ENN105998 - 23 High Street, 2011 (Excavation)

Site code: GDH11. During September 2011, an archaeological strip, map and sample excavation and watching brief was undertaken at 23 High Street, Great Doddington, Northamptonshire, in advance of the residential redevelopment of the site. During the excavation, five phases of activity were identified, ranging from the Roman period through to the 15th century. Phase 1 represented Roman activity on the site, and suggested that there was a domestic settlement close to the site, although not within the site boundaries, Following the Roman period there was a period of inactivity, until the Saxo-Norman period, when possible property boundaries and refuse pits were located not far from the road. The next phase in the 13th century saw a shift in the focus of the domestic activity to the north eastern corner of the site. By the 14th century, the density of activity had lessened, but possible boundary ditches suggest that the site assumed a more agricultural character. In the the final phase a 15th century well was discovered, probably associated with a dwelling that fronted onto the High Street. The watching brief focussed on the southern end of the site, where trenches were excavated to house underground heating pipes. Eight large features were identified during this phase of works, two of which were dated to the 13th century. No dating evidence was recovered from the remaining six features, but all contained a similar fill, suggesting they were contemporary with each other. It is thought that these features represented either extraction or refuse pits connected with the probable settlement in the fields adjacent to the development site. Information from OASIS Online Form.