Explore the ancient history of the Daventry area

CLASP – the Community Landscape and Archaeology Survey Project – will hold its first full Archaeology Day at Daventry’s Icon Centre on July 23.

The theme of the event will be a programme of presentations by the commercial archaeologists who, in recent years, have excavated a series of archaeological sites at large scale-developments in the Daventry area.

The excavations include sites along the route of the new link road between Daventry and junction 16 of the M1; at Monksmoor and Apex Park in Daventry; on Barby Hill and all three phases of the Daventry International Rail-freight Terminal.

The excavations have uncovered vitally important and exciting finds that previously were either relatively or totally unknown.

These finds stretch from Neolithic long barrows, of national significance, near Flore through Bronze Age activity at various sites to locations displaying activity, through all phases of the Iron Age and into the early years of the Romano-British era.

The extensive Iron Age settlements located at DIRFT are indicating another site of national importance, one of the largest Iron Age villages in the British Isles. The proposed Rugby ‘SUE’ extension also has archaeological discoveries that will be discussed.

CLASP’s archaeology day takes place at the Icon Centre, Eastern Way, Daventry, on July 23 from 9am to 5pm.

A spokesman for Clasp said: “This day is a real opportunity for the local population to discover some of the earliest origins of local society.

“Hopefully the day will paint a picture of the early landscape of Daventry and the area to the north from the first farmers of the Neolithic era through a developing society in the Bronze Age and more intense activity as the Iron Age progresses, including trade, but not developing into the more intense villa culture we see to the east and south of Daventry.

“The day is free but we do require everybody attending to book a place – please visit www.claspweb.org.uk.

“We, commercial and community archaeologists, look forward to meeting you at the Icon. CLASP has only been able to present this day with total support, both in the form of the speakers, exhibitions of finds and financial support from developers, consultants and archaeological contractors.

“This co-operation between commercial and community archaeologists helps provide a mutual understanding of each others work, perhaps giving indications of where further research should lead.”