Monument record 9329/0/0 - Possible Saxon metal working site, Fineshade

Rapid survey in 1997 identified an area of dark soil and charcoal. Charcoal obtained from a layer of slag beneath the black soil was dated to AD 465-480/AD 520-660.

{1} Smaller heap of slag that appears to pre-date the Ridge & Furrow around. In Forest Enterprise report 1997 called 'site 5' and given the incorrect NGR.

{2} Samples gave a C14 date of Cal AD 465 to 480 and Cal AD 520 to 660 with 95% probability.

{3} Dense black iron slag 30m diameter, disturbed by rabbits. Roman or medieval iron working industrial site.

{5} Charcoal from this site was obtained from a 150mm layer of slag beneath a 300mm layer of black soil. This site consists of a 7m area of black earth and slag on the edge of ridge and furrow close to Mill Wood and was dated to AD 465-480/AD 520-660.

<1> Hall D.N., 1960-1999, Rockingham Forest Project: Archaeological Sites Recorded by David Hall, Fineshade/Site 3 (Database). SNN102279.

<2> Bellamy B.; Jackson D.; Johnston G., 2000-01, Early Iron Smelting in the Rockingham Forest Area: A Survey of the Evidence, p.103-128 (unchecked) (Article). SNN103947.

<3> Hall D.N., 1997, Northamptonshire Forests: Fineshade, Westhay, Southwick & Yardley Chase (Archaeological Interpretation Survey, Part 2), p.8 (checked) (Report). SNN62050.

<4> Hall D. N., 1997, Northamptonshire Forests: Fineshade, Westhay, Southwick & Yardley Chase (Archaeological Interpretation Survey, Part 2 Maps 1997), (checked) (Map). SNN62051.

<5> Horne B. (Editor), 2001, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter (31), p. 39 (Newsletter). SNN112958.

Record last edited

Oct 3 2023 12:48PM