Barby Reservoir, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Desk Based Assessment

In April 2009, ARCUS were commissioned by Grontmij, on behalf of Severn Trent Water, to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment on a site at Barby, Daventry, Northamptonshire (452625, 270461). The assessment was produced in relation to a permitted development by Daventry Council for the construction of an additional service reservoir cell adjacent to an existing covered reservoir. The assessment consisted of documentary and cartographic research, and a site visit. The desk-based assessment has indicated that Bronze Age activity occurred to the north-west of the site, while Romano-British activity occurred immediately to the west. Sub-surface archaeological deposits associated with the Roman site may extend into the proposal area. Should such deposits be present, the undeveloped nature of the site suggests that these may be preserved in good condition. The proposal area is likely to have been part of Barby Great Wood during the 13th century. The site may have remained woodland in 1778 but was in use as pasture by 1841 and remained undeveloped until the construction of Barby covered reservoir during the mid- to late 20th century. The development proposals envisage groundworks to a depth of 2m below the current ground surface and are therefore likely to remove any archaeological deposits within the footprint of the works. Further archaeological work is likely to be required. This would relate mainly to the potential for Romano-British remains in association with Site 1. This additional work could take the form of trial trenching prior to construction or a watching brief during construction.