Monument record 9433 - Possible Romano-British farmstead, south of Harley Way

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Summary

Fieldwalking survey in 1982 identified a Roman pottery scatter. Subsquent archaeological investigation has found an area of late Iron Age and settlement dated to the 1st-2nd centuries. It comprised three large ditched enclosures constructed in two phases, as well as numerous quarry pits, postholes, a trackway and a limestone surface. A T-shaped corn drying oven and evidnce for secondary iron smithing were also found.

Map

Type and Period (7)

Full Description

{1} Geophysical survey identified a set of positive linear magnetic anomalies describing a number of rectilinear enclosures.

{2} Archaeological trial trench excavation identified a number of Romano-British ditches, a probable trackway and a single pit dating to the 1st and early 2nd centuries AD. The skeletal remains of a human baby were found at the top of the pit. However the general absence of artefacts and complete absence of fine pottery indicates that it was a low status rural farmstead represented by a number of overlapping enclosures.

{3} Excavation of the Roman site, which comprised a series of substantial rectilinear enclosures forming a multiphase system, with a small number of features associated with agricultural processing and possible industrial activity. A number of post-built structures were identified.
The earliest phase dated from the late Iron Age or 1st to 2nd centuries. The earliest, oval enclosure was replaced by a Roman rectilinear enclosure. A T-shaped corn dryer was identified in the later enclosure. Also found in the enclosure was a pit with a highly burnt fill and associated metal working slag.


<1> Butler, A. & Walford, J., 2011, Archaeological geophysical survey: Land east of Harley Way, Benefield, Northamptonshire, p.2 (checked) (Report). SNN108160.

<2> Walker, C., 2011, Archaeological evaluation of land at Harley Way, Benefield, Northamptonshire, p.7 (checked) (Report). SNN108163.

<3> Finn, C., 2017, Late Iron Age to early Roman settlement and medieval settlement at Harley Way, Benefield (Article). SNN110930.

<4> Finn, C., 2017, Late Iron Age to early Roman settlement and medieval settlement at Harley Way, Benefield (Article). SNN110930.

<5> Hall D.N., 1960-1999, Rockingham Forest Project: Archaeological Sites Recorded by David Hall (Database). SNN102279.

Sources/Archives (5)

  • <1> Report: Butler, A. & Walford, J.. 2011. Archaeological geophysical survey: Land east of Harley Way, Benefield, Northamptonshire. Northamptonshire Archaeology Fieldwork Reports. 11/178. Northants Archaeology. p.2 (checked).
  • <2> Report: Walker, C.. 2011. Archaeological evaluation of land at Harley Way, Benefield, Northamptonshire. Northamptonshire Archaeology Fieldwork Reports. 11/203. Northants Archaeology. p.7 (checked).
  • <3> Article: Finn, C.. 2017. Late Iron Age to early Roman settlement and medieval settlement at Harley Way, Benefield. Northamptonshire Archaeology. 39. Northamptonshire Arch Soc.
  • <4> Article: Finn, C.. 2017. Late Iron Age to early Roman settlement and medieval settlement at Harley Way, Benefield. Northamptonshire Archaeology. 39. Northamptonshire Arch Soc.
  • <5> Database: Hall D.N.. 1960-1999. Rockingham Forest Project: Archaeological Sites Recorded by David Hall. 10/02/2003. Rockingham Pr SMR.xls. Excel97 + Mapinfo files.

Finds (9)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Location

Grid reference Centred TL 00724 87970 (218m by 197m)
Civil Parish BENEFIELD, North Northamptonshire (formerly East Northants District)
Civil Parish OUNDLE, North Northamptonshire (formerly East Northants District)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Other Statuses/References

  • None recorded

Record last edited

Dec 7 2020 12:30PM

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