SNN115128 - Archaeological Evaluation Trial trenching & Test Pitting: White Mills Marina, Earls Barton, Northamptonshire

During July 2014 Phoenix Consulting Archaeology Ltd carried out an archaeological trial trench and test pit evaluation across a proposed development site known as ‘White Mills Marina’ (NGR SP 8566 6210). The work was carried out on behalf of John Skinner Esq. and forms part of a wider archaeological evaluation of the Site, which has comprised of a desk-based assessment, an archaeo-geophysical survey and trial trenching & test pitting. The results from these surveys will allow for the archaeological advisor to the planning authority to make their recommendations on the submitted application. The present document outlines the results of the trial trench and test pitting stage. The trenching and test pits covered the entire Site where the proposed development will create an impact through groundwork and soil moving operations. Trenches and test pits were positioned to investigate both a suspected palaeo-channel as well as several ‘gravel highs’ which may have been areas that were more conducive to past settlement activities. In total 5 trenches and 9 test pits were excavated. The investigations identified slight gravel rises at both the northern and southern extents of the Site. Between these areas a very slight palaeo-channel was recorded, evidenced by an increased depth of alluvial sediment. The channel, however, was not of great depth, and little evidence for preserved organic horizons was noted. The only archaeology identified during the proceedings was a single undated ditch in Trench 2 and two slight undated gullies in Trench 1. Both these features were recorded at the Site’s northern extent, where a gravel rise was identified. They are likely to relate to some form of former land division. No archaeology was identified to the south of this area, suggesting the landscape here was marginal land, unsuitable for settlement or associated activities.