Land North of Aspreys at Olney, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

In May 2005, Oxford Archaeology (OA) carried out a field evaluation at
Land North of Aspreys, Olney, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire (NGR: SP
8839 5233) on behalf of CgMs Consulting Ltd. The proposed evaluation
comprised ten trenches measuring 2 m by 40 m; one trench was reduced in
length due to services.
A possible linear stone surface of uncertain date was observed in trenches
to the centre of the site (Trenches 2, 3, 7, and 8). The surface was on a
SW-NE alignment and comprised large slabs of limestone mixed with
smaller stones set above natural subsoil sealing the underlying natural
limestone bedrock. A track-way or road surface is a possible explanation
for this distinctive structure. A smaller localised stone spread or structure
was observed to the NW of the site (Trench 6).
At the SW corner of the site (Trench 1), a number of square-shaped
postholes were situated amongst natural stone outcrops; one of the
postholes contained Iron Age pottery. A group of pits at the centre of the
site (Trench 7) also contained Iron Age pottery, which in association with
a number of postholes here suggests domestic activity of this period
nearby. A number of large undated pits across the site could suggest
quarrying activity for the underlying stone. All of the trenches showed
evidence of probable medieval ridge and furrow.