SNN115690 - Data from a Trial Trench Evaluation at Sparrow Lodge Farm, Wicken, Northamptonshire, 2021

This collection comprises images, databases, site records, GIS files, and reports from the archaeological evaluation carried out by Oxford Archaeology at Sparrow Lodge Farm, Wicken, Northamptonshire from September to October 2021. The trial trench evaluation was commissioned by RPS Group on behalf of Elgin Energy and undertaken as a condition of planning permission in advance of a proposed solar farm. A series of archaeological features were revealed, conforming to anomalies previously identified via cropmark and geophysical survey of the area. The trenches were laid out using a GPS with sub-15mm accuracy, except where minor adjustments are required owing to ground conditions or site obstructions. Trench 1 was shifted 5m to the east due to active animal burrows along its length. Trench 63 was added in Field 1 at the request of Liz Mordue (Archaeological Advisor to West Northamptonshire Council) to determine the scope and size of a complex area of unexpected archaeology in trench 14 that included a ditch terminus of uncertain alignment. The trenches were excavated using a 16-ton mechanical excavator fitted with a toothless bucket under the direct supervision of an archaeologist. Spoil was stored adjacent to, but at a safe distance from the trench edges. Machining continued in even spits down to the top of the undisturbed natural geology or the first archaeological horizon, depending upon which was encountered first. Once archaeological deposits had been exposed, further excavation preceded by hand. The exposed surface was sufficiently cleaned to establish the presence/absence of archaeological remains. A sample of each feature or deposit type —for example pits, postholes, and ditches— was excavated and recorded. In the event of the identification of an exceptional number and complexity of archaeological deposits, sample excavation was more circumspect and aimed to be minimally intrusive. Excavation was, however, sufficient to resolve the principal aims of the evaluation. All features and deposits were issued with unique context numbers, and context recording was in accordance with established best practice and the Oxford Archaeology field manual. Small finds and samples were allocated unique numbers. Bulk finds were collected by context. Spoil produced from machine excavation, the surface of archaeological features, and spoil from hand excavation was scanned by a metal detector to enhance finds retrieval. Digital photos were taken of any archaeological features, deposits, trenches and the evaluation work in general. Sections of features were drawn at scales of 1:10 and 1:20. All section drawings were located using GPS and the absolute m aOD (meters above Ordnance Datum) height of all principal strata and features, and the section datum lines, were recovered in this manner. Sample sections were located using a GPS unit. Coordinates relative to Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Datum were obtained for each sampling location. The archaeological evaluation at Sparrow Lodge, revealed a series of archaeological features, most of which conformed to anomalies identified via cropmark and geophysical survey of the area. Two main periods were represented by Iron Age and Medieval settlement activity. A number of undated features were also present. The Iron Age activity included a concentration in Field 5, which was previously identified through survey and proved to represent a well-preserved series of enclosures, ring ditches and gullies, as well as a trackway with a mettled surface. Medieval activity included pits, ditches and a pond feature that lay either side of a wooden enclosure. Very late or post-medieval ridge and furrow was present in numerous trenches across every field. Artefactual material largely compromised pottery, animal bone, and some Ceramic Building Material, with a limited background-scatter of flint.