ENN106749 - South Barn, 2013 (Strip, map and sample)

Site code: SRD13. In late and early May 2013 an archaeological strip, map and sample investigation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology on land at South Barn, Stratford Road, Deanshanger, Northamptonshire. The fieldwork was carried out on behalf of Dr Peter Berkin in advance of the construction of a new dwelling on the site. The investigation revealed four phases of field boundaries. The earliest two phases, from one of which was recovered a small assemblage of abraded, possibly Iron Age pottery, may be Iron Age or Roman in date. The third phase of field boundary may be late medieval or post-medieval in date and vestiges of ridge and furrow cultivation represent the last phase of agricultural activity. A number of shallow pits were also recorded. No finds were recovered from them and their function is uncertain, although some may have been excavated to recover limestone rubble. The results of the archaeological project have provided further evidence for field boundaries within a landscape that was intensively farmed in the Iron Age and roman periods. Excavations in 2011, less than 100m to the south of South Barn, recorded a series of field boundaries and a track way dating to the Roman period. These field systems probably formed part of the wider farming estate attached to the Roman Villa recorded at Kingsbrook School, Deanshanger, c. 250m to the south-east of South Barn. Information from OASIS Online Form.