SNN109104 - Land at South Barn, Stratford Road, Deanshanger, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Strip, Map and Sample Investigation

In late April and early May 2013 an archaeological strip, map and sample investigation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology on land at South Barn, Deanshanger. The work was carried out in advance of the construction of a new dwelling on the site. The investigation revealed four phases of field boundaries. The earliest two phases, from one of which a small assemblage of abraded, possibly Iron Age pottery was recovered, may be Iron Age or Roman in date. The third phases of field boundary may be late medieval or post medieval in date and vestiges of ridge and furrow cultivation represent the last phase of agricultural activity. A number of shallow pits was also recorded. No finds were recovered from them and their date and function is unknown, although some may have been excavated to recover limestone rubble. The results of the archaeological project have provided further evidence for field boundaries within a landscape that was intensively farmed in the Iron Age and Roman periods. Excavations in 2011, less than 100m to the south of South Barn, recorded a series of field boundaries and a trackway dating to the Roman period. These field systems probably formed part of the wider farming estate attached to the Roman villa recorded at Kingsbrook School c. 250m to the the south east.