SNN115233 - Heritage Statement: Land adjacent to Willow Brook, Blatherwycke Estate, Northamptonshire

Archaeological Research Services Ltd was commissioned by Dynamic Rivers Ltd to produce a Heritage Statement of an area of land adjacent to Willow Brook, Blatherwycke Estate. This is in advance of the submission of a planning application for improving flood management, as stipulated by the client. The proposed development area (PDA) falls into the Environment Agency’s Flood Zones 2 and 3. The proposed development aims to mitigate this and includes the reinstatement of an historical course of Willow Brook in Area 1 and the reconstruction of an historical weir in Area 2. This assessment has identified that eight surviving heritage assets within Area 1 of the PDA. This comprises of one Scheduled Monument, one Grade II Listed Building, and six non-designated heritage assets recorded by Northamptonshire HER. While Northamptonshire HER records four further non-designated heritage assets in Area 2. There has been little development across the study area during the modern period. This has resulted in the high quantity of archaeological remains from the Prehistoric to Post-Medieval period recorded by the NHLE and Northamptonshire HER. Evidence found during historical map regression, site walkover, and within the NHLE and Northamptonshire HER demonstrates that there is a medium-high potential for remains relating to the Romano-British and Post-Medieval periods within Area 1, and Post-Medieval period within Area 2. Post-Medieval remains would have evidential, historical associative, and group value due to their direct connection with Blatherwycke Estate and the designed landscape of Blatherwycke Park and would be of regional significance. Romano-British remains would be of evidential value and would have regional significance. A setting assessment identified that the proposed development may affect the setting of the Scheduled, and Grade II Listed, Medieval Boundary Cross (NHLE 1017621; 137199). The proposals most likely to affect the setting of the Boundary Cross are interventions 1-4 within Area 1 of the PDA, due to the changes that will be made to the landscape immediately surrounding the boundary cross. To mitigate any harm, and maximise the enhancement of setting, substantial evidence is needed to reinstate historical meanders. It is recommended that a geophysical survey is conducted in Area 1 to fully assess the potential for archaeological remains associated with a possible Romano-British settlement, possibly located within Area 1. This survey could also have the added benefit for accurately detecting the former course of Willow Brook, leading to a more authentic reinstatement. Furthermore, it is recommended that a hedgerow is reinstated in Area 1 at the site of the copse that marked the historical boundary between Blatherwycke and King’s Cliffe, maximising benefit from reinstating elements of the historical landscape. It is recommended that archaeological monitoring takes place during below ground works associated with the reinstatement of the weir in Area 2. Additionally, due to the identification of an earthwork within the woodland of Area 2, it is recommended that no work takes place beyond the reconstruction of the weir in Area 2. Access to the site of the weir should be from the south to avoid potential damage to historical woodland.