SNN112084 - Land at the Wheatsheaf, Main Street, Upper Benefield, Northamptonshire: Archaeological evaluation

Cotswold Archaeology carried out an archaeological evaluation on 30 April and 1 May 2019 on land at the Wheatsheaf, Main Street, Upper Benefield, Northamptonshire. Three trenches were excavated targeting the footprint of the proposed development and adjacent open areas. Archaeological interest in the site is derived from its location within the historic settlement of Upper Benefield. There is evidence in the wider area for Roman period activity, with an area of possible settlement to the south, and a former quarry to the north-east. The village of Benefield may have originated prior to the 10th century, and earthworks to the north and south of the site are thought to be the remains of medieval and post-medieval activity associated with the development of agriculture and the settlement. To the south of the site lies another relatively more recent disused former quarry. The evaluation identified one undated ditch, probably of fairly recent origin and potentially having had an agricultural function, perhaps for drainage purposes or serving as part of a boundary. In addition, Modern period development was evidenced with the dumped and levelling deposits and Tarmac surfacing and the remains of a concrete wall cut and foundation. Much of the latter is probably associated with the recent history of the site as a public house. The wall foundation, for example, may be associated with former boundary walls at the south of the former Wheatsheaf site; evident on historic mapping. No other archaeological remains were evident.