Monument record 8136/1/10 - Probable Roadway, RAF Croughton

Trial trench excavation uncovered an aggregate surface that most likely functioned as a roadway.

{1} An aggregate surface present within Trenches 18 and 21 most likely functioned as a roadway used to navigate around the airfield. During the Second World War, perimeter tracks on airbases were initially rare, with roadway construction being limited. As grass surfaces caused refuelling issues, hardstanding/aggregate roadways became favourable. The ditch running alongside the roadway would have served as a drainage ditch to prevent flooding/waterlogging of the surface. During the construction and upgrading of Second World War airbases, drainage ditches were strategically positioned to safeguard critical infrastructure by preventing flooding.

<1> Stephanie Blues, 2026, RAF Croughton Main Gate, Brackley, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation (Report). SNN117118.

<2> David Williams and Stephanie Blues, 2026, Archaeological Services WYAS Report No. 4433 RAF Croughton Main Gate, Brackley (Report). SNN117122.

Record last edited

Jul 13 2026 9:24AM