SNN109458 - Targeted Archaeological Excavations at Chester Farm, Irchester, Northamptonshire November 2012

NCC commissioned Northants Archaeology to excavate a small open area excavation within the historic orchard associated with Chester Farm, an area of the eastern suburb of the Roman walled town at Irchester. The purpose was to establish the impact of post-Roman activity, in particular garden cultivation, and to better characterise the type of survival of remains outside the walled area. The works were also to be carried out in such a fashion as to permit the involvement of school and amateur groups on the project as part of the broader aims of the development of Chester Farm as a heritage asset. The recovered remains included a Roman side road with properties fronting onto both sides, a possible late Saxon pit, medieval ridge and furrow cultivation and limited recent garden remains.