SNN110061 - Archaeological geophysical survey and trial trench evaluation of the A45 Northampton to Daventry Link Road, Northamptonshire, 2013-2014

Investigations combining both geophysical survey and trial trench excavation, confirmed the presence of substantial archaeological remains along the proposed route of the A45 Northampton to Daventry Link Road, Northamptonshire. The archaeological remains were limited in extent and confied to focal areas of activity. A scatter of worked flint was confirmed to the north-west of Colinshill Farm, Flore, in close proximity to two large groups of geophysical anomalies, each 60m long by 30m wide, which trial trench excavation has shown to be of Neolithic origin. The principal ditches that were investigated appeared to be flanking ditches belonging to two long barrows, although medieval ploughing seems to have removed all remains of the mounds. A rectangular enclosure was investigated to the west of the railway, north-east of Globe Farm, Dodford, and dates to within the middle Iron Age. Finds within the enclosure were limited in quantity which, together with seed and plant remains, indicated that the enclosure had a an agricultural rather then domestic function. Ordnance Survey maps indicate 19th-century quarries in close proximity. Roman activity was found to the north of Upper Heyford, close to the road to Glassthorpe. Boundary features and pits produced finds that were probably associated with a settlement site, the larger part of which was lost during construction of the M1 motorway. Much of the land in the vicinity has been subjected to quarrying. The line of the late medieval road between Flore and Dodford was confirmed to the north-west of Flore Hill Farm, Flore. Two roadside ditches were investigated, and a deposit synonymous with the former greenway was identified between them. Whilst this was stony, there was no evidence for a metalled surface and it has been heavily damaged by modern ploughing.