SNN111436 - Archaeological desk-based assessment on land at Ashton Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire

A programme of desk-based assessment was undertaken to determine the archaeological potential of a site located on Ashton Road, Oundle, Northamptonshire. The site comprises an area of approximately 4.71 hectares located on the west side of the A605. The site is uncultivated at present. The assessment has shown that several remains of prehistoric date have been identified within the immediate area, with artefact evidence, suggestive of settlement of the Iron Age and Roman period in the same vicinity. Evidence of Saxon and medieval settlement has been recorded on the fringe of the Study Area where it overlaps with the historic town centre, whilst evidence of later agricultural and industrial practices is prevalent across the Study Area. The study suggests that there is potential for remains of Iron Age and Roman date in the area of the site with later field boundaries and quarry pits previously recorded within The Site itself. Geophysical survey may be an effective means of further investigation and trial trenching would be suitable should further archaeological evaluation be required.