SNN116592 - Data from Trial Trenching at Blackgrounds Farm, Edgcote Viaduct and Edgcote Cutting, Northamptonshire, 2018-2022 (HS2 Phase One)

This collection contains digital photographs, site reports, and CAD files from a trial trench evaluation carried out by MOLA on land at Blackgrounds Farm, Northamptonshire. The evaluation, comprising 78 trenches, was undertaken from November 2018 to September 2002. Project Summary The site, located in Northamptonshire, within the Greatworth to Lower Boddington Community Forum Area, is in an area of identified Romano-British, prehistoric, and potentially early medieval activity on the northern valley side and flood plain of the River Cherwell, near Trafford Bridge. The archaeological works took place in response to the critical path enabling works. Seventy-eight trenches were excavated in two phases. Phase 1 comprised fifty trenches, of which 33 contained archaeological features. Phase 2 comprised the excavation of 28 trenches, 47 boreholes and two 4x2m test pits. A total of 13 trenches contained archaeological features, while nine of boreholes were targeted for future palaeoscope analysis. The geoarchaeological investigation profiled floodplain alluvium over underlying bedrock. The vast majority of the identified archaeological features dated to the Iron Age and Roman periods without evidence for earlier prehistoric occupation. Forty-nine features were dated to the Iron Age including a plethora of ditches, gullies, post holes and pits. This seems indicative of a sustained period of occupation with Iron Age structures such as ring ditches and roundhouses remains. Artefacts included a substantial Iron Age pottery assemblage. Thirty features were instead dated to the Roman period, including numerous ditches and pits. Evidence of structural features appeared towards the southern end of the site including masonry lined well, a wall, stone surfaces, and what appeared to be part of a masonry foundation. A large assemblage of Roman pottery was recovered, with the bulk of the material dating to the later Roman period, along with smaller quantities of glass and building material. The Roman evidence is significant considering the nearby proximity of Edgcote Roman villa. No significant evidence of medieval and post-medieval activity was recorded, except for a few features containing some post medieval pottery.