SNN117000 - Overstone Hall, Overstone, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation Interim Report

AOC Archaeology group were commissioned by HCUK Group to undertake an archaeological evaluation on land at Overstone Hall, Overstone, Northamptonshire ahead of the proposed development of the ruined Hall and surrounding land. The Phase 1 works were completed in December 2025 and involved the excavation of 6 evaluation trial trenches.The Phase 1 trial trenches were positioned to target anomalies identified through a prior geophysical survey and to target the approximate location of a Medieval church. All the trenches, apart from Trench 3b, contained archaeological features and deposits. The density and complexity of these features was greater in the eastern side of the Phase 1 trenches, concentrated in Trenches 1, 5 and 6. It should be noted that this demolition material may have caused the earlier features to be masked on the geophysical survey results. The positive trenches revealed the following archaeological remains: • Trench 1: a large, infilled pond (?) feature containing fragments of human remains in a secondary context in the east, a stone surface in the centre, along with animal burrows and bioturbation in the west • Trench 2: gullies and pits of unknown date, with the exception of one post-medieval to modern pit cutting the subsoil • Trench 3a: pits and ditch, likely tree throws and bioturbation • Trench 4: ditches of uncertain use, but could also be tree throws and bioturbation • Trench 5: stone structures, surfaces and features likely associated with the early Hall, including demolition deposits which also may be associated with the early Hall • Trench 6: Trackway likely leading to Overstone Hall, with associated posthole and ditch features. This interim report presents the preliminary archaeological results. A final report will be produced following completion of all trial trenching phases (Phase 2, forthcoming) and all finds and environmental sample processing and specialist assessment. An OASIS form has been completed (OASIS ID:aocarcha1-537205) and an electronic copy of the evaluation report will be deposited with the Archaeological Data Service (ADS). The site archive will be prepared in accordance with local and national guidance.