SNN112621 - Archaeological mitigation excavation on land at Wood Burcote Court, Towcester, Northamptonshire; Assessment Report and Updated Project Design, January-August 2016

Archaeological excavation was undertaken by MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) on land at Wood Burcote Court, Towcester, Northamptonshire. Truncated Iron Age occupation was identified on the high ground with an enclosure ditch following the natural curve of the slope defining the area of settlement. A defined area of Romano-British settlement of 1st to 3rd century date comprising a post-built fence, malting oven, rectangular building of indeterminate purpose, and possible granary was located on the ridge of ground situated adjacent to ponds, natural springs and marshy ground. There were attempts at cultivation and grain drying in the early Roman period but this was largely abandoned by the 3rd century. Peripheral settlement of high medieval date, likely the fringes of the Wood Burcote village, was located on the same ridge also dedicated to grain drying/ malting. The area of occupation was divided from the cultivation and pond areas by boundary ditches, however this was largely abandoned by the 15th century as the village shrunk. Some post-medieval backyard activity was noted along the western edge.