Monument record 7091/0/1 - Possible early avenue to Maidwell Hall

{1} A parallel arrangement of positive linear anomalies is evident running down the centre of the survey area. These anomalies indicate the presence of cut features such as ditches. Two negative linear anomalies representing possibel former banks or earthworks are evident in the central region of the site. These anomalies run parallel to the other linear anomalies and may relate to a bank and ditch arrangement.

{2} Trench 2 was positioned to investigate a north-south linear anomaly identified in the geophysical survey. A large ditch feature was located - it ran north to south and had a very steep sloping west side with a gradually sloping east side, and had a wide flat base. It contained no datable evidence.
The ditch was also seen in trench 3 where it was 2m wide. To the east of this was a cobbbled road surface comprising a mound or ridge of clay topped by large rounded or sub-round pebbles. This formed a linear flat cobbled surface 2.5m wide. On the east side of the road was another possible 3m wide north-south orientated ditch.

The road is clearly visible on the surface as a continuous large earthwork ridge. The earthwork is thought to be a former avenue within the gounds of Maidwell Hall which may be associated with the original hall built in the 17th century and subsequently enlarged in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Harvey, J, 2010, An Archaeological Strip, Plan and Record Sample at Maidwell Hall School, Maidwell, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN112328.

<1> Smalley, R., 2009, Geophysical Survey Report: Maidwell, Northants, p.6 (checked) (Report). SNN108258.

<1> Higgins, T., 2010, An Archaeological Evaluation: Maidwell Hall School, Maidwell, Northamptonshire, p.7,11 (checked) (Report). SNN107462.

Record last edited

Feb 1 2021 11:36AM