SNN116850 - 1EW03 - Enabling Works Central AWHi – Post-Excavation Assessment Report for Archaeological Recording at Edgcote: C31042 and C31050

This Post-Excavation Assessment (PXA) Report details Archaeological Recording undertaken at at Edgcote, Northamptonshire (hereafter referred to as ‘the Site’, Figure 1). The Site was located c. 700m east of Edgcote village within Community Forum Area (CFA) 15 Greatworth to Lower Boddington. The scope of the work was informed by previous archaeological works including geophysical survey (CA033, 1D037-EDP-EV-REP-040-000019, CW0AA, ES 3.5.2.15.7; CA034, 1D037-EDP-EV-REP-040-000020) and archaeological trial trenching (1EW03-FUS-EV-EP-CS07_CL26-008158). The results indicated the presence of a range of features likely representing rural settlement activity and agriculture dating to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.The subsequent Archaeological Recording comprised two areas, designated as C31042 (1.06ha) and C31050 (0.24ha), located c 800m apart, and four trial trenches.0.1.2 The scope of the Archaeological Recording at C31050 was focused on enabling the investigation the two Roman sub-rectangular enclosures and associated features. Archaeological Recording at C31042 was to enable the further exploration of a Roman enclosure system, defined by a series of intercutting ditches, and associated features. The delivery of this work was expected to contribute to a range of GWSI: HERDS Specific Objectives focused on the development of settlement patterns, Roman occupation and the Edgcote battlefield including: KC15, KC18, KC21, KC40 and KC47. 0.1.3 The excavations at C3150 uncovered limited evidence of prehistoric and Iron Age activity with the main phase of activity dating to the Roman period. A series of enclosure ditches and an unusual semi-sunken rectilinear building were uncovered along with a ceramic assemblage indicating activity in the 1st – 2nd century AD. A broader range of Roman features were uncovered at C31042 including a field system with enclosures and possible drove ways. Pit clusters and structures, including corn dryers, were also identified. Two inhumation burials with associated grave goods were also discovered in C31042. The artefactual assemblage from C31042 indicated activity primarily dating to the 3rd- 4th centuries AD. The archaeological features can be characterised as likely representing two separate Romano-British rural settlement complexes, with that the north (C31050) having a distinct early Roman emphasis, and that in the south (C31042) being primarily later Roman. 0.1.4 This PXA is presented in two sections as required by the HS2 Post Excavation Assessment Guidance Document no: HS2-HS2-EV-GDE-000-000027, Part A Factual Report, Part B Assessment of Potential; and Appendices.