Post-Excavation Assessment Report for Archaeological Recording at Doddershall DMV

The archaeological recording comprised the investigation of two areas measuring c. 2. 21ha in total (C25089). It was preceded by a geophysical survey and LiDAR survey (Document No. P1C2-ETM-EV-REP-000-000008P01) and a Test Pit Evaluation undertaken on Site in 2017-18 (Document Nos 1EW03-FUS-EV-REP-CS04CL20-007851; 1EW03-FUS-EV-REP-CS04CL20-007852). A programme of archaeological recording at Doddershall Deserted Medieval Village (Site code: 1C19DDHAR), was commissioned as part of the enabling works for High Speed Two, Phase 1. The fieldwork was undertaken between May 2020 and July 2021. The site is located 0. 2km to the north-east of the Grade II* Listed Doddershall House and its associated parkland, and 1. 6km west of Quainton village, in Buckinghamshire. It comprises a parcel of land (C25089) divided into two areas (DMV South and DMV North, which comprise a total of 2. 21ha combined and lie to either side of an extant freight railway line and associated embankment, which bisects the site. Previous phases of geophysical and LIDAR survey and a programme of test pit evaluation (Fig. 2) undertaken in 2017-2018 confirmed a high density of archaeological remains which appeared likely to date to the 13th century and were thought to be associated with the deserted medieval village (DMV) of Doddershall. The archaeological recording was targeted on the anticipated remains of the DMV revealed by the preceding investigations. The investigated areas were selected to mitigate construction impacts arising as part of the HS2 Phase 1 Central Scheme of Works. Archaeological remains were present in both areas within land parcel C2509. Remains in DMV South were characterised by toft and croft strips, delineated by ditches and gullies. Two house platforms ponds, middens, and possible industrial features were recorded in the crofts. In the southern half of DMV North were ditches and trackways thought to define the boundaries of the village, a hearth containing complete pottery jugs and a midden. In the northern half was a ditch defining the village's north-western boundary, scatters of midden material, rubble surfaces, one rubble wall and evidence of buried occupation soils. The evidence suggests that the village was probably established in the 12th century, superseding an earlier, 11th century settlement. It expanded between the 13th and 15th centuries, until its final abandonment in the 16th century.