Test Pits and Trial Trenches at Swaffield Close, Ampthill, Bedfordshire

Between May and June 2010 Oxford Archaeology East conducted a scheme of Archaeological Test Pitting and Trial Trenching at land off Swaffield Close, Ampthill, Bedfordshire, centred on National Grid Reference TL 033 383.
The test pits and trial trenches were targeted in order to assess the impact of a proposed residential development on the site. A sequence of predominantly modern and post medieval finds and deposits were recorded during the course of the work. Low levels of Prehistoric and Medieval finds material were also recorded within the bounds of the development area but none of this came from in situ features or deposits. The high level of post-medieval and modern soil build-up and disturbance in evidence is the result of colluvial soil movement, construction works, post-medieval dumping and the development of the site as allotments in the 20th century.
On the high ground towards the south of the development area a number of modern ditches were recorded that may well have been dug during the early 20th century when Ampthill Park was used as a military training camp.