Monument record 2590/0/24 - Late Iron Age pits

Excavations at the site of a proposed processing plant at the Elton Estate identified a small number of Iron Age pits.

{1} Archaeological excavation identified a small number of pits, some of which were dated to the Iron Age, with others remaining undated. Pit F2018 contained the only evidence of industrial activity onsite. It was an elongated sub-oval in shape with the long axis aligned east west. Its fill contained late Iron Age pottery, 1 piece of metal slag and unidentified pale/ mid grey, very light slag-type material full of air bubbles. At the western end of the feature were the remains of a possible crucible or some sort of kiln lining. 6 other pits were located in proximity to pit F2018 and may have been associated with an industrial process taking place there.

{4} Further analysis of the assemblage has found that the main residue was fuel ash slag. It would appear most unlikely that these remains are associated with iron smelting as no trace of tap slag was found and the fuel ash slag does not appear ot be associated with the kind of cindery material expected for iron smelting. No trace of any smelting furnace has been found either.

<1> Barlow, G., 2008, Proposed Processing Plant, Elton Estate, Northamptonshire: A 'Strip, Map and Sample' Archaeological Excavation Interim Site Narrative, p.14 (unchecked) (Report). SNN106249.

<2> Stone, Pip, 2008, A Beaker Burial and Iron Age droveways on the Elton Estate, Warmington, Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Note). SNN106232.

<3> Stone, Pip, 2008, Proposed Processing Plant, Elton Estate, Warmington, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Excavation Post Excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design, p.11 (unchecked) (Report). SNN106248.

<4> Stone, Pip, 2008, The Proposed Processing Plant, Elton Estate, Warmington, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Excavation Research Archive Report, (unchecked) (Report). SNN106247.

<5> Stone, Pip, 2015, A Beaker burial and Iron Age droveway on the Elton Estate, Warmington, p. 50 (Article). SNN110321.

Record last edited

Jun 19 2023 9:24AM