Monument record 4611/0/5 - Possible Prehistoric Boundary

Linear ditch system identified as cropmarks on air photographs

{1} Cropmark of a triple-ditch system.

{2} Linear Ditches (SP 710639-715646), lie S.E. of Lower Harlestone, on Northampton Sand between 83 m. and 100 m. above OD, alongside a small N.E.-flowing stream cut down into Upper Lias Clay. The feature consists of three parellel ditches visible on air photographs (in NMR) for a distance of 870 m. The outer ditches are slightly wider than the central one and the latter is closer to the E. ditch than the W. Near the S.W. end the W. ditch appears to curve S.E. and merge with the central one. To the N.W. are to intersecting linear ditches which have previously been described as a large enclosure. Worked flints have been found there.

{3} (SP 7164). Possibly part of the Jussaric Spine, a continuous cropmark for 1.2km.

<1> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, NCCAP:SP7164/001-15 (unchecked) (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<2> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1981, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p. 98/Site 4 (Series). SNN77381.

<3> Current Archaeology, No.64 Vol.6 Dec 1978 p.140-3 (Journal). SNN71392.

<4> HOLLOWELL R., 1971, Aerial Photography and Fieldwork in the Upper Nene Valley, p. 13 (Journal). SNN106546.

<5> RCHME, Undated, RCHME Inventory: Northamptonshire II (Central), 889169 (Archive). SNN112900.

Record last edited

Feb 4 2025 7:27PM