SNN112421 - 18 High Street, Deanshanger: Archaeological Monitoring Report

In response to a planning condition on the redevelopment of land to the rear of 18 High Street, Deanshanger, Northamptonshire, the Heritage Network was commissioned by the developer to undertake a programme of archaeological monitoring of the groundworks. The monitoring programme was divided into three phases: Phase 1 covered ground reduction across the entire site; Phase 2 covered alterations to the course of an existing spring line; and, Phase 3 covered all other intrusive groundworks, including the excavation of a trench for the disposal of organic matter, footings trenches and a soakaway in Plot 1. It was considered that the present investigation had the potential to contribute to a greater understanding of the origins and development of Deanshanger, from the medieval period onwards. The accumulated evidence demonstrates that site was subject to episodes of flooding in the past; alluvial deposits were encountered at a depth of approximately 0.55m below the present ground level. These deposits had been removed from the eastern side of the site and a terrace built up, possibly to form a wharf on the western side of the canal. The upper layer of the terrace contained frequent fragments of unburnt coal, probably associated with the site’s former use as a coal yard. The terrace was retained on its western side by a wall constructed from unmortared limestone and sandstone blocks. A possible pit, of 19th century date, and an undated linear feature were also encountered. The linear feature, which lay below the alluvial deposits, may represent a palaeochannel.