SNN105647 - Archaeological Test Pits at The Church of St Michael and All Angels, Silverstone, Northamptonshire

Two test pits were hand-excavated at locations within the footprint of a proposed extension of the church rooms into the existing churchyard. The upper 25-35cm of both test pits proved to be of recent date. Evidence of burials of uncertain date was recognised in both test pits. A stone yard, drive or floor was identified occupying most of the area of Test Pit 1. The remains of a badly robbed wall(s) were revealed in Test Pit 2. This feature had also been disturbed by several graves but still occupied a substantial portion of the test pit. Neither the function nor the date of the stone features could be determined within the confines of the test pits. Work was therefore suspended, with the agreement of the Diocesan Archaeological Advisor, without disturbing the remains any further. The artefacts are mainly of quite modern date but several medieval and late 17th-18th century potsherds were also recovered.