SNN102214 - An archaeological desk-based assessment of land off Church Street, Sibbertoft, Northamptonshire

John Samuels Archaeological Consultants were commissioned by Shoosmiths Solicitors to carry out an archaeological desk-based assessment on land off Church Street, Sibbertoft, Northamptonshire. The site covers an area of approximately 0.54ha to the south of the village of Sibbertoft. A site visit was carried out and an assessment was made of the ground conditions. The site is presently under pasture. A visit was made to the Northamptonshire SMR office where all relevant records regarding the site and local area were examined. A visit was made to the Northamptonshire Record office to examine any relevant maps and documents available. Further publications and records held by our own library were examined. The assessment has shown that the site is surrounded by a number of archaeological finds and features ranging in date from the Neolithic through to the post-medieval period. The Civil War Battle of Naseby in 1645 was fought to the south of Sibbertoft. Unidentified earthworks seen on the development site may be associated with settlement or agricultural activity. These earthworks have been the subject of a survey by the RCHME in 1981. A provisional medieval date has been assigned to these features. A geophysical survey has been carried out across the site by GSB Bradford (Report 2001/27). This survey recorded a series of linear and pit like features. It is recommended that a trial trench evaluation is undertaken in order to identify the date, nature and condition of the anomalies recorded by the geophysical survey as well as the earthworks present on the site. The opening of trial trenches can be seen as the best recourse of action to better identify whether these features are archaeological or topographical in origin.