SNN110936 - An Archaeological Excavation on Land at Daventry Road, Kilsby, Northamptonshire, 2017

An archaeological excavation was undertaken between July and September 2016 by University of Leicester Archaeological Services on behalf of Avant Homes at Daventry Road, Kilsby, Northamptonshire. The fieldwork was a post-determination requirement on a proposed planning application for a residential development on land east of Daventry Road, Kilsby, Northamptonshire. Preliminary earthworks and geophysical surveys and evaluation excavation had provided indications of the survival of medieval village properties running back from the Daventry Road frontage, and a scheme of archaeological excavation was undertaken in order to mitigate the potential impact of the development on any such archaeological remains as might be present. The archaeological excavation revealed evidence for an initial phase of predominately agricultural 11th century activity prior to the establishment and occupation of one, or possibly two, properties during the 12th century on the southern edge of the village fronting Daventry Road. The plots were occupied by probable cob built structures with stone footings constructed on earth and rubble platforms. Finds evidence from within the buildings suggests ironworking activity. A lengthy sequence of diches ranging from the 12th to 17th centuries flanking the southern side of the plot appeared to demarcate the southern edge of the village, to the south of which a contemporaneous complex of ditches likely representing garden plots, closes and stock enclosures drained into a seasonal brook or slade. The site appears to have been abandoned in the 14th century. The site archive will be deposited with Northamptonshire County Council under the accession number ENN 108382.