Watching Brief, Strip Map And Sample at Land adjoining 66 High Street North, Stewkley

All archaeological work considered existing and developing national and regional research frameworks (ALGAO 2011; Historic England, 1991, 1997; Cooper, 2006; Knight, Foard however, given the lack of associated features beyond a single posthole identified in trenching, it is uncertain if this is casual disposal from short-term use of the landscape, perhaps from the equivalent of campfire waste from a shepherds hut or from the truncated remains of more significant settlement. Much is known about the town of Stewkley during the medieval period, although little of its extensive history from this point onwards is reflected in the ADA. A medieval/ postmedieval ridge and furrow field system was identified, although this was anticipated as vestiges of farming practices that are still visible today in the fields to the north, south and east of the site. Despite this seemingly broad sequence of activity, it is pertinent to note that there are breaks within the archaeological record. No archaeological remains were recorded contemporary with the probable Saxon origins of Stewkley, or the postulated line of the Roman Roads which passed through the village.