ENN110746 - Northampton North West Relief Road Asset Diversion, 2022 (Observation)

Main works Co-ords: 473311,266506 to 473410,265401 Archaeological observation, investigation and recording was undertaken from the 27th to 29th June 2022 on behalf of Anglian Water on land south of Chapel Brampton, Northamptonshire. The observation, investigation & recording monitored all intrusive works associated with the pipe connections and temporary compound construction, comprising topsoil stripping a 20m x 20m square in plan for the compound, and excavating 168m length, predominantly 8m wide, of topsoil and subsoil along the pipe route, to an average 0.40m in depth. The monitoring was maintained in order to identify and characterise any archaeological resource present. Regarding the scope of works undertaken, the archaeological monitoring was fit for purpose and has recorded a single gully feature within the easement, as well as recovered a small assemblage of archaeological material. Remains of a potential mill were not recorded during these works, however, it is likely any remains of this, should they be preserved, are concentrated at the junction of Northampton and Welford Roads where the junction meets the river, and the works for this scheme did not intrude into this area. As aforementioned, the monitoring work recorded a single shallow gully feature, given the limited extent of the feature exposed and it’s isolation from any further remains it is of limited interpretative value. The impact to this feature within the easement from excavation for the pipe will be limited, and the feature will likely survive to it’s greater extent beyond the limit of excavation recorded. The small assemblage of finds attests to the archaeological activity previously recorded in the environs to the site. Given that the finds are residual in nature and may be present on site via hillwash, bioturbation or manuring, they are limited in significance and interpretative value. Dalcour Maclaren does not make recommendations for further analysis or reporting. [Information from OASIS online form]