Monument record MNN173983 - Middle-late Saxon to medieval settlement, rear of The Swan

Archaeological investigation undertaken between 2024 and 2025 identified a series of plot boundaries that originated on land to the west of Griffin Road during the middle to late Saxon period and which were maintained and developed during the medieval period. A possible post-built building and several pits indicate likely 'back-plot' activity.

{1} Archaeological evaluation undertaken in 2024 identified a series of medieval and post-medieval boundary ditches on land to the rear of The Swan. One of the ditches contained a rich assemblage of carbonised plant remains comprising charred cereal grains.

{2} Subsequent excavation in the area of the 2024 evaluation revealed a sequence of settlement originating in the middle-late Saxon period with a sequence of curving boundary ditches. The boundaries were modified in the Anglo-Norman period with three roughly parallel ditches and a possible post-built structure as well as a small number of pits and postholes. In the medieval period, the boundary ditches were reorganised again with the established of parallel plot boundaries aligned perpendicular to Griffen Road indicating the establishment of plots extending back from it. Presumably, the main dwellings would have been located adjacent to the road and the current site would have been located in the 'back-yards'.

<1> Edward Worsley, 2024, Land West of the Swan Inn, Griffin Road, Braybrooke, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN117136.

<2> Kelly Sinclair and Rachel Clarle, 2026, Land west of The Swan Inn, Griffin Road, Braybrooke, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Excavation Report (Report). SNN117196.

Record last edited

Aug 14 2026 4:09PM