Monument record 5966/0/6 - Probable Medieval/Post Medieval Plough Headlands

Soilmarks initially interpreted as a possible ringwork or henge. Subsequent fieldwork and analysis has indicated that they are are either natural in origin or a product of the medieval/post-medieval field system.

{1}{2} Large ringwork, either a ring fort or, as there are some characteristics to support this idea, a henge. First noted on 1947 air photo CPA/UK/1994 4383 (13 April 1947) DOE, as plough line marks across banks/wet ditch traces. Also seen on Jasair colour air photos (1990) at Northampton Public Library. On the ground the south-west arc of the bank is very clear, though only about a metre high, with possible inner and part of outer ditch. Shows as curved scarp on north, low profile elsewhere. No entrances identified on ground, but 1947 photo shows possible inturned entrance on south east.

{3} "We believe the feature is almost definitely a soil mark of a bank, no ditch visible, even with image processing".

{4}{5} Interpretations of feature from two RAF verticals by Northamptonshire Archaeology. A third interpretation is an 'amalgamation' of the previous two. Interpretations from the Aps are currently archived under: Heritage/SMR/Archives/Parish-Based Project Archives/Holcot/Holcot Enclosure 2005.

{6} Evaluation trench revealed that there was no evidence for a substantial ditch or the remains of a bank. A single sherd of medieval/post medieval pottery was recovered from the subsoil. The evaluation demonstrated that the soilmarks were not the remains of a previously unknown hillfort or henge. It is possible that the soilmark resulted from the localised changes in the nature of the natural subsoil, brought about by peri-glacial changes to soil drainage characteristics.

{7} D. Hall's fieldwork mapping may indicate that these are joining furlong boundaries. But these could possibly also have been a reuse of an earlier feature.

<1> WELSH T.C., 2005, Ringwork (Hillfort? Henge?), Holcot, Northants, SP798688, (checked) (Unpublished Report). SNN105215.

<2> WELSH T.C., 2005, SMR report form, (checked) (SMR Report Form). SNN105214.

<3> Butler A., 2005, Email from Northamptonshire Archaeology, (checked) (Correspondence). SNN105267.

<4> Royal Air Force, 1940s, RAF Vertical Aerial Photographs, (unchecked) (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN105266.

<5> Royal Air Force, 1940s, RAF Vertical Aerial Photographs, (unchecked) (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN105266.

<6> TINGLE M., 2005, Report on The Evaluation of A Possible Hillfort or Henge at Holcot, Northamptonshire, (checked) (Report). SNN105322.

<7> Hall D.N., 1960-2000, David Halls Field Survey Maps, (unchecked) (Map). SNN107049.

Record last edited

Feb 15 2021 1:33PM