Evaluation at The Old Plough, 1 Oakham Road, Braunston-in-Rutland

Four trenches were excavated, two measuring 12m in length, two approximately 15m in length, and all at least 1.8m wide. Trenches were located within the footprint of the proposed dwelling in accordance with the directions laid out in the Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) and approved by the curatorial archaeologist. The most recent deposits were removed mechanically, using a 360� tracked excavator fitted with a toothless ditching bucket (Plate 3). All mechanical excavation was undertaken under archaeological supervision. Mechanical excavation was discontinued when archaeological deposits were exposed, or when undisturbed natural deposits were revealed. Exposed surfaces, both vertical and horizontal, were then cleaned by hand to define the archaeological remains, prior to the part-excavation of features and deposits of potential archaeological origin, to ascertain character, extent and date. Excavated features were recorded through drawn plans and sections at a scale of 1:10 and 1:20. This record was augmented by colour photographs and written context records on pro forma recording sheets. All trenches and reference points used in planning were located by survey grade GPS. The trial trenching revealed evidence of domestic activity dating to the Saxo-Norman period in the form of various Stamford Ware pottery sherds. Two definite cut features were identified: a possible extraction pit and a stone lined culvert or drain which may relate to the use of the Old Plough. Other features were likely natural anomalies or former watercourses, with alluvial and/or colluvial deposits seen across site.