SNN117209 - Land at Rothwell North, Rothwell, Northamptonshire: Post-fieldwork assessment and updated project design for analysis, publication and archiving

Archaeological open-area excavation was undertaken between May 2019 and March 2021 in advance of development at Rothwell North, Northamptonshire. The work was commissioned in response to a condition placed on the planning consent (KET/2007/0461), which required the implementation of an archaeological mitigation strategy. This document presents an assessment of the results of the archaeological investigation and proposals for analysis, publication, and archiving. The undertaking and completion of this programme of works, as set-out in this document, will fulfil the requirements stipulated in a Written Scheme of Investigation approved by Northamptonshire County Council’s Archaeological Advisor. The earliest remains were dated to the middle to late Iron Age. They were characterised by a mix of unenclosed clusters of roundhouses and small-medium enclosures as well as a boundary and trackway. Most striking, however, was a central sub-circular enclosure, set on the crest of the hill, which contained evidence for several roundhouses and was defined by a substantial ditch. The settlement continued without hiatus into the late Iron Age and early Roman periods. There was considerable continuity from the preceding phase with many of the Phase 1 enclosures and trackways utilised and subsequently expanded. The former location of the sub-circular enclosure appeared to remain the main focus of settlement, being replaced by larger enclosures with similarly substantial ditches. Eventually the focus of settlement appeared to shift to the north, before being abandoned by the end of the 2nd century, although the recovery of 4th-century coins suggests activity continued in the wider vicinity. From the medieval period to the present day, the land appears to have been predominantly used for agriculture. A post-medieval to modern farmhouse was located on the prominent position at the crest of the hill, re-using the location favoured by the Iron Age residents and highlighting the continued attraction of that place 1500 years later. The revealed remains have the potential to contribute to a number of local and regional research themes relating to the Iron Age and Roman periods. On this basis and in accordance with the Written Scheme of Investigation, a programme of analysis is proposed, the results of which will ultimately be disseminated via an Albion Archaeology Monograph. Upon completion of the report, subject to the landowner’s consent, the written and material archives will be prepared for accessioning with the Northamptonshire Archaeological Resource Centre (ARC) (HER event code.: ENN109759) and the ADS. [Event number should be ENN109317].