SNN111348 - Junction 15 M1: Roade Bypass, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation

An archaeological evaluation, comprising 40 trial trenches, was carried out on behalf of CgMs Consulting, on an area outlined for the construction of Roade Bypass at Junction 15 of the M1. The evaluation has demonstrated that the geophysical survey carried out in advance of the evaluation (Sumo 2017) was largely accurate identifying a concentration of archaeological features on raised ground at the southern part of the corridor. A surface find of a flint blade dating from the Mesolithic or Neolithic was the earliest evidence for human activity on the site. Two areas of Iron Age activity were recorded. A small rectilinear enclosure and a possible larger enclosure were found with associated pits. Further to the south-west a possible roundhouse gully, a linear gully and pits were recorded. Pottery recovered from the features showed that the assemblage dates from the mid-late Iron Age, with a small amount of transitional material. Two undated cremations of likely prehistoric or Roman date were also found. Agricultural furrows of medieval/ post-medieval origin were recorded across the site. A field boundary depicted on 19th century maps was found in Area E and limestone land drains were recorded in a number of trenches.