SNN117199 - Harpole to Weedon, Anglian Water Pipeline – Phase 1: Archaeological Excavation Report

Oxford Archaeology East, now Oxford Archaeology (OA) Cambridge Office, was commissioned by Anglian Water Ltd to undertake an evaluation and subsequent excavation at the site of a new water pipeline running along the side of the M1 on the route from Harpole to Weedon, Northamptonshire (Fig. 1; NGR SP 68129 59882 to SP 65595 60412). During the evaluation, archaeological features were identified in eight of 13 trial trenches, some of which were then further investigated by excavation in three areas – Areas 1, 2 and 3. The majority of archaeological features identified during the evaluation and excavation stages of this project were Roman in date including a possible ladder settlement and the remains of a limestone structure, with recorded activity seemingly originating in the Late Iron Age/Early Roman period and continuing through to Late Roman period. Dating of features was based primarily on associated pottery. Some animal bone and metal objects were also recovered from these features. A small number of archaeological features were of a later date comprising mostly post-medieval furrows in Areas 2 and 3, as well as some drainage ditches.