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. Archaeological excavation at Buckton Fields revealed settlement activity spanning from the Bronze Age through to the early Medieval period. Evidence included Iron Age roundhouses and enclosures, Roman buildings and burials, and later Saxon/early medievual sunken-feature structures. Archaeological excavation at Buckton Fields, Northamptonshire, revealed a long-lived settlement with activity spanning from the Bronze Age through the early medieval period. Evidence included Iron Age roundhouses and enclosures, Roman buildings and burials, and later early medieval sunken-feature structures, indicating continuous and evolving occupation.

{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.).

{10} The excavations at Buckton Fields have identified archaeological remains dating from the early/middle Iron Age with continuous occupation through the late Iron Age and Roman periods, as well as evidence for early medieval activity. The earliest activity occurred during the early/middle Iron Age period and comprised unenclosed roundhouses with associated enclosures. This activity was heavily truncated by the subsequent phases and its full layout was not clear. During the late Iron Age period, several enclosures were established with associated areas of pitting. A number of human burials were identified which comprised a single cremation and several inhumations. A horse and dog burial were also found. There was continuous occupation from the late Iron Age into the early Roman period, with the establishment of larger rectilinear enclosures, and some of the earlier Iron Age enclosures continued in use. The stone footings of two structures were also noted, as well as other features such as a stone-lined well, a kiln and an oven. The mid to late Roman period saw the establishment of a very large rectangular enclosure, which encompassed much of the area. Early medieval activity comprised three small foci of settlement activity, with sunken feature buildings and associated pits and ditches noted in each.

<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.

<10> Tracey Preece, 2024, Post-Excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design for Buckton Fields, Northamptonshire November 2021 to March 2022 (Report). SNN116951.

Record last edited

Dec 2 2025 9:43AM