This collection comprises spreadsheets, images, report and site record data from trial trenching at east of Illet's Farm, Brackley South Cutting, Northamptonshire. The work was undertaken by Connect Archaeology as part of HS2 Phase One.

Project Summary

A trial trench evaluation was carried out to the east of Illet’s Farm between 29th November and 4h December 2018. The Site comprises two arable fields totaling 6.47ha in area.

Previous geophysical survey in the western half of the Site had revealed two linear features (HS2 ES Volume 5: Appendix CH-004-014), which were thought to be possibly related to a Romano-British site, the center of which lies c.35m south-west of the Site boundary (NPB073). Cropmarks relating to the site were observed during the remote sensing survey (Ibid.), and previous excavations nearby have suggested the presence of a Romano-British temple (Mudd 2007).

The full aims and objectives of the evaluation are outlined within the East of Illet’s Farm Fieldwork report. In summary, they were to confirm the presence/absence, extent and depth of any surviving archaeological remains, as well as to determine the nature, date, condition and state of preservation of any archaeological remains. Where appropriate and feasible, the evaluation aims to suggest measures for further archaeological investigation to mitigate identified significant impacts, and the works were intended to contribute to the delivery of the identified GWSI:HERDS specific objectives.

A total of nine trenches were excavated, but with the exception of a single ditch in Trench 3, there were no archaeological features present in the trial trenches. Anomalies identified by the geophysical survey were shown to be associated with variations in the geological substrate. Two drains were also encountered; a ceramic land drain in Trench 6, and a small, modern land drain in Trench 1.

Re-Use Value Statement

The dataset contributes to the overall HERDS objectives of Phase One of the HS2 development. The components the data set include site photography, scans of the original paper archive and the reports produced as part of the deliverables for the project. The inclusion of this information allows the archive to be revisited should this be necessary. The dataset also forms an important part of the HS2 development and may contribute to future contextualisation of the archaeological and historical remains across the entirety of the development. The digital archive and reports may prove valuable for any future development in the surrounding area.