SNN110498 - Archaeological investigations at Glapthorn Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire, August 2016

An archaeological investigation comprising the strip, map and sample of a 35m by 35m area, combined with a limited programme of archaeological monitoring and recording, was undertaken on land at Glapthorn Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire. Romano-British (AD43-1410) settlement remains are known to have existed at Creed Road, close to the present investigation. Previous investigations on the site had revealed the presence of an Iron Age (800BC-AD43) ditch and associated features. The strip, map and sample investigation revealed that the previously identified ditch formed part of an Iron Age enclosure ditch, with a possible entrance way. In addition a number Iron Age pits were also revealed, along with pottery and environmental evidence that suggested that settlement was located close by. Archaeological monitoring and recording was then undertaken to determine the extent of one of the ditches from the excavation area, but no traces were observed during groundworks, and the soil profile suggests that this part of the site had been truncated by terracing. Finds of Iron Age and later pottery, bone, fired clay and burnt stones were recovered from the site. Two environmental samples were analysed and showed evidence of Iron Age food waste.