SNN104812 - Archaeological Excavation: Site 2, Middlemore Farm, Daventry, Northamptonshire

During November 2003 Archaeological Services and Consultancy Ltd undertook a program of archaeological recording on Site 2, Middlemore Farm, Daventry. Topsoil and overburden was mechanically removed from an area measuring c. 50 x 35m at the western end of Site 2. A number of linear features, pits and postholes were exposed. With the exception of a few insignificant modern pits/postholes and a single north to south medieval plough furrow, these features have all been dated by examination of the pottery to the Roman period. The pottery ranges in date from 1st-3rd century AD. This evidence of Roman activity indicates that there might have been small scale occupation on the site for a significant period. Based on the alignments of the ditches it has been possible to identify two distinct phases of Roman activity. A large ditch running roughly northwest to southeast probably represents the southern boundary of Roman activity at Middlemore. One of the larger Roman pits contained the remains of at least one juvenile cow. During February 2004 a limited watching brief was maintained on the rest of Site 2 to the east of the area which had been excavated November. No further archaeological features were discovered during this phase of the work. From analysis of the features, finds and environmental samples it has been concluded that this site represents part of a small mixed Romano British farmstead.