ENN2668 - Ashton, 1971-82 (Excavation)

{10} Early in 1974 Northamptonshire County Council published a leaflet which considered several options for the development of Oundle, including a bypass with a roundabout located in the centre of a Roman settlement where the Middle Nene Archaeological Group conducted an exploratory excavation in 1971. Further investigation was therefore started in September 1974 by the Middle Nene Archaeological Group and Prince William School, Oundle. In 1974 an area measuring 31m by 17m was opened. {11} The excavations at Oundle started in 1974 and continued each summer until 1982 when the Ashton Excavation Committee handed over the reins to the Northamptonshire Archaeology Unit. The area already opened by the Ashton Excavation Committee was extended each season until 1982 began to emerge as ground further away from the main Roman road junction was examined. Nene Valley Res. Comm. Ann. Rep. 1979/80 contains an incorrect NGR. [Only an approximate area of excavation has been defined since no overall plan has been published. The later Northamptonshire Archaeology excavations took place either side].