Two areas of the development site were stripped of modern overburden with a machine using a toothless bucket operating under archaeological supervision. Over much of the site modern footings, basements and other features had removed all archaeological deposits.Those areas that contained archaeological features were sufficiently hand-cleaned to produce a base plan, recorded digitally using a total station theodolite/GPS. After monitoring by the client all archaeological features were targeted for excavation by hand. They were excavated and recorded stratigraphically in accordance with the WSI and OA's recording system. The area between the two stripped areas, unavailable for during the initial strip due to access considerations, was subsequently monitored under watching brief conditions on 9th-10th November 2017. No archaeological deposits or features were observed within this area. Oxford Archaeology were commissioned by CgMs Consulting to undertake an archaeological excavation and watching brief in advance of a new retail development at Church Street, Irthlingborough. An enclosure ditch was revealed that contained late Roman and early to middle Saxon pottery together with Roman ceramic building material. There was slight evidence for late Saxon activity, but otherwise the main occupation of the site dates to the 12th century. This included a number of rubbish pits, one of which contained evidence for iron smithing, together with postholes possibly associated with contemporary structures. A shallow enclosure ditch probably formed part of the later use of the site as farmland, possibly associated with a nearby manor estate of 13th or 14th century date.