SNN105291 - Archaeological Watching Brief on Thrapston and Islip Flood Alleviation Scheme Northamptonshire

An archaeological watching brief was required during ground works associated with flood alleviation work adjacent to the River Nene between Thrapston and Islip. Archaeological evidence from this area indicated the presence of Bronze Age settlement and land use, as well as Roman industry, suggested by the discovery of the pewter hoard buring gravel extraction work. Further evidence indicates the establishment of the existing villages of Thrapston and Islip during the post Roman or early medieval period. There is recorded evidence for a river crossing at this location from the medieval period, well into the post-medieval, and continuing in use as a stone bridge today. Northamptonshire County Council had indicated the possible presence of the Chapel and Herimitage dedicated to St. Thomas the Martyr at, or adjacent to the investigation site. It was considered that investigation might reveal definate evidence fot this particular medieval occupation. Groundworks carried out on the site identified a series of levelling deposits and landscaping features, overlying a sequence of alluvial deposits. Items found on the site included a variety of pottery sherds, largely produced in Staffordshire, glass, animal bone, and a few pieces of building rubble. The artefacts were dated mainly to the C19th, with some dated earlier or later.