Monument record 1168/0/37 - Former area of medieval/post-medieval settlement and road, Wicken

Geophysical survey and aerial photography suggest the possible continuation of Cross Tree Road. To the south of the road a number were a number of probable former buildings

{1} Geophysical survey identified a northwest – southeast aligned orientation band of high resistance which is likely to be the remains of an old road. It is on the same alignment as the current road to the east and matches a line indicated on early maps. To the south of the purported road are a number of high resistance anomalies which may suggest areas of rubble associated with roadside buildings. This interpretation must be viewed with care as other causes, such as topography, can produce the same responses.

{2} A series of what appear to be tofts and crofts were observed on aerial photographs north of the stream and are shown on the 1717 map alongside an east to west road. No visible earthworks of these survive. Test pits 62 and 69 produced small quantities of modern, post medieval and medieval pottery.

A possible metalled surface composed of mid brown silty clay with limestone fragments was identified. This deposit was probably used to create a yard surface or to consolidate the ground surface close to the river. Fifteen sherds of medieval pottery were recovered including three sherds of 10th - 12th century St Neots ware, suggesting early medieval activity in the area.

<1> GSB Prospection Ltd, 2006, Wicken, Northamptonshire: Geophysical Survey Report, p.2 (checked) (Report). SNN106394.

<2> WESSEX ARCHAEOLOGY, 2008, Wicken, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation and Assessment of Results, p.9 (checked) (Report). SNN106395.

Record last edited

Jul 8 2021 2:07PM