SNN109451 - Moulton Heights, Moulton, Northampton: Geophysical Survey Report

In January and February 2014 Wardell Armstrong Archaeology undertook geophysical surveys of land at Moulton Heights, north of Moulton, Northampton, at the request of Wardell Armstrong LLP, acting on behalf of Roundhill Northampton Limited. This was undertaken to provide information in support of a planning application for a housing development at the site. An Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Scoping Exercise, undertaken by Wardell Armstrong LLP, had determined that the landscape contained significant evidence of prehistoric, and Romano-British activity, as well as medieval agricultural practices. The objective of the geophysical surveys was to determine the presence/absence, nature and extent of potential archaeological features within the study area, and the presence/absence of any known modern features within the survey area, which may affect the results. Geomagnetic surveys covering c.162ha of land were conducted within several large fields to the southwest of Overstone Grange, covering the proposed location of the proposed residential development. The geophysical survey detected evidence for extensive archaeological remains at the site, of potential prehistoric and Romano-British date, as well as medieval and post-medieval agricultural activity. The geophysical surveys confirmed the presence of several archaeological sites recorded as cropmarks in the Northamptonshire Historic Environment Record (HER). These include an enclosure complex of possible Late Bronze Age or Iron Age date (HER 5515), a Romano-British settlement (HER 4529), and possible Iron Age or Romano-British enclosures (HER 4541). The surveys also confirmed the presence of a linear cropmark on the west side of the site (HER 5812) and the presence of linear features associated with medieval ridge and furrow cultivation (HER 4530) on the east side of the site near Overstone Grange. The geophysical surveys have also demonstrated that these archaeological sites are more extensive than indicated by the cropmark evidence. The geophysical surveys have also identified a number of previously unrecorded sites within the proposed development area of probable prehistoric and/or Romano-British date. These include evidence for further possible Iron Age or Romano-British enclosures on the east side of the site, and evidence for another possible Romano-British settlement on the north side of the proposed development area. Very clear evidence for a previously-unknown Iron Age or Romano-British farmstead has been detected on the south side of the site. Two possible Bronze Age barrows or small enclosures have also been detected, underlying existing field boundaries at the site. Further linear features of possible archaeological significance have been detected in the southern part of the site. Modern features were also detected, include networks of land drains, water/drainage pipes, a gas pipeline, and areas of made ground. Possible palaeochannels have also been detected at the site, resulting from straightening the course of the existing stream.