SNN112422 - Archaeological assessment report and updated project design: Land between Oakleas Rise and A14 Midland Road, Thrapston, Northamptonshire

Allen Archaeology Limited were commissioned by Orbit Homes to undertake a programme of archaeological excavation, recording, assessment, analysis and publication as the final mitigation strategy for the construction of a residential development on land between Oakleas Rise and A14 Midland Road, Thrapston, Northamptonshire. The site lies within an area of archaeological potential, with previous archaeological works in the vicinity having identified Bronze Age field enclosures, ringworks with associated pits and working hollows, Iron Age pits, Roman field system, timber buildings and number of associated artefacts. Medieval and post-medieval features are also present, although limited to ridge and furrow, suggesting evidence of primarily agricultural activity in this period. The site has previously been subject to non-intrusive and intrusive surveys. A geophysical survey identified a number of anomalies of potential archaeological interest, which evaluation trenching confirmed. The results from 16 trenches identified later prehistoric, Iron Age and small amounts of medieval and post-medieval activity on this site, comprising a series of enclosures, pits and furrows. Following the trial trench evaluation, an excavation strategy was proposed for the site, based on a strip, map and excavation area (Area 1) and further smaller strip, map area (Area 2). Area 1 revealed a concentration of archaeological features, which represent the likely northwest corner of a former Iron Age settlement. Dating evidence from the features suggests a lifespan of the site from the middle to later Iron Age, however there were a few sherds of pottery which may suggest continued activity into the 1st century AD. A large enclosure ditch was revealed along with smaller internal enclosure features and as ring ditches indicative of roundhouse structures. Area 2 contained very little of archaeological interest, with a shallow undated linear ditch that was truncated by a furrow, and three modern rubbish pits. The archaeological excavations have helped to enrich the current knowledge of Mid to Late Iron Age rural settlement within this area of Northamptonshire and full analysis and publication are recommended.