Monument record 7168/1/2 - Late Saxon/Medieval Spoil Heap, Fineshade

Field survey has identified an area of slag located a natural knoll of ironstone. A test pit uncovered a layer of slag, 0.6m deep, over layers of ash and iron fines. Charcoal was radiocarbon dated to AD 970-1195.

{1} A large knoll sloping down to the stream appears to be a slag mound. Slag was observed over most of this area.

{2} A test pit was dug confirming the present of slag at least 600mm deep in some places in this area. It was dug adjacent to the small bridge and only 2m from the stream. The pit was 900mm deep and revealed 580mm of slag overlaying alternating layers of ore roasting residue (fines) and ash. Another pit on top of the knoll also contained slag and fines. This does seem to confirm that this area was not just a slag dump but other ironworking activites were also taking place here.

{3} Slag (Significant find scatter). Large area of dense slag and red oxide; a great heap. Likely that referred to by Morton (1712, p.550). Another concentration at SP95179750. Likely to be medieval.

{5} Slag mound sampled and C14 date of Cal AD 970 to 1195 obtained with 95% probability.

{6} SP 9724 9750 Slag patch located around a natural knoll of ironstone. A test pit was excavated between the lower slope of the knoll and the stream uncovering 600mm of slag deposited over six alternating layers of ash and iron fines. Charcoal from an ash layer was dated to AD 970-1195.

{7} A mound of slag and clinker is located at SP 9722 9748 and it seems likely that the Furnace Mill was close by.

{8} There are huge heaps of iron cinders at Finshed - many waggon - loads of them. A forge mill was supposed to be at the east end of "the present pools" on the site of the later corn mill. Up-stream, at the corner of Laxton Field, was the Furnace Mill and by it are heaps of cinders. Its water was supplied by springs in Laxton Field called Ashwells.

(Probable sitings: Forge Mill, Area SP 974 978; Furnace Mill
Area SP 9702 9732; Ashwells, SP 9686 9722).

{9} A small hill made of cinders from an ancient ironworks mentioned in Fineshade Priory's foundation charter (circa 1200) adjoins Linewood and the brook (ie area SP 972974), and iron cinders and pieces of melted iron lie around Mr Kirkham's house (ie near Fineshade Abbey, Area SP 973976).

<1> BELLAMY B., 1999, SMR Report Form, (checked) (SMR Report Form). SNN50329.

<2> BELLAMY B., 1999, Correspondence, (unchecked) (Letter). SNN43452.

<3> Hall D.N., 1960-1999, Rockingham Forest Project: Archaeological Sites Recorded by David Hall, Fineshade/Site 2 (Database). SNN102279.

<4> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, Used with NMR & CUCAP collections (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<5> 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.

<6> Horne B. (Editor), 2001, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter (31), p. 39 (Newsletter). SNN112958.

<7> Seaman, B H, 1970, Field Investigator's Comments, F1 BHS 18-MAR-70 (Notes). SNN111541.

<8> Morton J., 1712, The Natural History of Northamptonshire, p. 55 (Book). SNN10113.

<9> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p. 307 (Book). SNN77326.

Record last edited

Feb 4 2025 7:38PM