SNN114715 - Former Furtho Pit, Old Stratford, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Trial Trenching

RPS on behalf of Frontier Estates Ltd are gathering baseline information in support of an application for a distribution centre and country park at the former Furtho Pit, Old Stratford, Northamptonshire. The 39.8ha proposal site is located to the north of Old Stratford centred on NGR SP 8280 1620. It is bounded by Stratford Road in the north, by the A5 in the south, by open fields and the Dogsmouth Brook in the east and by the River Great Ouse in the south-east. Following a desk-based assessment (RPS 2021) and a geophysical survey (Magnitude Surveys 2021), a targeted archaeological trial-trench evaluation was required to assess the extent and nature of any surviving sub-surface archaeological remains and allow an effective strategy to be formulated for the mitigation of any development impacts. The work was carried out in accordance with a written scheme of investigation (Albion 2021). The fieldwork was undertaken between 27th September and 25th October 2021. A total of 41 trial trenches were excavated. Using a combination of the trial trenching and geophysical survey results, two Areas of Archaeological Significance (AAS) were defined. AAS1 represents a late Iron Age/Roman settlement in the western part of the site, characterised primarily by ditched enclosures and boundaries; a small number of discrete features – postholes, a pit and a possible layer – were also identified. To the east AAS2 represents evidence for Anglo-Saxon activity, comprising ditches and a small sunken-featured building. Evidence for medieval ridge and furrow ploughing was identified on the geophysical survey and confirmed within nine trenches. The alignment of the furrows appears to largely respect the current field boundaries. Post-medieval and modern features comprised primarily land drains, dispersed across the site, particularly in the eastern fields. A number of post-medieval pits and diches were also identified. An undated pit and gully were present in the fields east of Cosgrove Road. The late Iron Age/Roman and Anglo-Saxon remains have potential to address several research themes related to rural settlement in those periods. The medieval and later features have no potential to address regional research themes. Albion Archaeology will seek to obtain ‘in principle’ agreement from the landowner to donate the recovered artefacts to the Northamptonshire Archaeological Resource Centre (ARC). The digital archive will be submitted to the Archaeology Data Service (ADS). Details of the project and its findings will be submitted to the OASIS database in accordance with the guidelines issued by Historic England and the ADS (reference no. albionar1-425192)