Monument record 2391 - Roman iron workings, Oundle Wood

Earthwork remains of quarries and quarry waste have been identified in Oundle Wood. Ironworking waste has also been identified in association with Roman finds. Charcoal has been radiocarbon dated to AD 960-1185 indicating ironworking continued into the Saxon/medieval periods.

{1} Roman iron works are said to have been found in Oundle Wood. Iron slag, Roman pottery and coins are recorded. TL012878?

{5} Ironstone beds have been extensively quarried, in ancient times, in a valley to the west of Oundle. Several large mounds occur in Oundle Wood; some of these are composed of masses of ore brought from the pits and in others the stone is broke into small fragments, together with heaps of calcined ore and slag. From the pottery and coins found at this place it appears that the workings were carried out by the Romans. At several places along the valley ferruginous deposits of the springs probably indicate the presence of ironstone beds, sections of which are very seldom seen in neighbouring valleys.

{6} Romano-British quarry located at TL 011 880 during reconnaisance survey of the woods; original location for the feature found to be inaccurate. Quarry of national importance. Abandoned quarry, elongated in shape and approx 15m long by 5m wide. Limited exposures of Northamptonshire Sand Ironstone present within the quarry, mounds of ironstone debris (quarry waste?) located in NW entrance of the quarry. Extensive dumps of iron working debris including slag located over an area of approx 30-40m to the west of the quarry area.

{8, 9} TL01258804. Area of slag investigated at the eastern extent of the workings. At least 450 sq m in area, but difficult to define. Where sampled the slag is over one metre deep and overlying a bed of iron fines. Charcoal from the junction recorded a C14 date of AD 960-1185.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1975, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.71 site 11 (checked) (Series). SNN77379.

<2> 1878, The Archaeological Journal (35), p.268/9+271 (checked) (Journal). SNN15197.

<3> Ryland, W, Adkins, D, and Serjeantson, R M, 1902, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, p.219 (checked) (Series). SNN100368.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, TL08NW20 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<5> RUDD J.W., 1875, The Geology of Rutland and Surrounding Areas, (checked) (Book). SNN2558.

<6> Cadman, G., 1996, Oundle Wood: Notes for SMR, (checked) (Notes). SNN49878.

<7> Hall D.N., 1960-1999, Rockingham Forest Project: Archaeological Sites Recorded by David Hall, (checked) (Database). SNN102279.

<8> Horne B. (Editor), 2001, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter (31), p. 38 (Newsletter). SNN112958.

<9> Bellamy B.; Jackson D.; Johnston G., 2000-01, Early Iron Smelting in the Rockingham Forest Area: A Survey of the Evidence, p. 111 (Article). SNN103947.

<10> Instone E., 1995, Monuments Protection Programme: The Iron Mining Industry (Introduction to Step 3 Site Assessments) (Report). SNN109473.

Record last edited

Jan 31 2025 3:49PM