SNN102218 - An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment for Towcester Proposed Strategic Development Area, Towcester and Paulerspury, Northamptonshire

The desk-based archaeological assessment for the proposed development on land in between Towcester Bypass and Watling Street has shown that the zones of proposed development contain known archaeological sites and have produced finds. Roman suburban development is possible along the Alchester Road and possibly the Fleet Marston Road within the proposed development area. The lines of the Alchester Road and the conjectured line the Fleet Marston Road pass through zones of development. Settlement adjacent to Watling Street in the north-east of the proposed development area may also present. Outlying features, such as field systems and buildings, relating to Burcote wood Villa may be present in the areas of development. Other villas or settlements may also be present. Roman coins have been found within one of the proposed development zones and other Roman settlement and industrial activity is known to the south of the proposed residential and employment development zones. A Neolithic axe has been found in a proposed residential area. Neolithic and bronze Age settlement is also known nearby and early Iron Age settlement in the east, near the route of the proposed relief road. Medieval or Saxon remains relating to the hamlet of Wood Burcote, may extend into the zones of development. Also within a proposed development zone, is the probable site of a post-medieval windmill. Map evidence indicates that the site has been agricultural land since at least 1844. The site also contains an historic parish boundary, perhaps with associated earthworks. The development area therefore contains known archaeological sites and has produced finds from the prehistoric and Roman periods within zones of proposed development (residential, employment and mixed). Other remains suggested by existing sites of a prehistoric, Roman and medieval date may extend into the zones of development or be impacted upon by the roads and route within the proposed development area.