Rowtree Park Collingtree Northamptonshire

Rowtree Park

Collingtree

Northamptonshire Archaeological Evaluation (Phase 1)

for

RPS Consulting

on behalf of Bovis Homes Ltd

CA Project: 661259 CA Report: 661259_1 Site Code: ROWT 19

Event UID: ENN10968

November 2019

Rowtree Park Collingtree Northamptonshire

Archaeological Evaluation (Phase 1)

CA Project: 661259 CA Report: 661259_1 Site Code ROWT19 Event UID: ENN109688

Document Control Grid Revision Date Author Checked by Status Reasons for Approved revision by A 14.11.2019 MJD JN DRAFT QUALITY APS ASSURANCE B 28.11.2019 MJD JN EXTERNAL CONSULTANT APS REVIEW COMMENT

This report is confidential to the client. Cotswold Archaeology accepts no responsibility or liability to any third party to whom this report, or any part of it, is made known. Any such party relies upon this report entirely at their own risk. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means without permission.

CONTENTS

SUMMARY ...... 2

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 4

2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND ...... 5

3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 8

4. METHODOLOGY ...... 9

5. RESULTS (FIGS 2-6) ...... 10

6. THE FINDS ...... 11

7. DISCUSSION ...... 12

8. CA PROJECT TEAM ...... 14

9. REFERENCES ...... 15

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS ...... 17 APPENDIX B: THE FINDS ...... 21 APPENDIX C: OASIS REPORT FORM ...... 22

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Fig. 1 Site location plan (1:25,000) Fig. 2 Trench location plan showing archaeological features and geophysical survey (1:1500) Fig. 3 Trench 10: plan, sections and photographs (1:200, 1:10) Fig. 4 Trench 11: plan, sections and photographs (1:200, 1:10) Fig. 5 Trench 25: plan, sections and photographs (1:200, 1:10) Fig. 6 General site shots

1 © Cotswold Archaeology Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation (Phase 1)

SUMMARY

Project Name: Rowtree Park Location: Collingtree, Northamptonshire NGR: 474586 256405 Type: Evaluation Date: 4-13 November 2019 Planning Reference: N/2013/1035 Location of Archive: To be retained at CA Offices until the Northamptonshire Archaeological Resource Centre becomes available Site Code: ROWT 19

Cotswold Archaeology carried out an archaeological evaluation in November 2019 at Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire. Thirty-five trenches (Phase 1) of the proposed 55 trenches were opened with the remaining 20 trenches to be opened and reported on in a separate phase of works (Phase 2).

Archaeological interest in the site is derived from the three potential settlement enclosures located to the north-west of the current evaluation area and to the south of the Wootton Brook, identified by a preceding geophysical survey. Based on the morphology the enclosures are considered likely to date from Iron Age to Romano-British periods. Trenching to the north-west of the site targeted one the of the enclosure sites identified by the geophysical survey, revealing two overlapping settlement layouts dating to the mid-1st century AD to early 2nd century AD. A further phase of activity dating to the mid-3rd to 4th century AD was also revealed after an apparent hiatus.

The geophysical survey was undertaken across accessible areas during previous works, the central and southern area of the current site was not subject to this survey. No potential archaeological features were identified by the geophysical survey in the area to be trenched by the current phase of works; (Trenches 1, 2, 3, 16-20, 33 and 34). Of the 35 trenches excavated across the site only two trenches contained features of archaeological interest, a ditch and a pit both containing single sherds of abraded pottery, the former dated to the Late Iron Age/early Roman period and the latter to the Roman period. Three unstratified Roman sherds were also recovered from Trench 9.The results from the first phase of trenching confirm that there was very little evidence for activity of archaeological interest across this

2 © Cotswold Archaeology Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation (Phase 1) site. The limited archaeological features revealed, evidenced the levels of truncation on the site and confirm that there was little evidence for archaeological activity across the site.

The results of the evaluation, combined with results of previous investigations suggest a limited potential for further archaeological features to be present within the site. The evaluation revealed extensive landscaping across the site associated with the golf course; given the level of truncation to the site any further peripheral archaeological features which may have been present on site are likely to have suffered truncation, or been removed entirely by landscaping associated with the golf course.

3 © Cotswold Archaeology Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation (Phase 1)

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 In November 2019 Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out of an archaeological evaluation (Phase 1) for RPS on behalf of Bovis Homes Ltd at Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire (centred at NGR: 474586 256405; Fig. 1).

1.2 The evaluation was undertaken to comply with condition 25 of the planning permission (planning ref: N/2013/1035) for the construction of up to 1000 dwellings, mixed use local centre, primary school, green infrastructure including formal and informal open space, reconfiguration and extension of Collingtree Golf Course, demolition of all existing buildings and structures within the site, new vehicular accesses off Windingbrook Lane and Rowntree Road, car parking, sustainable drainage systems (including flood risk betterment) and infrastructure (including highway improvements).

1.3 The scope of the archaeological work, which comprises 55 trenches to be excavated in two phases, was defined in discussions between RPS and Lesley-Ann Mather, Northamptonshire County Council’s County Archaeological Advisor (NCCCAA).

1.4 Phase 1 comprised the excavation of Trenches 1-35 with Phase 2 comprising the excavation of Trenches 36-55.

1.5 The evaluation was carried out in accordance with a detailed Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) produced by CA (2019) and approved by Northampton Borough Council acting on the advice of the County Archaeological Advisor. The WSI was guided in its composition by the Standard and guidance for archaeological field evaluation (CIfA 2014), the Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MORPHE): Project Planning Note 3 (English Heritage 2008), the Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MORPHE): Project Manager’s Guide (EH 2015) and any other relevant standards or guidance contained within Appendix B. The evaluation was monitored by the NCCCAA, including a site visit on 8 November 2019.

Phase 1 1.6 The site is approximately 16.3ha, located on the eastern side of the proposed development area, which itself measures approximately 96.4ha in total. The site is located immediately to the west of Collingtree, and to the south of Northampton; it

4 © Cotswold Archaeology Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation (Phase 1)

comprises part of a golf course, with an area of open grassland once used as part of the course. The evaluation area is bounded to the north and north-east by the golf course, to the south-east by residential development and to the south and west by farmland, currently utilised for pasture. The evaluation area lies on a north facing slope of the valley of the Wootton Brook and slopes gradually from c. 85m above Ordnance Datum (aOD) in the southern part of the site to c. 75m aOD at the northern end of the site.

1.7 The underlying bedrock geology of the area is mapped as Whitby Mudstone Formation, sedimentary bedrock formed during the Jurassic Period, overlain by Oadby Member superficial glaciofluvial deposits of sand, gravel and diamicton (BGS 2019). The natural substrate observed during the excavation was silty clay with pockets of silt.

2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

2.1 The archaeological and historical background of the site has been detailed within the desk-based assessment (CgMs 2013), further supplemented by the findings of the previous geophysical survey (NA 2013a), and evaluation trenching (NA 2013b). The following section is a summary of these resources.

Previous Works 2.2 Geophysical survey of the 98ha development site (NA 2013a) identified anomalies indicative of three potential settlement enclosures located to the south of the Wootton Brook. Based on their morphology they are considered likely to date from the Iron Age to Romano-British periods. The enclosures comprised;  A trapezoidal, ditched, enclosure, measuring c. 60m in diameter, with internal compartments and a circular anomaly, interpreted as a probable roundhouse located in its north-western corner;  A large, complex site consisting of three conjoined, ditched rectilinear enclosures with a trackway along their southern edge and traces of further enclosures flanking them to the north, west and south. Further anomalies, interpreted as pits or postholes were also identified; and  A sub-circular, ditched enclosure, measuring c. 90m in diameter, with internal ditches.

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2.3 Trial trenching (NA 2013b) was undertaken to the immediate west of the current evaluation area to target the geophysical anomalies and to test an apparently archaeologically blank area. Of the 132 trenches excavated, twenty produced significant archaeological remains, concentrated around the central part of the site.

2.4 An Iron Age ditch was recovered in the north-western part of the site (Trench 15). The ditch contained Mid-Late Iron Age pottery and four small sherds of 1st century AD pottery and possibly formed part of a boundary ditch on the lower contour of the terrace above the flood plain of the Wootton Brook.

2.5 The enclosure site was dated to the mid-1st century AD and early 2nd century AD. Evidence was recorded for two overlapping settlements. A sub-circular enclosure possibly dating to the Late Iron Age and a rectilinear enclosure dating to the early Romano-British period were recorded and correlated with geophysical anomalies. A third phase was identified from the mid-3rd to the 4th century AD; following an apparent hiatus of activity of about one century. This last phase was small scale, compared with the earlier activity, comprising a cluster of puts, a possible robbed wall and the re-use of older enclosure ditches.

2.6 As well as animal bone the artefact assemblage mostly comprised Romano-British pottery and building materials suggesting a substantial building close to Trench 44. Other finds included Romano-British glass and metalwork including an unusual bronze terret ring. The concentration of glass, mostly found in Trench 44, suggest a high-status site.

Wider Archaeological Background Prehistoric (pre-AD43) 2.7 Within the wider site, residual Neolithic flints and worked flints were recovered during previous evaluation and fieldwalking in the east (MNN24851). Neolithic cremation burials were recorded during archaeological investigation at Milton Ham, c. 750m north-west of the site (HER Ref; MNN160731); a Late Neolithic or early Bronze Age pit was recorded at Grange Wood, c. 700m north of the site containing pottery and abundant charcoal (MNN23902); and possible Neolithic/Bronze Age activity is recorded on the HER in Collingtree immediately south-east of the site boundary (MNN7397). An unstratified Late Neolithic/early Bronze Age polished axe is recorded from the same location (MNN34814).

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2.8 Fieldwalking in the east of the site prior to the construction of the golf course recorded a sherd of Iron Age pottery (MNN24851). Evidence for Iron Age settlements in the surrounding area include a Late Iron Age to early Roman enclosed settlement recorded c. 750m to the north-west (MNN1950); an assemblage of iron working slag and Iron Age pottery recovered during the excavation of a gas pipe c. 700m to the north-west (MNN23910); and Iron Age features recorded in house footings at Hobby Close c. 700m to the north (MNN28444). Also, to the north of the site, approximately 650m away, are cropmarks showing the position of a possible Iron Age/Romano-British settlement.

Roman (AD43 - AD410) 2.9 In additional to the sites mentioned above several Roman sites with enclosed settlements have been recorded within the vicinity of the site, including Milton Ham c. 750m north-west of the site (NA 2010) (MNN160733), and Shelfleys c. 1km to the north-west (MNN1950) (NA 2007), and a Roman villa to the north, near Hunsbury (RCHME 1985).

2.10 Other Roman activity in the area includes pottery kilns c. 500m to the north-west of the site, a probable Romano-British burial site and coin hoard c. 700m to the northeast (MNN1579 and MNN23913), and Roman rubbish pits recorded at Milton Malsor in 1964 c. 750m south the site (MNN24552).

Anglo-Saxon and medieval (AD410 - AD1500) 2.11 Fieldwalking in the east of the site prior to the construction of the golf course recorded a sherd of early-middle Saxon pottery (MNN136175); however no Saxon finds were recovered during the archaeological evaluation.

2.12 Early to mid-Saxon pottery, loomweights and slag were recorded at Milton Malsor in c. 750m south of the site (MNN24552) and Saxon pits with iron working debris were recorded c. 750m north-east of the site (MNN25558).

2.13 The Domesday Survey of 1086 records the settlement of Collingtree as Colentreu, Colen meaning place and treu possibly meaning 'tree' or trough. Alternatively the place name could derive from St Columba to whom the village church was dedicated in 1170.

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2.14 A number of medieval and post-medieval plough furrows were recorded during the archaeological evaluation. In the south-east of the site some of the ridges are extant in the pasture field in association with headland and boundary features, however only the bases survive across the remainder of the site due to modern ploughing.

Post-medieval and modern (AD1500 - present) 2.15 A search of the collections of the Northamptonshire Record Office has indicated that there are no Tithe or Enclosure maps available for the site. However, it is assumed that the site was enclosed by local agreement during the 18th century. The Ordnance Survey Drawing of 1813 shows the site lying within fields.

2.16 The Ordnance Survey map of 1883 shows a small agricultural building in the southwest of the site but there are no significant changes until the Ordnance Survey map between 1950 and 1965 when several former field boundaries were removed. Between 1965 and 2012 further field boundaries and the agricultural building were removed and Collingtree Park Golf Course was constructed in the east and north of the site.

3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

3.1 The objectives of the evaluation were to provide information about the archaeological resource within the site, including its presence/absence, character, extent, date, integrity, state of preservation and quality, in accordance Standard and guidance for archaeological field evaluation (CIfA 2014). This information will enable the Northampton Borough Council (LPA) to identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset, consider the impact of the proposed development upon it, and to avoid or minimise conflict between the heritage asset’s conservation and any aspect of the development proposal, in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (MHCLG 2019).

3.2 The specific aims of the project were to;  Determine the accuracy of the geophysical results within the area to indicate presence/absence of the archaeological activity outside of the areas of settlement highlighted in the previous survey;  To establish what effect the construction of the golf course may have had on any potentially surviving archaeology;

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 Recover artefacts to assist in the development of a type series within the region;  Recover paleo-environmental remains to determine local environmental conditions;  Evaluate the impact of current land use; and,  Provide sufficient information to construct an archaeological mitigation strategy.

4. METHODOLOGY

4.1 Phase 1 of the evaluation comprised the excavation of 35 trenches(Fig. 2). Prior to the excavation of the trenches the locations were altered due to ecological restrictions and site specific constraints and an updated WSI submitted for approval CA (2019). A further alteration to the location and length of the trenches was required at the time of excavation again due to ecological restrictions and site specific constraints with the approval of the NCCCAA. Trenches were set out on OS National Grid (NGR) co-ordinates using Leica GPS and surveyed in accordance with CA Technical Manual 4 Survey Manual.

4.2 All trenches were excavated by mechanical excavator equipped with a toothless grading bucket. All machine excavation was undertaken under constant archaeological supervision to the top of the first significant archaeological horizon or the natural substrate; whichever was encountered first. Where archaeological deposits were encountered they were excavated by hand in accordance with CA Technical Manual 1: Fieldwork Recording Manual.

4.3 Deposits were assessed for their paleoenvironmental potential in accordance with CA Technical Manual 2: The Taking and Processing of Environmental and Other Samples from Archaeological Sites and no deposits were identified that required sampling. All artefacts recovered were processed in accordance with Technical Manual 3 Treatment of Finds Immediately after Excavation.

4.4 The archive and artefacts from the evaluation are currently held by CA at their offices in Milton Keynes. Subject to the agreement of the legal landowner the artefacts, along with the site archive will be deposited at Northamptonshire Archaeological Resource Centre. A summary of information from this project, set out

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within Appendix C, will be entered onto the OASIS online database of archaeological projects in Britain.

5. RESULTS (FIGS 2-6)

5.1 This section provides an overview of the evaluation results; detailed summaries of the recorded contexts and finds are to be found in Appendices A and B respectively. The natural substrate comprised mid yellow, brown and orange silty clays and was revealed at between 0.14m and 0.66m below present ground level (bpgl). The natural substrate was sealed by subsoil comprising mid orange brown silty clay in Trenches 26, 27 and 28 only measuring between 0.1 and 0.46m thick. Topsoil, comprising mid brown grey clayey silt was recorded in all trenches measuring between 0.14 and 0.39m thick.

5.2 Trenches 2-4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 15-21, 23, 24, and 26-35 were devoid of archaeological finds or features; Trenches 1, 5, 8, 14, and 22 produced evidence of bioturbation only. Archaeological features in the form of ditches and pits were revealed in Trenches 10, 11, and 25. Trenches 5, 7, 12, 18, 20, 24, 28, 29, 30, 32 and 35 were all shortened from the planned 30m length due to the constraints noted above.

Trench 10 (Figs 2 & 3) 5.3 Located in the middle of Trench 10, pit 1002 had a concave profile measuring 0.31m wide by 0.05m deep. Fill 1003 comprised mid orange brown sandy silt, which contained a single fragment of heavily abraded Roman Sandy Buff Ware.

5.4 At the north-east end of the trench, north-east/south-west aligned ditch 1004 had a concave profile. The ditch measured 0.61m wide by 0.17m deep. No finds were recovered from fill 1005 which comprised mid blue grey silty clay.

Trench 11 (Figs 2 & 4) 5.5 Located towards the south-west end of Trench 11, two shallow ditches were located on a parallel alignment. East/west aligned ditch 1102, measured 0.5m wide by 0.05m deep. The ditch had a concave profile and contained a single fill. Fill 1103, mid grey brown sandy silt, contained a small and abraded fragment of Late Iron Age/Early Romano-British Sandy grog-tempered ware.

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5.6 Ditch 1104, was located directly to the north of and on the same alignment as ditch 1102. The ditch measured 0.67m wide by 0.04m deep with a concave profile. A single fragment of refined red earthenware pottery dated to the post-medieval period was recovered from mid grey brown sandy silt fill 1105. The apparent spatial physical relationship of the ditches would suggest contemporaneous activity, contrary to the finds recovered.

Trench 25 (Figs 2 & 5) 5.7 Two features were identified in Trench 25, both located in the central south-western part of the trench. Sub-circular pit 2502 measured 0.24m wide by 0.04m deep with a shallow concave profile. No finds were recovered from mid grey brown sandy silt fill 2503.

5.8 A second possible pit or shallow ditch terminus was excavated directly to the southwest of pit 2502. 2504 measured 0.13m wide by 0.03m deep with a shallow concave profile. No finds were recovered from mid grey brown sandy silt fill 2505, which on the basis of physical relationship to pit 2502 is likely contemporary.

6. THE FINDS

The artefactual material is recorded from four deposits; ditch and pit fills and an unstratified deposit. The material was recovered by hand.

Pottery 6.1 The pottery recovered from the evaluation is recorded in Appendix B and discussed below. Recording of the finds assemblage was direct to an Excel spreadsheet; this now forms the basis of Appendix B (Table 1). The pottery was examined by context, using a x10 binocular microscope and quantified according to sherd count and weight per fabric type. The fabrics are described in Appendix B (Table 2) in accordance with the Historic England guidelines (Barclay et al. 2016), where relevant a concordance with Northamptonshire type series has also been provided (Perrin 2006).

6.2 The assemblage comprises six sherds (15g) of pottery. The condition of the assemblage is poor, with most surfaces and fractures exhibiting signs of heavy abrasion. Sherd size is also small with a mean sherd weight of 3.8g.

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Late Iron Age/Roman 6.3 Five undiagnostic body sherds (12g) of Late Iron Age or Roman pottery are recorded from three deposits. One sherd (1g) of sandy grog-tempered ware (UNS QGR) is recorded from ditch fill 1103. This material dates to the Late Iron Age to Early Roman period (c. early to mid-1st Century AD).

6.4 Four sherds (11g) of sandy buff ware (UNS BUF) were recorded across the site, one sherd from pit fill 1003 and three unstratified sherds from Trench 9 This material can be dated broadly to the Roman period.

Post-medieval 6.5 One body sherd (3g) of refined red earthenware (REFR) is recorded from ditch fill 1105. The sherd dates to between the 18th and 20th centuries AD.

Summary 6.6 The pottery evidence hints at activity in the area during the Late Iron Age and Roman period, however the assemblage is too small to draw any meaningful conclusions. The limited assemblage is representative of the features likely being related to very peripheral field systems associated with settlement and the level of truncation identified across the site.

7. DISCUSSION

7.1 The evaluation revealed limited archaeology, in the form of a potential Roman pit, a potential Iron Age/early Romano-British ditch, a potential post-medieval ditch, one undated ditch and two undated possible pits, in the southern central portion of the site with the majority of the trenches producing no evidence for archaeology. While the features were heavily truncated pottery dating from the Late Iron Age to Romano-British and post-medieval periods were recovered in Trenches 10 and 11.

7.2 The heavily abraded nature and small sherd size of the pottery suggests these fragments were residual from other areas potentially with higher density of archaeological features. Unstratified Roman Sandy Buff Ware was recovered from an area of disturbance in Trench 9, directly to the east of the dated features. Pottery of Iron Age date was recovered broadly from this area of the site by fieldwalking prior to the golf course construction.

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7.3 The ditches in Trenches 10 and 11 were all broadly aligned east/west indicating they are all potentially contemporary. Given the lack of associated archaeological features, allowing for the level of truncation identified across the site, it is likely that the ditches relate to agricultural activity on the periphery of settlement; potentially forming a field system related to the Iron Age and Roman activity identified to the north-west. Whilst medieval and post-medieval furrows were recorded by the evaluation in the south-east of the site on the same alignment, the profiles of the ditches recorded are morphologically dissimilar to those of furrows; even allowing for the truncation recorded on site (NA 2013b). The undated pits in trench 25 are likely also contemporary given their physical location.

7.4 The post-medieval pottery recovered from a ditch 1104 is likely to be intrusive from the landscaping of the site or medieval and post-medieval agricultural practices and manuring, however the Iron Age/ Early Romano-British could also be residual relating to peripheral settlement and field systems.

7.5 All of the archaeological features were truncated, with only one feature surviving to greater than 0.05m in depth. It was evident within the trenches, and visible on site, that modern landscaping associated with the golf course has had a significant impact on the site. The only evidence of surviving subsoil was confined to the south- western corner of the site (Trenches 26, 27 and 28) suggesting this area has suffered less truncation. However, two bunkers associated with the golf course, now in disuse, were recorded truncating the natural substrate in Trench 28.

7.6 Given the level of truncation to the site any further peripheral archaeological features which may have been present on site are likely to have suffered truncation or removed entirely by landscaping associated with the golf course. The limited archaeological remains recorded in the south-eastern portion of the site and any associated further remains of these features may have been similarly truncated or removed.

7.7 The evaluation trenches located in the northern limits of the site were the only trenches in the area of previous geophysical survey (Fig. 2). No anomalies representing potential archaeological features were indicated by the geophysics in this area. No archaeological features were revealed within the trenches confirming the accuracy of the geophysics.

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8. CA PROJECT TEAM

Fieldwork was undertaken by Molly Day, assisted by Luke Bateson, Chloe Merrett, Alice Krausova, John Hardisty, Rob Falvey, Mat Ferron, Enrico Ravanetti and Tommaso Rossi. The report was written by Molly Day. The finds report was written by Pete Banks. The illustrations were prepared by Amy Wright. The archive has been compiled by Emily Evans, and prepared for deposition by Hazel O’Neill. The project was managed for CA by Julian Newman and Stuart Joyce.

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9. REFERENCES

BGS (British Geological Survey) 2019 Geology of Britain Viewer http://mapapps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyofbritain/home.html Accessed 13 November 2019

Barclay A., Booth P., Knight D., Evans J., Brown D.H. and Wood I., 2016 A standard for pottery studies in Archaeology Historic England.

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2019 Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire: Written Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Evaluation

CgMs Consulting 2013 Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment: Northampton South SUE. Mickle Well Park, Daventry, Northamptonshire. CgMs Ref: LM/14791

CIfA 2014 Standard and Guidance for an Archaeological Watching Brief. Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (Reading)

HE (Historic England) 2015 Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MORPHE): Project Planning Note 3

MHCLG (Ministry of Housing and Local Government) 2019 National Planning Policy Framework

NA (Northamptonshire Archaeology) 2007 Land off Ladybridge Drive, Shelfleys, Northampton: Archaeological Evaluations, Geophysical Survey and Trial Trenching Rep. no. 07/20

NA (Northamptonshire Archaeology) 2010 Neolithic cremations and a Romano-British enclosure at Milton Ham, Northampton. Rep. no. 10/109

NA (Northamptonshire Archaeology) 2013a Archaeological Geophysical Survey of Land to the North-West of Collingtree, Northamptonshire. Rep no. 13/35

NA (Northamptonshire Archaeology) 2013b Archaeological evaluation on land at Collingtree, Northampton April – May 2013. Rep. no. 13/10

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Parry, S. 2006 Raunds Area Survey: an archaeological study of the landscape of Raunds, Northamptonshire, 1985-1994 Oxford, Oxbow Books

Perrin, J.R. 2006 ‘Romano-British Pottery’, in Parry 2006, 84-90

RCHME (Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England) British History online 2019 https://www.british-history.ac.uk/ Accessed 13 November 2019

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APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS

Trench Context Type Fill of Context Description L W (m) D (m) Spot- No. No. interpretation (m) date 1 100 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown clayey silt, friable, 30 1.8 0.18 few small – medium sized sub- rounded stone inclusions 1 101 Layer Natural Mixed blue grey and orange 30 1.8 0.18+ brown silty clay and silty sand, friable, frequent gravel inclusion 2 200 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown clayey silt, friable, 30 1.8 0.35 few small – medium sized sub- rounded stone inclusions 2 201 Layer Natural Mixed blue grey and orange 30 1.8 0.35+ brown silty clay and silty sand, friable, frequent gravel inclusion 3 300 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown clayey silt, friable, 30 1.8 0.35 few small – medium sized sub- rounded stone inclusions 3 301 Layer Natural Mixed blue grey and orange 30 1.8 0.35+ brown silty clay and silty sand, friable, frequent gravel inclusion 4 400 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 30 1.8 0.27 frequent sub-rounded stone inclusions 4 401 Layer Natural Light red brown sandy clay, 30 1.8 0.27+ friable, frequent angular pebble inclusions 5 500 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 21 1.8 0.33m occasional sub rounded stone inclusions 5 501 Layer Natural Mid brown orange silty sand, 21 1.8 0.33+ compact, moderately frequent sub rounded stone and flint inclusions 6 600 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 30 1.8 0.33 occasional sub rounded pebble inclusions 6 601 Layer Natural Light brown yellow course clay 30 1.8 0.33+ sand with mottles of blue grey clay patches. Friable. Frequent angular pebble and flint inclusions. Occasional chalk fleck inclusions 7 700 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 20 1.8 0.22 occasional sub-rounded pebble inclusions 7 701 Layer Natural Mid brown yellow course clay 20 1.8 0.22+ sand with mottled patches of blue grey clay. Friable. Frequent angular pebbles and flint inclusions 8 800 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 30 1.8 0.23 occasional sub rounded stone inclusions 8 801 Layer Natural Mid brown yellow silty sand, 30 1.8 0.23+ compact, frequent sub rounded stone and flint inclusions 9 900 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown clayey silt, loose, 20 1.8 0.3 few small sub-rounded and sub angular stone inclusions 9 901 Layer Natural Mid yellow brown silty sand, 30 1.8 0.3+ friable, frequent gravels and patches of blue grey clay 10 1000 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown clayey silt, loose, 30 1.8 0.2 few small sub-rounded and sub angular stone inclusions 10 1001 Layer Natural Mid orange brown clay sand, 30 1.8 0.2+ friable, frequent gravel and sub- angular stone inclusions

17 © Cotswold Archaeology Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation (Phase 1)

10 1002 Cut Cut of pit Sub-circular pit with concave side 0.4 0.31 0.05 Romano and a moderate break of slope to - top. Concave base British 10 1003 Fill 1002 Fill of pit Mid orange brown sandy silt, 0.4 0.31 0.05 Romano moderately compact, sealed by - topsoil, inclusions of small sub- British angular stones. Low risk of contamination, moderate horizon clarity 10 1004 Cut Cut of ditch Ditch cut with concave sides and >1 0.61 0.17 a moderate break of slope to top. Concave base. NE-SW orientated 10 1005 Fill 1004 Fill of ditch Mid blue grey silty clay of >1 0.61 0.17 moderate compaction. Evidence of rooting. Good horizon clarity and a low contamination risk 11 1100 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown clayey silt, loose, 30 1.8 0.35 few small sub-rounded and sub- angular stone inclusions 11 1101 Layer Natural Mid orange brown clay sand, 30 1.8 0.35+ friable, frequent gravel and sub- angular stone inclusions 11 1102 Cut Cut of gully Gully orientated E-W. Concave >1.8 0.5 0.05 LIA/ERB sides with a gentle break of slope to top and a concave base. 11 1103 Fill 1102 Fill of gully Mid grey brown sandy silt with a >1.8 0.5 0.05 moderate compaction. Good horizon clarity and low risk of contamination. Few small sub- angular and angular stone inclusions 11 1104 Cut Cut of gully Gully orientated E-W. Concave >1.8 0.67 0.04 Post- sides with a gentle break of slope med to top and a concave base. 11 1105 Fill 1104 Fill of gully Mid grey brown sandy silt with a >1.8 0.67 0.04 moderate compaction. moderate horizon clarity and low risk of contamination. Few small sub- angular and rounded stone inclusions 12 1200 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 21 1.8 0.38 occasional sub- rounded stone inclusions 12 1201 Layer Natural Mid brown yellow silty sand, 21 1.8 0.38+ compact, frequent sub-rounded stone and flint inclusions 13 1300 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 30 1.8 0.23 occasional sub- rounded stone inclusions 13 1301 Layer Natural Mid brown orange silty sand, 30 1.8 0.23+ compact, frequent sub-rounded stone and flint inclusions 14 1400 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 30 1.8+ 0.27 frequent sub-rounded pebbles 5m Extension to NW 14 1401 Layer Natural Light red brown sandy clay, 30 1.8 + 0.27+ friable, Frequent angular pebbles 5m inclusions and patches of blue Extension grey clay to NW 15 1500 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 30 1.8 0.38 occasional sub-rounded stone inclusions 15 1501 Layer Natural Mid brown orange silty sand, 30 1.8 0.38+ compact, frequent sub-rounded stone inclusions 16 1600 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown clayey silt, 28 1.8 0.14 moderately loose, occasional small stone inclusions 16 1601 Layer Natural Mid orange brown clayey sand 28 1.8 0.14+ with grey clay patches. Frequent stone inclusions

18 © Cotswold Archaeology Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation (Phase 1)

17 1700 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown loose silty sand 29 1.8 0.2

17 1701 Layer Natural Mid orange brown silty gravels 29 1.8 0.2+ with patches of light grey clay. Frequent stone inclusions 18 1800 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown clayey silt, 25 1.8 0.34 moderately loose 18 1801 Layer Natural Mid orange brown clayey sand 25 1.8 0.34+ with frequent gravel inclusions 19 1900 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 30 1.8 0.29 occasional sub-rounded stone inclusions 19 1901 Layer Natural Mid orange brown silty sand with 30 1.8 0.29+ patches of blue grey clay. Moderate small stone inclusions 20 2000 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown clayey silt, 27.5 1.8 0.28 moderately loose 20 2001 Layer Natural Mixed blue grey clay and orange 27.5 1.8 0.28+ brown gravelly sand 21 2100 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 30 1.8 0.29 occasional sub-rounded stone inclusions 21 2101 Layer Natural Mid brown orange silty sand with 30 1.8 0.29+ frequent sub-rounded stone and flint inclusions 22 2200 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 30 1.8 0.32 occasional sub-rounded stone inclusions 22 2201 Layer Natural Mid brown yellow silty sand with 30 1.8 0.32+ patches of mid blue grey clay, compact, frequent rounded stone and flint inclusions 23 2300 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 30 1.8 0.21 occasional sub-rounded stone inclusions 23 2301 Layer Natural Mid brown orange silty sand, 30 1.8 0.21+ compact, frequent sub-rounded stone and flint inclusions 24 2400 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown clayey silt, loose, 30 1.8 0.3 few inclusions of small sub- rounded and subangular stones 24 2401 Layer Natural Mid brown orange sandy clay. 30 1.8 0.3+ Compact with frequent gravel inclusions 25 2500 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown clayey silt. Loose 15 1.8 0.3 with frequent small to medium sized sub-angular stone inclusions 25 2501 Layer Natural Mid brown yellow silty clay. 15 1.8 0.3+ Compact with frequent gravel inclusions 25 2502 Cut Cut of pit Sub-circular pit with concave 0.45 0.24 0.04 sides and a moderate break of slope to the top of the cut. Concave base. 25 2503 Fill Fill of pit Mid grey brown sandy silt of 0.45 0.24 0.04 moderate compaction. Moderately good horizon clarity and low risk of contamination. Few small rounded stone inclusions 25 2504 Cut Cut of Cut of possible sub-circular >0.4 >0.13 0.03 pit/terminus feature. Concave sides with a gentle brake of slope to the top of the cut. NE-SW orientated. Concave base 25 2505 Fill Fill of Mid grey brown sandy silt with a >0.4 >0.13 0.03 pit/terminus moderate compaction. Moderately good horizon clarity and a low risk of contamination. Few small rounded stone inclusions. Diffuse edges. 26 2600 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 30 1.8 0.2 inclusions of frequent small to

19 © Cotswold Archaeology Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation (Phase 1)

medium sub-angular stone

26 2601 Layer Subsoil Mid orange brown silty clay, 30 1.8 0.46 friable, inclusions of small sub- angular stones – only seen 26 2602 Layer Natural Mid brown orange clayey silt, 30 1.8 0.66+ compact, frequent gravel inclusions 27 2700 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, loose, 30 1.8 0.2 inclusions of frequent small to medium sub-angular stone 27 2701 Layer Subsoil Mid orange brown clayey silt, 30 1.8 0.3 friable, inclusions of small sub- angular stones 27 2702 Layer Natural Mid yellow orange silty clay, 30 1.8 0.5+ compact, inclusions of gravels and angular stones 28 2800 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown clayey silt, loose, 12 1.8 0.3 inclusions of small sub-angular stones 28 2801 Layer Subsoil Mid orange brown clayey silt, 12 1.8 0.1 friable, inclusions of small sub- angular stones 28 2802 Layer Natural Mid brown orange, clayey sand, 12 1.8 0.4+ compact, inclusions of gravel 29 2900 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 22 1.8 0.3 occasional sub-rounded stone inclusions 29 2901 Layer Natural Mid brown orange silty sand, 22 1.8 0.3+ compact, frequent sub-rounded stone and flint inclusions 30 3000 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown clayey silt, 17.5 1.8 0.2 moderately loose compaction 30 3001 Layer Natural Mottled mid yellow brown mixed 17.5 1.8 0.2+ clayey silt and silty clay with frequent stone inclusions 31 3100 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 30 1.8 0.39 occasional sub-rounded stone inclusions 31 3101 Layer Natural Mid brown orange silty sand, 30 1.8 0.39+ compact, with patches of mid blue grey clay, frequent stone and flint inclusions and flecks of chalk 32 3200 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown clayey silt. 22 1.8 0.28 Moderately loose compaction 32 3201 Layer Natural Mottled mid yellow brown mixed 22 1.8 0.28+ clayey silt and silty clay. Frequent stone inclusions 33 3300 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 30 1.8 0.23 occasional sub rounded stone inclusions 33 3301 Layer Natural Mid brown orange silty sand, 30 1.8 0.23+ compact, with patches of mid blue grey clay with frequent inclusions of sub-rounded stones and flint. 34 3400 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 30 1.8 0.28 occasional sub-round stone inclusions 34 3401 Layer Natural Mid blue grey silty clay, compact, 30 1.8 0.28+ occasional rounded stone and flint inclusions 35 3500 Layer Topsoil Mid grey brown silty clay, friable, 20 1.8 0.24 occasional sub-rounded stone inclusions 35 3501 Layer Natural Mid brown orange silty sand, 20 1.8 0.24+ compact with frequent small stone and flint inclusions

20 © Cotswold Archaeology Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation (Phase 1)

APPENDIX B: THE FINDS

Table 1: Finds Concordance Weight Context Class Description Fabric Code Count Spot-date (g) 1003 Roman Pottery Sandy buff ware UNS BUF 1 1 RB 1103 LIA/Roman Pottery Sandy grog-tempered ware UNS QGR 1 1 LIA-ERB 1105 Post-medieval pottery Refined red earthenware REFR 1 3 C18-C20 u/s (TR9) Roman Pottery Sandy buff ware UNS BUF 3 10 RB

Table 2: Fabric Descriptions Northants Fabric Period Fabric Description Type Series Count Weight Code code* LIA/Roman Pottery Sandy grog-tempered UNS QGR A 1 1 ware Sandy buff ware UNS BUF D 4 11 Post-medieval Refined red earthenware REFR 1 3 Pottery Total 6 15 * (summarised in Perrin 2006)

APPENDIX C: OASIS REPORT FORM

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Name Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation Short description Cotswold Archaeology carried out an archaeological evaluation in November 2019 at Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire. Thirty-five trenches (Phase 1) of the proposed 55 trenches were opened with the remaining 20 trenches to be opened and reported on in a separate phase of works (Phase 2).

Archaeological interest in the site is derived from the three potential settlement enclosures located to the north-west of the current evaluation area and to the south of the Wootton Brook, identified by a preceding geophysical survey. Based on the morphology the enclosures are considered likely to date from Iron Age to Romano- British periods. Trenching to the north-west of the site targeted one the of the enclosure sites identified by the geophysical survey, revealing two overlapping settlement layouts dating to the mid-1st century AD to early 2nd century AD. A further phase of activity dating to the mid-3rd to 4th century AD was also revealed after an apparent hiatus.

Previous work Desk based assessment (CgMs 2013) Geophysical survey (NA 2013a) Field Evaluation (NA 2013b)

Future work Phase two of works to be conducted on this site comprising the excavation of a further 25 trenches to the west of the phase one trenches. PROJECT LOCATION Site Location Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire Study area (M2/ha) 16.3ha of a larger 96.4ha development site Site co-ordinates NGR: 474586 256405

PROJECT CREATORS Name of organisation Cotswold Archaeology Project Brief originator CgMs and Lesley-Ann Mather (NCCAA) Project Design (WSI) originator Cotswold Archaeology Project Manager Julian Newman/ Stuart Joyce Project Supervisor Molly Day MONUMENT TYPE None SIGNIFICANT FINDS None PROJECT ARCHIVES Intended final location of archive Content (e.g. pottery, (museum/Accession no.) animal bone etc)

Physical To be deposited with the Pottery Northamptonshire Archive repository Paper To be deposited with the Context sheets, Northamptonshire Archive repository photographic registers, site archive, drawings Digital To be deposited with the Report, photographs, Northamptonshire Archive repository survey BIBLIOGRAPHY

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2019 Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation. CA typescript report 661259_1

23 474000 476000

258000

256000

254000

RUTLAND Andover 01264 347630 CITY OF N Cirencester 01285 771022 PETERBOROUGH Cotswold Exeter 01392 573970 CITY OF Milton Keynes 01908 564660 LEICESTER Archaeology Suffolk 01449 900120 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected] PROJECT TITLE CAMBRIDGESHIRE WARWICKSHIRE Rowtree Park, Collingtree, RE Northamptonshire

NORTHAMPTONSHIREMILTON KEYNES FIGURE TITLE Site location plan

BEDFORDSHIRELUTON 0 1km

DRAWN BY AW PROJECT NO. 661259 FIGURE NO. OXFORDSHIRE © Crown copyright and database rights 2019 CHECKED BY DJB DATE 15.11.19 Ordnance Survey 0100031673 APPROVED BY MD SCALE@A4 1:25,000 1 HERTFORDSHIRE 475000 474000 N

T17 T34 T19 T1 T55

T20 T16 T35 T33 T54 T3 256000 T2 T18 T53 T36

T32 T15 T52 Site boundary T37 T14 T5 Evaluation trench T21 T30 T4 Proposed evaluation trench T51 Archaeological feature T31 T13 Modern T22 T7 Field drain

256000 T38 T12 T6 Geophysical survey results T50 T29 (Northamptonshire Archaeology, 2013) T23 Path/track T8 T39 Unidentified linear feature Pipeline

T49 Ferrous object T40 T28 Ferrous halo Geological anomalies T43 T24 Ridge and furrow T26.2 T11 (see figure 4) T42 T26 T27 T10 T48 (see figure 3) 0 1:1500 50m T25 (see figure 5)

T41 © Crown copyright and database rights 2019 Ordnance Survey 0100031673 T9 Andover 01264 347630 T47 Cirencester 01285 771022 T44 ive Exeter 01392 573970 Cotswold Milton Keynes 01908 564660 Archaeology Suffolk 01449 900120 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk

nney Dr T46 e [email protected]

Spi PROJECT TITLE Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire T45 FIGURE TITLE Trench location plan showing archaeological features and geophysical survey

DRAWN BY AW PROJECT NO. 661259 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 15.11.19 APPROVED BY MD SCALE@A3 1:1500 2 Trench 10 N

A Section AA A WE 82.2m B pit 1002 AOD 1003 pit 1002 B ditch 0 1:200 10m 1004 011:20 m

Evaluation trench Archaeological feature (excavated/unexcavated) Modern A A Section location

Pit 1002, looking north-west (0.3m scale)

Section BB

SN 82.0m AOD 1005

ditch 1004

011:20 m

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Exeter 01392 573970 Cotswold Milton Keynes 01908 564660 Archaeology Suffolk 01449 900120 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk Trench 10, looking north-east (1m scales) Ditch 1004, looking south-west (0.3m scale) e [email protected] PROJECT TITLE Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire

FIGURE TITLE Trench 10: plan, sections and photographs

DRAWN BY AW PROJECT NO. 661259 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 15.11.19 APPROVED BY MD SCALE@A3 1:200; 1:20 3 Trench 11 N

Section CC

NS 81.6m AOD

1103 ditch 1102

0 1:200 10m 011:20 m

ditch 1104 Evaluation trench D ditch 1102 Archaeological feature D (excavated/unexcavated) C A A C Section location

Ditch 1102, looking east (0.3m scale)

Section DD

NS 81.5m AOD 1105 ditch 1104

011:20 m

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Exeter 01392 573970 Cotswold Milton Keynes 01908 564660 Archaeology Suffolk 01449 900120 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk Trench 11, looking north-east (1m scales) Ditch 1104, looking east (0.5m scale) e [email protected] PROJECT TITLE Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire

FIGURE TITLE Trench 11: plan, sections and photographs

DRAWN BY AW PROJECT NO. 661259 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 15.11.19 APPROVED BY MD SCALE@A3 1:200; 1:20 4 Section EE

NS 83.0m AOD

2503 pit 2502

Trench 25 N 011:20 m

Pit 2502, looking north-east (0.3m scale)

pit 2502 E 0 1:200 10m F E F Section FF pit/terminus Evaluation trench 2504 Archaeological feature WSEN (excavated/unexcavated) 83.0m AOD A A Section location 2505 pit/terminus 2504

011:20 m

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Exeter 01392 573970 Cotswold Milton Keynes 01908 564660 Archaeology Suffolk 01449 900120 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk Pit/terminus 2504, looking north-east (0.3m scale) e [email protected] PROJECT TITLE Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire

FIGURE TITLE Trench 25: plan, sections and photographs

DRAWN BY AW PROJECT NO. 661259 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 15.11.19 APPROVED BY MD SCALE@A3 1:200; 1:20 5 General site shot, looking south-west General site shot looking onto driving range

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Exeter 01392 573970 Cotswold Milton Keynes 01908 564660 Archaeology Suffolk 01449 900120 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected] PROJECT TITLE Depth of trench 22, looking south-east (1m scale) Depth of trench 27, looking north-east (1m scale) Rowtree Park, Collingtree, Northamptonshire

FIGURE TITLE General site shots

DRAWN BY AW PROJECT NO. 661259 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 15.11.19 APPROVED BY MD SCALE@A3 NA 6