SNN113783 - Archaeological desk-based assessment: Weedon Lois Reinforcment Main, Northamptonshire

In September 2006 Archaeological Services and Consultancy Ltd (ASC) carried out an archaeological desk-based assessment of a proposed pipeline route between Maidford and Adstone Lodge, Northamptonshire in order for Anglian Water Services Ltd (AWSL) to fulfil their statutory obligations. The earliest known evidence for human activity in the Adstone and Maidford area dates from the Saxon period and both settlements are recorded in the Domesday Survey of 1086, where they are known as Atenestone or Etenestone and Merdeford respectively. The economic basis of both settlements appears to have been predominantly agricultural and the fields in Maidford were enclosed in 1778 and those in Adstone by 1780. Ridge and furrow is still in evidence to the north and southeast of the proposed pipeline route. Building stone and lime quarrying provided economic diversity for the two villages and the remains of the Maidford lime quarries lie at the northern end of the proposed route.