Monument record 9992 - Late Iron Age/Roman and Saxon Settlement, Buckton Fields

Roman pottery has been recorded from the Rectory Farm area. Archaeological investigation has identified a sparse scatter of prehistoric worked flint, some redeposited in later features, and the remains of a late Iron Age/Roman settlement. Four possible roundhouse drip gullies were identified as well as evidence of ovens/corn drying ovens and metal working. The remains of fallow deer were found, which are very rare from Romano-British contexts. Excavation identified a Roman cemetery and a Saxon settlement comprising 22 sunken-featured buildings.

{1} Geophysical survey identified significant anomalies: part of a sub-rectangular feature possibly denoting an enclosure ditch and containing part of a concentric anomaly which may represent the ploughed out remains of a ring ditch; a series of linear and curvilinear anomalies indicating remains of ditches; three individual anomalies denoting the remains of possible pits; a further group of anomalies that could represent an oval enclosure although the patterns suggests a geological origin is more likely.

A thin scatter of flints of various dates including a likely Neolithic flint blade and flake, and likely early Bronze Age rough flints. The concentrations was typical of background activity and doesn't indicate any settlement or other industrial activity. Four Roman sherds were recovered. There was not sufficient concentration to indicate much activity although finding Roman sherds in this area is unusual so it might suggest that there is a Roman site somewhere in the fairly immediate vicinity.

{3} {4} Quernstones and Romano-British potsherds displayed in the garden of Wesview Farm. Unsure if these are imports or originated on the site. Photos and drawings.

{5} Geophysical survey identified a rectangular ditched enclosure measuring approx 80m x 50m in the southern part of the area. Other lengths of probable ditch orientated approx north - east were located in the eastern half of the survey area, and an L-shaped ditch was detected in the west of the area.

{6} Trial trench excavation undertaken in 2017 identified a significant number of ditches and pits. Most dated to the late Iron Age/Roman period, with the pottery assemblage suggesting that the main phase of occupation was in the early-middle Roman period; there is no evidence that Roman activity extended beyond the early third century. Four curvilinear features that may define house gullies were partially revealed. Fired clay derived from ovens or corn driers was present, as well as the vitrified lining of a possible metal working furnace, as was non‐metallic slag from a ditch fill. In addition, possible stone roof tiles were noted from a 2nd century context. The unusual presence of fallow deer remains might be suggestive of a site of some importance, and the presence of decorated samian wares and imported Gallo‐Belgic wares, allied with the wide range of pottery fabrics present suggests settlement of at least moderate, and potentially high status. The presence of axially split cattle bones suggest the presence of a specialist butcher. Possible planting trenches were also identified in several of the trenches.

{8} Archaeological excavation undertaken between June 2018 and April 2019. Phase 1 has been completed and this comprised Phase 2. A small settlement was extablished during the middle Iron Age, the surrounding enclosure of which was recut and redesigned on several occasions. A single possible roundouse was identified.
Roman features comprised a cemetery of 35 inhumation graves and 3 cremation burials. There was also an agricultural landscape associated with a settlement. An Anglo-Saxon settlement of 22 sunken-featured buildings extended across both valley slopes.

{9} SP 740 651 Roman pottery Rectory Farm (N.Mus.).

<1> Connor A., 1999, Land at Buckton Fields, Boughton, Northamptonshire: An Archaeological Desk-Top Study, (unchecked) (Report). SNN104913.

<2> MASTERS P., 1999, Geophysical Survey on Land at Buckton Fields, Boughton, Northampton, (unchecked) (Report). SNN105634.

<3> Blackburn D., 1999, Brampton Lane finds, (checked) (Photographs). SNN107547.

<4> Blackburn D., 1999, Brampton Lane finds, (checked) (Drawing). SNN107548.

<5> Butler, A., 2005, A geophysical survey on land at Buckton Fields, White Hills, Northampton, p.4 (unchecked) (Report). SNN106593.

<6> Thacker, G. and Pickard, C., 2017, Buckton Fields West, Northampton: Archaeological Evaluation Report (Report). SNN111292.

<7> Crank, N. (Editor), 2018, South Midlands Archaeology (48), p. 72 (Journal). SNN111393.

<8> Crank, N. (Editor), 2020, South Midlands Archaeology (50), p. 90-1 (Journal). SNN112426.

<9> Moore W.R.G., 1968, Roman Settlement in the Upper and Middle Nene Valley, p. 47 (Uncertain). SNN15188.

Record last edited

Mar 24 2025 11:41AM