SNN102492 - An Archaeological Survey & Evaluation on The Stoke Bruerne to Blisworth Plateway, Northamptonshire

An earthwork survey, metal detecting survey and evaluation was conducted on a section of the early 19th century Stoke Bruerne to Blisworth Plateway. This was in use from 1800 until 1805 when the tunnel was opened. No significant metal finds were made. Three trenches were excavated. Originally there was a bank and ditch on the south western side of the railbed, and a possible shallow ditch on the north eastern side. No surviving rail or stone sleeper blocks were discovered in the trenches. The stone mak-up for the trackbed was identified in each trench, with a better state of preservation in each successive trench going northwards. Partially obscured by the north eastern side of the trackbed, part of a possible stone culvert for a stream was exposed in the southernmost trench.