SNN108329 - Archaeological Evaluation on Land at Priors Hall, Zone 3, Corby December 2010 to February 2011 Interim Report

Northamptonshire Archaeology carried out an archaeological trial trench evaluation on land at Priors Hall, Corby from December 2010 to February 2011. This followed on from a previous stage of geophysical survey. Ninety-four trenches were excavated across the proposed development area, fifty-one to the north of a deer fence and forty-three to the south of a deer fence. The northern trenches contained no archaeological features, only furrows from medieval ridge and furrow cultivation and modern plough scars. To the south there were two areas of archaeological interest. To the west there is a ring ditch, possibly a Bronze Age round barrow, and a cremation deposit accompanied by a jet bead was found within the ring ditch. In the centre of the area, there is a complex of Roman stone buildings and enclosures. The evidence points to the presence of at least one high status building, a villa, which may contain some intact floors. Quantities of painted wall plaster and other building materials were recovered. Other stone buildings, probably contemporary and associated with the villa lie nearby, and metalworking debris indicates that iron smelting was being carried out.