SNN100239 - A Desk-Based Archaeological Assessment and Trial Trenching Evaluation At Orchard Close, Warmington, Northamptonshire

A desk-based archaeological assessment and trial trenching evaluation has been carried out between April and July 1999, on land at Orchard Close, Warmington, Northamptonshire by John Samuels Archaeological Consultants on behalf of New Homes. The development lies some 200 metres north-east of the parish church of Saint Mary and is centred at TL 0793 9115. The proposed development site covers an area of approximately 0.3ha, on land currently disused and overgrown. The site lies on the boundary of river terrace gravels and Oxford clays at approximately 20m above Ordnance Datum. The village has early medieval origins and is mentioned in the Domesday Book and in 10th century charters. To the north of the proposed development site is the medieval moated site, Little Green which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (No.13620). The trail trenching evaluation found that the proposed development site contained a number of young, probably self-seeded trees, which were cleared prior to trial trenching. The roots had not penetrated very deeply into the ground, the clay subsoil was probably too firm. Undisturbed features would therefore have survived if cut into the natural clay. There was no evidence of truncation of the site, it was at a level with the surrounding ground surface/ the single feature identified was almost certainly a tree bowl. Given the complete lack of finds or features dating from earlier than the late 19th century it seems likely that the proposed development area was outside the area of occupation of the medieval and post medieval village, in an area used for pasture (if for any purpose). It is recommended that no further investigation is required.