Monument record 2409/6 - Roman cemetery

In the 4th century, this area was used for an inhumation cemetery, originally containing up to 200 graves arranged in regular rows. Grave goods were almost entirely absent.

{1}In the 4th century part of the area was used for an inhumation cemetery, originally containing up to 200 graves arranged in regular rows and all oriented. Grave goods were almost entirely absent.

{2}178 burials within later Roman cemetery; series of contemporary graves were also found outside cemetery

{5}Almost complete layout of late Roman inhumation cemetery was recorded with a further 64 graves added to 114 located previously; 1 burial accompanied by composite double-sided bone comb of C4th type & material of contemporary date also present in fill of other graves

{6}Further 64 late Roman inhumations excavated in addition to 114 recorded previously; 1 burial was accompanied by composite double-sided bone comb of C4th type. Western limit of cemetery was identified;

{7}Prehistoric remains recorded during rescue excavation including two beaker pit graves, each containing a crouched or flexed inhumation associated with a comb-zoned beaker . An isolated pit containing early Iron Age pottery also found.

{12} Within the current study area Ashton has provided easily the most valuable data set for the study of burial traditions in the Roman small towns. Indeed it is potentially one of the most important groups for research into later Roman burial practice in Britain. The peripheral late Roman formal cemetery containing over 180 graves. The latter is the only known cemetery at Ashton although Aerial photographic plotting and field walking have not recorded evidence for other possible cemeteries to the north or north west of the town though it is quite possible that one may still be present. As with a number of the towns no early burials have yet been found and the absence of evidence to the east of the main road raises the possibility of additional burials here.

<1> 1985, EXCAVATION SUMMARY, (unchecked) (Report). SNN57284.

<2> DIX B., 1988, SMR REPORT FORM, (unchecked) (Note). SNN49560.

<3> DIX B., 1983, Ashton Roman Town, (unchecked) (Leaflet). SNN59015.

<4> DIX B., 1985, OUNDLE BY-PASS, (unchecked) (Discussion). SNN59042.

<5> DIX B., Ashton Roman Town, (checked) (Note). SNN44372.

<6> Roman Britain, 288 (unchecked) (Note). SNN45283.

<7> Dix B.(ed), 1985, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1983-4, p147 (Report). SNN100404.

<8> DIX B., 1985, EXCAVATIONS IN NORWICH 1971-1978: PART 11, (unchecked) (Discussion). SNN59014.

<9> Taylor J., 2002, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Ashton (Roman), (unchecked) (Report). SNN106654.

<11> DIX B., 1988, SMR REPORT FORM, (unchecked) (Note). SNN49561.

<12> Taylor J., 2002, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Ashton (Roman), Section 3.5.2 (Digital archive). SNN103116.

<13> Taylor J., 2002, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Ashton (Roman), (unchecked) (Report). SNN106654.

Record last edited

Sep 29 2026 2:12PM