ENN110479 - Barton Hall, 2021 (Observation)

Keevill Heritage Ltd was commissioned to carry out requisite archaeological works at Barton Hall (Barton Seagrave, Kettering), which had two elements: archaeological building recording of the former stables to Historic England Level 3 (analytical record), and archaeological Intensive Monitoring during groundworks for the hot tub and associated infrastructure. Our Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) was approved by the LPA prior to the grant of planning permission. Project Results: The intensive monitoring did not reveal any significant archaeological remains. The natural geology was exposed at shallow depth beneath remnants of topsoil and a very limited subsoil layer. Modern salt-glazed and plastic drains with associated access chambers were the only ‘features’ exposed in the services trenches associated with the hot tub pit, while the latter contained no archaeological features, structures or layers at all. Only modern (19th/20th-century) finds were observed, and were not collected: this was in line with the artefact collection policy specified in the Written Scheme of Investigation. No soil samples were taken, as no contexts with potential for environmental and/or waterlogged remains were present. The building recording focussed mainly on the interior of the stable two ranges, but the exterior was also covered on all visible sides. The record was entirely photographic. The existing survey of the buildings provided a detailed, accurate record of the plan form at ground, first floor and roof levels, as well as all visible elevations, and did not need any addition or amendment. The roof trusses over the north stable range were inaccessible for detailed recording until the very end of the project: the former floor at the attic level here was dangerously unsafe, and was removed in 2021 before the archaeological project started. Ideally a sample truss would have drawn, but photographic coverage was fully adequate given that these are mid-later 19th-century features. All internal aspects of this north range suggest that it was an addition of that date to the 18th-century east stable, which retains two chamfered and stopped beams (which may be derived from an earlier building on the site) and two substantial tie beams at roof level. Otherwise the surviving (and retained) stable stalls in the east range are the main internal feature of interest. Information from OASIS online form.