Data from Archaeological Recording Work at Harp Inn, Ladbroke, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, 2021-2022 (HS2 Phase One)
High Speed Two Ltd., Connect Archaeology, 2025. https://doi.org/10.5284/1133013. How to cite using this DOI
Data copyright © High Speed Two Ltd. unless otherwise stated
This work is licensed under a The Open Government Licence (OGL).
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Resource identifiers
- ADS Collection: 5042
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1133013
- How to cite using this DOI
Introduction
This collection comprises text, image, spreadsheet, Harris Matrix and GIS data from archaeological recording work at Harp Inn, Ladbroke, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire. The work was undertaken by Connect Archaeology between 2021 and 2022.
The results of the Archaeological Recording at Harp Inn identified archaeological remains of a multi-period site, comprising a small agricultural settlement dating to the Iron Age and early Roman period. Iron Age activity was characterised by the presence of enclosure ditches and ring ditches which returned pottery dating to the later Prehistoric period. The enclosures, linear ditches and S-shaped ditch are likely to relate to field demarcations and animal management. Ring ditches may represent Iron Age roundhouses. A linear pit alignment with evidence of funerary activity was also discovered.
Much of the Iron Age activity was truncated by Roman activity representing a small agricultural settlement dating to the first to third centuries AD. A series of re-cut boundary ditches and possible field systems were identified. The remains of a timber structure comprised of post and stake hole alignments was also identified in the centre of the site. The pottery recovered from Roman deposits was typically locally produced wares. Rare local and regional imports of pottery fabrics were also identified. The presence of ploughed-out furrows provide evidence for medieval/post-medieval field systems within the site.
Project Summary
The aim of the archaeological investigation was to identify the extent and character of any surviving archaeological remains within the site. The outcomes of the archaeological recording define the character, extent, quality, preservation and significance of the archaeology present in order to determine its potential to contribute to specific objectives set out in the Generic Written Scheme of Investigation (GWSI) Historic Environment Research and Delivery Strategy (HERDS).
Specific GWSI:HERDS objectives for archaeological recording at Harp Inn:
- KC15: Can we identify regional patterns in the form and location of Late Bronze Age and Iron Age settlement across the route, and are there associated differences in landscape organisation and enclosure?
- KC16: Investigate the degree of continuity that existed between Late Bronze Age and Iron Age communities in terms of population, mobility and subsistence strategies.
- KC18: Explore the evidence for increasing social complexity in the archaeological record in the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age, and to identify patterns of intra-regional and regional variation.
- KC21: Assess the evidence for regional and cultural distinctiveness along the length of the route in the Romano-British period, with particular regard to the different settlement types encountered along the route.
Re-Use Value Statement
The Harp Inn dataset may be combined with other HS2 Phase One datasets, to further assess the evidence for Iron Age and Roman settlement activity along the route. Further analysis of the archaeological assemblage could identify common patterns in the form of these settlements across the route and the associated differences in landscape organisation and enclosure. The Harp Inn dataset provides a useful resource that may be used to inform and mitigate the impact of development on the archaeological heritage of the surrounding area.
