Greengate Towers, Salford, Greater Manchester. Archaeological Investigation.

BS Construction Ltd has submitted a proposal to redevelop land at Greengate, Salford, Greater Manchester (centred on SJ 8365 9895). The site lies within the historic core of the city, and is therefore of considerable archaeological interest. In order to establish the archaeological potential of the site, MAP Archaeological Consultancy Ltd was commissioned to undertake a desk-based assessment in 2004. This confirmed that the study area lies within an area of known medieval activity, with a potential for buried remains of archaeological significance to survive in situ. Following on from the results of the desk-based study, the Greater Manchester Assistant County Archaeologist recommended that a programme of archaeological evaluation was undertaken in advance of construction work. The scope of the evaluation was detailed in a project brief, devised by the Assistant County Archaeologist. This allowed for the excavation of 13 trenches with a total combined length of some 320m, which were intended to confirm the presence or absence of buried archaeological remains within the study area, and assess their significance. In addition, further documentary study was required, which was to focus on the sequence of available historic mapping. In October 2005, Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) was commissioned to undertake the evaluation, which commenced in December 2005. A phased approach to the programme of works was taken for logistical considerations, and the area was divided into four areas. The trenches placed across the southern part of the site (Area A) exposed a series of buried remains, seemingly representing a continuity of activity from the 12th or 13th centuries. Following on from the results obtained from the evaluation trenches in Area A, the Assistant County Archaeologist recommended that the southern part of the study area was subjected to a programme of more detailed excavation. In the first instance, the modern overburden across the entire southern part of the site was stripped, and the exposed remains cleaned and recorded. This confirmed the presence of significant archaeological deposits, and led to more detailed excavation. This yielded significant archaeological information, including a considerable quantity of post-medieval pottery, representing an assemblage of regional significance. It is recommended that the dataset from this part of the site is subject to detailed analysis that will culminate in the publication of the results in an appropriate manner.