The program of Construction Integrated Recording at Southam North was carried out at lands required for the construction of the HS2 rail alignment at Southam Cutting as well as associated earthworks, temporary works and landscaping. Following the results of a trial trench evaluation (Site code: 1C20SOUTT; OASIS ID: hs2conne2-405592) at the site, an area measuring 0.73ha was selected for Construction Integrated Recording due to the potential for the survival of significant archaeological remains. A 360 degree excavation with a toothless grading bucket stripped the overburden to first archaeological deposit/geological interface under the direction of an archaeological operative. A pre-excavation survey was carried out and a sampling strategy was decided. Archaeologically features were hand excavated and bulk soil samples were recovered from targeted deposits. Fieldwork recording was carried out, including written record of individual contexts, hand-drawn and surveyed plans and sections, photography, and a site Harris Matrix. Surveyed data was recorded with Real Time Kinematic (RTK) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment referenced from permanent ground markers. Upon completion of the program of archaeological recording the site was returned to the main works contractor. A small number of archaeological features were identified during the programme of Construction Integrated Recording. These comprised gullies, pits, furrows and a land drain, indicating archaeological activity from at least the medieval period. All features are of an uncertain date, as datable material was not recovered. Medieval/post-medieval agricultural activities were indicated by the presence of numerous furrows.
Jonny Small (Sat,) studied this question.