SNN111030 - Lilbourne Wind Farm, Lilbourne, Northamptonshire: Archaeological strip, map and sample excavation, 2014

Planning permission has been granted for the construction of a wind farm at Lilbourne Fields, Lilbourne, Northamptonshire. As the wind farm lies in an archaeologically sensitive area, a condition was attached to the planning permission requiring the implementation of a programme of archaeological work. An evaluation of the site was undertaken (NA 2013) resulting in three areas of archaeological sensitivity being defined. A brief was issued by the Northamptonshire Assistant Archaeological Advisor for a programme of strip, map and sample investigation (SMS) of Areas 1 and 2. Area 3 will not be impacted by development and will be preserved in situ. Albion Archaeology was commissioned by CgMs Consulting Ltd to produce a written scheme of investigation, to undertake the archaeological strip, map and sample investigation and to produce a report detailing the results (this document). The investigation revealed a number of enclosure ditches dating to the late Iron Age/transitional early Roman period, located on Area 1. Previously it had been suggested that the enclosures were of an agricultural nature but the moderate assemblage of pottery retrieved during the mitigation now suggests that the enclosures could have been part of a small settlement. The environmental samples from the features contained very little charcoal and only a very low quantity of charred seeds which could indicate that the enclosures were located at the edge of the settlement. The precise extent and density of the settlement remain unknown. Both Areas 1 and 2 also contained agricultural furrows of medieval or later date.