SNN100727 - Archaeological Evaluation At Dash Farm Close, Chapel Road, Weldon, Near Corby, Northamptonshire, 2001

An archaeological evaluation comprising a programme of trial trenching was undertaken to determine the implications of a proposed development on land at dash Farm Close, Weldon, near Corby, Northamptonshire. A total of twenty one trenches were opened at the junctions of a twenty metre grid, following the sampling methodology used during evaluation of the adjacent field to the west. Although two previous archaeological evaluations undertaken in the area to the west of the proposed development produced archaeologically negative results, it was thought that the area may still be archaeologically sensitive, especially in the area adjacent to Chapel Road where a map dated to 1587 had shown standing buildings fronting onto the street. The results of this investigation confirm those of earlier adjacent evaluation in that much of the area was archaeologically barren. However it is likely that a medieval iron smelting site was discovered within a discrete area at the northwest corner of the development, within the area where buildings are depicted on a map of 1587. Quantities of dumped tap slag from iron smelting were recovered, possibly in association with buildings represented by the remains of a wall and a substantial foundation. Pottery recovered from the slag rich deposits indicates that iron smelting was undertaken during the medieval period. The buildings remains may represent those depicted in this area on the 1587 map, or an unrelated medieval phase of occupation associated with iron smelting. However, evidence of domestic habitation was also recovered during the evaluation and it is possible that the iron workers were also living at the site.