Monument record 1641/13 - Possible Roman cemetery, Irchester Roman Town

A small number of early-mid 4th century inhumations were identified during archaeological investigations to the north-west of the town. The inhumations may be part of a larger cemetery

{1} Lying over, and in some instances cut into, the ironstone were ten human inhumations whose levels of preservation varied considerably. The presence of early 4th century pottery sherds, a coin dating to the first half of the 4th century and the relatively uniform east-west orientation of the majority of the burials is suggestive of an early-mid 4th century date. Skeletal analysis suggests that the physiology is fairly standard for the Roman period. It has, however, been suggested that the occurrence of anomalous bone growth inside the skull of burial 10 may be indicative of meningitis. Perhaps significantly, elements of this individual's burial differ from the others. Ins south - north orientation is one of only two that do not conform to the prevailing east-west orientation and may be connected with superstition about the symptoms of disease.

Examination of the previous grophysical survey suggests that the burials occupy the north west corner of a larger, subcircular enclosure with a linear pathway connecting its northeastern corner with the edge of the town. As such the excavated burials could be part of a much larger cemetery.

<1> Mason P., 2006, An Archaeological Watching Brief and Excavation North-West of Irchester Town, Northamptonshire, p.18 (checked) (Report). SNN105731.

<1> Mason P., 2006, An Archaeological Watching Brief and Excavation North-West of Irchester Town, Northamptonshire, pp.4-5 (checked) (Report). SNN105731.

Record last edited

Nov 27 2018 11:51AM