SNN100811 - Archaeology Desk-Based Assessment And Trial Trench Evaluation, 68/72 High Street, Thrapston, Northam

Desk-based survey of 68/72 High Street, Thrapston has revealed a site from which there is no known archaeology. However the site is located in an area from which evidence of Roman, medieval and post medieval activity has been recovered. In particular the medieval settlement and market of Thrapston is well represented in the documentary record whilst house and commercial buildings of 17th century and later dominate the present High Street. Map evidence from the late 18th century indicated the location across the site of a structure one bay wide, which from the width of the plot was probably at least three bays long, fronting the High street. The report suggests that the absence of evidence from the site, including structural remains, previous discoveries and its situation, including the backlands of post medieval settlement on High Street, indicates that the site is unlikely to contain archaeology which will warrant preservation in situ. However ground inspection during Desk Based Assessment confirmed the potential for further survey and that the most appropriate methodology was targeted trail trenching. The principle object of the trial trenching was to investigate the potential survival of frontage and backplot structures. The trenches revealed evidence of post-medieval activity probably related to buildings first recorded on the c.1781 enclosure map. A wall, probably of a cellar, contained a sherd of pottery dating to around the 17th century. A pit contained pottery of a similar or slightly later date. There were other features of modern and uncertain date. A thick layer of modern demolition rubble sealed all features. There was no evidence of any medieval or earlier activity in the development area.