Monument record 8758 - Iron Age/Roman settlement, north of A14

Geophysical survey identified a series of intersecting enclosures of varying forms that most likely date to the Iron Age or Roman period. Iron Age and Roman pottery and a small number of worked flints found in this area during fieldwalking. Trial Trench evaluation proved the findings of the geophysical surveys interpretations. However the evaluation highlighted that there were multiple phases of activity as indicated by many of the ditches were intercutting. This suggests that there was a long period of occupation and further work would be needed to understand these enclosures. Summary from record 9451/0/0: Roman pottery recovered during fieldwalking survey. A few sherds of Iron Age pottery were also found.

{1} Settlement (significant find scatter). A few sherds of Iron Age material as well, shelly and scored. Also 12 flints from SP79718026.

{2} In 2023, geophysical survey identified a complex series of intersecting enclosures of varying forms. Within the enclosure ditches, there is evidence of multiple roundhouses and internal divisions. There is evidence of intense pitting both within and around the enclosures. These are likely to be a mixture of rubbish and storage pits, plus large postholes. The report suggests that from the composition of the settlement activity, it is likely that this site can be dated to the Iron Age or Roman period.

{3} Trial Trench evaluation proved the findings of the geophysical surveys interpretations, however the evaluation highlighted that there were multiple phases of activity as indicated by many of the ditches were intercutting. This suggests that there was a long period of occupation. A complex of ditched enclosures and boundaries represented multiple phases of activity, together with an area of at least 1.1ha. The earliest activity is Iron Age in date and includes a large D-shaped enclosure, defined by boundary ditches within which were several sub-circular enclosures interpreted as ring ditches. Associated with the enclosure system were numerous pits and at least one posthole, concentrated within and around the sub‑circular enclosures. Several pits contained structured or deliberate infill, suggesting domestic refuse disposal. A small rectangular enclosure of Roman date was also identified to the south of the main Iron Age complex, defined by an L‑shaped ditch and interpreted as a later reorganisation of the landscape during the Roman period.

<1> Hall D.N., 1960-1999, Rockingham Forest Project: Archaeological Sites Recorded by David Hall, Rothwell/Site 3 (unchecked) (Database). SNN102279.

<2> Adam Meadows; Chris Manktelow, 2023, Archaeological Geophysical Survey at Nunnery Farm, Rothwell, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN115896.

<3> Chris Pennell, 2025, Archaeological trial trench evaluation on land at Nunnery Farm, Rothwell, Northamptonshire, September - December 2024 (Report). SNN116990.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2026 10:03AM