Archaeological fieldwork at Rosegarth Square, Lincolnshire
Background
Between May and June 2025, the ADAS Archaeology team completed a trial trench evaluation and a programme of archaeological monitoring and recording on land at Rosegarth Square, Boston, Lincolnshire.
The archaeological programme of work was undertaken at the request of Lindum Group Ltd for the redevelopment of a disused area between the bus park and River Watham into a new communal area with retail units and housing.
Boston was one of medieval England’s most important commercial ports, thriving on international trade in wool, lead, and salt, and later became a key industrial centre during the 18th and 19th centuries.
A desk-based assessment prepared by ADAS at the planning stage identified a moderate-to-high likelihood of encountering Medieval and post-medieval remains within the development footprint, signalling the need for carefully designed archaeological intervention.
The client then commissioned ADAS to carry out an archaeological evaluation in advance of redevelopment proposals.
Actions taken
The evaluation undertaken ahead of major groundworks enabled the team to refine methodologies and agree any necessary mitigation measures with the Local Authority before construction progressed. Based on the evaluation findings and further consultation between ADAS, Lindum Group, and planning officers, a mitigation plan centred on the principle of preservation in situ was adopted to safeguard significant remains wherever feasible.
During subsequent archaeological monitoring, ADAS archaeologists made extensive discoveries of post-medieval structural remains dating from the late 18th and 19th centuries. Historic mapping analysis enabled the team to interpret these features as part of a former maltings complex and associated terrace housing.
Excavation revealed brick cisterns, sunken storage tanks likely used for contaminated runoff, a wrought-iron steeping tank, and a perforated drying floor, elements that together provide a clear snapshot of the brewing-related industrial processes that once operated on the site.
Results
The works delivered valuable new insights into a lesser-known aspect of Boston’s industrial heritage.
The uncovered maltings infrastructure and associated domestic remains contribute significantly to the understanding of 19th‑century industrial activity in the town’s core.
From a project delivery perspective, ADAS’s collaborative and adaptive approach ensured planning conditions were fully discharged while supporting the client’s requirements and construction timetable. The project stands as a strong example of how well‑designed archaeological strategies can both protect cultural heritage and facilitate sustainable development.