SNN111025 - Archaeological evaluation report: Geophysical survey by magnetometry on land of Stamford Road, Weldon, Northamptonshire

Allen Archaeology Ltd (AAL) was commissioned by Ecus Limited to undertake a geophysical survey by magnetometry of a scheduled site on land off Stamford Road, Weldon, Northamptonshire. The survey was undertaken to evaluate the site by non-intrusive means prior to a potential application for development. The survey has identified a number of anomalies of potential archaeological interest. These include a number of amorphous positive anomalies, some appearing to be in a linear formation that could relate to former pits, and a curvilinear anomaly that may pre-date the Roman site. A pair of parallel linear features running east to west across the site correlates with a pathway shown on modern Ordnance Survey mapping. The site lies within the scheduled area of Little Weldon Roman Villa. It is currently unclear whether any of the anomalies identified relate to this heritage asset; however it seems likely that the focus of the Roman activity is situated to the north of the modern A43 road in the northern part of the scheduled area, and lying beyond the survey area. Although the geophysical survey has identified a small number of anomalies of potential archaeological interest, it is not possible to ascertain if these are related to the Roman villa site on the basis of the existing evidence. A selection of these anomalies and ‘blank’ areas would require ‘ground truthing’ to provide information on their date, significance and function, and to understand the potential impact of development upon the remains. Any programme of investigation would require agreement with Historic England and the local planning authority prior to its undertaking.