SNN112851 - Land at Northdale End, Raunds, Northamptonshire: Post-Fieldwork Assessment and Updated Project Design for Analysis, Publication and Archiving

Archaeological open-area excavation was undertaken between April 2019 and January 2020 in advance of residential development on Land at Northdale End, Raunds, Northamptonshire (NGR SP 00180 73460). The work was commissioned in compliance with condition no. 27 on the outline planning consent (09/01626/OUT) and in line with a written brief (NCC 2018), which required the implementation of an archaeological mitigation strategy. This document presents an assessment of the results of the archaeological investigation and proposals for their analysis, publication and archiving. The undertaking and completion of this programme of works, as set-out in this document, will fulfil the requirements stipulated in a Written Scheme of Investigation approved by the Northamptonshire County Council Archaeological Advisor. Geological deposits include a paleochannel that may represent the former course of the Raunds Brook, or alluvial deposits associated with it. The first evidence for human activity comprised three partial stock enclosures and an isolated cremation burial, presumed to be Iron Age in date. The first major evidence for permanent settlement dates to the late Anglo-Saxon period. The remains comprised an enclosure system and isolated pit in Area A; a trackway, post-built structure and pit cluster in Area B; and ditched boundaries and trackway in Area C (Figures 5–6). In the late Anglo-Saxon to early medieval period the settlement expanded considerably in all Areas. In Area A, further enclosures were established; evidence for unenclosed activity in the form of pits and potential post-built structures was also present. In addition, there was evidence for the formation of a plough headland, along with the creation of ponds and other features associated with water management in the vicinity of Raunds Brook. In Areas B and C, a series of enclosures were established; further revisions of the trackway established in Phase 3 were also made (Figures 7–8). As the early medieval period progressed the settlement saw major development and expansion throughout all areas, including construction of twelve stone buildings adjacent to a metalled trackway in Area A and the establishment of further enclosures in Areas B and C (Figures 9–10). This represents the peak of the settlement activity within the development area. Open fields, subject to strip cultivation, were established to the north (Areas B and C) and west (Area A) of the settlement. Progressing into the high medieval period the settlement contracted, with many elements being abandoned (Figures 11–12). The majority of demolition and robbing events associated with buildings in Area A took place in this period, indicating that this part of the settlement had fallen into disuse. Only Area B had evidence for substantive new activity. Whilst many of the enclosures went out of use, the settlement appeared to shift in focus to the south-east, with the establishment of additional enclosures and potential post-built structures. The late medieval period saw a low level of activity and renewed construction in Area A, although by this time settlement activity in Areas B and C had ceased (or moved beyond the limits of the development area) (Figure 7). The land remained predominantly agricultural in nature through the post-medieval and modern periods. Features dating to this period included ponds, wells, land drains, former hedges, boundary ditches and a modern building. The investigated remains and the finds recovered from them have the potential to contribute to a number of local and regional research themes, with particular reference to Anglo-Saxon and medieval settlement. On this basis, and in accordance with the Written Scheme of Investigation, a programme of analysis is proposed, the results of which will ultimately be published. Upon completion of the publication, the archives will be prepared for accessioning (subject to the landowners’ permission) to the Archaeology Data Service and the Northamptonshire Archaeological Resource Centre (Event number: ENN109357).