SNN109244 - Project Design for Continuation of the Research Excavation & Archaeological Investigation at Whitehall Farm, Stowe Hill, Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire

The Whitehall Farm Villa and Landscape Survey is a long-term community based research project in connection with the University of Northampton. Our aim is to investigate the archaeological evidence for a Romano-British villa complex and estate near Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire. This project, initially funded by South Northants District Council, is an inclusive collaboration between local people, academics and professional archaeologists to promote awareness and understanding of the archaeological and heritage potential associated with the locality. The archaeological work is carried out by members of the Whitehall Farm Roman Villa Project, an affiliated society of the registered archaeological charity, Community Landscape and Archaeological Survey Project. The archaeological director is Mr Stephen Young, Senior Lecturer, University of Northampton. This project was organised in accordance with ‘Policy and Guidance for Archaeological Projects in Northamptonshire’ Northamptonshire Heritage (1995). The initiative formed part of a much larger, two stage proposal to characterise Roman settlement and landscape in the local surrounding countryside funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund which was completed at the end of last year (www.claspweb.org.uk). The aims of the project are to provide a detailed archaeological record of the development and chronology of the Whitehall Farm site and to establish a methodological and strategic framework for studying settlement classification in the surrounding area. In addition the initiative has created a sustainable resource in the community by training local volunteers in archaeological techniques and fieldwork which will enable them to undertake future work in the area as informed stakeholders in their local heritage. Finally the project is also involved in developing accessible interactive modes of data dissemination at both academic and popular levels.