SNN114247 - Images and GIS from an Archaeological Evaluation at Bell Plantation, Towcester, Northamptonshire 2021

This collection comprises of Images and GIS from an archaeological evaluation of land north of Bell Plantation, Towcester, Northamptonshire, undertaken In May and June 2021, by Cotswold Archaeology. A total of 93 trenches measuring 50m long by 2m wide were excavated across the proposed development site. A preceding geophysical of the Site identified anomalies of probable and possible archaeological origin interpreted as multiple settlement complexes with possibly associated field systems of possible Late Prehistoric to Romano-British date. The results of the trial trenching broadly confirmed those of preceding geophysical survey, although a high level of plough disturbance through the relatively thin plough soil was noted to affect feature preservation across the Site. The strongest geophysical anomalies corresponded well with features investigated in the evaluation trenches, although a number of weaker signals were not matched by features. Furrow preservation across the Site was similarly variable, with the geophysical survey recording a much denser system than was evident in the trenches; surviving furrow remains were also generally poorly preserved. Early activity within the Site is represented by a small assemblage of lithics. While these objects were recovered from later features they nonetheless hint at the exploitation of the site and surrounding landscape during these periods. The evaluation also identified three spatially distinct focal zones of activity within the Site, two of Late Iron Age - Early Roman date, comprising the remains of a ring ditch and rectangular enclosure in the north part of the Site and a third in the south part of the Site, centred on a smaller square enclosure with possibly associated external activity. The third area of activity, in the southwest corner of the Site, adjacent to Watling Street, produced evidence for activity in the Roman period, with pottery evidence suggesting a broad 2nd - 4th century date. The pottery assemblage recovered from the Site comprises for the most part locally produced vessel types, with very little evidence for regional or imported wares. Analysis of environmental samples also suggested the proximity of some level of domestic settlement activity, producing evidence for hearth and food preparation waste. The area of Roman activity in southwest part of the site does not appear to have been heavily Romanised, with little tile and virtually no high status or imported pottery having been recovered from the investigated features. The recovery of industrial waste and hammerscale from the Site, albeit in limited quantities suggest industrial processes were taking place in the vicinity. Evidence for post-Roman activity within the Site is limited primarily to features relating to the agricultural management of the landscape.