SNN112819 - An Archaeological Trial Trench Evaluation: Land at Milton Ham, off Towcester Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN4 9RN

Crestwood Environmental Ltd has been appointed by Colin Clayson Homes to undertake an archaeological evaluation of land at Milton Ham, off Towcester Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN4 9RN, the work being undertaken in order to inform the potential for below ground archaeological remains as requested by the Archaeological Advisor, North Northamptonshire Council and in order to support a planning application for residential development (‘the Proposed Development’). Evidence of the eroded earthwork remains of ridge and furrow were noted in the northern corner of the Site. The trial trench evaluation comprised the excavation of 7 out of a total 27 proposed trenches each measuring between 10m and 25m in length by 1.8m wide in positions pre-agreed with the Archaeological Advisor, the remaining 20 trenches with the agreement of the Archaeological Advisor were not excavated due to Health and Safety concerns relating to buried and above ground services identified within the Site including that of a highpressure gas main. An examination of the trenches revealed a consistent stratigraphy throughout the investigation area comprisingof undisturbed soils with no archaeological remains present. It was noted that there was a marked lack of any pre-modern artefactual evidence anywhere within the investigation area suggesting that no significant archaeological remains are present within the Site. The results of the trial trench evaluation suggest that the Site has been in agricultural usage from the medieval period to up until relatively recently. In respect of the results of the evaluation it is considered that the potential for the presence of any pre-modern archaeological remains within the Site is extremely Low.