Monument record 727/0/293 - Medieval/post-medieval features, Brackley Road

A possible boundary ditch dating to the medieval/post-medieval period and several linear stone features, probably drains, were identified during trial trench excavation

{1} There were a series of linear stone features, two ditches and a small construction pit. The linear stone features were composed of roughly shaped and unshaped oolitic limestone pieces which varied greatly in size. The majority of these features comprised of a single course of stone set in the natural clay, roughly placed in a line.

The purpose of these features is unclear. Their size and depth would not suggest that they are structural and it is more likely that they functioned as an early land drain. It is also possible that these structures could be part of a garden feature, for example, the borders of flower beds.The two ditches may be boundary ditches which have been backfilled during the post-medieval period; however, this cannot be easily proved.

{2} Archaeological observation during construction of new housing exposed more the same stone features as observed during the evaluation. The purpose of the linear stone features remained enigmatic.

<1> Dodd, L, 2017, Archaeological Evaluation Report: 55 Brackley Road, Towcester, Northamptonshire, 2017 (Report). SNN111028.

<2> King,B. & Dodd, L., 2018, Archaeological observation and recording report: Units 4 & 5, 55 Brackley Road, Towcester, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN111399.

<3> Crank, N. (Editor), 2018, South Midlands Archaeology (48), p. 60 (Journal). SNN111393.

<4> Crank, N. (Editor), 2019, South Midlands Archaeology (49), p. 72 (Journal). SNN111755.

Record last edited

Apr 23 2025 6:42PM