SNN114166 - Land rear of 57 High Street, Twywell, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation and Archaeological Observation, Investigation, Recording, Analysis & Publication

Between March and July 2022, Cotswold Archaeology carried out an archaeological evaluation and programme of archaeological observation, investigation, recording, analysis and publication during groundworks associated with residential development on land to the rear of 57 High Street, Twywell, Northamptonshire. A single pit/ or possible well of Late Saxon/ early post-Conquest date was investigated in Trench 1, revealing a small assemblage of 9th to 11th century pottery in the backfill deposits. The lack of a in situ topsoil and subsoil deposit indicates the potential for substantial truncation to the Site, with modern disturbance evident truncating the natural substrate in Trench 2. The level of truncation, combined with the lack of any residual finds, indicates a low potential for any further less shallow/ more ephemeral features associated with the pit/well to have survived. The Site is recorded as being located within the extent of the medieval settlement at Twywell and the results of the archaeological works would suggest that this is correct and the pit/ well is the surviving feature within the investigated area, or that it may have been a peripheral, settlement edge feature that was subsequently used for the disposal of domestic waste. While of interest in confirming the presence of Late Saxon activity, supporting the suggested foundation date for the settlement, the results of the investigation are nonetheless not of sufficient scale to contribute further to any regional research themes or objectives.