SNN117036 - Post-Excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design for Overstone Park, Northamptonshire, May 2021 to January 2022

Archaeological excavation was undertaken by MOLA Northampton on land at Overstone Park, Northamptonshire. The work was commissioned by RPS Consulting on behalf of their clients Taylor Wimpey UK Limited and Vistry Group PLC. Archaeological features dating from the early Bronze Age to the Roman period were identified. The Bronze Age features comprised a barrow with associated cremations and an L-shaped boundary ditch which were part of a wider funerary landscape identified in this area. In the late Iron Age/early Roman period a deliberate attempt was made to control the waterflow from springheads located in the central part of the area. The construction of drainage ditches was concentrated in this area throughout the Roman period. A focus of potential structures was located just to the west. The area became more formally enclosed during the early Roman period with small enclosures established to the east and larger enclosed areas to the west. Into the middle Roman period there was a continued focus on water management with several water tank/pits constructed with designated areas of industrial and agricultural activities to the east. These included several ovens and associated pitting. Three ponds were identified linked by a stone surface/trackway that would have been fed by the springheads and used to hold water for these working areas. The area to the west contained a double ditched enclosure in which was a stone structure with a subterranean room from which decorated wall plaster was recovered. Although the function of the building currently remains unclear the presence of the painted wall plaster implies that it was a significant building with perhaps a religious function associated with the springheads. Several burials were also discovered which included an Iron Age crouched pit burial, and Roman inhumation burials, one of which comprised the burial of an adult male with the remains of a foetal kitten. Following the intensive and well-organised land usage of the area during the 2nd to 3rd century there was a notable decrease in activity. However, occupation continued into the 4th century with a focus of activity continuing around the springheads.