SNN111311 - The Old Rectory, Preston Capes, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Observation, Investigation, Recording, Analysis and Publication

TEP were commissioned by Hawkes Edwards Architects to undertake a programme of Archaeological Observation, Investigation, Recording, Analysis and Publication in response to a condition of planning consent for construction of a kitchen garden and garage on land at the Old Rectory, Preston Capes, Northamptonshire. The programme of archaeological mitigation works comprised three separate phases of archaeological observation and investigation. The first phase of works was undertaken on the 28th of January 2018 and comprised monitoring the excavations for footing for a new greenhouse. The second phase was undertaken on the 11th and 14th May 2018 and comprised the monitoring of the foundation trench for a free-standing garage. The third phase was carried out on the 12th of September 2018, comprising the recording of a wall which had been uncovered during the excavation for a new fence. The greenhouse footings were excavated through topsoil, a buried garden soil layer, subsoil onto the natural geology, no archaeological features were present and no artefacts were recovered. The excavation of the foundations of the garage revealed part of a post-medieval wall and a cobbled surface, possibly part of a former outhouse and courtyard seen on historic mapping. No artefacts were recovered. TEP were contacted in September 2018 to attend the Old Rectory to record a 2.3m long section of wall which had been revealed during the installation of a new fence. The excavation, which was to the north of the barn revealed the wall structure and the remains of a cobbled surface. A wall in this location can be seen on cartographic sources, and it is possible that the wall uncovered was the same one seen on the historic mapping.