and Proposed Development (Map B) 6.4 One of the major developments that have been undertaken in Ringwood since the completion

of the 1976 implication survey is the construction of the by-pass to the north of the town. Feeder roads from the town centre have also been constructed. Also to the north side of High Street and Market Place, two supermarkets have been built in the area behind the buildings fronting High Street. Car parks have also been constructed in this area.

6.5 Most residential development in the town has occurred to the north-east of the town centre

and therefore has had little impact on the archaeological resource of the medieval town. 7.0 The Management of Ringwood's Archaeological Heritage 7.1 The archaeological importance of Ringwood lies in that it was a medieval town, located on

the fringe of the New Forest and within the Avon Valley, and strongly influenced by the major routes in the area. The role of the town as a local market, its trade links, and the inferences that can be drawn for the relationship between the Avon Valley and the New Forest as reflected in the archaeological record of the town are important. The high archaeological potential of the town is clear. Where evaluation is an appropriate response the survey results may clarify the archaeological potential prior to the determination of the application.

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7.2 Areas of Archaeological Importance (Map C) As defined in Section 2.0 of this Strategy document, the following areas of archaeological

importance have been identified in Ringwood. Areas of High Archaeological Importance Location: The properties north and south of West Street, Market Place and High Street (Area 1)

which includes the site of the church. Potential: This area is clearly the core of the medieval town and, although some elements have

been affected by recent development, the archaeological evidence for the development of the town, its local and regional trade, the industries and economy, and the lives of the town’s inhabitants may be found. The main routes through the town, the layout of the streets and back lanes, with long narrow property plots showing evidence of planning, and the location of the principle elements, such as the church, market, manor house and court house, will elucidate the origins and development of the settlement. Archaeological evidence to the north of Market Place and High Street shows that the property plots were subject to some reorganisation in the sixteenth century, possibly as a result of a fire. There is currently no evidence of pre twelfth-century occupation in this area. It has been suggested that the Kingsbury street name may indicate the existence of some form of early royal fortified enclosure. There is no suggestion of this in the current town layout, but if it exists it would be a major factor in the early history of the town, and archaeological evidence in this area might clarify whether such an enclosure existed.

A church is recorded from the tenth century, but the present building is substantially

of the thirteenth-century date, when the church was rebuilt. The vicinity of the church is likely to include evidence relating to earlier ecclesiastical structures, and the burials from the churchyard have the potential to tell us much about the health, diet, lives, lifestyles and social differentiation of the people of the town through the ages. The church is set within an irregular shaped curvilinear churchyard boundary. It seems likely that the church will have been the focus of the earliest settlement and it is probable that evidence relating to the origins of the town will exist in the surrounding area. The manor house and court house have not been located but it has been suggested that they also lay near the church. A sixteenth-century map shows some buildings to the north and north-east of the church which might represent these buildings.

Some aspects of the cloth and leather industries of the town will have required a

water supply and the evidence for these processes are most likely to be encountered north of West Street and south of the High Street where a stream runs to the rear of the property plots. Any water-logging may have resulted in the survival of organic materials, so increasing the archaeological potential of such areas.

Surviving buildings in this area may tell us much about the local building traditions,

and possibly about any relationship between the town and the New Forest. Response: (1) Archaeological evaluation should be undertaken prior to the determination of any

planning application that is likely to have a significant impact. (2) Depending on the results of any evaluation there may be a requirement for the

preservation of important, above or below ground, remains, possibly through a re-design of the development proposals.

(3) If preservation in situ is not possible or justified then there is likely to be a

requirement for their full excavation and recording prior to development.

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Note Response (2) may highlight the value of additional action, which could include a requirement for:

(a) a management plan/scheme for a particular important archaeological site or

historic building to ensure its future preservation; (b) some form of interpretation e.g. appropriate panels, leaflets or part of a town trail,

for an important archaeological site/s or historic building/s. (c) developing the site or building as an amenity for the town or as an educational

resource. Archaeologically Important Areas Location: The properties north and south of Christchurch Road, and south of Christchurch

Road east of the library (Area 2). The area of the bridge to the west of the town centre (Area 3).

Potential: It is thought that development in this area took place in the late medieval or post-

medieval period, although the development along the Southampton Road frontage is not clearly understood, and will repay particular attention. The area to the south-east seems to have developed in an intermittent way or as ‘islands’ of development giving the impression of encroachment on to common land. This may have occurred in the seventeenth century or earlier.

Archaeological evidence in this area will enhance the understanding of the

development of the town in its later stages. In particular it is likely that archaeological evidence relating to the industries of the town will be encountered. It is possible that as the town expanded the industries, particularly those with unsociable aspects, will have been pushed to the periphery of the town. The stream to the rear of the southern property plots may have been the focus to those aspects of the cloth and leather industries requiring water. Any water-logging associated with the stream may mean that organic remains will survive at some locations, such as wooden or leather artefacts or timber structural elements, and this will increase the importance of those remains.

West Street was the principal route to the west from the town and was carried over

the River Avon by a bridge from at least the medieval period. This area may have also have been the site of, or close to, the crossing point of the Roman road. At this point the River Avon is a large river and it is likely that at all but the driest times of the year it would have been difficult and dangerous to ford so a bridge would probably have been required. Therefore there is the potential for evidence of early bridge structures to survive near the existing bridge. The potential for water-logging having preserved timber elements of any early bridges enhances the importance of the area. If early bridge structures of Roman date were to be discovered they would almost certainly be regarded as having High Archaeological Importance and may even be deemed to be of National Importance.

Response: (1) Depending on the scale of the proposed development and the survival of above

and below ground archaeological remains, archaeological evaluation might need to be undertaken prior to the determination of any planning application.

Depending on development details and available archaeological information,

including the results of any evaluation there may be: (2) a requirement for their full excavation and recording prior to development.

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OR (3) a requirement for archaeological observation and recording during development. Areas of Limited Archaeological Importance Location: Properties to the rear of High Street both to the north (Area 4) and to the south (Area

5), and an area at Quomp (Area 6). Potential: Although Areas 3 and 4 are within the historic core of Ringwood the survival of

archaeological deposits is likely to have been compromised by more recent development. For instance, the construction of the Furlong car park is likely to have truncated archaeological deposits. None the less in some areas archaeological deposits may have survived, in some cases deeper archaeological features surviving in a truncated state, and so will contain archaeological evidence relating to medieval Ringwood, the way it has developed, its economy and the inhabitants.

Area 5 includes the site of the Almshouses. Although there is no direct reference to a

medieval hospital in Ringwood there was a field called ‘Spittle Field’ which included an area called Quomp. The Almshouses stand in Quomp, and as almshouses often utilised the sites of medieval hospitals it is possible that this was the site of a medieval hospital in Ringwood. If evidence for medieval structures is found the archaeological importance of this area would increase, as the majority of medieval hospital sites in Hampshire have been destroyed.

Response: (1) Occasionally, an archaeological evaluation may need to be undertaken prior to

the determination of any planning application especially where a significant impact is anticipated.

(2) Depending on available information or the results of any evaluation there may be

a requirement for the some further investigation and recording prior to development, although

(3) a requirement for archaeological observation and recording during development

is more likely. 8.0 The Future Strategy 8.1 This Strategy document, in line with Government advice laid out in PPG15 and PPG16,

emphasises the role of the planning system conservation policies in the development plan for the protection of the historic environment, including built and buried elements, and the way in which the components of a town compliment each other to form a townscape. Conservation policies should reflect the quality and interest of urban areas as well as individual structures through the designation of Conservation Areas. The historic layout of Ringwood and the nature of its component parts reflects its origins, development and character. The designated Conservation Areas throughout the town should reflect the significance of these historic urban elements, as outlined in PPG 15, 4.2.

8.2 It is important to protect this fragile and non-renewable resource for its own sake and for the

irreplaceable information about our past which it contains, and its potential for increasing our knowledge and understanding of historic Ringwood. It is important to manage and present Ringwood’s historic environment both to ensure public support for the conservation policies of the development plan and to realise the value of the resource to the community for education, recreation and tourism.

8.3 The management of the archaeological resource and its presentation to the public must reflect

the local nature of the resource, local priorities, the nature of the community and the role of tourism in the local economy. The stewardship of the archaeological resource needs to be seen

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as a community responsibility, not simply that of central or local government. Any strategy that might develop should evolve locally. The preservation of the historic resource will rely very heavily on broad support and understanding from the local community. The Assessment and Strategy documents have a clear role in highlighting the potential of Ringwood in this regard and should contribute fully to the promotion of the resource.

8.4 The successful presentation of the archaeological resource to the public will generate interest

and promote local heritage. This should involve communicating information to the public about Ringwood’s past inhabitants, the nature of the town throughout its history, the origins and evolution of existing townscape, and any important points of interest and character. Principal places of interest, historic character and quality within Ringwood should then emerge. The presentation of the historic resource is an opportunity to provide an amenity, recreational and educational resource for the community, including local schools.

8.5 There are elements of the Ringwood townscape which may form elements of any presentation

strategy: 1. The church and the bridge are prominent historic features in the town, and could

be the starting point for presenting the town and its heritage. 2. The continuity of use of the market place from the medieval period, and its central

position in the town, may provide an historic focus to the town, and highlight the importance of trade in the development of Ringwood.

8.6 There are a number of recognised approaches that can be considered in evolving the future

strategy for Ringwood. 1. Information Leaflet A leaflet, published by the Ringwood Society, has been produced for the town. This

document promotes a ‘Visitors Town Trail’ and is a good example of an information leaflet that draws on the local heritage. Cost effective, the content style and format can reflect the principal audience and the quality and print run the available budget. Sponsorship or heritage grants might be available and distribution can be through schools, libraries and tourist offices, and local shops. The leaflet might describe a route or trail, or relate local landmarks to their historic context.

2. Information Point Single or multiple information points can graphically and through text highlight the

plan of the town. Sponsorship and heritage grants might be available. The effect of a permanent fixture locally and on pedestrian flows as well as the implications of maintenance need to be considered.

3. Museum Based Display A display element within an existing local museum incorporating finds, images and

text. A resource of this nature would have the advantage of being able to include any locally recovered artefacts within a display. The County Museums Service may be able to offer advice on local museum based displays.

4. Town Trail Town trails present information in sequence. A trail for the town is available by

leaflet (see above), but can also use an information point (or points) and might be associated with a discrete symbol or marker on the pavement or on sign posts. Such trails in towns of particular tourism or education potential might be permanently, temporarily or intermittently associated with guides.

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5. Teachers / Community Packs Teachers packs including plans, principal locations, interpretations and trails might

highlight the availability of the local historic resource for use by local schools and the community.

8.7 Raising the profile of Ringwood’s heritage in this way is likely to generate increased local

interest in the archaeology and history of the town. Although any promotion of Ringwood’s heritage should be formulated locally, this document with the Assessment, may form an important element of that formulation process.

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APPENDIX Hampshire County Structure Plan Policy C3 Policy C3 relates to the implications of statutory designations, including Scheduled

Ancient Monuments. Policy C3: “Permission will not normally be granted for development which adversely

affects: Landscape, environment, nature conservation or scientific interests in: inter alia Scheduled Ancient Monuments” Supporting Statement. These statutory designations highlight areas of special importance at a national level

of evaluation, and introduce some additional controls through their own legislation. These areas carry a stronger presumption against damaging development than other designations.

Policy E1 Policy E1 relates to urban regeneration. Policy E1 “In order to assist regeneration within the urban areas, planning permission

will normally be granted for development which achieves: inter alia (iii) improvements to the condition or settings of existing buildings of

architectural or historic interest;” Policy E4 Policy E4 concerns the conservation of the character of historic settlement. Policy E4: “Permission will normally be granted for development which conserves and/or

enhances the character of historic towns and villages.” Supporting Statement. Paragraph 66: Policy E4 provides the framework for the improvement and

conservation of the built environment, especially those buildings and areas of historic or architectural interest.

Paragraph 67: Tourism can provide the economic stimulus necessary to maintain

the historic environment, provided that the development involved is compatible with conservation principles.

Paragraph 68: Local plans will need to outline the measures that can be taken to

conserve and/or enhance the historic character of particular areas. Measures which might be considered include:

(i) promoting the retention, maintenance and continued use of buildings of

architectural and historic interest; (ii) designating areas for conservation; (iii) preparing programmes of enhancement. Paragraph 69. In addition to development which affects the built environment

directly, the indirect impact of development, including transport proposals, on cities, towns and villages must be carefully considered against these and other policies in the Plan.

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Policy E5 Policy E5 concerns the treatment of sites, where affected by a proposed development. Policy E5: “Where nationally important archaeological sites and monuments, whether

scheduled or not, and their settings are affected by a proposed development, there will be a presumption in favour of their physical preservation in situ. The need for the preservation of unscheduled sites of more local importance will be considered on merit. Where preservation is not possible then local planning authorities should be satisfied before granting planning permission that appropriate arrangements have been made for a programme of excavation and recording prior to development taking place.”

Supporting Statement. Paragraph 70: Archaeological remains and their settings are a finite and non-

renewable resource. Care must be taken to ensure that they are not needlessly or thoughtlessly destroyed. Only a small number of archaeological sites and monuments are protected by national legislation, the majority rely on the Structure Plan, local plans and the development control process for their continued protection and management. Where remains cannot be preserved in situ , then a programme of excavation, recording and publication should be undertaken. In order to ensure that information on all archaeological sites and monuments in Hampshire is available to assist local planning authorities and developers, the County Council will maintain a County Sites and Monuments Record.

Deposit Hampshire County Structure Plan 1996 - 2011 (Review) Urban Hampshire Policy UB1 Policy UB1 outlines the basic objectives of urban regeneration. Policy UB1 “To make the best use of land within urban areas, plans and policies will be

promoted which achieve: inter alia (iv) improvements to the condition and/or setting of redundant buildings of

architectural or historic interest;” The Coast Policy C6 Concerns development involving the reclamation of land from the sea or intertidal

areas. Policy C6 “Permission will not be granted for development involving the reclamation of

land from the sea or the reclamation, excavation or permanent flooding of intertidal areas of conservation value unless the local authority is satisfied that the proposal:

inter alia (ii) would not damage the landscape character or sites of historic, archaeological

or nature conservation interest;” Supporting Statement Paragraph 378. Reclamation will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated that it

has no undesirable effect, is well related to the existing built up area, and is consistent with other policies in the Plan.

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Archaeology Policies E13/E14 Policies E13 and E14 refer to the treatment of archaeological sites and monuments. Policy E13 “Development will not be permitted where it adversely effects nationally

important archaeological sites and monuments, and their settings, whether scheduled or not.”

Policy E14 “Where an archaeological site or monument is affected by development there

will be a presumption in favour of its physical preservation in situ and continuing management, where appropriate. Where physical preservation in situ is not practical or possible, local planning authorities will seek to ensure that provision is made, in advance of development, for an appropriate level of investigation and recording. Where development might effect land of archaeological potential, the local planning authorities may also require developers to arrange for an archaeological evaluation to be carried out prior to the determination of a planning application.”

Supporting Statement Paragraph 421. The value, variety and vulnerability of Hampshire’s sites and

monuments justify the preservation of those most important to the archaeology, history and character of the county.

Paragraph 422. Archaeological sites and monuments and their settings are a finite

and non-renewable resource. Care must be taken to ensure that they are not needlessly or thoughtlessly destroyed. Although at present a number of archaeological sites are protected by national legislation the majority rely on the Structure Plan, local plans and the development control process for their continued protection and management as reflected in PPG 16; Archaeology and Planning.

Paragraph 423. When considering proposals for development, the local planning

authorities will ensure the availability of accurate information from the County Sites and Monuments Record on the condition and significance of archaeological sites affected by development proposals. Such information is essential for the decision-making process on planning and land-use issues and for monitoring the effectiveness of the panning process in protecting archaeological sites.

Paragraph 424. The County Council will promote, where practicable, the

appropriate management and enhancement of important archaeological sites and monuments and where resources permit, assist owners to maintain them in good condition and to adopt sympathetic land management regimes.

Built Heritage Policy E16 This policy relates to the conservation of the character of historic settlements. Policy E16 “ Development in accordance with other policies in this Plan will be permitted

in and adjacent to historic towns and villages provided that it is compatible with the conservation or enhancement of the character of the area and its setting and will not cause demonstrable harm to interests of acknowledged importance. Particular attention will be paid to:

inter alia (v) the character and appearance of listed buildings and their settings and

Conservation Areas;

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Supporting Statement Paragraph 430. Development can have serious implications for the historic built

environment and all proposals which impact upon it should be assessed in accordance with the criteria set out in this policy. Additionally, to assess the degree to which further growth is acceptable, certain historic towns may need to be the subject of environmental capacity studies. These studies will assess development and management issues, the quality and character of the settlement and the pressure upon it and make recommendations for future action. Local plans will identify the historic towns requiring such studies. The County Council will co-ordinate the production of agreed guidelines to ensure a consistent county-wide approach.

Policy E17 Policy E17 relates to conserving the character of historic towns and villages. Policy E17 “Local planning authorities will encourage development which will enhance the

character and setting of historic towns and villages and which will: inter alia (i) serve to stimulate economic regeneration through the retention and re-use of

historic buildings and sites;” Supporting Statement Paragraph 431. Conserving the built heritage is assisted by encouraging private

investment in the upkeep of older buildings. Local planning authorities will look favourably on proposals which will help to maintain the economic vitality of areas or regenerate those areas that have been in economic decline. Although listed buildings should, ideally, continue in the use for which they were designed this is not always practicable. If the only realistic means of ensuring their retention or maintenance is to change the use of the building the planing authorities should, subject to the provisions of Policy E16, adopt a flexible approach when considering such proposals.

Policy E18 Policy E18 concerns Conservation Areas. Policy E18 “Local planing authorities will ensure the protection of the built heritage by: inter alia (i) reviewing the need for additional Conservation Areas and adjusting existing

Conservation Area boundaries. (ii) preparing supplementary planning guidance and proposals for the

preservation and enhancement of Conservation Areas;” Supporting Statement Paragraph 432. The inclusion of buildings within the lists of buildings of special

architectural and historic interest and the designation of Conservation Areas provides the principal means by which the character of historic buildings can be protected. The lists require regular review and updating to take account of new evidence and changing values.

Paragraph 433. The day to day operation of development control provides an

important opportunity to ensure that the character of listed buildings and Conservation Areas is retained. Development of buildings of an appropriate design may act as a catalyst to further improve the quality of an area.

Paragraph 434. By contrast, inappropriate development could, eventually, result in

the loss of the special interest which led to the Conservation Area designation. Supplementary guidance in the form of design briefs, for example for shop fronts, has a major role to play in promoting and encouraging appropriate design and development in addition to providing support for planning authority decisions.

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. Proposed Modifications An examination in public was conducted between 29 October and 10 December 1996 to consider selected representations made on the Deposit Hampshire County Structure Plan (Review). The report of the panel appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment was submitted in March 1997 and published in May of that year. The Panel’s recommendations included changes to some of the policies referred to above, in particular the archaeology policies E13 and E14 which the Panel recommended be deleted and replaced by a policy based on Policy E5 of the approved Structure Plan. The three Strategic Planning Authorities: Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council have been considering the Panel’s recommendations and it is anticipated that proposed modifications will be published in summer 1999. New Forest District Local Plan Proposed Modifications to the Deposited Local Plan February 1999 Archaeology and Ancient Monuments Paragraph C2.40. The Secretary of State for National Heritage may schedule certain

buildings and sites where their preservation is of national importance. There are numerous Scheduled Ancient Monuments in this District. In addition, there are many other sites of archaeological or historic interest. Hampshire County Council’s Sites and Monuments Record contains a considerable amount of information about these, and is continually updated.

Policy DW-E24 Policy DW-E24 concerns development affecting archaeological sites PolicyDW-E24 “Development will not be permitted which has an adverse effect on nationally

important archaeological sites, buildings, ancient monuments or features, whether scheduled or not, or their settings. Where it is unavoidable that a development affects a site of archaeological value, the scheme shall normally be designed to minimise physical destruction. If this is not possible or feasible, development will not be permitted until satisfactory provision has been made for a programme of archaeological investigation and recording prior to the commencement of works.”

Policy DW-E25 Policy DW-E25 deals with the provision of archaeological field assessment. Policy DW-E25 “If there is evidence that archaeological remains exist on a site whose extent and

importance are unknown, the District Council will require developers to arrange for an archaeological field assessment to be carried out before the planning application can be determined, including a desk top assessment and trial trenching where necessary. Wherever possible such remains shall be preserved in situ.”

Paragraph C2.41. Archaeological remains are a finite and non-renewable resource,

and in many cases are highly fragile and vulnerable to damage and destruction. It is important to ensure that they are not needlessly destroyed. Only a small number of archaeological sites are protected as Scheduled Ancient Monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The majority of sites have no statutory protection, and must rely on sympathetic planning and management policies for their survival and protection (see PPG 16, Archaeology and Planning).

Paragraph C2.42. In determining applications involving archaeological sites or

ancient monuments and assessing their importance, the local planning authority will seek advice from the appropriate local and national organisations, and will have regard to Hampshire County Council’s Sites and Monuments Record. The authority is required to consult English Heritage on proposals likely to affect Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

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Paragraph C2.43. If preservation in situ is not possible or feasible, archaeological investigation and recording may be an acceptable alternative. The local planning authority will normally secure provision for this through conditions, an obligation under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, or similar powers.

Paragraph C2.44. Where permission is granted for development involving an

archaeological site or monument, the local planning authority may require a management agreement to ensure the preservation and maintenance of the features of archaeological importance. Advice and assistance on management and maintenance is available from this authority and Hampshire County Council.

Paragraph C2.45. Prospective developers are advised to discuss their proposals with

the local planning authority and County Archaeological Officer at the earliest possible stage.

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