Land at Badgers Farm Cosgrove Northamptonshire

Land at Badgers Farm Cosgrove

Northamptonshire Archaeological Evaluation

for Sue Watkins, Badgers Farm

CA Project: 661118 CA Report: 18350

September 2018

Land at Badgers Farm Cosgrove Northamptonshire

Archaeological Evaluation

CA Project: 661118 CA Report: 18350 Event No: ENN109118

Document Control Grid Revision Date Author Checked by Status Reasons for Approved revision by A 28/09/2018 James AS Draft For LPA comment MPH Coyne B 13/03/2019 James AS Final Post-LPA MPH Coyne 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.

Land at Badgers Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation © Cotswold Archaeology

CONTENTS

SUMMARY ...... 2

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 3

2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND ...... 3

3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 5

4. METHODOLOGY ...... 5

5. RESULTS (FIGS 2 - 7) ...... 6

6. THE FINDS ...... 11

7. THE BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE ...... 13

8. DISCUSSION ...... 16

9. CA PROJECT TEAM ...... 19

10. REFERENCES ...... 19

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS ...... 22 APPENDIX B: THE FINDS ...... 25 APPENDIX C: THE PALAEOENVIRONMENTAL EVIDENCE ...... 27 APPENDIX D: OASIS REPORT FORM ...... 29

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Fig. 1 Site location plan (1:25,000) Fig. 2 Trench location plan showing archaeological features, cropmarks and geophysical survey results (1:500) Fig. 3 Photographs Fig. 4 Trench 1: section and photographs (1:20) Fig. 5 Trench 2: section and photographs (1:20) Fig. 6 Trench 5: section and photographs (1:20) Fig. 7 Trench 8: section and photograph (1:20)

1 Land at Badgers Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation © Cotswold Archaeology

SUMMARY

Project Name: Land at Badgers Farm Location: Cosgrove, Northamptonshire NGR: 477730 243910 Type: Evaluation Date: 11-14 June 2018 Location of Archive: There is currently no archaeological archive depository able to accept material from this part of the county. Provision will therefore be made for retaining the project archive until such time as a suitable depository is available and arrangements have been made for the transfer of the archive Site Code: BADG18

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in June 2018 on land at Badger’s Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire. Eight trenches were excavated to inform a forthcoming planning application for a green burial ground. The evaluation sought to assess the archaeological resource within the site, including its presence/absence, character, extent, date, integrity, state of preservation and quality, to identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset, considering the impact of the proposed development upon it, and to avoid or minimise any such impact.

Archaeological remains correlated quite well with the results of the geophysical survey. This had identified a series of irregularly formed anomalies, which proved to accord with the locations of several infilled ditches relating to a putative small Late Iron Age and Roman period settlement or farmstead with two trackways aligned across the centre of the site, which were aligned perpendicular. Other remains were identified as former field boundaries and pits, probably relating to contemporary or later agricultural activity. Artefactual evidence suggested that whilst there is some evidence of Late Iron Age activity, the majority of archaeological activity occurring prior to the medieval period is likely to have dated to the Roman period.

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 In June 2018 Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out an archaeological evaluation for Sue Watkins (the Client) at Land at Badgers Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire (centred at NGR: 477730 243910; Fig. 1). The evaluation was undertaken to inform a forthcoming planning application for a green burial ground.

1.2 The evaluation was carried out in accordance with a brief for archaeological evaluation (Northamptonshire County Council 2018a; 2018b) prepared by Liz Mordue, Northamptonshire County Council’s Assistant Archaeological Advisor (NCCAAA), and with a subsequent detailed Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) produced by CA (2018) and approved by NCCAAA. The fieldwork also adhered to the Standard and guidance for archaeological field evaluation (CIfA 2014). It was monitored by Liz Mordue, including a monitoring site visit on 12 June 2018.

The site 1.3 The proposed development area is approximately 1.5ha, and comprises a single field bounded to the north by a small brook, to the north-west by a farm track and to the south and east by hedgerows and arable fields. The site lies at approximately 81m above Ordnance Datum (aOD), sloping gently away to the south-east.

1.4 The underlying bedrock geology of the area is mapped as Rutland Formation mudstone of the Jurassic Period. Superficial deposits are mapped as Oadby Member glacial deposits of the Quaternary Period (BGS 2018).

2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

2.1 The following archaeological background is summarised from the geophysical survey report (Magnitude Surveys 2018) that was undertaken in December 2017 and also draws on current Northamptonshire Historic Environment Record (HER) data.

Prehistoric period 2.2 Aerial photographs showing a sub-circular cropmark indicative of a prehistoric enclosure, and linear cropmarks indicative of parallel trackway ditches, have been observed c.80m south-west of the site (MNN124515, MNN134246, MNN6836,

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MNN124514). The recently undertaken geophysical survey (Magnitude Surveys 2018) revealed evidence of probable prehistoric archaeological features, overlain/cut by the remains of medieval to post-medieval ridge and furrow. Toward the centre of the site several north-west/south-east orientated linear anomalies were identified. These were, previous to the archaeological evaluation, interpreted tentatively, as evidence of a possible cursus monument. Elsewhere in the northern corner of the site several amorphous anomalies had also been interpreted as evidence of possible prehistoric settlement activity. It was considered that there was potential for archaeological features, perhaps associated with the prehistoric period or later, to be preserved beneath (and masked by) the surviving elements of ridge and furrow earthworks on the site.

Roman period 2.3 Evidence of Iron Age and Romano-British settlement activity c.700m north-west of the site, comprising ditches and pits, was recorded during the construction of the Yardley Gobion bypass (MNN29087). Elsewhere several isolated finds of Roman date have been recorded in metal detector surveys. These include a late Roman coin (dated AD 209 - 212; MNN155727), a brooch (MNN155729) and a mount (MNN155730).

Medieval period 2.4 Ridge and furrow earthworks were recorded by the Midlands Open Fields Project (MNN133467). These earthworks represent relict features of historic ploughing in the open fields of the medieval settlement at Furtho, which was located c.800m to the south-west of the site, before its depopulation in 1600 following enclosure by the lord of the manor (MNN3987). Several isolated finds of medieval date have also been recorded in the surrounding area in metal detector surveys, including a silver plaque (dated 1200 - 1300; MNN154938), a silver coin (dated 1216 – 1272; MNN150710) and a copper alloy harness mount (dated 1200 – 1500; MNN150716).

Post-Medieval to Modern periods 2.5 It is likely that the site has remained as agricultural land throughout the post- medieval and modern periods, to the present day. A farmstead is shown on the footprint of Badgers Farm on the 1814 Ordnance Survey Map. By this time, the farm and its estate were sandwiched between the turnpike road to the west (MNN135323) and the Grand Union Canal to the east (MNN3497, MNN15707). The

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fieldscape surrounding Badgers Farm has changed little since the early-19th century. Satellite imagery of the site from 2005 onwards shows several different arrangements of post and wire field divisions; these have since been removed.

2.6 Other archaeological indications of historic and earlier activity are recorded in the immediate and wider landscape. A limestone rubble surface revealed during ploughing c.400m north-west of the site was interpreted as a former trackway aligned north-west/south-east (MNN11221, MNN28555).

3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

3.1 The objectives of the evaluation are 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 with the Standard and guidance for archaeological field evaluation (CIfA 2014). This information will enable the Northamptonshire County Council 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 (DCLG 2012).

3.2 During the course of the fieldwork the results were assessed and, where relevant, reference was made to the regional research objectives outlined in The Archaeology of the East Midlands: An Archaeological Resource Assessment and Research Agenda (Cooper 2006), so that a project-specific research agenda could be implemented.

4. METHODOLOGY

4.1 The fieldwork comprised the excavation of eight trenches, each 30m in length and 1.8m wide, in the locations shown on the attached plan (Fig. 2). The targeting of the trenches sought to sample potential archaeological remains identified in the results of the geophysical survey, as well as ‘groundtruthing’ parts of the site that appeared to be archaeologically sterile. A small number of very minor adjustments were made to the alignments of Trenches 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8, due to the position of site engineering grid pegs, with the approval of Liz Mordue. Trenches were set out on OS National

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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 palaeoenvironmental potential in accordance with CA Technical Manual 2: The Taking and Processing of Environmental and Other Samples from Archaeological Sites and, were sampled and processed. 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. There is currently no archaeological archive depository able to accept material from this part of Northamptonshire, although the issue is being actively addressed in the construction of the Northamptonshire Archaeological Resource Centre at Chester Farm, Northamptonshire. In the meantime the requirements of the Northamptonshire Archaeological Archive Standards (NCC 2014) will be followed. A summary of information from this project, set out within Appendix D, will be entered onto the OASIS online database of archaeological projects in Britain.

5. RESULTS (FIGS 2 - 7)

5.1 This section provides an overview of the evaluation results; detailed summaries of the recorded contexts, finds and environmental samples (palaeoenvironmental evidence) are to be found in Appendices A, B and C respectively.

5.2 Archaeological remains were identified within each of the eight trenches. These remains comprised evidence of a possible enclosure within Trench 1; a north-west / south-east aligned trackway recorded extending through Trenches 2 and 6; another trackway aligned north-east / south-west through Trenches 4, 5 and 6; and, possible

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field boundary ditches revealed within Trenches 3 and 8. The only evidence of potential archaeological significance observed within Trench 7 was recorded as a shallow deposit of rubble material, which had likely been ploughed in quite recently, during the modern period.

General Stratigraphy 5.3 A similar stratigraphic sequence was identified within each of the trenches, though there was a slight variation within Trench 1, detailed below. The natural geological substrate, which comprised mid yellow brown compact silty clay with occasional chalk and flint inclusions, was revealed at an average depth of between 0.46m and 0.69m below present ground level (bpgl). This was overlain by subsoil, comprising mid-grey brown firm clayey silt, which measured an average of between 0.23m and 0.37m in thickness. The subsoil was sealed by topsoil, recorded as a dark grey brown firm clayey silt measuring between 0.23m and 0.34m thick.

5.4 Furrows were identified within Trenches 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and were orientated north-east/south-west, though the depths of furrows across the site may have prevented the full extent of the ridge and furrow system from being observed and in the southern part of the site furrow alignments did not match precisely with the results of the geophysical survey. After initial testing no further investigation was carried out on the furrows.

Trench 1 (Figs 2 and 4) 5.5 As noted above the stratigraphic sequence recorded within this trench varied slightly with that of the other trenches on site. The natural geological substrate was recorded at a depth of 0.94m. Overlying this was a deposit of subsoil, possibly representing the presence of a former headland relating to the extant ridge and furrow earthworks on site. This layer was recorded as mid brown grey friable clayey sand measuring 0.34m thick, sealed by a secondary subsoil comprising mid-brown grey firm clayey silt 0.28m thick. The topsoil overlying this measured 0.32m thick.

5.6 Several archaeological features were recorded within Trench 1, each corresponding well with anomalies recorded in the geophysical survey results. Ditch 104 was aligned north-east / south-west, had steep sides and a rounded base. It measured 0.85m in width and 0.36m in depth and was filled by mid-grey brown compact silty clay with moderate small stone inclusions (105) from which a small assemblage of Roman pottery was recovered. This ditch represents a re-cut of an earlier ditch

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(106), which ran along a similar alignment, and terminated about 0.3m from the southern baulk of the trench. This feature had moderately sloping sides, a rounded base, measured over 1m wide by 0.34m deep and was infilled by mid grey brown compact silty clay (107) containing a small assemblage of Roman pottery and a single sherd of medieval pottery, which is likely to be intrusive in nature. The function of these ditches was not clearly discernible, though they may relate to a potential enclosure located in this part of the site.

5.7 Ditch 108 was situated toward the south-eastern end of Trench 1. It was orientated on a north / south alignment, with a moderately steep side on its eastern edge and a much shallower slope to the west. The ditch measured 1.15m wide and 0.25m deep and contained dark grey brown firm silty clay (109) from pottery was retrieved dating from the late Iron Age into the Roman period. Its position, corresponding to that of a geophysical anomaly suggests that this ditch represents an outer boundary to a potential enclosure.

5.8 A further ditch (110) was located running through the centre of Trench 1, on a north- east / south-west orientation and due to its notable depth and width it was not fully excavated during the evaluation. It appeared to have moderately steep sides and measured at least 0.96m in width and 0.5m in depth. It was not possible to identify the function of the ditch, though it appeared to be earlier in date than the other features on the basis of prehistoric pottery, which was recovered from its light grey brown compact silty clay fill (111).

Trench 2 (Figs 2 and 5) 5.9 Two ditches were recorded running parallel through the central part of Trench 2, according well with the results of the geophysical survey. Ditch 203, with steep sides and a rounded base, represents the south-western boundary of this trackway. It was first filled with a mid-yellow brown firm clayey silt (204) measuring 0.88m in depth and then later by mid-brown grey firm clayey silt (205) which measured 0.79m deep. This later fill contained a quantity of large limestone blocks. This ditch measured 1.5m in maximum width, 0.88m deep and was dated by Roman pottery recovered from the basal fill. The north-eastern extent of the trackway was represented by ditch 206, which was much narrower and shallower than ditch 203, with steep sides and a rounded base measuring 0.88m wide and 0.55m deep. It was filled with a mid- yellow grey firm clayey silt (207), which was then re-cut by ditch 209. This had a

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similar profile to ditch 206, measuring 0.65m wide and 0.38m deep. Roman pottery was recovered from its mid-grey brown firm clayey silt fill (208).

5.10 A shallow gully (210) was aligned north/south at the north-eastern end of Trench 2. This had shallow, convex sides and a flat base, measured 0.6m wide by 0.12m deep and was filled by mid grey brown firm clayey silt (211). Late Iron Age/Roman pottery was retrieved from the fill, though no obvious function for the gully was discernible.

Trench 3 (Fig. 2) 5.11 Pit 303 was located about 11m from the north-eastern end of Trench 3. This pit was circular shaped in plan, had steep concave sides, a rounded base and measured 0.52m long by 0.44m wide and 0.18m deep. No function could be identified for it and no finds were recovered from its dark brown firm clayey silt fill (304).

5.12 The only other feature recorded within Trench 3 was ditch 305, which was later re- cut by ditch 307. The earlier ditch measured 1.35m wide, 0.31m in deep, had moderately shallow sides with a rounded base and was filled by mid-grey brown firm clayey silt (306). The re-cut (307) had steep sides and a rounded, almost V-shaped base and measured 0.46m wide by 0.3m deep. It had a dark grey brown clayey silt fill (308) from which Roman pottery was recovered. No function was immediately obvious for these ditches, though they may have served for drainage. A modern spread of stony debris was identified at the southern end of the trench, similar to that recorded within Trench 7 (703), and remained unexcavated.

Trench 4 (Fig. 2) 5.13 Two ditches were recorded running across the centre of Trench 4. These appeared to run parallel, suggesting the continuation of a north-east / south-west aligned trackway which had not been identified in the results of the geophysical survey. The southernmost of these ditches (403) has moderate, concave sides and a rounded base, with a single, compact mid grey brown silty clay fill (404). It measured 1.18m wide and 0.46m deep, and no dateable artefacts were recorded in its fill. Ditch 405, running along a similar orientation, measured 1.08m wide by 0.31m deep and had an asymmetrical profile, with a moderately steep side on its north-western edge, a convex side to the south-east and a flat base. Its fill comprised mid-grey brown compact silty clay (406) from which no finds were recovered.

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Trench 5 (Figs 2 and 6) 5.14 The possible trackway located within Trench 4 was also identified within Trench 5, though here the parallel ditches had been identified in the geophysical survey results. Ditches 503 and 507 were orientated along the same north-east/south-west alignment, though each varied in profile. Ditch 503 represented the southernmost extent of the trackway and measured 1.43m wide by 0.56m deep, with steep sides and a rounded base. It contained multiple fills, with 0.26m deep mid-orange brown compact silty clay basal fill (504) being sealed by mid-greyish brown compact silty clay (505) measuring 0.34m deep, which in turn was overlain by the uppermost fill (506), a deep mid-yellow brown compact silty clay measuring 0.26m. Dating evidence places the ditch in the Roman period; 1st century pottery recovered from the fill 504 and 2nd to 4th century pottery being retrieved from the most recent fill (506).

5.15 Ditch 507 was narrower and shallower than ditch 503, measuring 0.9m wide and 0.48m deep, with steep, convex sides and a rounded, almost V-shaped base. It was infilled by mid-grey brown compact silty clay (508) from which Roman pottery was recovered. This ditch, truncated ditch 509 along its north-western edge. Ditch 509 had moderately sloped sides and a flat base, measured 0.6m wide and 0.2m deep and had mid-yellow brown compact silty clay fill (510), from which no finds were retrieved.

Trench 6 (Fig. 2) 5.16 The only features of archaeological significance evident in Trench 6 were sub- circular pit 603 and ditch 605. Pit 603 had shallow, concave sides with a rounded base and measured 2.14m in diameter and was 0.19m deep. It was infilled with mid- brown grey loose clayey silt (604), which contained large blocks of stone. No artefactual evidence was recovered from this pit and its function remains uncertain. Ditch 605 was located toward the northern end of the trench and was aligned north- east/south-west. It was identified as a continuation of ditches 403 and 507 and remained unexcavated. Other possible features proved to be of natural origin. In addition, there was no evidence of a continuation of the trackway recorded in Trench 2, despite there having been an anomaly in the geophysical survey results that suggested it may. The location of furrow 609 across this anomaly may have caused a measure of disturbance sufficient to remove evidence of the ditch.

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Trench 7 (Fig. 2) 5.17 The only feature with any archaeological potential within Trench 7 was a 0.13m thick deposit of dumped building rubble and associated debris (703) within a matrix of mid-grey brown compact silty clay deposit, with frequent small to large stones and some flint. No artefacts were recovered from this deposit; however, stratigraphically this deposit was identified as overlying the subsoil. It seems likely that the stone is not natural to the site and may represent recently ploughed in material. It was likely that other similar dumped deposits in the trench, for example deposit 704, and around the site have a comparable provenance. Two unexcavated furrows were observed toward the southern end of the trench, though neither appeared to follow the exact alignment of the ridge and furrow identified in the geophysical survey results. Furrow 705 may potentially have caused significant disturbance to an anomaly identified during the preceding geophysical survey, preventing the identification of potential archaeological remains.

Trench 8 (Figs 2 and 7) 5.18 A single ditch (803) was identified orientated north-east / south-west across the centre of Trench 8. It had moderately steep, straight sides and a concave base, measuring 0.93m wide and 0.32m deep. It was backfilled with a fill comprising mid- grey brown compact silty clay (804) from which no dateable evidence was recovered. Ditch 803 most likely represents a former field boundary.

6. THE FINDS

6.1 The artefactual material was recorded from 12 deposits comprising the fills of ditches, gullies and the subsoil (Appendix B). The material was all hand-recovered.

Pottery (by Pete Banks) 6.2 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 (2016) and where appropriate the National Roman Fabric Reference Collection (Tomber and Dore 1998).

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6.3 The assemblage comprises 112 sherds (1215g) of pottery recorded from 12 deposits. All of the pottery was recovered from the fills of ditches, gullies and from subsoils. The condition of the assemblage is moderately poor; the majority of sherds are abraded, some heavily, and the mean sherd weight is moderately low for a largely Roman assemblage (10.88g).

Late Prehistoric pottery 6.4 A total of 12 heavily abraded sherds (26g) of handmade pottery can be dated to the late prehistoric period and are most likely to the Iron Age. Ten sherds (18g) are made in a sand and shell-tempered fabric (UNSQSH1). Two sherds (8g) are made in a sandy fabric with organic voids (UNSQO1). The latter type, identified from deposit 204, the fill of ditch 203, may be of early Anglo-Saxon date, but due to the heavily abraded nature of the sherds it is not possible to date them precisely. All the late prehistoric sherds are body sherds with no distinguishing features.

Late Iron Age and Roman pottery 6.5 A total of 96 sherds (1155g) of pottery can be dated to the Late Iron Age or Roman period. The majority of sherds are made in a sandy grog-tempered fabric (UNSQG1); a total of 37 sherds (409g). One body sherd from a carinated bowl is recorded from deposit 109, the fill of ditch 108. Four sherds in this fabric, recorded from deposit 508, the fill of ditch 507, are decorated with a horizontal incised line below which are diagonal and vertical incised lines. Sandy wares (UNSQ1) are also common (28 sherds, 215g), 17 sherds (91g) from a neckless jar with an everted rim and with vertical line combed are recorded in this fabric from deposit 105, the fill of ditch 104. A square expanded rim sherd with a lid seat (8g) is recorded in fabric UNSQ1 from deposit 506, the fill of ditch 503. A lid seated jar is also recorded in a shelly grog- tempered fabric (UNSSHG1). There are, however, no other distinguishing forms or decoration in this fabric. Seven sherds (61g) are recorded in grog-tempered fabric UNSG1. The only recognisable form in this fabric is an imitation of a Gallo Belgic form Cam. 5 platter, similar to those recorded (Marney 1989, 8-9).

6.6 Two sherds (50g) of Pink grog-tempered ware (PNK GT) and seven sherds (41g) of Romano British shell-tempered pottery are recorded. There are no distinguishing features on in any of these two fabrics.

6.7 Of the imported fabrics, Baetican amphora fabric (BAT AM1) is the most common (3 sherds, 240g). One heavily abraded sherd (1g) of samian is also recorded although

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due to its poor condition and calcareous accretions on its surface it is not possible to determine its origin.

Medieval pottery 6.8 One sherd (23g) of late medieval oxidised ware (Zeepvat 1994) is recorded from deposit 107, the fill of ditch 106, and can be dated to the 14th-15th century. The sherd is from a jar with an expanded rim.

Post-medieval pottery 6.9 One sherd (4g) of pottery recorded in the subsoil dates to the post medieval period. The sherd is a body sherd of Midlands type buff-bodied glazed earthenware and dates to the 18th century.

Fired clay (by Pete Banks) 6.10 A total of 67 fragments (1336g) of fired clay are recorded from two deposits. All fragments are made in a sandy fabric with calcareous inclusions. Three fragments, from deposit 506, have flat surfaces. Of the 60 fragments recorded from deposit 109, 13 have curved edges and flat surfaces whilst a further 34 have flat surfaces. It is possible that these may represent kiln furniture, although no kiln was recorded on site.

7. THE BIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE

Animal Bone (by Andy Clarke) 7.1 Animal bone amounting to 31 fragments (1140g) was recovered via hand excavation and bulk soil sampling from eleven deposits dating from the Late Prehistoric to the post-medieval period. The material was well preserved making it possible to identify the remains of cattle (Bos taurus), sheep/goat (Ovis aries/Capra hircus) domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) and dog (Canis familiaris.).

Late Prehistoric 7.2 Six fragments (209g) were recovered from deposit 111, the fill of ditch 110. Cattle were the only species present, identified from a partial humerus, femur and pelvis. The latter of these bones displayed a chop mark, suggesting a possible origin in butchery waste.

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Roman period 7.3 Nineteen fragments (197g) were recovered from the fills of six ditch and gully features revealed in Trenches 1, 2, 3 and 5. The remains of cattle and sheep/goat were recovered with each species identified from both meat-rich and meat poor skeletal elements. Many of these bore cut or chop marks indicative of the waste from secondary butchery. A single chicken bone was also recovered from deposit 109, the fill of ditch 108. The bone, a humerus, was complete but showed no signs of butchery. Of note among the Roman assemblage were two sheep bones, a radius and a tibia shaft, recovered once again from deposit 109. Each of these bones displayed a hole that had been deliberately pierced or drilled through the shaft. No other alteration was in evidence and it is unclear as to the intended end result. However, this does give a strong indication that bone working was taking place in the catchment area of the site.

Post-medieval period 7.4 As single bone was recovered from subsoil layer 401. It was identified as an almost complete cattle femur. No evidence of butchery was present.

Undated 7.5 Five fragments (242g) were recovered from deposits 207, 406 and 804 the fills of ditches 206, 405 and 803 which remain undated. The remains of cattle, sheep/goat and single fragment of dog were recovered.

Plant Macrofossils (by Emma Aitkin) 7.6 Three samples were taken from three different trenches; Trench 1, Trench 2 and Trench 5. Each sample was 20L so gave a total of 60L that was processed. The samples were taken to evaluate the preservation of palaeoenvironmental remains, with the intention of recovering environmental evidence of industrial or domestic activity on the site. It was also anticipated that any such environmental evidence might provide an indication of the date of the deposit. The sample was processed by standard flotation procedures (CA Technical Manual No. 2: The Taking and Processing of Environmental and Other Samples from Archaeological Sites).

7.7 Preliminary identifications of plant macrofossils are noted in Table 1, following nomenclature of Stace (1997) for wild plants, and traditional nomenclature, as provided by Zohary et al (2012) for cereals. The presence of mollusc shells has also

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been recorded within Table 1, Nomenclature is according to Anderson (2005) and habitat preferences according to Kerney (1999) and Davies (2008).

Trench 1 7.8 The primary fill (109, sample 2) within Roman ditch 108 contained moderate quantities of charcoal fragments greater than 2mm. No identification of the charcoal was possible due to the poor preservation and small quantities. The plant remains within the assemblage contained indeterminate grains, barley grains (Hordeum vulare), vetch/wild pea (c.f. Vicia/Lathryus), and meadow grass (Poa/Phluem). Within the assemblage there was a large quantity of mollusc shells. These include; Anisus leucostoma, Trochulus hispidus, Pupilla muscorum, Discus rotundatus, Choclicopa, Ceciloides, Ceciloides, Carychium. The molluscs within sample 2 all prefer different types of environments and so this could be an indication of occasional flooding occurring on open grass/shrub land. With the presence of Ceciloides it can also be stated that some contamination has occurred as this is a burrowing species. The assemblage is likely to represent dumped material.

Trench 2 7.9 Within fill 204 (sample 1) in Roman ditch 203 there were minimal quantities of charcoal fragments greater than 2mm. No plant remains other than a single goosefoot (Chenpeodium sp.) seed were evident. Within the assemblage there was a large quantity of mollusc shells. These include; Anisus leucostoma, Trochulus hispidus, Pupilla muscorum, Discus rotundatus, Choclicopa, Ceciloides, Ceciloides, Carychium, Cepaea nemardis, Vertigo sp, and Succinea putris. The molluscs within this assemblage all prefer different types of environments and so this could be an indication of occasional flooding occurring on open grass/shrub land. With the presence of Ceciloides it can also be stated that some contamination has occurred as this is a burrowing species. With so little plant evidence it is difficult to determine the type of assemblage, i.e. dumped material.

Trench 5 7.10 Upper fill 506 (sample 3) within Roman ditch 503 contained minimal amounts of charcoal fragments greater than 2mm. Due to the small quantities of charcoal and the poor preservation identification of wood species was not possible. No other plant remains were recovered from within the sample apart from a single nettle seed (c.f. Urtica sp.). Similar to the previous samples a moderate number of mollusc shells were recovered and identified. These included: Trochulus hispidus, Pupilla

15 Land at Badgers Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation © Cotswold Archaeology

muscorum, Cochlicopa, Discus rotundatus, and c.f. Bithynia leachi. These mollusc species prefer open grass/shrub land with some shade. Due to the presence of Bithynia leachi there is a possibility that occasional flooding took place, but there were only a couple of these molluscs present.

7.11 The environmental remains provide no indication of the date of these deposits and no firm evidence for any specific activity taking place on site such as metalworking or charcoal production, though they do perhaps suggest an open grassland environment.

8. DISCUSSION

8.1 The archaeological evidence recorded on site generally corresponded well with the results of the preceding geophysical survey. The greatest extent of geophysical anomalies located in the northern part of the site was recorded in Trench 1, where a number of features appeared likely to have related to the remains of a possible enclosure. Preservation here appeared to be excellent with deep overlying deposits existing in this part of the site due to the extant earthwork remains of the former headland relating to the ridge and furrow agricultural remains visible across the site.

8.2 Two separate trackways visible in the geophysical survey results, aligned north/south and north-east/south-west across the central part of the site, and were observed in Trenches 2, 4 and 5, though only the remains of a single ditch (605) were visible in Trench 6. This may in part have been caused by truncation, by furrow 609. Similarly, the continuation of the north-west/south-east trackway in Trench 7, as it turned toward a south-west/north-east alignment, may have been removed by furrow 705. The north-east / south-west trackway identified within Trench 4 was not visible in the survey; the archaeological evidence indicating a continuation of the feature to the south-west of the site. Further archaeological remains that correlated with geophysical anomalies comprised a ditch aligned north-west/south-east through Trench 3. Other features of archaeological significance were identified which had not previously been recorded in the geophysical survey. These comprised a ditch (803) towards the south of the site aligned north-east/south-west, a narrow ditch (210) orientated north-east/south-west located towards the northern extent of the site, both suggesting agricultural activity, and two pits (303 and 603) observed in the central area of site. The function of these pits was, however, undetermined.

16 Land at Badgers Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation © Cotswold Archaeology

Late Iron Age/Roman periods 8.3 The greatest extent of archaeological remains recorded across the site dated to these periods. Recorded remains were indicative of both agricultural activity and some settlement activity, mostly limited to the northern part of the site, with features on the whole appearing to match the locations of anomalies observed in the geophysical survey results.

8.4 Though the anomalies identified in the northern part of site had appeared to be irregular in form, ditches here correlated well with the locations of these and were more suggestive of some sort of organised settlement activity, possibly a small farmstead. Ditch 108, aligned north / south, appeared likely to define an outer, eastern border for this activity, with ditches 104, 106 and 110 representing activity occurring within this boundary. Each of these ditches contained pottery dating to the Late Iron Age period into the Roman period and may well reflect the remains of settlement activity from the end of the Iron Age into the earlier Roman period. The existence of a headland related to the extant ridge and furrow across Trench 1 may have provided conditions for a good standard of preservation of archaeological remains.

8.5 A north-west/south-east orientated trackway was observed in the geophysical survey results and recorded within Trench 2 (ditches 203 and 206/209), near the north-western edge of site. Although the geophysical survey results appeared to show this feature running continuously through the centre of site, it was not observed in Trench 6. It seems likely that this may have been the result of truncation by furrow 609, aligned across the location of the southernmost ditch in Trench 6, and preventing the identification of the trackway during excavation. The survival of other archaeological remains at similar depth indicates that it is unlikely that this absence represents a break in the ditch alignment. According to the geophysical survey results this trackway may also have turned to follow a south-west/north-east alignment at its southernmost extent, though it was not evident in Trench 7. Again, this was identified as being the result of truncation by a furrow (705). Another trackway, recorded as ditches 403, 405, 503 and 507, and orientated north- east/south-west, was observed running across the central part of the site, following the alignment of two slightly more indistinct geophysical anomalies. Its appearance within Trench 4 demonstrated that this feature continued further to the south-west than had been identified in the preceding survey. The orientation and location of these trackways, as well as associated dating evidence suggested that they were

17 Land at Badgers Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation © Cotswold Archaeology

likely to have been contemporary with the possible settlement activity to the north. This may represent evidence of deliberate siting which may have respected the position of the farmstead and the movement of people and livestock across the local landscape.

8.6 Other features dated through the artefactual evidence recovered from their fills included north-east/south-west aligned ditch 210, located at the northern extent of site and not recorded in the geophysical survey results, and ditch 305/307 running along a north-west/south-east orientation and following the line of a geophysical anomaly observed towards the eastern edge of the site. The absence of any other associated archaeological remains in proximity to these ditches, other than a putative cluster of features identified in the geophysical survey results to the east of Trench 2; and pit 303, located to the west ditches 305 and 307, which may potentially represent one element of a series of pits aligned north-west/south-east across Trench 3, indicated that these are likely to represent the remains of former field boundaries, probably relating to agricultural activity occurring immediately adjacent the farmstead.

Medieval period 8.7 The extant earthwork and buried remains of ridge and furrow across the site are likely to have been of medieval origin on the basis of their irregular morphology, spacing and proportions. A number of the furrows, aligned north-east/south-west, were observed within the trenches and although these remained unexcavated, these features corresponded quite well with both the geophysical survey results and earthworks visible on the ground surface. Furrows 705, 707 and 805 toward the southern part of site were observed as being orientated slightly off the alignment recorded in the geophysical survey, and more closely spaced, though their morphology and nature was indicative of furrows. The alignment of furrow 609 may have been inaccurately recorded due to the existence of an underlying ditch.

Undated 8.8 The majority of the archaeological features on site were found to be dated to the Late Iron Age and Roman periods. However, there were also a small number of features that remained undated. Ditch 509 may have represented an early phase of the north-east/south-west aligned trackway, which was re-cut by ditch 507, though this remains undated due to a lack of evidence. Pit 603 was situated broadly centrally within the site and provided no evidence of date or function. It was,

18 Land at Badgers Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation © Cotswold Archaeology

however, backfilled with material containing a high quantity of stone rubble, suggesting the demolition of a structure in the area, followed by the spreading of this stony material through either the ploughing of the field or deliberate dumping. This was demonstrated elsewhere with the presence of spread 703 towards the south- east of the site, which similarly contained a high volume of stony material. Ditch 803, located at the south-western edge of the site and aligned north-east/south-west was suggestive of agricultural activity before the medieval period. Although no dating evidence was recovered from its fill, its alignment, diverging from that of the ridge and furrow system, and supported by it stratigraphic location beneath the subsoil, suggests a date preceding the ridge and furrow. The lack of other archaeological features in close proximity to ditch 803 indicated that it may well represent the remains of a former field boundary.

8.9 In summary, the evaluation demonstrated that the results of the preceding geophysical survey were reliable, with the majority of archaeological features corresponding well with the recorded anomalies. Several additional features were identified and some geophysical anomalies proved not to be evident during the evaluation. Areas of archaeological interest included potential Late Iron Age to Roman period settlement activity in the northern extent of the site and two trackways running perpendicular across the centre of site, also dated to the Late Iron Age and Roman periods; which may be related to the putative settlement and associated field systems.

9. CA PROJECT TEAM

Fieldwork was undertaken by James Coyne, assisted by Anne Templeton, Izabela Jurkiewicz and Luke Bateson. The report was written by James Coyne. The finds and biological evidence reports were written by Peter Banks, Andy Clarke and Emma Aitkin respectively. The illustrations were prepared by Charlotte Patman. The archive has been compiled by Emily Evans, and prepared for deposition by Hazel O’Neill. The project was managed for CA by Mark Hewson MCIfA.

10. REFERENCES

Anderson, R. 2005 ‘An annotated list of the non-marine Mollusca of Britain and Ireland’, Journal of Conchology 38, 607-637

19 Land at Badgers Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation © Cotswold Archaeology

BGS (British Geological Survey) 2015 Geology of Britain Viewer http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geology viewer_google/googleviewer.html Accessed 9 February 2012

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

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2018 Land at Badger’s Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire, MK19 7DF: Written Scheme of Investigation for an Archaeological Evaluation.

Cooper 2006 The Archaeology of the East Midlands: An Archaeological Resource Assessment and Research Agenda

Davies, P. 2008 Snails Archaeology and Landscape Change, Oxford, Oxbow Books

DCLG (Department of Communities and Local Government) 2012 National Planning Policy Framework

Kerney, M.P. 1999 Atlas of the Land and Freshwater Molluscs of Britain and Ireland, Colchester, Harley

Marney P.T. 1989 Roman and Belgic Pottery: From Excavations in Milton Keynes 1972-82 Buckinghamshire Archaeological Society Monograph Series No 2, Aylesbury.

NAAWG (Northamptonshire Archaeological Archives Working Group) 2014 Northamptonshire Archaeological Standards (Standards Working Party of Northamptonshire Archaeological Archives Working Group)

NCC (Northamptonshire County Council) 2018a Brief for a programme of archaeological investigation of land at Badgers Farm, Northampton Road, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire.

NCC (Northamptonshire County Council) 2018b Brief for the archaeological field evaluation of land at Badgers Farm, Northampton Road, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire.

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

20 Land at Badgers Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation © Cotswold Archaeology

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

Stace, C. 1997 New Flora of the British Isles, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press Books

Tomber R. and Dore J. 1998 The National Roman Fabric Reference Collection: A Handbook Museum of London Archaeological Service London.

Zeepvat, R J, Roberts, J S and King, N A, 1994 Caldecotte, Milton Keynes. Excavation and Fieldwork 1966-91 Buckinghamshire Archaeological Society Monograph Series 9, Aylesbury.

Zohary, D., Hopf, M. and Weiss, E. 2012 Domestication of plants in the Old World: the origin and spread of cultivated plants in West Asia, Europe, and the Nile Valley, 4th edition, Oxford, Clarendon Press

21 Land at Badgers Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation © Cotswold Archaeology

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS

Trench Context Type Fill of Context Description L (m) W (m) D (m) Spot-date No. No. interpretation 1 100 Layer Topsoil Dark grey brown firm clayey silt. N/A N/A 0.32 1 101 Layer Subsoil Mid grey brown firm clayey silt. N/A N/A 0.28 1 102 Layer Subsoil Mid brown grey friable clayey N/A N/A 0.34 sand. 1 103 Layer Natural Mil yellow brown compact silty clay N/A N/A N/A 1 104 Cut Ditch NE-SW aligned ditch. >1.0 0.85 0.36 1 105 Fill 104 Fill of Ditch Mid grey brown compact silty clay. >1.0 0.85 0.36 1 106 Cut Ditch Terminus of NE-SW aligned ditch. >1.0 1.0 0.34 1 107 Fill 106 Fill of Ditch Mid grey brown compact silty clay. >1.0 1.0 0.34 1 108 Cut Ditch N-S aligned ditch. >1.0 1.15 0.25 1 109 Fill 108 Fill of Ditch Dark grey brown firm silty clay. >1.0 1.15 0.25 1 110 Cut Ditch NE-SW aligned ditch. >1.0 >0.96 0.5 1 111 Fill 110 Fill of Ditch Light grey brown compact silty >1.0 >0.96 0.5 clay.

Trench Context Type Fill of Context Description L (m) W (m) D (m) Spot-date No. No. interpretation 2 200 Layer Topsoil Dark grey brown firm clayey silt. N/A N/A 0.26 2 201 Layer Subsoil Mid grey brown firm clayey silt. N/A N/A 0.25 2 202 Layer Natural Mid yellow brown compact silty N/A N/A N/A clay. 2 203 Cut Ditch NW-SE aligned ditch. >1.0 1.5 0.88 2 204 Fill 203 Fill of Ditch Mid yellow brown firm clayey silt. >1.0 1.31 0.88 2 205 Fill 203 Fill of Ditch Mid brown grey firm clayey silt. >1.0 0.2 0.79 2 206 Cut Ditch NW-SE aligned ditch. >1.0 0.88 0.55 2 207 Fill 206 Fill of Ditch Mid yellow grey firm clayey silt. >1.0 0.88 0.55 2 208 Fill 209 Fill of Ditch Mid grey brown firm clayey silt. >1.0 0.65 0.38 2 209 Cut Ditch NW-SE aligned ditch. >1.0 0.65 0.38 2 210 Cut Gully Ne-SW aligned gully. >1.0 0.6 0.12 2 211 Fill 210 Fill of Gully Mid grey brown firm clayey silt. >1.0 0.6 0.12 2 212 Cut Furrow NE-SW aligned furrow. 2 213 Fill 213 Fill of furrow Mid yellow brown compact silty clay.

Trench Context Type Fill of Context Description L (m) W (m) D (m) Spot-date No. No. interpretation 3 300 Layer Topsoil Dark grey brown firm clayey silt. N/A N/A 0.34 3 301 Layer Subsoil Mid yellow brown firm silty clay. N/A N/A 0.35 3 302 Layer Natural Mid yellow brown firm silty clay. N/A N/A N/A 3 303 Cut Pit Circular pit with steep sides and 0.44 0.52 0.18 rounded base. 3 304 Fill 303 Fill of Pit Dark grey brown firm clayey silt. 0.44 0.52 0.18 3 305 Cut Ditch NW-SE aligned ditch. >1.0 1.35 0.31 3 306 Fill 305 Fill of Ditch Mid grey brown firm clayey silt. >1.0 1.35 0.31 3 307 Cut Ditch NW-SE aligned ditch. >1.0 0.46 0.3 3 308 Fill 307 Fill of Ditch Dark grey brown firm clayey silt. >1.0 0.46 0.3 3 309 Layer Dumped Mid grey brown compact silty clay deposit. with frequent small to large stones. Possible dumped rubble material. Unexcavated.

Trench Context Type Fill of Context Description L (m) W (m) D (m) Spot-date No. No. interpretation 4 400 Layer Topsoil Dark grey brown firm clayey silt. N/A N/A 0.28

22 Land at Badgers Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation © Cotswold Archaeology

4 401 Layer Subsoil Mid yellow brown firm silty clay. N/A N/A 0.36 4 402 Layer Natural Mid yellow brown firm silty clay. N/A N/A N/A 4 403 Cut Ditch E-W aligned ditch. >1.0 1.18 0.46 4 404 Fill 403 Fill of Ditch Mid grey brown compact silty clay. >1.0 1.18 0.46 4 405 Cut Ditch NW-SE aligned ditch. >1.0 1.08 0.31 4 406 Fill 405 Fill of Ditch Mid grey brown compact silty clay. >1.0 1.08 0.31 4 407 Cut Furrow NE-SW aligned furrow. Unexcavated. 4 408 Fill 407 Fill of furrow Mid yellow brown compact silty clay.

Trench Context Type Fill of Context Description L (m) W (m) D (m) Spot-date No. No. interpretation 5 500 Layer Topsoil Dark grey brown friable clayey silt. N/A N/A 0.23 5 501 Layer Subsoil Mid grey brown firm clayey silt. N/A N/A 0.23 5 502 Layer Natural Light yellow brown compact silty N/A N/A N/A clay. 5 503 Cut Ditch NE-SW aligned ditch. >1.0 1.43 0.56 5 504 Fill 503 Fill of Ditch Mid orange brown compact silty >1.0 1.3 0.26 clay. 5 505 Fill 503 Fill of Ditch Mid grey brown compact silty clay. >1.0 1.43 0.34 5 506 Fill 503 Fill of Ditch Mid yellow brown compact silty >1.0 0.82 0.29 clay. 5 507 Cut Ditch NE-SW aligned ditch. >1.0 0.9 0.48 5 508 Fill 507 Fill of Ditch Mid grey brown compact silty clay. >1.0 0.9 0.48 5 509 Cut Furrow NE-SW aligned furrow. >1.0 0.6 0.2 5 510 Fill 509 Fill of Furrow Mid yellow brown compact silty >1.0 0.6 0.2 clay.

Trench Context Type Fill of Context Description L (m) W (m) D (m) Spot-date No. No. interpretation 6 600 Layer Topsoil Dark grey brown firm clayey silt. N/A N/A 0.34 6 601 Layer Subsoil Mid yellow brown firm silty clay. N/A N/A 0.27 6 602 Layer Natural Mid yellow brown firm silty clay. N/A N/A N/A 6 603 Cut Pit Sub-circular pit with shallow sides >1.0 2.14 0.19 and a rounded base. 6 604 Fill 603 Fill of Pit Mid brown grey loos clayey silt. >1.0 2.14 0.19 6 605 Cut Ditch NE-SW aligned ditch. Unexcavated. 6 606 Fill 605 Fill of ditch 6 607 Cut Furrow NE-SW aligned furrow. Unexcavated. 6 608 Fill 607 Fill of furrow Mid yellow brown compact silty clay. 6 609 Cut Furrow NE-SW aligned furrow. Unexcavated. 6 610 Fill 609 Fill of furrow Mid yellow brown compact silty clay.

Trench Context Type Fill of Context Description L (m) W (m) D (m) Spot-date No. No. interpretation 7 700 Layer Topsoil Dark grey brown firm clayey silt. N/A N/A 0.27 7 701 Layer Subsoil Mid yellow brown firm silty clay. N/A N/A 0.2 7 702 Layer Natural Mid yellow brown firm silty clay. N/A N/A N/A 7 703 Layer Dumped deposit Mid grey brown compact silty clay >2.0 2.93 0.13 with frequent small to large stones. Possible dumped rubble material. 7 704 Layer Dumped deposit Mid grey brown compact silty clay with frequent small to large stones. Possible dumped rubble material. Unexcavated. 7 705 Cut Furrow NE-SW aligned furrow. Unexcavated.

23 Land at Badgers Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation © Cotswold Archaeology

7 706 Fill 705 Fill of furrow Mid yellow brown compact silty clay. 7 707 Cut Furrow NE-SW aligned furrow. Unexcavated. 7 708 Fill 707 Fill of furrow Mid yellow brown compact silty clay.

Trench Context Type Fill of Context Description L (m) W (m) D (m) Spot-date No. No. interpretation 8 800 Layer Topsoil Dark grey brown firm clayey silt. N/A N/A 0.3 8 801 Layer Subsoil Mid yellow brown firm silty clay. N/A N/A 0.37 8 802 Layer Natural Mid yellow brown firm silty clay. N/A N/A N/A 8 803 Cut Ditch E-W aligned ditch. >1.0 0.93 0.32 8 804 Fill 803 Fill of Ditch Mid grey brown compact silty clay. >1.0 0.93 0.32 8 805 Cut Furrow NE-SW aligned furrow. Unexcavated. 8 806 Fill 804 Fill of furrow Mid yellow brown compact silty clay.

24 Land at Badgers Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation © Cotswold Archaeology

APPENDIX B: THE FINDS

Table 1: Finds Concordance Context Sample Material Description Fabric Code/ Count Weight Spot NRFRC* (g) Date 105 Roman Pottery Sandy white ware UNSQ1 17 91 RB 107 LIA/Roman Pottery Sandy grog-tempered UNSG1 2 26 C14-C15 fabric Medieval Pottery Late Medieval Oxidised LMOW 1 23 ware 109 Roman Pottery Romano British Shell- ROB SH 2 25 C1 tempered fabric LIA/Roman Pottery Shelly grog-tempered UNSSHG1 1 8 fabric Roman Pottery Sandy white ware UNSQ1 1 1 LIA/Roman Pottery Sandy grog-tempered UNSQG1 18 119 fabric LIA/Roman Pottery Grog-tempered fabric UNSG1 2 19 2 LIA/Roman Pottery Sandy grog-tempered UNSQG1 1 7 fabric Fired Clay Sand/Calcareous 60 1254 111 Late Prehistoric Pottery Sandy/shell tempered UNSQSH1 10 18 LATE fabric PREH 204 Roman Pottery Samian SAM 1 1 RB Roman Pottery Romano British Shell- ROB SH 4 10 tempered fabric Late Prehistoric/Anglo Sandy/Organic voids UNSQO1 2 8 Saxon Pottery 208 LIA/Roman Pottery Sandy grog-tempered UNSQG1 5 129 C1 fabric, LIA/Roman Pottery Shelly grog-tempered UNSSHG1 1 39 fabric Roman Pottery Sandy reduced ware UNSQ1 5 107 211 LIA/Roman Pottery Shelly grog-tempered UNSSHG1 1 17 C1 fabric 308 LIA/Roman Pottery Grog-tempered fabric UNSG1 1 8 C2-C4 Roman Pottery Oxidised sandy ware UNSQ1 2 4 Roman Pottery Pink grog-tempered ware PNK GT 1 37 401 Post-Med Pottery Midlands type buff-bodied BGEW 1 4 C18 glazed earthenware 504 LIA/Roman Pottery Grog-tempered fabric UNSG1 1 19 MC1- LC1 LIA/Roman Pottery Shelly grog-tempered UNSSHG1 1 8 fabric Roman Pottery Baetican Amphora BAT AM 1 2 225 Roman Pottery Sandy reduced ware UNSQ1 1 2 506 Roman Pottery Pink Grogged ware PNK GT 1 13 C2-C4 LIA/Roman Pottery Grog-tempered fabric UNSG1 3 15 Roman Pottery Romano British Shell- ROB SH 1 6 tempered fabric LIA/Roman Pottery Shelly grog-tempered UNSSHG1 8 73 fabric LIA/Roman Pottery Sandy grog-tempered UNSQG1 3 49 fabric Roman Pottery Baetican Amphora BAT AM 1 1 15 Roman Pottery Sandy reduced ware UNSQ1 2 10 Fired Clay Flat surfaces x3 Sand/Calcareous 7 82 508 LIA/Roman Pottery Sandy grog-tempered UNSQG1 8 79 C1 fabric * National Roman Fabric Reference Collection codes in bold

25 Land at Badgers Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation © Cotswold Archaeology

Table 2: Fabric Descriptions

Fabric Northants Type Date Description Count Weight (g) Code* Series code**

UNSQO1 Sandy fabric with organic voids 2 8 Late Prehistoric UNSQSH1 Sandy/shell tempered fabric 10 18

UNSG1 A Grog-tempered fabric 7 61

UNSQG1 A Sandy grog-tempered fabric 37 409 UNSSHG1 AB Shelly grog-tempered fabric 12 145 Late Iron Age/Roman UNSQ1 Sandy wares 28 215 BAT AM 1 Baetican Amphora 3 240 PNK GT A2 Pink Grogged ware 2 50 ROB SH B Romano British Shell-tempered fabric 7 41 SAM D40 Samian 1 1 Medieval LMOW Late medieval oxidised ware 2 23

BGEW Midlands type buff-bodied glazed earthenware 1 4 Post-Medieval Total 112 1215 * National Roman Fabric Reference Collection codes in bold ** (summarised in Perrin 2006)

APPENDIX C: THE PALAEOENVIRONMENTAL EVIDENCE

Table 1: Identified animal species by fragment count (NISP) and weight and context.

Cut Fill BOS O/C Canid GAL LM Ind Total Weight (g) Late Prehistoric 110 111 3 3 6 209 Roman 108 109 1 5 1 1 8 91 203 204 2 1 3 48 210 211 3 3 12 307 308 1 1 8 503 504 1 2 3 28 507 508 1 1 10 Subtotal 4 7 1 5 2 19 197 Post-medieval 401 1 1 492 Undated 206 207 1 1 2 38 405 406 1 1 2 201 803 804 1 1 3 Subtotal 2 1 1 1 5 242 Total 10 9 1 1 8 3 31 Weight 983 91 0 6 54 6 1140 BOS = Cattle; O/C = sheep/goat, Canid = dog; GAL = domestic fowl; LM= large sized mammal; Ind = indeterminate.

Table 2: Assessment of the palaeoenvironmental remains

Vol Flot Roots Charred Notes for Feature Context Sample (L) size % Grain Chaff Other Table Charcoal Other Trench 1 - Undated ditch Trochulus hispidus (+++), Pupilla muscorum (+), Hordeum Ceciloides vulgare (+), (++), indet grain Cochlicopa (++) (+), Anisus Charred leucostoma seeds: c.f. (+). Discus Vicia/Lathyrus rotundatus (+), (+). Poa/Phluem Carychium 108 109 2 20 25 5 ++ - + (+) ++++ (+) Trench 2 - Undated ditch Anisus leucostoma (+++), Trochulus hispidus (+++), Cepaea nemardis (+), Pupilla muscorum (++), Discus rotundatus (+), Choclicopa (+), Ceciloides (+), Vertigo (+), Charred Succinea seed: Putris (+), Chenepodium Carychium 203 204 1 20 20 5 - - + (+) +++ (+)

APPENDIX D: OASIS REPORT FORM

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Name Land at Badger’s Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire Short description An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in June 2018 on land at Badger’s Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire. Eight trenches were excavated to inform a forthcoming planning application for a green burial ground. The evaluation sought to assess the archaeological resource within the site, including its presence/absence, character, extent, date, integrity, state of preservation and quality, to identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset, considering the impact of the proposed development upon it, and to avoid or minimise any such impact.

Previous work Geophysical survey.

Future work Unknown PROJECT LOCATION Site Location Land at Badger’s Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire Study area (M2/ha) 1.5ha Site co-ordinates 477730 243910

PROJECT CREATORS Name of organisation Cotswold Archaeology Project Brief originator Northamptonshire County Council Project Design (WSI) originator Cotswold Archaeology

Project Manager Mark Hewson Project Supervisor James Coyne MONUMENT TYPE None SIGNIFICANT FINDS None PROJECT ARCHIVES Intended final location of archive Content (e.g. pottery, (museum/Accession no.) animal bone etc)

There is currently no archaeological archive depository able to accept material from this part of the county. Provision will therefore be made for retaining the project archive until such time as a suitable depository is available and arrangements have been made for the transfer of the archive. Physical Pottery, animal bone, fired clay. Paper Context sheets, trench

recording sheets, photographic registers, sample registers, bulk finds records.

Digital Database, digital photos.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2009 Land at Badger’s Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation. CA typescript report 18350

30 4 476000 4 477000 4 478000 4 479000 7 7 7 7 6 7 8 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

224600046000

224500045000

224400044000

224300043000

224200042000

N Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

WARWICKSHIRE PROJECT TITLE RE Land at Badger’s Farm, Cosgrove,

MILTON Northamptonshire NORTHAMPTONSHIREKEYNES FIGURE TITLE Site location plan BEDFORDSHIRELUTON 0 1km

DRAWN BY CP PROJECT NO. 661118 FIGURE NO. OXFORDSHIRE © Crown copyright and database rights 2018 CHECKED BY DJB DATE 11/07/2018 HERTFORDSHIRE Ordnance Survey 0100031673 APPROVED BY MH SCALE@A4 1:25,000 1 477650 477700 477750 477800

ditch ditch 106 110 ditch ditch 108 104 N A A

site boundary 243950 proposed burial area evaluation trench T2 T5 furrow excavated/unexcavated ditch ditch 511 507 ditchditch 210 archaeological feature 503503 ditch ditch deposit/spread 209 509 C C B ditch field drain 206 furrow 513 furrow B ditch A A 203 section location

furrow Geophysical Survey Results 212 (Magnitude Surveys 2018)

furrow ditch archaeology probable (strong) 607 605 archaeology probable (weak) T6 ditch archaeology probable (trend) 307 archaeology possible (strong) pit ditch 603 305 archaeology possible (weak)

furrow archaeology possible (spread) pit 609 T3 303 archaeology possible (trend)

243900 T4 agricultural (strong) agricultural (weak) furrow ditch deposit 407 403 deposit 309 agricultural (trend) 703 ditch 405 deposit ferrous (dipolar) 704 T7 ferrous (spread) furrow 705 ferrous (trend) furrow undetermined 707

025m1:500

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE furrow Land at Badger’s Farm, Cosgrove, 805 D Northamptonshire FIGURE TITLE D Trench location plan showing archaeological features and 243850 ditch 803 T8 geophysical survey results

DRAWN BY CP PROJECT NO. 661118 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 11/07/2018 APPROVED BY MH SCALE@A3 1:500 2 General view of site, looking south-east

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Land at Badger’s Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire General view of site, looking north-west General view of site, looking north FIGURE TITLE photographs

DRAWN BY CP PROJECT NO. 661118 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 11/07/2018 APPROVED BY MH SCALE@A3 N/A 3 Section AA

EW 78.4m AOD 109 ditch 108

01m1:20

View of Trench 1, looking north-west (scales 1m)

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Land at Badger’s Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire Ditch 108, looking south-east (scale 1m) Ditch 110, looking south-west (scale 1m) FIGURE TITLE Trench 1: section and photographs

DRAWN BY CP PROJECT NO. 661118 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 11/07/2018 APPROVED BY MH SCALE@A3 1:20 4 Section BB

SW NE 80.2m AOD

200

201

205 204

ditch 203

01m1:20

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Land at Badger’s Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire View of Trench 2, looking south-west (scales 1m) Ditch 203, looking north-west (scale 1m) FIGURE TITLE Trench 2: section and photographs

DRAWN BY CP PROJECT NO. 661118 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 11/07/2018 APPROVED BY MH SCALE@A3 1:20 5 Section CC

SE NW 78.5m AOD

506

505 ditch 503

504

01m1:20

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Land at Badger’s Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire View of Trench 5, looking north-west (scales 1m) Ditch 503, looking south-west (scale 1m) FIGURE TITLE Trench 5: section and photographs

DRAWN BY CP PROJECT NO. 661118 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 11/07/2018 APPROVED BY MH SCALE@A3 1:20 6 Section DD

NS 78.6m AOD

804 ditch 803

01m1:20

Ditch 803, looking east (scale 1m)

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Land at Badger’s Farm, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire

FIGURE TITLE Trench 8: section and photograph

DRAWN BY CP PROJECT NO. 661118 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 11/07/2018 APPROVED BY MH SCALE@A4 1:20 7