SNN110515 - A Programme of Archaeological Assessment of the Unauthorised Groundworks at Delapre Golf Course Northampton April 2015

MOLA Northampton carried out archaeological assessment on unauthorised groundworks at Delapre Golf Course in April 2014. The groundworks comprised the removal of shrubs and trees and the stripping of topsoil with a mechanical excavator over a 0.106ha area. The excavated area had been reduced by no more than 0.30m, exposing the subsoil, or some patches of natural substrate. In some areas topsoil remained in situ. The near edge of the topsoil bank at the north of the site was removed. Archaeological assessment included the cleaning of stripped surfaces by hand, the scanning of spoilheaps and the stripped surfaces with a metal detector, the retrieval of finds, and a full programme of recording. Twentieth-century golfing earthworks were uncovered, as well as trenches for service pipes and a former tree line. A bank surrounding the area was shown to be constructed of redeposited natural clays and modern building debris. A number of finds were recovered, including post-medieval lead shot, horse tack, and a 14th-century silver annular brooch.