SNN108585 - An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment and Geophysical Survey of Land at Rectory Farm, Titchmarsh, Northamptonshire

A desk-based archaeological assessment has been carried out in connection with the proposed quarry site at Rectory Farm, Titchmarsh, Northamptonshire. A geophysical survey of the site was carried out by Geophysical Surveys of Bradford in mid February 2001 as part of the assessment. The study area is centred at NGR TL 0185 7825. The quarry site covers about 37 ha, with extraction taking up about 12ha. The assessment has indicated that the area around the application site has seen human activity since at least the Neolithic period. Bronze Age activity is fairly well attested to, with a number of barrows known or suspected. A probable Bronze Age ringwork has been investigated to the west of the proposed quarry site. There is a high level of Iron Age and Romano-British activity in the area, with a Roman small town located on the nearby floodplain of the River Nene. There is some evidence for Anglo-Saxon activity in the area, although this is unconfirmed. During the later medieval period the proposed extraction area was probably used for agricultural purposes, given the proximity of earthwork ridge and furrow. There is no indication of remains of archaeological interest within the proposed extraction area dating from the post medieval or early modern periods. There has been considerable hedgerow removal in the area, including within the proposed quarry site. The proposed extraction scheme allows for the retention of all hedgerows within and bounding the site. Within the site itself the geophysical survey has indicated that there is likely to be the remains of a small Iron Age or Romano-British settlement. This site is of at most regional importance. It may be possible to create a design solution in order to preserve most of the archaeology in situ. Given the intention to preserve most known archaeology and the total destruction of part of the quarry through the extraction scheme it is recommended that further mitigation should be achieved through an intensive watching brief undertaken during soil stripping.