SNN110657 - Land off Mackworth Drive, Finedon Hall, Finedon, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Trial Trench Evaluation, 2014

This report presents the results of an archaeological trial trench evaluation undertaken on land off Mackworth Drive, Finedon Hall, Finedon, Northamptonshire. The project was commissioned by Raab Design, to provide information in support a planning application to be submitted to Wellingborough Borough Council, for the construction of a new house and garage. The site lies within grounds formerly attached to Finedon Hall, c. 300m east of undated settlement remains recorded in the Northamptonshire Historic Environment Record. The site lies adjacent to an area containing garden features associated with Finedon Hall, including a grotto, ponds, artificial ruins and a ring of mature yew trees. Two trenches excavated within the footprint of the proposed house and garage revealed natural clay, overlain by dump deposit, which may have originated from landscaping of the adjacent garden. A third trench, located on the proposed route of a new access road, revealed a substantial depth of makeup material associated with recent construction of a drive and parking area. Overall, the results of trial trenching indicate a relatively low potential for significant archaeological remains on the site. Following a site visit, the archaeological adviser to the local planning requested the compilation of a photographic record of the adjacent garden features and the inclusion of relevant images in this report.