Monument record 9202/0/1 - Prehistoric pit, The Cottons

Archaeological evaluation identified a substantial pit. Partial excavation found a small assemblage of worked flint. Articulated animal bone was also recorded but left in situ.

{1} During the evaluation, Trench 4 located a substantial pit adjacent to the boundary between the two land parcels. In plan the feature was roughly rectangular, with a square northern limit and a curving southern limit. Below the upper fill, was a clayey silt which was exposed in the central and northern part of the pit. This contained two discernable clusters of articulated animal bone, with a skull located against the northern edge of the pit. This deposit was waterlogged, the bones being described as blackened. Although interpreted as being burnt, it is possible that the discoloration of the articulated bone was due to minerals in the water. After recording the bones were left in situ for future investigation. An environmental sample was taken from this deposit, although no remains were recovered. The contrasting colours of these deposits compared to the adjacent undisturbed geological stratum suggests the pit fills were the product of deliberate infilling, with the upper fill being deposited in one episode. The pit was not found again in the excavation of the site.

<1> Edmondson, G. and Ingham, D., 2003, Land off The Cottons Rockingham Northamptonshire: Archaeological Recording Action, P. 10 (Report). SNN103613.

<2> Rees G., 2008, Enclosure Boundaries and Settlement Individuality in The Iron Age, (unchecked) (Article). SNN106040.

<3> Edmondson G., 2010, Archaeological Investigation of Land Adjacent to The Cottons, Rockingham (Article). SNN107496.

Record last edited

Nov 19 2020 9:05AM