SNN108338 - An Archaeological Evaluation at Barn Farm, Weston by Welland, Northamptonshire, 2011

University of Leicester Archaeological Services carried out an archaeological evaluation by trial trenching on land north at Barn Farm, Weston by Welland, Northamptonshire (SP 769 913) between the 7th and 9th November 2011. The work was undertaken as a pre-application requirement in advance of further agricultural development proposed for the site. Aerial recognisance during 1996 had identified a two sided cropmark with a quarter circle corner which crosses part of the site and has been interpreted as a possible Roman fort. Geophysical survey has been undertaken inside the cropmark within the area of a proposed new cattle shed. This has recorded limited evidence of deposits of possible archaeological origin. Four trenches were excavated during the course of the evaluation. Trenches 1 and 2 were located within the proposed development area that recorded no evidence of archaeological activity relating to the cropmark. Trenches 3 and 4 were located along the sides of an existing cattle pen and have confirmed the presence of the south-eastern side of the cropmark. Within Trench 4 a large ’V’ shaped ditch was recorded that supports the interpretation that the cropmark relates to a Roman military structure. Within Trench 3 a large square-shaped ditch terminal was partially exposed that confirmed an entranceway suggested by a break in the cropmark shown in the aerial photograph. The lack of material recovered from within the ditch deposits appear to suggest that the activity on site was relatively short lived. Also possible evidence of deliberate back-filling of the ditch was recorded. The combination of the archaeological evidence appears to suggest that the ditches recorded form part of the remains of a Roman marching camp. This represents the first confirmed Roman military installation recorded in Northamptonshire. The site archive will be held by ULAS under the temporary accession BFW.11 until a suitable storage space is allocated for its deposition in Northamptonshire