SNN106237 - The Industrial Infrastructure Strip, Map and Sample Areas at Pineham Barn, Upton, Northampton: Assessment Report

Northamptonshire Archaeology undertook a process of archaeological Strip, Map and Sample (SMS) investigation on behalf of ProLogis Developments Ltd, at Pineham Barn, Upton, Northampton. Under Construction Archaeology acted as consultants for the project. The work was carried out in advance of a light industrial and distribution development. The archaeology present in the development area is known to comprise three main settlement areas, Settlements 1-3, with areas of less concentrated activity between them, designated for SMS. The industrial infrastructure SMS comprised of areas SMS 1 and 2. SMS 1 was situated to search for evidence of a former Second World War bomb decoy installation. SMS 2 lay between two known settlement sites, Settlements 1 (middle Iron Age) and 2 (early to middle Roman), seeking to understand their interrelationship, if any. Two smaller areas for site access were also monitored during initial development work. The investigation forms one part of an ongoing programme of mitigation works. Excavation of Settlement 2 has been completed. Settlements 1 and 3 will be excavated in the near future. Little datable evidence survived within SMS 1 for any period. The features comprised a small group of Iron Age pits and several undated field boundaries. No features could be positively attributed to the Second World War, although patches of burning were evident. Features within SMS 2 were more extensive and generally better preserved. Five early Bronze Age pits produced pottery and worked flint. Funerary remains comprised a possible barrow and a Bronze Age cremation ceremony associated with a post alignment. Iron age activity was present in the north east part of SMS 2 forming an extension to the previously known limits of Settlement 1. The morphology of the settlement comprised of a number of roundhouses set within a ditched enclosure, together with postholes, pits, gullies and associated field systems. At least two phases of roundhouse development were apparent. There was no evidence for Roman activity at or near Settlement 1. Roman ditches were located in the west of SMS 2, peripheral to Settlement 2. Medieval ridge and furrow was encountered throughout the SMS areas associated with the open field system of Kislingbury.