SNN114714 - Archaeological evaluation report: geophysical survey by magnetometry on Alban Mann Land, Bell plantation, Towcester, Northamptonshire

Bell Plantation commissioned Allen Archaeology Limited to undertake a geophysical survey using magnetometry on Alban Mann Land at Bell Plantation, Towcester, Northamptonshire, to help inform a future planning application for the site. The site lies less than 100m to the east of Watling Street and to the north of Towcester (Roman town of Lactodorum). Immediately to the west of the site is a probable Roman settlement. Immediately to the south of Field 1 a small excavation revealed a significant volume of archaeology of Roman date. The survey has revealed a large number of features of archaeological interest. Positive linear and curvilinear features along with amorphous positive features within the northern field likely represent boundary and enclosure features, most probably associated with farming and settlement activity. There were also a few linear features within the southern field which likely also represent more peripheral farming or settlement activity. Previous archaeological investigations close to the site have revealed large amounts of Roman activity, and this survey has almost certainly revealed a continuation of this activity. The survey also revealed former cultivation trends, likely ridge and furrow agriculture, throughout the entire site, along with a buried modern service within the northern field.