SNN112692 - In Search of Medieval Bugbrooke: Archaeological Excavations at Millenium Green, Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire

Archaeological excavations were undertaken on behalf of Bugbrooke Parish Council in advance of a proposed cemetery extension, within the extent of the medieval settlement. Medieval remains dating from the mid-late 11th century to the early mid-13th century were recorded which were probably associated with the main focus of high medieval settlement lying to the south of the excavation area. The excavations produced pottery and animal bone, alongside charred plant remains and charcoal, typical of medieval peasant farming although red deer bones suggest they also expoloited wild animals. Wood for fuel was collected from the nearby woodland understorey and they appear to have employed insurance cropping in case of bad harvests. The area close to the church appears to have been depopulated at a time of widespread population increase, perhaps as a consequence of the of the destruction of the local manor house during the Civil War of 1215-17. The manor house was later rebuilt to the north of the church but the delay may have discouraged re-settlement of the site. The excavations also revealed a tantalising glimpse of even earlier activity on the site in the form of a possible prehistoric gully and fragments of Roman tile and pottery.