Monument record 4826/1 - Romano-British Road Route (Viatores 172a)

Branch of the road from Woughton-on-the-Green to Hanslope, Buckinghamshire to Piddington has been identified by the Viatores. However, there appear to be no remains of the road, which is said to pass through Salcey Forest to a point south-west of Piddington

{1} At SP 8045 4850, just North-West of Spinney Lodge Roman road 172 forks. The right fork, 172a, proceeds almost north alongside the Quinton Road, which, over the county boundary, gradually veers away. Nothing is seen until its appearance beside the hedge in the last field before the Salcey Forest, which closes over it. Through the forest the line seems to have been maintained and is shown on the strip map as emerging along the hedgeline to Forest Barn and then along the ridge to where the Roman building is supposed to have been found near Piddington Church. This has been questioned locally, opinion favouring a course slightly more west, along the parallel ridge where there are also Roman evidences. Visible evidence of the road deserves respect, but in any case the survey ends here, although there are indications of continuation towards the Nene via Hardingstone and Delapre Abbey.

{2} The road 172 from Woughton-on-the-Green to Hanslope, Buckinghamshire, and its two branches (172a to Piddington and 172b to Ashton) have also been identified by the Viatores, however there appear to be no remains of the 172a road which is said to pass through Salcey Forest to a point south-west of Piddington.

{3} Roman road on a steep ascent known as "Auger's Hill". (Possibly refers to Organ's Hill at SP80605030).

{4} RR 172a. Linford - Salcey Green - Little Houghton. Perhaps raised hedgerow S. Of Piddington. Grass fields S. Of Little Houghton gave no sign.

<1> LIPSCOMB, History of Buckinghamshire, (unchecked) (Book). SNN46730.

<2> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1979, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.188 (checked) (Series). SNN77380.

<3> 1964, The Viatores: Roman Roads in The South East Midlands, p.324-7 (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN5299.

<4> Margary I.D., 1960, Viatores Road 172a (Letter). SNN110375.

<5> Wetton, 1849, Guidebook to Northampton and its Vicinity, (unchecked) (Book). SNN1032.

Record last edited

Jun 17 2024 2:12PM