SNN111194 - Trafford Bridge Farm, Edgcote, Northamptonshire. Archaeological Evaluation and Excavation Report.

The site comprises part of a cultivated field west of Trafford Bridge Farm (centred NGR 450699 247397), south of Edgcote, Northamptonshire, and archaeological investigation was carried out in advance of the construction of a new gallop. The undisturbed part of the gallop was evaluated by nine trenches in November 2017. These revealed several curvilinear ditches in the north-west of the site producing Iron Age pottery; linear ditches and furrows across most of the targeted areas of the site, some producting medieval/early post-medieval finds; some postholes and a pit, and a probably quarry pit to the north-west of the site. Open area Strip Map and Sample excavations were targeted around Trenches 2 and 3 (Area A), and 5 and 6 (Area B). Area A measured 110m length by 8m width, and Area B measured 145m by 6.5m. Area A revealed further elements of the Iron Age penannular enclosures exposed in Trenches 2 and 3, along with a third enclosure located between them. One of these enclosures was of two phases, with a third Iron Age phase indicated by pits dug into the later phase of the enclosure. Evidence for a larger Iron Age rectangular enclosure ditch can be seen on the geophysical survey surrounding one of the pennanular enclosures, and this was partially excavated. Pits and postholes associated with these features were also found, along with evidence for ridge and furrow cultivation. Ditches forming a post-medieval trackway were also found. Area B revealed evidence of former field boundaries and a number of postholes and pits at its eastern end. Further evidence for ridge and furrow cultivation was also revealed. A second trrackway was found, and this appears to be medieval in date.