SNN113430 - 11 Manor Drive, Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire: Report on an Archaeological Evaluation and Watching Brief

This report describes the results of an archaeological evaluation and subsequent archaeological observation, carried out by Pre-Construct Archaeology on land adjacent to 11 Manor Drive, Irthlingborough. The evaluation was undertaken on the 3rd and 8th January 2018, while the observation took place on the 1st May 2018. The archaeological work was commissioned by Kevin McCullagh and took place in anticipation of, and during, the development of the land. The aim of the work was to identify, investigate and record any archaeological finds or features within proposed development area. The archaeological evaluation identified two features: a ditch and a wall. Artefactual evidence recovered during the investigation indicates the ditch is medieval, probably 13th century. Located on the same position and alignment as the ditch, the wall indicates maintenance of the boundary defined by the medieval ditch. The wall was undated but is perhaps post-medieval. Given that the proposed development area lies within or adjacent to the grounds of a former medieval or post-medieval manorial complex, these features could be the remnants of earthworks or garden walls belonging to the manor grounds. The archaeological observation revealed no additional features at the site, although it did further expose the ditch and wall identified during the evaluation. Other than the medieval ditch and stratigraphically later wall, no other archaeological features or deposits were identified at the site.