SNN113043 - 1EW03 - Enabling Works Central AWHh – Trial Trench Evaluation at Paradise Farm and Field Farm, Northamptonshire, AC320

An archaeological trial trench evaluation was undertaken by MOLA at Paradise and Field Farm, Northamptonshire (hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’). The site code allocated for the works was 1C20PDFTT. The Site is located in Northamptonshire, within Community Forum Area (CFA15), between Greatworth and Lower Boddington. 1.1.2 The Site is required to enable the construction of the rail alignment formation, specifically to allow for the Lower Boddington Cutting and Highfurlong Brook Embankment. The location for the evaluation has been selected to address construction programme risk to land required for the Employer. The baseline archaeological evidence suggested a potential for the Site to contain as yet unknown archaeological remains of prehistoric, Roman, medieval and post- medieval date. These are likely to be associated with agricultural and settlement activity. The geophysical surveys undertaken within the Site (Document no.: 1EW03-FUS-EV-REP-CS07_CL14-007767) identified two square enclosures in the south eastern parcel (Field Farm Phase 1), at least one of which was identified as a possible Roman fort. Minor linear geophysical anomalies were identified in the present area. This report analyses the results of 467 trenches at Field Farm and Paradise Farm, excavated in two phases between August 2020 and February 2021. The site results have been outlined in two previous interim statements (Document no.: 1EW03-FUS_MHI-EV-REP-CS07_CL14-000002 and 1EW03-FUS_MHI-EV-REP-CS07_CL14-000010). Finds from the site included worked flints of a late Mesolithic and Neolithic to early Bronze Age date found largely in the topsoil or subsoil on the site, or within later features; Iron Age, Roman and early medieval pottery and other finds, and post-medieval pottery, in addition to ceramic building material and animal bone. Curvilinear ditches and postholes are indicative of Iron Age settlement activity. A single Roman cremation burial was identified which produced a significant quantity of iron nails. Other notable finds included two Roman armlets, one in shale and one in copper alloy, and an early medieval bead. An AD 4th-century coin was recovered from subsoil. The trial trenching confirmed the presence of an enclosed Roman settlement, dated by pottery evidence to the late 2nd–4th century AD, possible Iron Age settlement activity, and medieval and post-medieval plough furrows and field boundaries. The archaeology was mostly concentrated within three fields at Field Farm and one field at Paradise Farm. The cremation is regionally significant. Isolated features of archaeological interest, such as pits and field boundaries were observed across the rest of the Site. Early medieval / Saxon activity was also evident, and a bead of this period was recovered. Field Farm produced many features of Roman date and others dating to the Iron Age, as well as less significant medieval and post-medieval agricultural features. Paradise Farm produced features dated to the Iron Age, medieval-post-medieval ploughing features, and a large number of undated features. The programme of fieldwork reporting was agreed at a site meeting following the completion of the works. The findings are laid out this report in order to inform subsequent decision making for any further archaeological works at the site.