SNN115131 - Archaeological evaluation trial trenching: Land off Northampton Lane North, Moulton, Northamptonshire

During April 2012 Phoenix Consulting Archaeology Ltd carried out an archaeological trial trench evaluation across a proposed development site on land off Northampton Lane North, Moulton, Northamptonshire (NGR SP 784 655). The work was carried out on behalf of Redrow Homes (South Midlands) Ltd. and forms part of an archaeological evaluation of the site, comprising a desk-based assessment, an archaeogeophysical survey and trial trenching. These works have been requested in order to assess the presence, extent, nature and survival of archaeological features within the application area. The proposed development comprises housing together with associated landscaping, roads and open spaces. Prior to the trenching exercise, a geophysical survey had been carried out which identified a number of dispersed anomalies across the site, some of which may have been of archaeological origin. 16 trial trenches were therefore excavated within the footprint of the identified geophysical readings. Additional trenches were placed across the site to test apparently ‘blank’ areas in order to act as a control. Archaeological features were identified in 3 trenches. Of these, two of the features related to lines of former field boundaries of relatively recent date. Three further, small undated ditches were also identified, which are likely to be former field boundaries. No artefacts were recovered during the trenching exervise. Large areas of the site did not show any evidence of archaeological activity.