Monument record 726/0/113 - Roman features, Bickerstaffes Road Area

Observation of building development in the Bickerstaffes Road area in 1966 identified a number of Roman features.

{1} Initial trial trenches (1, 2 and 3) yielded dark and burnt layers, and the following finds: pottery sherds, 3rd century coins, roof and flue tiles, and loose dressed stone and tile. A very neat rectangular pit or post-hole was identified in the burnt layer.
Subsequently, observation of development identified a number of features including a rubbish pit containing 3rd-4th century coarse ware and bones of sheep and pig. Flat bottomed ditch, possibly a robber trench. Burial of two horses, apparently intrusive into C3rd level, but not otherwise datable. Human skeletal material, including skull, smashed by dagger. Female 40-50 years. P brooch in assoc, as far as could be identified. Footings of dressed stone of possible Romano-British building - found in association with pottery of 1st - 4th century AD.

{2} Romano-British occupational debris was found during August and September 1966 when roads and were being laid for a housing estate. There is strong evidence for a building nearby, but no direct evidence yet found. The Upper Nene Archaeological Society has been asked by the Towcester ROC to supervise any rescue work on the site.

<1> Smith D., 1967, Correspondence, (checked) (Letter). SNN47801.

<2> Brown A.E. (Editor), 1966, Bulletin of the Northamptonshire Federation of Archaeological Societies (Roman), p. 13 (Dennis Jackson, UNAS) (Article). SNN107200.

Record last edited

May 12 2023 12:21PM