SNN109173 - Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment for the Weedon Bec and Flore Bypass, Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Archaeology conducted an archaeological desk-based assessment for the Weedon Bec and Flore bypass, Northamptonshire, in advance of geophysical survey and archaeological trial trench excavations. The study covered an area extending across three parishes, over 6km in length and 0.5km to either side of the road corridor. Eight potential archaeological sites were identified along the route of the road corridor. The earliest potential archaeological site was a flint scatter of Mesolithic and Neolithic date. Aerial cropmarks suggest the possibility of two Neolithic long barrows to the north of Flore. A further four potential sites, north of Flore and between Flore and Upper Heyford, may produce remains of prehistoric or Romano-British date, suggested by cropmarks and stray pottery finds. The extent of medieval ridge and furrow cultivation was identified from aerial photographs and the Open Fields Survey of Northamptonshire, registered on the Historic Environment Record. A short fragment of late medieval to early post-medieval road and bridge across the tributary between Flore and Dodford were identified on aerial photographs and the historic map of the Knightley estate at Dodford, 1742. The development was considered to have a high probability of encountering archaeological remains of local, regional and national interest. Further detailed assessment work was recommended.