Monument record 3565 - Possible Iron Age/ Romano-British settlement, Spring Farm Ridge

Archaeological evaluation in 2011 identified a small number of Iron Age ditches. There were two main areas of Roman activity; to the west were probable enclosures and boundary systems, as well as a series of quarry pits and to the east the remains of a Romano-British building of modest status and associated activity were identified. Further evaluation in 2021 identified further Roman ditches, pits and a pond to the north-west. A number of cremation graves were also found, but not excavated.

{1} Geophysical survey of four proposed turbine bases and associated access roads was undertaken in 2010. The survey revealed two ditched enclosures as well as several other ditches and pits of probable Iron Age or Roman date.

{3} Archaeological trial trench excavation was undertaken in 2011. There was a single Iron Age ditch in the central part of the site, although other nearby undated ditches may also belong to this phase. There were two main areas of Roman settlement; to the west there were a number of probable enclosures and field boundaries as well as quarry pits. A road or trackway aligned north east to south west, had been constructed using crushed limestone as a bedding layer, with larger pieces of limestone laid over it and may have been used to transport quarried stone away from the site.

To the east there was evidence for a Roman building possibly dating to the 2nd century, although no features were excavated. The building remains comprised a number of stone walls indicating that it had at least two rooms, although the apparent core of the building lay beyond the excavated trenches. A possible hearth was also identified. Finds from nearby features, including a large quantity of tile (comprising tegula, imbrex and flue file) painted wall plaster and opus signinum, suggest a building of some status, perhaps a small villa.

{7} Archaeological trial trench excavation undertaken in 2021 found further Roman ditches, pits and a pond immediately to the north-west and south of the previous works. Cremation graves were also found in two adjacent trenches, possibly indicating the presence of a cremation cemetery. However, they were not excavated and are not dated. Only very small quantities of finds, including pottery, animal bone and a single possible nail, were recovered.

<1> Ladocha, J., 2010, Archaeological geophysical survey at Spring Farm, Ridge Wind Farm, Stuchbury, Greatworth, Northamptonshire, 2010, p.4 (checked) (Report). SNN107960.

<2> Walker, C., 2011, Interim report of an archaeological trial trench excavation at Spring Farm Ridge, Stutchbury, Northamptonshire, p.5 (checked) (Report). SNN108136.

<3> Walker, C., 2011, Archaeological trial trench excavation at Spring Farm Ridge, Stuchbury, Northamptonshire, 2011, 27 (checked) (Report). SNN108171.

<4> Horne B. (Editor), 2012, South Midlands Archaeology (42), 42/31 (checked) (Journal). SNN108346.

<5> Horne B. (Editor), 2011, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter (41), 41/30 (checked) (Journal). SNN108274.

<6> Chapman P. (Ed.), 2012, Archaeology in Northamptonshire, 2010, 37/199 (checked) (Article). SNN108374.

<7> Tuck, A, 2021, Land at Drovers Lane, Greatworth, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation (Report). SNN112849.

Record last edited

Sep 6 2024 9:12AM