SNN45803 - Archaeological Trial Excavation of Land at Manor House, Warmington, Northamptonshire, January-February 1997

Archaeological trial excavation on 4ha of land in Warmington, Northamptonshire has located archaeological features ranging in date from prehistoric to post-medieval. Prehistoric activity is marked by a sparse flint scatter and a gully. Small quantities of Romano-British pottery were recovered but there is no specific focus of activity. A large pit in the south-western part of the field and linear ditches and gullies at the frontage onto Chapel Street produced early middle Saxon pottery. The linear ditches in the north-eastern part of the site are broadly dated to the period AD 900-1200, however, it is possible that the main phase of activity occurred between AD 1050 and 1100. The density of activity and the short duration of use make this an enclosure system of considerable archaeological interest. A chronological and functional relationship with the moated site, a scheduled ancient monument, to the immediate east is possible but cannot be confirmed. Pottery of 13th-14th century date was recovered from pits at the western frontage onto Chapel Street and in small quantities in the southern part of the field. Immediately adjacent to Chapel Street the ground was heavily disturbed by pits producing post medieval pottery.