Monument record 9608 - Probable Prehistoric/Romano-British Settlement, Stone Pit Lodge Complex

Cropmarks visible on aerial photographs of a large sub-rectangular enclosure and at least six ring ditches some of which may be barrows, but at least two are probably hut circles. Excavation of drainage trenches exposed dark earth and a sherd of Roman pottery

{2} Deep drainage operations turned up dark earth in positions corresponding to cropmarks shown in aerial photographs. One small piece of black calcite-gritted pottery came from the position of a ring ditch. A large piece of limestone (5.5ft x 1.5ft) was brought to the surface. This had 'cup-marks' on one face. Wear on the side of one of these marks indicated use as a mortar.

{3} Settlement consists of a large sub-rectangular enclosure with a number of ditches and other features attached to or intersecting it. These include at least six circular ditches some of which may be barrows, but two at least are probably hut circles. Modern drainage ditches have confirmed the cropmarks and one sherd of black calcite-gritted pottery as well as a large block of limestone with 'cup-marks' on one face have been found {1 and 2}. A scatter of of 3rd and 4th-century pottery was also found {2}.

<1> HOLLOWELL R., 1971, Aerial Photography and Fieldwork in the Upper Nene Valley, 6/11 (unchecked) (Journal). SNN106546.

<2> Brown A.E. (Editor), 1973, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1972, 8/4 (Journal). SNN8956.

<3> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1975, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.42/Site 23 & Plate 24 (Series). SNN77379.

<4> 1982, Aerial Photography in Northamptonshire 1981, p107 Fotheringhay (Journal). SNN104561.

<5> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, NCCAP:TL0492/135+136 (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<6> RCHME, Undated, RCHME Inventory: Northamptonshire I (North-East), 890514 (Archive). SNN113295.

<7> Historic England, Undated, Fotheringhay and Southwick Earthworks, Northamptonshire, 890514, Fig 53 on page 43 (Archive). SNN116291.

Record last edited

Feb 4 2025 7:15PM