SNN109825 - Archaeological Evaluation on Land at Hanslope Road, Hartwell, Northamptonshire

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken on land at Hanslope Road, Hartwell, Northamptonshire. This was in order to determine the archaeological implications of proposed development at the site. A Heritage Statement compiled for the development highlighted the potential for Roman and medieval remains in the area. Previous research has suggested that a Roman road may pass through the site. Possible areas of medieval settlement have been identified to both the north and the west of the site and a scatter of medieval pottery associated with rubble was noted within the development area during a walkover survey. Previous geophysical survey of the site identified linear anomalies that appeared to define enclosures, their irregular form suggesting they may be Iron Age in date. Several adjacent linear features may have been related to the purported presence of a Roman road. The evaluation identified a sequence of natural, prehistoric, medieval and undated features. In the northeast of the site two large parallel ditches were noted to be Iron Age in date and may represent a ditched trackway. However, no clear evidence was revealed for the enclosures recorded by geophysics in this area. In two separate locations in the centre of the site evidence for stone buildings was revealed. At one of these locations, walls and associated surfaces, together with possible robber-trenches for other walls, were uncovered. These substantial structural remains were associated with large quantities of pottery and decorative roof tile, all of medieval date, suggesting the buildings were domestic in nature. At the second location, approximately 200m to the southeast of the first, the stone walls were less substantial and there were far fewer artefacts, though these were again medieval. This structure is probably agricultural in nature, perhaps a field barn. Many of the undated features in the south of the site are likely to be furrows or features related to prolonged use of the site for agricultural activity. Finds retrieved from the evaluation comprise prehistoric pottery of Early-Middle Iron Age date and medieval pottery and ceramic building material, most notably ceramic ridge tiles.