SAMs within 5km of the Site Boundary

CgMs_ID ListEntry Name SchedDate AmendDate LegacyUID NGR Easting Northing AREA_HA Distance (m) SAM 1 1006636 Romano-British settlement and pottery kilns W of Ecton North Lodge NN 159 SP 82221 65259 482240 265230 9.44 1910 SAM 2 1003894 Old St John's Church NN 86 SP 76477 65647 476478 265646 0.08 2440 SAM 3 1013321 Boughton bowl barrow 06/08/1975 26/03/1992 13668 SP 74708 65891 474708 265891 0.08 4240 SAM 4 1010246 Longmans Hill long barrow 09/10/1981 08/04/1992 13671 SP 75079 67745 475079 267745 0.05 4465 SAM 5 1012328 Clifford Hill motte castle 09/10/1981 18/02/1992 13648 SP 80603 60639 480602 260641 1.33 4590 RPGs within 5km of the Site Boundary

CgMs_ID ListEntry Name Grade RegDate LegacyUID NGR Easting Northing AREA_HA Distance (m) RPG 1 1001297 BOUGHTON HALL II 31/10/1994 2325 SP 75374 66670 475224 266535 118.42 3320 CAs within 5km of the site boundary

CgMs_ID DESIGUID NAME STATUSDATE AMENDDATE Distance (M) CA 1 DNN12342 Moulton conservation area 30/04/1979 31/05/1997 550 CA 2 DNN12372 Sywell conservation area 31/01/1977 1835 CA 3 DNN12302 Great Billing conservation area 13/04/1976 30/04/1989 2450 CA 4 DNN12289 Ecton conservation area 31/01/1970 3115 CA 5 DNN12244 Boughton Conservation Area 31/01/1971 3340 CA 6 DNN12337 Mears Ashby conservation area 31/01/1977 3350 CA 7 DNN12358 Pitsford conservation area 31/10/1990 3860 CA 8 DNN12325 Kingsthorpe (High Street/ Manor Road) conservation area 04/03/1987 4075 CA 9 DNN12324 Kingsthorpe conservation area 20/07/1970 31/07/1976 4350 Listed Buildings within 5km of the Site Boundary (I II* to 5km, II to 1km only)

CgMs_ID ListEntry Name Grade ListDate AmendDate LegacyUID NGR Easting Northing Distance (m) LB 1 1343549 PYTCHLEY GATES II 02/11/1954 19/07/1985 360454 SP 79766 66075 479766 266075 34 LB 2 1293433 THORPLAND FARM COTTAGES II 22/01/1976 232232 SP 79071 64698 479071 264698 305 LB 3 1354758 THE OLD FARMHOUSE AND ATTACHED STABLES II 19/07/1985 360439 SP 79838 67560 479838 267560 365 LB 4 1075361 OVERSTONE GATE II 19/07/1985 360453 SP 80530 66321 480530 266321 409 LB 5 1075356 CHURCH OF ST NICHOLAS II 19/07/1985 360440 SP 80560 66073 480560 266073 457 LB 6 1075360 HOLLY LODGE FARMHOUSE II 19/07/1985 360451 SP 80736 66587 480736 266587 465 LB 7 1281803 102,104,106,108 AND 110, SYWELL ROAD II 19/07/1985 360452 SP 80807 66506 480807 266506 567 LB 8 1075519 PIXIE COTTAGE II 19/07/1985 360390 SP 78679 66292 478679 266292 601 LB 9 1203207 TERRACE WALL AND GATE APPROXIMATELY 40 METRES WEST OF GARDEN FRONT OF OVERSTONE COLLEGE II 19/07/1985 360443 SP 80730 65619 480730 265619 663 LB 10 1075521 WANTAGE FARMHOUSE II 15/08/1974 360392 SP 78580 66241 478580 266241 673 LB 11 1039636 MOULTON LODGE II 22/01/1976 232176 SP 78224 64800 478224 264800 677 LB 12 1075358 FLIGHT OF STEPS APPROXIMATELY 20 METRES SOUTH WEST OF GARDEN FRONT OF OVERSTONE COLLEGE II 19/07/1985 360444 SP 80740 65635 480740 265635 678 LB 13 1343547 FLIGHT OF STEPS APPROXIMATELY 20 METRES NORTH WEST OF GARDEN FRONT OF OVERSTONE COLLEGE II 19/07/1985 360445 SP 80739 65667 480739 265667 688 LB 14 1075520 DAIRY FARMHOUSE II 19/07/1985 360391 SP 78578 66278 478578 266278 689 LB 15 1075357 TERRACE WALL,BALUSTRADE AND FLIGHTS OF STEPS APPROXIMATELY 10 METRES WEST OF GARDEN FRONT OF OVERSTONE COLLEGE II 19/07/1985 360442 SP 80764 65598 480764 265598 690 LB 16 1075518 THE COTTAGE II 19/07/1985 360388 SP 78548 66228 478548 266228 698 LB 17 1025849 OVERSTONE COLLEGE II 27/04/1983 19/07/1985 360441 SP 80797 65651 480797 265651 737 LB 18 1057674 ROOTY HILL II 19/07/1985 360368 SP 78539 66341 478539 266341 749 LB 19 1075523 THE MILL HOUSE II 19/07/1985 360396 SP 78514 66466 478514 266466 825 LB 20 1203209 TOWER COURT II 19/07/1985 360446 SP 80922 65486 480922 265486 825 LB 21 1075355 OVERSTONE OLD RECTORY II 19/07/1985 360438 SP 79922 68025 479922 268025 836 LB 22 1067861 THE ARTICHOKE PUBLIC HOUSE II 02/11/1954 19/07/1985 360373 SP 78453 66423 478453 266423 861 LB 23 1057680 PARADE HOUSE II 19/07/1985 360372 SP 78386 66298 478386 266298 874 LB 24 1038531 CHEQUER HOUSE II 02/11/1954 19/07/1985 360395 SP 78345 66181 478345 266181 875 LB 25 1345557 WATERLOO HOUSE II 02/11/1954 360374 SP 78423 66427 478423 266427 890 LB 26 1343439 THE MANOR HOUSE II 02/11/1954 19/07/1985 360389 SP 78310 66127 478310 266127 897 LB 27 1343437 1, CROSS STREET II 19/07/1985 360385 SP 78310 66166 478310 266166 905 LB 28 1356514 BENWILL HOUSE II 19/07/1985 360371 SP 78374 66362 478374 266362 909 LB 29 1039093 METHODIST CHAPEL II 19/07/1985 360381 SP 78301 66186 478301 266186 919 LB 30 1039124 CHEST TOMB APPROXIMATELY 8 METRES EAST OF CHANCEL OF CHURCH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL II 19/07/1985 360379 SP 78385 66421 478385 266421 922 LB 31 1356516 CHEST TOMB APPROXIMATLEY 4 METRES EAST OF CHANCEL OF CHURCH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL II 19/07/1985 360378 SP 78379 66418 478379 266418 926 LB 32 1057659 CHEST TOMB APPROXIMATELY 4 METRES SOUTH OF CHANCEL OF CHURCH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL II 19/07/1985 360377 SP 78370 66405 478370 266405 929 LB 33 1067864 17, CHURCH STREET II 19/07/1985 360380 SP 78354 66367 478354 266367 930 LB 34 1067862 CHEST TOMB APPROXIMATELY 13 METRES SOUTH OF SOUTH WEST CORNER OF CHURCH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL II 19/07/1985 360376 SP 78351 66399 478351 266399 944 LB 35 1356515 CHURCH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL I 02/11/1954 360375 SP 78358 66419 478358 266419 946 LB 36 1025896 RECTORY FARMHOUSE II 19/07/1985 360437 SP 80173 68088 480173 268088 961 LB 37 1075517 STOCKWELL II 19/07/1985 360386 SP 78252 66164 478252 266164 961 LB 38 1343436 THE HOLLIES II 19/07/1985 360382 SP 78250 66190 478250 266190 969 LB 39 1345568 ASHMERE COTTAGE II 19/07/1985 360370 SP 78282 66366 478282 266366 996 LB 40 1040676 CHURCH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL II* 28/05/1954 13/05/1986 233587 SP 82167 67210 482167 267210 1887 LB 41 1040679 SYWELL HALL II* 28/05/1954 233593 SP 82281 67372 482281 267372 2037 LB 42 1039722 CHURCH OF ST ANDREW I 03/05/1968 231985 SP 80810 62910 480810 262910 2534 LB 43 1045863 CHURCH OF ST MARY AND ALL SAINTS I 02/11/1954 360305 SP 79230 69833 479230 269833 2702 LB 44 1039643 20, HIGH STREET II* 03/05/1968 232100 SP 81158 62758 481158 262758 2830 LB 45 1294161 CHURCH OF SAINT PETER II* 09/12/1968 231878 SP 78846 61896 478846 261896 3059 LB 46 1052387 NEW WAYS II* 19/01/1952 232253 SP 77898 61941 477898 261941 3174 LB 47 1189693 ECTON HOUSE II* 28/05/1954 13/05/1986 233351 SP 82844 63613 482844 263613 3273 LB 48 1294128 CHURCH OF ST MARY MAGDALENE I 28/05/1954 233357 SP 82861 63547 482861 263547 3323 LB 50 1189673 LAUNDRY AND GAME LARDER APPROXIMATELY 30 METRES NORTH WEST OF ECTON HALL II* 13/05/1986 233346 SP 82923 63640 482923 263640 3325 LB 51 1040756 THE MANOR HOUSE II* 28/05/1954 233371 SP 82778 63402 482778 263402 3339 LB 52 1040786 SUMMERHOUSE APPROXIMATELY 250 METRES NORTH EAST OF ECTON HALL II* 28/05/1954 13/05/1986 233345 SP 83024 63752 483024 263752 3355 LB 52 1189661 ECTON HALL II* 28/05/1954 233344 SP 82939 63602 482939 263602 3358 LB 53 1039721 CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS II* 03/05/1968 231983 SP 80438 61782 480438 261782 3494 LB 54 1040692 CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS II* 28/05/1954 233521 SP 83846 66653 483846 266653 3525 LB 55 1039661 CHURCH OF ST MATTHEW II* 09/12/1968 232138 SP 76733 62137 476733 262137 3548 LB 56 1040699 MEARS ASHBY HALL II* 28/05/1954 233544 SP 83977 66416 483977 266416 3673 LB 57 1189663 CHURCH OF SAINT PETER AND SAINT PAUL II* 19/01/1952 231880 SP 77529 61497 477529 261497 3717 LB 58 1039763 ABINGTON ABBEY (MUSEUM) I 19/01/1952 231881 SP 77478 61497 477478 261497 3736 LB 59 1067000 CHURCH OF ST PETER AND ST PAUL I 02/11/1954 360293 SP 81157 70929 481157 270929 3966 LB 60 1039732 CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY II* 09/12/1968 231912 SP 75485 62519 475485 262519 4183 LB 61 1067059 CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS II* 02/11/1954 360225 SP 75427 68193 475427 268193 4362 LB 62 1039757 KINGSTHORPE HALL II* 19/01/1952 22/01/1976 231868 SP 74962 62847 474962 262847 4453 LB 63 1190502 CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST I 19/01/1952 232074 SP 74668 63116 474668 263116 4600 LB 64 1372186 ST ANDREW'S HOSPITAL (FRONT BLOCK AND WINGS ONLY) II* 09/12/1968 231941 SP 77008 60592 477008 260592 4753 LB 65 1190310 CHURCH OF ST STANISLAUS AND ST LAWRENCE II* 09/12/1968 22/01/1976 232034 SP 75758 61201 475758 261201 4888 MONUMENT POINTS: MonUID Name Prefref Type 11004 Priestfields Rochester Bellway Homes DBA MNN140221 Series of post holes of uncertain type 5107/0/6 MON MNN140220 Possible hearths 5107/0/5 MON 4533/0/3 FS MNN6063 Possible post medieval industrial site 4532 MON MNN28607 Pit containing finds associated with Romano-British settlement 5107/0/7 MON MNN28322 Possibly Roman ditches 5107/0/1 MON MNN25136 Late Roman Courtyard 5107/0/4 MON MNN25135 Late Roman Building 5107/0/3 MON MNN25134 Romano-British Buildings 5107/0/2 MON MNN25133 Unstratified Romano-British Finds 5107/0/0 FS MNN25130 Unstratified Prehistoric Finds 5106/0/0 FS MNN24445 Possible Roman building 4533/0/2 MON MNN24444 Possible undated enclosures 4533/0/1 MON MNN24443 Possible windmill site 4532/1 MON MNN103801 WWII Searchlight Battery 7963/0/1 MON MN02689 Roman finds 4533/00 FS

MONUMENT POLYGONS: MonUID Name Prefref Type MNN103800 WWII military site 7963 MON MNN1915 Prehistoric Activity 5106 MON MNN6064 Possible Roman settlement 4533 MON MNN873 Possible Prehistoric Funerary Activity 2008 MON MNN1916 Romano-British Settlement 5107 MON MNN135330 Northampton to Kettering Turnpike 3803/2 MON MNN119546 Possible prehistoric pits (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/3 MON MNN119546 Possible prehistoric pits (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/3 MON MNN119545 Prehistoric enclosure (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/5 MON

MNN119544 Prehistoric enclosure, possibly a round barrow (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/1 MON MNN119544 Prehistoric enclosure, possibly a round barrow (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/1 MON

MNN119544 Prehistoric enclosure, possibly a round barrow (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/1 MON MNN119541 Prehistoric ditch (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/10 MON MNN119541 Prehistoric ditch (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/10 MON MNN119541 Prehistoric ditch (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/10 MON MNN119540 Prehistoric enclosure and pit cluster (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/2 MON MNN119540 Prehistoric enclosure and pit cluster (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/2 MON MNN119540 Prehistoric enclosure and pit cluster (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/2 MON MNN119540 Prehistoric enclosure and pit cluster (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/2 MON MNN119540 Prehistoric enclosure and pit cluster (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/2 MON MNN119540 Prehistoric enclosure and pit cluster (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/2 MON MNN119540 Prehistoric enclosure and pit cluster (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/2 MON MNN119540 Prehistoric enclosure and pit cluster (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/2 MON MNN119539 Prehistoric enclosure (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/7 MON MNN119538 Prehistoric enclosure (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/6 MON MNN119538 Prehistoric enclosure (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/6 MON

MONUMENT LINES: MonUID Name Prefref Type MNN119543 Prehistoric ditch (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/4 MON MNN119542 Prehistoric ditch (Morphed Aerial Archaeology Interpretation) 2008/0/9 MON Pytchley Gates, Overstone Description: Pytchley Gates Grade: II Date Listed: 2 November 1954 English Heritage Building ID: 360454 OS Grid Reference: SP7976666075 OS Grid Coordinates: 479766, 266075 Latitude/Longitude: 52.2870, -0.8320 Location: Sywell Road, Overstone, Northamptonshire NN6 0AB Locality: Overstone Local Authority: Daventry District Council County: Northamptonshire Country: England Postcode: NN6 0AB Listing Text OVERSTONE SYWELL ROAD SP7866 (South side) 16/201 Pytchley Gates 02/11/54 (Formerly listed as Gateway to Overstone Park originally of Pytchley Old Hall)

- II

Archway. Early C17. Limestone ashlar. Gate arch flanked by similar pedestrian arches each with semi-circular heads and moulded keystones. Central arch has decorated voussoir. Fluted Doric column between arches support an entablature the frieze of which is decorated with triglyphs and disc ornaments in the metopes. Curved gable over and flanking scrolls over pedestrian arches. Five obelisks on moulded plinths at centre and ends. C19 cast iron gates to each arch. Originally located at Pytchley Old Hall, repositioned in mid C19. (Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, p.369).

Listing NGR: SP7976666075

Overstone College, Overstone Description: Overstone College Grade: II Date Listed: 27 April 1983 English Heritage Building ID: 360441 OS Grid Reference: SP8079765651 OS Grid Coordinates: 480797, 265651 Latitude/Longitude: 52.2831, -0.8170 Location: Court Farm, Overstone, Northamptonshire NN6 0AP Local Authority: Daventry District Council County: Northamptonshire Country: England Postcode: NN6 0AP Listing Text OVERSTONE OVERSTONE PARK SP86NW 13/188 Overstone College 27/04/83 (Formerly listed as The Main House)

GV II Country House. Mid C19, by W.M. Tuelon for the first Lord Overstone. Limestone ashlar with slate roof. Complex plan. Garden front: main house of 3 storeys; 5-window range of sashes. To left is a large canted bay with rusticated pilasters and open balustrade over; above are twin sashes with pediment over and armorial embellishment. Large square bay in the centre has open parapet over; gable above with pilasters, semi-ciruclar head and finial. Hipped roofs with ashlar stacks at ridge and ends. Large square tower breaking forward to right is of 4 stages with open belvedre in fourth stage of double arcade with twin columns and rusticated pilasters at the corners. Open balustrade with large corner pilasters surmounted by groups of ball finials. 2-storey, 5-window range to right of tower has canted bay to left and corner bay to right, both in similar style to the main house. Short square tower to far right of 3 stages with triple arcade in third stage, rusticated pilasters at corners and shallow copper pyramid roof. Low wall with urns attached to centre of garden. Entrance front is similar style with central single-storey porch with large rusticated pilasters. Semi circular gable above has scroll embellishment. Large canted bay to left and square bay to right similar to garden front. Other facades similar. Interior: Large entrance hall with central staircase parting into 2 flights at quarter landing. Turned balustrade with swept handrail. Moulded marble surrounds to openings. Chapel to right has fine moulded plaster ceiling. Library to centre of garden front has fireplaces and bookcases with moulded wood surround with 2 large mirrored overmantels; moulded plaster ceilings with Jacobean motifs. (Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, p.369).

Listing NGR: SP8079765651 Terrace Wall and Gate Approximately 40 Metres West of Garden Front of Overstone College, Overstone Description: Terrace Wall and Gate Approximately 40 Metres West of Garden Front of Overstone College Grade: II Date Listed: 19 July 1985 English Heritage Building ID: 360443 OS Grid Reference: SP8073065619 OS Grid Coordinates: 480730, 265619 Latitude/Longitude: 52.2828, -0.8180 Location: Court Farm, Overstone, Northamptonshire NN6 0AP Locality: Overstone Local Authority: Daventry District Council County: Northamptonshire Country: England Postcode: NN6 0AP Listing Text OVERSTONE OVERSTONE PARK SP86NW 13/190 Terrace wall and gate approx. 40m. W of garden front of Overstone College

GV II

Terrace wall and gate. Mid C19. Probably by W.M. Teulon. Squared coursed lias and limestone ashlar. Terrace retaining wall with ashlar copings. Narrow flight of steps to far right have wrought iron gates. Part of a formal arrangement including terrace wall, balustrade and flight of steps approx. 10m. west of garden front and flight of steps approx. 20m. north and south-west of garden front (q.v.). Included for group value with Overstone College.

Listing NGR: SP8073065619

Terrace Wall,balustrade and Flights of Steps Approximately 10 Metres West of Garden Front of Oversto, Overstone Description: Terrace Wall,balustrade and Flights of Steps Approximately 10 Metres West of Garden Front of Oversto Grade: II Date Listed: 19 July 1985 English Heritage Building ID: 360442 OS Grid Reference: SP8076465598 OS Grid Coordinates: 480764, 265598 Latitude/Longitude: 52.2826, -0.8175 Location: Court Farm, Overstone, Northamptonshire NN6 0AP Locality: Overstone Local Authority: Daventry District Council County: Northamptonshire Country: England Postcode: NN6 0AP Listing Text OVERSTONE OVERSTONE PARK SP86NW 13/189 Terrace wall, balustrade and flights of steps approx. 10m. W of garden front of Overstone College

GV II

Terrace wall, balustrade and steps. Probably by W.M. Teulon. Squared coursed lias and limestone ashlar. Terrace retaining wall with ashlar coping and 3 flights of ashlar steps those to far right have ashlar balustrades which are attached to the main house with a pier at the corner surmounted by an urn. Part of a formal arrangement including terrace wall and gate approx. 40m, west of garden front and flight of steps approx. 20m. north and south-west of garden front (q.v.). Included for group value with Overstone College.

Listing NGR: SP8076465598

Flight of Steps Approximately 20 Metres North West of Garden Front of Overstone College, Overstone Description: Flight of Steps Approximately 20 Metres North West of Garden Front of Overstone College Grade: II Date Listed: 19 July 1985 English Heritage Building ID: 360445 OS Grid Reference: SP8073965667 OS Grid Coordinates: 480739, 265667 Latitude/Longitude: 52.2832, -0.8179 Location: Court Farm, Overstone, Northamptonshire NN6 0AP Locality: Overstone Local Authority: Daventry District Council County: Northamptonshire Country: England Postcode: NN6 0AP Listing Text OVERSTONE OVERSTONE PARK SP86NW 13/192 Flight of steps approx. 20m. NW of garden front: of Overstone College

GV II

Steps. Mid C19. Probably by W.M. Teulon. Limestone ashlar with low parapet to either side. Part of a formal arrangement including flight of steps approx. 20m. south-west of garden front, terrace wall, balustrade and flight of steps approx 10m. west of garden front and terrace wall and gate approx. 40m. west of garden front (q,v.). Included for group value with Overstone College.

Listing NGR: SP8073965667 This text is a legacy record and has not been updated since the building was originally listed. Details of the building may have changed in the intervening time. You should not rely on this listing as an accurate description of the building. Source: English Heritage

G:\Project Graphics\Active Jobs\10000-10099\10545 - Overstone Leys, Northamptonshire\Figures\Mapping

Project title: London N Overstone Leys, Northants. Cheltenham Site boundary Kettering Not to scale Newark Illustrative only Birmingham Date printed: Drawn by: PW www.cgms.co.uk 29/01/09 Checked by: Planning & Development Archaeology & Historic Buildings © Ordnance Survey maps reproduced with the sanction of the controller of HM Stationery Office Licence No: AL 100014723 AL No: Licence Office Stationery HM of controller the of sanction the with reproduced maps Survey Ordnance © Figure 3: 1763 Plan of Thomas Drury Estate, Overstone and Sywell G:\Project Graphics\Active Jobs\10000-10099\10545 - Overstone Leys, Northamptonshire\Figures\Mapping

Project title: London N Overstone Leys, Northants. Cheltenham Site boundary Kettering Not to scale Newark Illustrative only Birmingham Date printed: Drawn by: PW www.cgms.co.uk 29/01/09 Checked by: Planning & Development Archaeology & Historic Buildings © Ordnance Survey maps reproduced with the sanction of the controller of HM Stationery Office Licence No: AL 100014723 AL No: Licence Office Stationery HM of controller the of sanction the with reproduced maps Survey Ordnance © Figure 4: 1932 copy of 1803 plan of field names in the Parish of Overstone G:\Project Graphics\Active Jobs\10000-10099\10545 - Overstone Leys, Northamptonshire\Figures\Mapping

Project title: London N Overstone Leys, Northants. Cheltenham Site boundary Kettering Not to scale Newark Illustrative only Birmingham Date printed: Drawn by: PW www.cgms.co.uk 29/01/09 Checked by: Planning & Development Archaeology & Historic Buildings © Ordnance Survey maps reproduced with the sanction of the controller of HM Stationery Office Licence No: AL 100014723 AL No: Licence Office Stationery HM of controller the of sanction the with reproduced maps Survey Ordnance © Figure 5: 1832 Overstone Estate Map G:\Project Graphics\Active Jobs\10000-10099\10545 - Overstone Leys, Northamptonshire\Figures\Mapping

Project title: London N Overstone Leys, Northants. Cheltenham Site boundary Kettering Not to scale Newark Illustrative only Birmingham Date printed: Drawn by: PW www.cgms.co.uk 29/01/09 Checked by: Planning & Development Archaeology & Historic Buildings © Ordnance Survey maps reproduced with the sanction of the controller of HM Stationery Office Licence No: AL 100014723 AL No: Licence Office Stationery HM of controller the of sanction the with reproduced maps Survey Ordnance © Figure 6: 1856 Map of the Parish of Overstone G:\Project Graphics\Active Jobs\10000-10099\10545 - Overstone Leys, Northamptonshire\Figures\Mapping

Project title: London N Overstone Leys, Northants. Cheltenham Site boundary Kettering Not to scale Newark Illustrative only Birmingham Date printed: Drawn by: PW www.cgms.co.uk 29/01/09 Checked by: Planning & Development Archaeology & Historic Buildings © Ordnance Survey maps reproduced with the sanction of the controller of HM Stationery Office Licence No: AL 100014723 AL No: Licence Office Stationery HM of controller the of sanction the with reproduced maps Survey Ordnance © Figure 7: 1886 Ordnance Survey 6” Scale G:\Project Graphics\Active Jobs\10000-10099\10545 - Overstone Leys, Northamptonshire\Figures\Mapping

Project title: London N Overstone Leys, Northants. Cheltenham Site boundary Kettering Not to scale Newark Illustrative only Birmingham Date printed: Drawn by: PW www.cgms.co.uk 29/01/09 Checked by: Planning & Development Archaeology & Historic Buildings © Ordnance Survey maps reproduced with the sanction of the controller of HM Stationery Office Licence No: AL 100014723 AL No: Licence Office Stationery HM of controller the of sanction the with reproduced maps Survey Ordnance © Figure 8: 1901 Ordnance Survey 6” Scale G:\Project Graphics\Active Jobs\10000-10099\10545 - Overstone Leys, Northamptonshire\Figures\Mapping

Project title: London N Overstone Leys, Northants. Cheltenham Site boundary Kettering Not to scale Newark Illustrative only Birmingham Date printed: Drawn by: PW www.cgms.co.uk 29/01/09 Checked by: Planning & Development Archaeology & Historic Buildings © Ordnance Survey maps reproduced with the sanction of the controller of HM Stationery Office Licence No: AL 100014723 AL No: Licence Office Stationery HM of controller the of sanction the with reproduced maps Survey Ordnance © Figure 9: 1982-88 Ordnance Survey

Northamptonshire County Council

Northamptonshire Archaeology

Archaeological Geophysical Survey

At Overstone Leys, Northamptonshire

April 2009

Adrian Butler

April 2009

Report 09/51

Northamptonshire Archaeology 2 Bolton House Wootton Hall Park Northampton NN4 8BE t. 01604 700493 f. 01604 702822 e. [email protected] w. www.northantsarchaeology.co.uk

NORTHAMPTON, OVERSTONE LEYS ______

STAFF

Project Manager Adrian Butler BSc MA AIfA Fieldwork Ian Fisher BSc John Walford MSc Paul Clements BA James Ladocha BA Jonathan Elston BA Adrian Burrow MA

Text and illustrations Adrian Butler

Ian Fisher John Walford

QUALITY CONTROL

Print name Signature Date

Checked by Pat Chapman PC 29/04/09

Verified by Andy Chapman AC 29/04/09

Approved by Bill Boismier WAB 30/04/09

______Northamptonshire Archaeology Report 09/51 NORTHAMPTON, OVERSTONE LEYS ______

OASIS REPORT FORM PROJECT DETAILS Project name An Archaeological Geophysical Survey at Overstone Leys, Northamptonshire Short description Northamptonshire Archaeology was commissioned by CgMs Consulting Ltd to undertake a geophysical survey of approximately 108.8ha of land at Overstone Leys, Northamptonshire. Magnetometer prospection located a wealth of subsurface features. The centre of the site, around Overstone Farm, was notable for a possible Neolithic hengiform monument and ploughed-out Bronze Age round barrows. Further putative barrows were detected in the north-east of the main area. Ditched enclosures were located adjacent to the east and to the north a possible industrial site consisting of a quarry into the ironstone and fired features. Rectilinear ditched enclosures and circular features indicated a possible small Romano-British settlement in the south of the area. Further enclosures detected in Overstone Park may indicate medieval occupation. Geological ‘patterned ground’ was evident in the data over much of the south of the site area. Project type Geophysical survey Site status None Previous work Aerial photography Current Land use Agricultural Future work Unknown Monument type/ period Neolithic Hengiform feature, Bronze Age Barrows, Iron Age / Roman roundhouses, ditched enclosures Significant finds None PROJECT LOCATION County Northamptonshire Site address Overstone Lane, Overstone, Northampton Study area 108.8ha OS Easting & Northing 4797 2653 - 4798 2672 Height OD 95-115m AOD PROJECT CREATORS Organisation Northamptonshire Archaeology Project brief originator Sally Dicks, CgMs Consulting Project Design originator Northamptonshire Archaeology Director/Supervisor Ian Fisher Project Manager Adrian Butler Sponsor or funding body Barratt Strategic PROJECT DATE Start date March 2009 End date April 2009 ARCHIVES Location Content Physical n/a Paper NA Site survey records Digital NA Geophysical survey & GIS data BIBLIOGRAPHY Journal/monograph, published or forthcoming, or unpublished client report Title An Archaeological Geophysical Survey at Overstone Leys, Northamptonshire Serial title & volume NA Reports 09/51 Author(s) Adrian Butler Page numbers 11 Date 29/04/2009

______Northamptonshire Archaeology Report 09/51 NORTHAMPTON, OVERSTONE LEYS ______

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY 1

3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND 2

4 METHODOLOGY 3

5 SURVEY RESULTS 4

General Comments 3

Field 1 6

Field 2 7

Field 3 7

Field 4 8

Field 5 9

Field 6 9

Field 7 10

6 CONCLUSION 10

BIBLIOGRAPHY 11

INTERPRETATION KEY

Figures Fig 1 Site Location, 1:30,000 Fig 2 Gradiometer Survey Overall Results, 1:7500 Fig 3 Gradiometer Survey Overall Interpretation, 1:7500 Fig 4 Gradiometer Survey Results Field 1 North, 1:2500 Fig 5 Gradiometer Survey Interpretation Field 1 North, 1:2500 Fig 6 Gradiometer Survey Results Field 1 South, Field 5, Field 6 & Field 7, 1:2500 Fig 7 Gradiometer Survey Interpretation Field 1 South, Field 5, Field 6 & Field 7, 1:2500 Fig 8 Gradiometer Survey Results Field 2 & Field 3 North, 1:2500 Fig 9 Gradiometer Survey Interpretation Field 2 & Field 3 North, 1:2500

______Northamptonshire Archaeology Report 09/51 NORTHAMPTON, OVERSTONE LEYS ______

Fig 10 Gradiometer Survey Results Field 3 South, 1:2500 Fig 11 Gradiometer Survey Interpretation Field 3 South, 1:2500 Fig 12 Gradiometer Survey Results Field 4, 1:2500 Fig 13 Gradiometer Survey Interpretation Field 4, 1:2500

Cover Picture: Survey Results from Field 5

______Northamptonshire Archaeology Report 09/51 NORTHAMPTON, OVERSTONE LEYS

ARCHAEOLOGICAL GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY AT OVERSTONE LEYS,

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

APRIL 2009

ABSTRACT

Northamptonshire Archaeology was commissioned by CgMs Consulting Ltd to undertake a geophysical survey of approximately 108.8ha of land at Overstone Leys, Northamptonshire. Magnetometer prospection located a wealth of subsurface features. The centre of the site, around Overstone Farm, was notable for a possible Neolithic hengiform monument and ploughed-out Bronze Age round barrows. Further putative barrows were detected in the north-east of the main area. Ditched enclosures were located adjacent to the east and to the north a possible industrial site consisting of a quarry into the ironstone and fired features. Rectilinear ditched enclosures and circular features indicated a possible small Romano-British settlement in the south of the area. Further enclosures detected in Overstone Park may indicate medieval occupation. Geological ‘patterned ground’ was evident in the data over much of the south of the site area.

1 INTRODUCTION

Northamptonshire Archaeology was commissioned by CgMs Consulting Ltd to undertake an archaeological geophysical survey of land west of Overstone, Northampton (NGR SP 797 653 - 798 672, Fig 1). The work was undertaken to support a proposal for the construction of a sustainable urban extension.

The objective of the geophysical survey was to identify the presence or absence of archaeological remains within the proposed development area. The programme consisted of a detailed magnetic gradiometer survey conducted over an area of approximately 108.8 hectares. Fieldwork was carried out in April 2009.

2 TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY

The survey covered an irregularly-shaped area, measuring approximately 2km north to south and 0.5 - 0.7km east to west, a total of c103ha. A detached portion of 6.8ha lies slightly to the east. The land use is predominately arable, with some paddocks around Overstone Farm.

Northamptonshire Archaeology Report 09/51 1 of 11 NORTHAMPTON, OVERSTONE LEYS

The eastern and southern margins of the survey area are defined by small but deeply incised streams which drain towards the south. The ground rises above these towards an extensive terrace standing at about 95-105m AOD. This is overlooked by a flat-topped ridge, about 115m AOD, which occupies the north-western part of the area. Two steep, southward draining, dry valleys occur near the southern end of the area. A third valley in the same area contains a small spring-fed stream, the headwaters of which flow through an underground channel or culvert.

The geology of the survey area is dominated by Northamptonshire Sand and Ironstone. A band of Upper Lias strata outcrops to the south of this, and Lower Estuarine deposits outcrop to the north. The only significant drift is a band of glacial sand and gravel which caps the high ground in the north-west.

3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

The survey area has been the subject of a desk-based assessment (Dicks & Chadwick 2009), upon which the following summary is based.

There is no evidence for Palaeolithic or Mesolithic activity within the vicinity of the survey area, and a Neolithic presence is suggested only by a few surface finds of worked flint. Bronze Age activity is represented by cropmarks in and outside the northern part of the survey area, possibly prehistoric settlement. Outside of the survey area to the north-east and north-west two further areas of cropmarks are recorded. The cropmarks to the north-east possibly represent prehistoric funerary activity, whilst a Bronze Age round barrow and Iron Age activity has been identified in the cropmarks c 400m to the north-west.

Extensive Roman remains have been discovered within the survey area and in the immediate vicinity. Roman circular timber buildings (2nd century AD) succeeded by circular buildings with stone foundations and a courtyard (3rd century AD) were recorded south of the survey area at Thorplands Farm which is now Round Spinney. Ironworking was also identified.

In the southern part of the survey area Roman settlement, dated to the 2nd – 4th centuries AD, was identified from pottery, roof tiles, iron slag, and coins. Further south cropmarks indicate more evidence of settlement in this area.

North-east of the survey area a third possible Roman site has been identified. Further afield, 500m

Northamptonshire Archaeology Report 09/51 2 of 11

NORTHAMPTON, OVERSTONE LEYS

south-west of the survey area at Boothville; a Roman villa has been identified from the discovery of a tessellated pavement, flue tiles, painted plaster and other Roman artefacts.

No Saxon sites or finds have been recorded within the survey area.

4 METHODOLOGY

Geophysical survey was carried out in accordance with English Heritage and the Institute for Archaeologists Guidelines and following the Project Design (EH 2008; Gaffney, Gater and Ovendon 2002 & NA 2008). The geophysical survey was carried out over seven adjacent areas.

The detailed magnetometer survey was undertaken using Bartington Grad601-2 fluxgate gradiometers. The Grad601-2 is constructed as a dual-sensor instrument with two vertical gradiometers separated on a yoke to enable two lines of survey to be recorded in tandem.

The gradiometer coverage was composed of a total of 1261 whole and partial 30m x 30m grid- squares. Each survey area was set-out using a combination of Leica System 1200 dGPS, and manually division into grid squares by tape measure and optical square. Each grid square was traversed at rapid walking pace in zigzag mode and magnetic data was recorded every 0.25m along traverses spaced at 1m intervals. All fieldwork was carried out in accordance with the aforementioned guidelines (EH 2008 & Gaffney, Gater and Ovendon 2002).

The data was analysed using Geoplot 3.00u software. Low (negative) magnetism is shown as white and high (positive) magnetism as black in the resultant greytone plots. Minimal manipulation was carried out on the data as the raw data is generally of high quality, ensuring that the data-set is uniform (EH 2008, 41-44). The ‘Zero Mean Traverse’ function was applied in order to bring the average level of each data line into a balanced mean of zero.

The processed data was examined for weak magnetic anomalies under a variety of viewing regimes. The data is presented here in the form of a grey tone image highlighting a broad magnetic anomaly scale (-4.0nT / +4.0nT) which in turn was rectified to the Ordnance Survey base (Figs 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 & 12). Interpretative plots have been generated from the results (Figs 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 & 13). Figures have been prepared for each field and are referred to directly in the following section.

Northamptonshire Archaeology Report 09/51 3 of 11

NORTHAMPTON, OVERSTONE LEYS

5 SURVEY RESULTS

General comments

To aid non-specialist readers and to save needless repetition in the following text, a basic discussion of the main types of magnetic anomaly follows.

Most of the archaeology encountered in this survey will consist of features cut into the bedrock or subsoil and subsequently infilled. The magnetic anomalies produced by these will usually be slightly positive (1-5nT) and either linear, in the case of ditches, or more localised in the case of pits. In theory all these anomalies should exhibit an associated negative response to the north, although in practice this is not always strong enough to be detected.

Although linear anomalies will usually relate to ditches, others may relate to plough furrows, field drains or geological features. These different types of linear anomaly can be distinguished with a moderate to high degree of confidence, as discussed below. Localised positive anomalies are harder to interpret. The larger, more regular ones are likely to represent anthropogenic pits but the others may have a variety of causes, including tree throws, natural hollows and geological or pedological features. Small ferrous or thermoremnant anomalies and even minor data flaws can also mimic pit anomalies. For this reason localised anomalies can often only be interpreted with a moderate degree of confidence, and only the most convincing examples have been highlighted on the interpretation plots.

Many of the datasets in this survey contain anomalies which relate to current or past cultivation regimes. Modern plough furrows will often appear as weak, narrow, closely spaced linear anomalies, sometimes with a stronger negative anomaly marking the deep furrow at the edge of the cultivated area. Medieval ploughing has a somewhat different appearance, with broader and more widely spaced linear anomalies marking the silted furrows of ridge and furrow cultivation. Modern plough lines have only been highlighted on the interpretation where necessary to avoid confusion.

A few of the anomalies in this survey have been tentatively identified as thermoremnant. These are caused by the intense heating of soil or sediment, whereby iron minerals are converted to strongly magnetic forms, and usually represent kilns, ovens, hearths or furnaces. They can usually be distinguished from pits by their greater magnetic enhancement and can be distinguished, with rather less confidence, from ferrous anomalies by their lower and broader trace form.

Geological anomalies can take a variety of forms and their origins are often too poorly understood

Northamptonshire Archaeology Report 09/51 4 of 11

NORTHAMPTON, OVERSTONE LEYS

for detailed interpretations to be offered. As a general rule anomalies which form broad patterns across the data or comprise groups of large irregular and amorphous forms are thought likely to be geological, as are anomalies which follow topographic trends and lack a clearly archaeological explanation.

Unsurprisingly, ferrous materials produce strong magnetic responses, often with a pronounced halo. Most discrete anomalies indicate the presence of modern scrap items (horseshoes, harrow tines, ploughshare tips, etc) in the soil, and are thus insignificant, although dense clusters of such anomalies can be indicative of modern rubbish pits. Often there will be large halos around the edges of the data, reflecting the presence of adjacent fences, gates, troughs and so forth.

Pipeline anomalies are a special category of ferrous anomaly with a very distinctive appearance. They comprise highly magnetic linear anomalies with alternating polarity, reflecting the dipolar magnetism acquired on casting by each individual pipe segment. Larger pipes often cast strong magnetic halos, obscuring anomalies to either side of their routes.

Although the survey encompassed over four million data points, several broad themes are identifiable on examining the over-all data set (Fig 2).

The data in each area appears corrugated into weakly and strongly magnetised strips, often in a patchwork of directions depending on the particular location. Mostly this reflects the remains of medieval ridge and furrow cultivation. Occasionally, exceedingly close-spaced lineations were detected, apparently cutting through the furrows. This was particularly clear in Field 3, where visual inspection confirmed that the magnetic anomalies were a product of recent disturbance of the ploughsoil by ploughing and drilling.

The strength of magnetic anomalies can be seen to follow changes in geology quite closely (Fig 2). The majority of the survey area, other than the very north of Field 1 and south of Field 3, is on ironstone. Anomalies over this bedrock are slightly more intense and well defined, when compared to those on upper lias clay (Field 3 south) and sand and gravel (Field 1 north).

Steel pylons for high tension overhead power lines crossed the survey area south to north-east, spaced at approximately 150m – 200m intervals. The pylons were highly magnetic, creating intensely positive ‘halos’ up to 40m in diameter around them which had the effect of overwhelming the smaller anomalies nearby.

Northamptonshire Archaeology Report 09/51 5 of 11

NORTHAMPTON, OVERSTONE LEYS

Field 1 (Figs 4, 5, 6 and 7)

This field was the largest area surveyed as a single block and therefore the most unwieldy to interpret. Therefore, the results will be split between the western and eastern ‘halves’ along the line of the south-west to north-east aligned boundary through the majority of Field 1.

Western Half: The northern corner of Field 1 was found to contain a series of short, parallel positive linear anomalies orientated south-west to north-east, and also three perpendicular anomalies (Figs 4 & 5). Although of ditch-form, no firm attribution can be made of what features this group of anomalies may represent. The discrete, positively magnetised pit-type anomalies were identified on the south-west side of the group. A long linear ditch-type anomaly was located orientated towards the south-west down the field. Two linear positive anomalies, possibly ditches orientated generally north-east to south-west, were detected to the east of the first group. A large, discrete circular anomaly, identified adjacent to the pair of ditches was likely to reflect a sizable pit.

Moving south-west down the west of Field 1, two sets of parallel curvilinear anomalies were detected possibly indicating ditches up to 250m in total length. Survey located a penannular anomaly to the west of the ditches, probably reflecting a ring ditch 20m in diameter, with a south- west facing entrance. An electricity cable was detected crossing the western half of Field 1, north- west to south-east between field boundaries (and marked East Midlands Electricity Board in the hedge).

South of the cable, survey indicated a likely south-westerly aligned ditch. Three semi-circular weakly positive anomalies may again reflect ditched features, as may the short lengths of linear anomalies orientated both south-west and south (Figs 6 & 7). On the eastern side of the field, four short parallel linear magnetic anomalies were detected on a north-west to south-east alignment, apparently capped on the north-west end by a further linear anomaly. It is unclear what class of monument these five probable ditches may belong to, although some form of enclosure appears likely. Another cable was detected leading west from a telegraph pole on the west side of the field.

Similar to the northern half of this side of Field 1, parallel linear ditch anomalies were identified in sections curving through to the south-eastern boundary. Survey around the pylon in the south of the field identified a probable right-angled ditch, possibly part of an enclosure.

Eastern Half: The north-eastern section of Field 1 was found to be the most densely occupied area of the entire field (Figs 4 & 5). Moving across and down slope from Field 1 West,

Northamptonshire Archaeology Report 09/51 6 of 11

NORTHAMPTON, OVERSTONE LEYS

four large, discrete pit-type anomalies were detected. A sub-rectangular ditched enclosure was revealed by linear magnetic anomalies adjacent to the north-eastern boundary. The interior of the enclosure was found to contain a likely pit and an area of irregular highly magnetic anomalies, possibly thermoremnantly magnetised features indicating burning or firing. Similar features were detected outside the enclosure, to the east and south-west, suggesting that some industrial activity may have been performed in this area of the site. Along the field boundary to the east, a large area anomaly has been interpreted as a possible former quarry, probably for the extraction of ironstone.

Survey of the north-eastern corner of Field 1 revealed rectilinear positive anomalies that reflect possible ditched enclosures adjacent the watercourse. A broad geological anomaly divides these enclosures which either respect the edge of it or the anomalies are subsumed by it. Three semi- circular anomalies were detected immediately west of the geological feature. Also recorded was a circular anomaly 25m in diameter, likely to represent the ring ditch of a denuded Bronze Age round barrow. Two linear anomalies align north to south up to a former north-west – south-east field boundary, beyond which is the final area of Field 1 – East.

Survey south of the former boundary revealed a linear anomaly representing an acutely angled ditch, possibly two sides of an enclosure (Figs 6 & 7). A diffuse, positive magnetic linear band was detected adjacent to the west of the former enclosure. This anomaly is considered to be geological in origin, orientated from Field 1 in the north to Field 6 in the south where it has surface expression. To the south survey detected an area of linear and discrete anomalies representing a D- shaped enclosure, four possible pits, linear ditch and a right-angled ditch feature against the southern field boundary.

Electrical cabling was detected entering the field from the Field 1 - West to join an electricity pylon in a loop around the eastern side.

Field 2 (Figs 8 and 9)

A curvilinear positive anomaly was detected joining Overstone Lane in the south with the A43 in the north-west. This appears to follow the Overstone / Moulton parish boundary for much of its length. That ditch was crossed south-west to north-east by a straight positive anomaly that connected the properties in the north and west of Field 2. A further ditch anomaly was located angling around the housing in the south-west.

The eastern half of Field 2 is notable in that a curving positive anomaly was detected towards the

Northamptonshire Archaeology Report 09/51 7 of 11

NORTHAMPTON, OVERSTONE LEYS

pylon and a second curving ditch located in the eastern corner

Field 3 (Figs 8, 9, 10 and 11)

The most striking aspect of the results from Field 3 was the predominance of weakly positive sinuous anomalies forming multi-sided shapes across the field. These are likely to represent ‘patterned ground’, i.e. periglacial ice polygons formed from frost cracking and infilling of the thawing permafrost and underlying ironstone (West 1977, 253). Broader geological anomalies were identified in the north-west and south of Field 3, coincident with dry valleys (Fig 11). The north- western valley appears, from field observation, to contain an underground stream. A collapsed brick installation at the northern end encloses a culvert with running water. Several steel inspection covers were located and a negative magnetic linear anomaly leading to the Overstone Lane may indicate a stone culvert. Free running water was encountered at the corner of the field to the south. The ground at the southern end of Field 3, where ironstone appears to have given way to Upper Lias clay, was found to be saturated with water. The survey detected numerous parallel lines of paired positive and negative anomalies likely to indicate field drains, aligned north-west to south- east. A slight linear anomaly was detected from north-east to south-west in the southern half of the field, dividing the ploughed zone (north) from rough pasture. This had formerly existed as a more formal boundary in the 1901 6” Ordnance Survey mapping (Dicks and Chadwick 2009, Fig 8).

Positive linear magnetic anomalies were detected through the centre and eastern side of Field 3 (Fig 11). These appear to represent a series of rectilinear ditched enclosures on a roughly south- western alignment. The ditches occur on more than one angle, suggesting more than one phase to the archaeology. A number of more discrete positive anomalies were identified in the same area, probably indicative of pits of various dimensions. At least two of the anomalies on the southern side of the features were found to be quite highly magnetised, possibly indicating thermoremnant magnetisation such as is found in heat-affected features such as hearths and kilns.

At least five circular positive anomalies were detected in the archaeologically active central belt of Field 3. These averaged approximately 10m in diameter and are considered likely to indicate ring gullies of Iron Age or Romano-British roundhouses. A negative magnetic circular anomaly approximately 9m in diameter was detected towards the centre of the field. This anomaly could reflect a masonry-constructed circular structure, such as the 3rd-century Roman example excavated several hundred metres to the south of the field, at Round Spinney (Hunter and Maynard 1977, 105-6).

Northamptonshire Archaeology Report 09/51 8 of 11

NORTHAMPTON, OVERSTONE LEYS

Field 4 (Figs 12 and 13)

A linear, highly magnetised anomaly indicating a ferrous pipeline, was detected crossing the field from the north-west to south-east corner. A similar anomaly aligned from the south-west to meet the initial pipeline at a tangent and a narrower line joined the main pipe with the corner of the housing plots to the north-east. It is likely, based on the attribution of the name Gas Field, that the subterranean pipelines detected, carry natural gas. A slight ridge was noted orientated from the north to the south-east of Field 4. This was also represented by a broad, weakly positive magnetic anomaly similar to those in Fields 1, 6 and 7.

Curvilinear positive magnetic anomalies of varying intensities appear to indicate sections of sub- rectangular ditched enclosures in the south-east quarter of the field. Anomalies reflecting further ditch sections and possible pits were detected adjacent to the northern boundary of Field 4.

Field 5 (Figs 6 and 7)

A magnetic response was generated from the brick barn and iron gate adjacent on the north-eastern boundary of the field. A slightly positive magnetic response was detected coincident with a topographical drop in the field. In approximately the same position a ditch anomaly was observed across the field, north-west to south-east.

Mid-way along the eastern side of the field a pair of concentric, semi-circular, positive anomalies was identified. The outer ditch feature was approximately 40m in diameter. The inner ring – possibly composed of individual pits – was circa 18m across, although anomalies from an adjacent wall obscured the southern side slightly. A hengiform feature such as this parallels to some extent one detected at Cotton Henge, on the Raunds Area Survey (Parry 2006, 204), although that was larger in area. Other Neolithic monuments parallels exist locally at the Mortuary Enclosure at Aldwincle, Ring Ditch V at Grendon Quarry and Mound 1 at Tansor Crossroads (Chapman 2004, fig 3.4).

Field 6 (Figs 6 and 7)

Survey of the west of Field 6 revealed a pair of circular anomalies, 22m in diameter, likely to indicate the ring ditches of ploughed-out Bronze Age round barrows. An ‘H-shaped’ arrangement of positive anomalies to the north-west of these reflects ditches of unknown function. Two parallel ditch anomalies were detected adjacent to Overstone Lane, possibly indicating a former alignment road. Two further ditch anomalies align northwards from the previous features. Two negative magnetic linear anomalies aligned west to east and south-west to north-east in Field 6 may reflect

Northamptonshire Archaeology Report 09/51 9 of 11

NORTHAMPTON, OVERSTONE LEYS

subterranean plastic pipes or stone culverts containing, for example, voids or water. Curvilinear and slightly positive magnetic anomalies recorded towards the centre of Field 6 have been deemed more likely to reflect geological features similar to those in Field 3 than archaeology.

The southern reach of the topographic ridge, as represented by a diffuse positive signal, which passes through Fields 1 and 7, was identified crossing Field 6 north to south terminating at the road. A similar geological anomaly was detected orientated west to east from the ridge to the corner of the field. A pair of positive linear, ditch, anomalies are aligned south-west to north-east through the eastern half of the field. No readily apparent function can be attributed to them. Several discrete anomalies, possible pits, were located to the east and west of the ditches. Confused positive and negative signals detected in the eastern corner of Field 6 are likely to reflect a small, infilled quarry pit.

The northern centre of Field 6 was found to contain linear and curving weakly positive magnetic anomalies. Comparing their characteristics with anomalies considered securely attributable to archaeological features and others from geological sources it was apparent that these features were likely to represent another facet of the patterned ground encountered in Field 3.

Field 7 (Figs 6 and 7)

The ridge that was observed, both topographically and magnetically, orientated north to south from Field 1 to Field 6, passed through the centre of Field 7. Two positive anomalies representing parallel ditches were located orientated north-east to south-west in the centre of the field, west of the ridge. A possible short ditch was identified on a south-easterly alignment, possibly connecting with another ditch across the southern boundary.

6 CONCLUSION

Approximately 108.8 hectares of magnetic survey were carried out at Overstone Leys. The southern half of the area was notable in the periglacial ‘patterned ground’ effects in the solid geology. Half of a large, double-ring feature, putatively a Neolithic hengiform monument, was detected on the western side of Overstone Farm. Two probable Bronze Age round barrow ditches were identified in Field 6 to the east of the farm. A pair of parallel ditches was located orientated to the north-east in the same field.

The north-east of the site was found to contain at least one additional likely Bronze Age round barrow ring ditch. Ditched enclosures were identified adjacent to the stream bordering Field 1.

Northamptonshire Archaeology Report 09/51 10 of 11

NORTHAMPTON, OVERSTONE LEYS

Thermoremnant features and a quarry into the ironstone may indicate a possible area of industrial activity on the hill side.

The southerly area, Field 3, was found to contain group of circular and rectilinear features indicating possible Romano-British settlement. Five likely roundhouse gullies were detected with the possible addition of a sixth circular structure constructed of stone. Numerous anomalies indicating ditches and possible enclosures were located within the south-east Field 4, in Overstone Park. The proximity of the enclosures to St Nicholas Church, Overstone, could indicate a medieval date.

A wealth of probable prehistoric features has been indicated by the geophysical survey. These form part of the surrounding landscape of Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman archaeology. As with all such surveys, feature detection is at the mercy of ground resolution (1.0m x 0.25m) and magnetisation levels. Small features, such as postholes, will likely exist in the vicinity of the larger features but be undetectable by this survey.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Dicks, S and Chadwick, P, 2009 Heritage Desk Based Assessment, Land at Overstone Leys, Northamptonshire, CgMs Consulting Ltd

Chapman, A, 2004 The Monument Builders: The Neolithic and Bronze Ages (4500 BC – 100 BC) in Tingle, 2004, 25-43

EH 2008 Geophysical Survey in Archaeological Field Evaluation, English Heritage

Gaffney, C, Gater, J, and Ovendon, S, 2002 The Use of Geophysical Techniques in Archaeological Evaluations, Institute of Field Archaeologists Technical Paper, 6

Hunter, R and Maynard, D 1977 Excavations at Thorplands near Northampton, 1970 and 1974, Northamptonshire Archaeol, 12, 97-154

NA 2008 Overstone Leys, Northampton, Archaeological Geophysical Survey, Project Design, Northamptonshire Archaeology

Parry, S, 2006 Raunds Area Survey, An archaeological study of the landscape of Raunds, Northamptonshire 1985-94, Oxbow

Tingle, M, 2004 The Archaeology of Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire Archaeological Society

West, RG, 1977 Pleistocene Geology and Biology, 2nd Edition, Longman

Northamptonshire Archaeology A Cultural Service of Northamptonshire County Council, 29 April 2009, revised 6 May 2009

Northamptonshire Archaeology Report 09/51 11 of 11

Interpretation Key

( ( Archaeology?

Geology

Ferrous feature pipe / cable ( (

Negative anomaly stone built?

Former field boundary

Field drain

Thermoremnant fired / industrial

Contemporary feature ( ( 790 795

y -b y a L

ney ( (

110.6m B (

109.4m B 670

3 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 4 4 A A3 A3 3 A 4A 4A 4 A A A ( (( ( (

L T E

Depot (

Works

5 111.6m Nursery 9 B (

7 9 a 7 9 3 9

a 3 9

a 1 9

El Sub Sta 1 9

y e n in p S re tu s a p w o C

Sandy Hill Farm

D D D

AD AD AD

OADOADOAD ROAROAROA

b 1 RO RO RO 7 G G G 8 7 R R R NG NG NG I I I NG NG NG RI RI RI N N N ERI ERI ERI T T T ER ER ER T T T TE TE TE E E E b 106.4m TT TT TT K K K 9 ET ET ET 6 KE KE KE B K K K

a WB 9 6 a 7 7 9 6

1 7

3 7 7 6

5 6

a 3 6

3 6 11 665

W W W

EW EW EW I I I EW EW EW VI VI VI

E E E VI VI VI K K K V V V RK RK RK ARKARKARK P P P AR AR AR PA PA PA P P P 77

(

1 5 9 4

Recreation Ground

Filling Sta

103.0m Overstone

B County

Primary

School

3 4 L T E

S c h o o l

H o u s 9 e 3

154

8 15 I n 67 v 79 e ll a

LB 4 16 ( Vardo

T r a c k

St Gyles 0 7 6

178 7

76 6

8 0 1 9

The Old Mill 6

9

66 a

7 66 1 B99.1m

(

n a o r H e D

k r 7 a o 3 P H R yed ale H d ou l A se o Overstone lm w sc s 98.8m lif t f o e C n Farm e a g n n o a h t L 101.8m a B Shelter M s y a w y

3 B

3 a B 1 3 55 Gashouse Spinney

31

9 2

3 k ac Tr 1

Gashouse Spinney 103.0m T ra

B ck 2

GP

9 ( 1

101.2m Pytchley Overstone Park 44 22 B Lodge 44 7 22 Overstone Park 1 Richmonds

5 1

3 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 3 4 4 4 A 3A 3A 3 4 4 4 A A A A A A 660

B

Overstone Park

B Overstone Park

33

( (

B 655

( (

( ( Coleman Leys Jetty (

(

Jetty Magnetic Anomalies / nT B

Pondhead Spinney © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Northamptonshire (( (( -4.0 0.0 +4.0 Coleman Leys County Council: Licence No. 100019331. Published 2009.

Jetty Scale 1:7,500 @ A4 Gradiometer Survey Overall Interprepation Fig 3