SNN112283 - Interim Statement for Trial Trench Evaluation for the A361 Chipping Warden relief road, Chipping Warden

MOLA undertook an archaeological trial trench evaluation of the c. 40ha of land to the north-west of Chipping Warden, Northamptonshire, in advance of the construction of the A361 Chipping Warden relief road. This area lies in Community Forum Area (CFA) 15, between Greatworth and Lower Boddington. The evaluation identified a possible ploughed-out barrow comprising a double ditched oval with a possible collapsed embankment in the centre of the site. This was undated but may be Bronze Age. Associated were shallow ditches and pits. A small rectangular enclosure, possibly of Iron Age or Roman date lay in the north of the site. Further pottery analysis may date this feature. A stone drain lay at the south of the site in an area of minor ditches. This was undated but may indicate field drainage. A single articulated dog skeleton came from a relatively deep ditch at the southern end of the site. Various linear and curvilinear shallow ditches and pits were found elsewhere on the site, but no clear pattern of boundaries or divisions could be reconstructed. Medieval to early postmedieval ploughing furrows were detected across the site but no remains could be associated with the former airfield.