SNN112269 - Aynhoe Park: Archaeological Desk‐Based Assessment, November 2020

Oxford Archaeology has been commissioned by Savills on behalf of James Perkins to prepare an archaeological desk‐based assessment in relation to a development at Aynhoe Park, Northamptonshire.The development comprises an extension to the commercial kitchen and installation of plant equipment, internal alterations to remove existing fabric and install new infrastructure, installation of a new gas supply, minor external alterations and refurbishment works. Only the elements that may impact on any below‐ground archaeological remains, comprising the extension to the kitchen and the insertion of a new gas main, will be considered in this assessment; the other aspects having been addressed in a separate Heritage Assessment This desk‐based assessment has identified that there is little potential for archaeological remains predating the medieval period, but that there is potential for buried remains associated with the medieval manor and earlier phases of the post‐medieval house. The area of the extension to the kitchen has been part of the stable yard from at least the start of the 19th century (and possibly earlier) and may therefore have been subject to little impact during this period, while impacts in the area crossed by the proposed gas supply may be limited to deposits associated with the landscaping and construction of the gravel driveway and courtyard surface. Details of the groundworks associated with the development are not currently available, but it is assumed that the depth of the foundation trench for the extension to the kitchen and the trench for the new gas supply will be sufficient to impact on any archaeological remains present. The proposed development only comprises a small amount of works that have any potential for impact on archaeological remains. The majority of the proposed works are internal and above ground. Given the nature of the works, it is considered likely that any archaeological risk can be mitigated by an appropriately worded condition which requires a programme of archaeological observation and recording during the completion of any works relating agreed with the relevant Archaeological Officer prior to the commencement of any works.