Monument record 2644 - Possible Bronze Age round barrows and Iron Age /Roman settlement

Archaeological investigation at Tansor gravel pit identified a number of ring ditches, although no associated burials were found. Iron Age and Roman pits and ditches were also identified.

{1} A single trial trench was excavated over a possible barrow mound in 1978 and a subsequent watching brief was undertaken during soil stripping over the whole area in 1980. Cropmarks of possible ring ditches and other features were suggested on aerial photos. The barrow mound was removed in 1980; no burials were found. Some 19th century champagne bottles at the base of the mound suggested earlier exploration. Other cropmarks were investigated; at least three surviving ring ditches were identified but no dating evidence or burials. Other cropmarks were not identified.
Three iron Age pits were revealed: they were each between 1.5m and 1m in diameter and on average 40cm deep. Nothing was found in two of the pits but in the most southerly a quantity of pottery from a scored ware jar was found as well as a ring of fired clay. The clay ring is of some interest as it could possibly be part of an Iron Age pottery kiln. It was shaped like a doughnut (diameter 42cm), with a pedestal foot, and it appeared to have had an upper wall which was broken off. There were seven perforations spaced round the outer edge of the ring.
Enclosure ditches detected as cropmarks were found to be of early Roman date and had been recut many times.

{2} Ring ditch (TL 05289243; fig100) in the NW of the parish close to the R.Nene on River Gravel at 60 ft above OD.

{4} Trial excavations were carried out at the site of a Bronze Age round barrow to try to determine if a full excavation was justified at a later date. The barrow, still standing 1 in high, had spread to a diameter of 55 m completely sealing the ditch.

{6} (TL 055924). Cropmarks, rectangular field systems, one containing a ring ditch, a field system was also recorded at (TL 058925). All sites were identified on AP in 1981.

{7} (TL 053924). Fired clay remains that may have been part of a discarded Iron Age pottery kiln were found in a pit at Tansor gravel quarry. The pottery was found in association with scored ware.

<1> Jackson, D., 1980, Tansor Gravel Quarry (Warmington) 1978-80, (checked) (Unpublished Report). SNN57358.

<2> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1975, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.106 site 4 (checked) (Series). SNN77379.

<3> Jackson, D., 1980, SMR Report Form, (checked) (SMR Report Form). SNN49671.

<4> Brown A.E. (Editor), 1979, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1978, p. 104 (Article). SNN45225.

<5> Brown A.E. (ed.), 1981, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1980, p. 200-201 (Article). SNN100418.

<6> 1982, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1981: Air photography, Page 106 (Note). SNN110383.

<7> Brown A.E. (ed.), 1980, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1979, Page 166-167 (Article). SNN56490.

<8> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, CUAP ZF34 (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<9> RCHME, Undated, RCHME Inventory: Northamptonshire I (North-East), AF0615981 (Archive). SNN113295.

<10> Tansor and Warmington Cropmarks, Northamptonshire, 890466 (Archive). SNN116292.

Record last edited

Jan 31 2025 3:52PM