SNN102760 - Archaeological Desk Top Study at DIRFT South-East, Daventry, Northamptonshire

ProLogis are proposing the development of a Greenfield site adjacent to the M1 motorway, Junction 18, in Crick, Northamptonshire. The site is known to lie within an area area of archaeological potential, being adjacent to Watling Street Roman Road. Additionally, during the development of Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal several sites pf archaeological importance were identified and excavated. The current study has been evaluated in part during a previous development proposal. Evidence for a Romano-British enclosed settlement was found on the high ground in the northern part of the current site (i.e the central part of the previous application site). The archaeology was identified through geophysical survey and confirmed through trial trench evaluation. Preservation was good with structural features, such as cobbled surfaces and postholes found to survive. Features were also identified to the south of this enclosure but mainly related to field systems. A geophysical survey was commissioned as part of this assessment to determine whether features of a similar nature existed within the current study site. Whilst numerous pits and possible hearths have been recorded, no linear features comparable with the enclosure in the northern part of the site were identified. It is possible that these pit-types features have an archaeological origin, and they could be associated with the known Romano-British settlement. However, it is also possible that they date to a different period and without intrusive evaluation, their importance cannot be determined. It is recommended that an evaluation excavation be carried out of the features identified as potentially archaeological by the recent geophysical survey. This will allow a mitigation strategy for the whole site to be devised in advance of development.