SNN102255 - Geophsyical Survey & Archaeological Trial Trenching at Earls Barton Quarry (Southern Extension), Northamptonshire, December 2001

To assess the archaeological implications of proposals for the extention of the quarry at Earls Barton, an archaeological evaluation was carried out by Northamptonshire Archaeology, acting with Samuel Rose Ltd. Trial trenching (which was curtailed for reasons of health and safety) found no evidence for the possible pits and ditches as were indicated in the geophysical survey. The anomalies were related to land drainage systems and other modern activity. However, archaeological remains were found sealed beneath the alluvium, and comprised a buried soil horizon containing a single sherd of prehistoric pottery and an undated pit. The thickness of the alluvium on the eastern edge of the site suggested the possiblity of a palaeochannel in this area.