SNN115860 - Thorpeville, Moulton, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Barnes-West Developments Ltd to undertake an archaeological evaluation of a 1.02 ha parcel of land located to the rear of Woodlands, Thorpeville, Moulton in Northamptonshire. The evaluation area is centred on NGR 479179 265557. The aims of the evaluation have been met, although negatively. No significant archaeological features, deposits, structures or artefacts were identified. A single modern pit was revealed. No deposits suitable for environmental sampling were encountered. Although prehistoric, Romano-British, early medieval and post-medieval remains have been recorded in the near vicinity of the site, these remains did not extend into the investigated trenches. The lack of subsoil may indicate that the site has been subject to deep agricultural ploughing that may have truncated any archaeological remains. In places the topsoil directly overlay bedrock, consistent with intensive ploughing. This would explain the absence of the continuation of archaeological features known from nearby excavations. The site is presently occupied by scrubland and trees; however it may be that it was subject to intensive agriculture at some point in the 20th century or before. The archive resulting from the evaluation is currently held at the offices of Wessex Archaeology in Sheffield. The collecting museum is Northamptonshire Archaeological Resource Centre. Given the negative result, and in line with guidance from the museum, it is recommended that an ‘all-in-one’ report is compiled for the museum, containing the digital elements of the archive. An OASIS form, wessexar1-521020 , has been provisionally completed and will be finalised at the time of deposition.