SNN111807 - Archaeological observation, investigation, recording, analysis and publication on Land Adjacent to No.7, Captain’s Court, Horton. NN7 2AY

Archaeological observation, investigation, recording, analysis and publication was undertaken for groundworks undertaken on the 7th-9th August, 2018 by University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) on land adjacent to No. 7, Captain’s Court, Horton. The fieldwork was a post-determination requirement on a proposed planning application (Planning reference: S/2017/1088/FUL) for a residential development in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Section 16. The Northamptonshire Historic Environment Record (HER) shows that the application site is located just to the east of the village church, which dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, and notes that the boundaries of medieval churchyards are often poorly defined so that burials can be found outside modern boundaries. Furthermore groundworks for No. 7 Captain’s Court identified medieval and post medieval activities. The site therefore had potential for archaeological remains to survive below the overburden. The archaeological investigation confirmed that there were at least two phases of medieval activity on the site, including ditches, a pit, stone walls and areas of cobble surfaces. This is suggestive of probable occupation, possibly a dwelling associated with the church. The largely domestic pottery types confirmed the site to be early medieval in date, 10th -11th century, with a terminal date in the 12th or early 13th century. The scarcity of later pottery suggests the focus of activity in the village had moved elsewhere. The archive will be deposited with Northamptonshire County Council under the Accession Number ENN109177