SNN111354 - 2 Cemetery Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Investigation

In July 2018 an investigation was carried out by Souterrain during groundwork for a new dwelling at Cemetery Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, where trial trenching in 2002 revealed evidence of medieval burgage tenements. Since the archaeology was understood to be about 0.3 m below the surface, the approach was to be a Strip Map and Sample Investigation of the area of development impact (c. 48.45 sq. m.). Initial ground reduction, however, indicated that archaeology (if present) was likely to be at a far greater depth. A revised, informed approach then took place in order to avoid unnecessary archaeological impact. Four trial trenches were excavated to test for the presence of a previously known archaeological horizon. They revealed modern made ground extending beyond the proposed depth of the major part of the development footprint. Since only the strip foundation trenches might impact any archaeology, it was agreed that an appropriate mitigation would be controlled investigation and recording during their excavation. The observation of strip foundation trenches revealed that the area of the new building footprint was severely disturbed in the recent past (late 20th / early 21st centuries), to a depth of at least 1.1 m below the existing ground surface. A probable post-medieval quarry was encountered c. 1.23 m below the existing ground level, cut into the geological stratum. There was no indication of medieval archaeology having been disturbed by modern groundwork, and no artefacts present. It is presumed that archaeological features located in this part of the site in 2002, represented a random pocket of survival in an otherwise heavily disturbed area. Areas of ground investigation were surveyed and photographed, and the OD height of the archaeological and geological horizon recorded.