SNN100520 - Archaeological Evaluation At Ebbw Vale Road, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire

A desk-top study was undertaken of the site known as Ebbw Vale Road, Irthlingborough. An extensive series of cropmarks have been identified in the adjacent farmland to the south and limited evidence of cropmarks has been recognised within the study area itself. There has been no previous archaeological work within the study area itself, although limited field work in the vicinity of the cropmarks to the south suggests an Iron Age-Roman date for that activity. From the 19th century onwards, the study area has largely been industrialised, first occupied by The Metropolitan Brick and Tile Works in the late 19th century and subsequently incorporated in the Ebbw Vale Iron Ore works in the early 20th century. Historic maps indicate that prior to the late 19th century the study area was agricultural in nature. Industrial activity into the 20th century, though intensive, would appear to have had little impact upon areas A and B (see below). Geotechnical test pits revealed evidence of made ground ranging from 1-2m deep in the south west of the study area to less than 1m deep in the east. An archaeological field evaluation comprising seven trial trenches was conducted in January 2000. Five trenches were opened in the south west of the study area, Area A, and two trenches were opened to the east, Area B. Boundary ditches of Romano-British date were uncovered in the western half of Area A, some of which had previously been identified as cropmarks. The western half of Area A was devoid of archaeological features. One of the cropmark identified in this area p[roved to be a modern service trench. Evidence of alleviation was uncovered in Area B. A single ditch, possibly the continuation of the cropmarks to the south, was dug into this layer. Early-middle Iron Age pottery from the overlying subsoil may provide a date for this activity.