Monument record 5642/0/1 - Post medieval/ modern field boundaries, north of Overstone Road

A sequence of ditches that formed a series of square enclosures probably dating from the late post-medieval period onwards

{1} The majority of the ditches identified during the evaluation were orientated north east - south west and probably comprised the remains of a field system. A small quantity of dating evidence was recovered from these features: 18th/ 19th century pottery and a thimble of 17th/ 18th century date. It is considered probable that the worked flint flake, Iron Age pottery and Romano-British pottery recovered from the ditches may be residual. However, it is also possible that some of the identified features may date to these periods. A number of the ditches cut both the subsoil and natural substrate horizons. It is considered probable that elements of the field system may date to the medieval or post medieval periods.

{3} The excavation revealed a sequence of ditches that cut into the medieval furrows and were positioned on a very similar alignment. The ditches formed a seris of square enclosures, c.40-45 x 35-37m. One of the field boundaries contained two sherds of residual 10th to 11th century pottery, which may have been introduced by manuring the open fields.
The square field system is quite unusual and the evidence confirms that it is of probable post medieval - modern date. It may reflect the changes in agricultural practice that were taking place in the region from the early 19th century onwards including new approaches to crop rotation and drainage. A cluster of 38 post holes contained modern finds and likely represent fence lines or a structure of modern date.

<1> Joyce, S., 2009, Land at Sandy Hill Lane, Moulton, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation, 2009, p.9 (checked) (Report). SNN108428.

<2> Horne B. (Editor), 2010, South Midlands Archaeology (40), 40/18 (checked) (Journal). SNN107083.

<3> Speed, G., 2012, An Archaeological Excavation at Sandy Hill Lane, Moulton, Northamptonshire, p.3-4 (checked) (Report). SNN108446.

<4> Bunn, D., 2009, Geophysical Survey: Land at Sandy Hill Lane, Moulton, Northamptonshire, (checked) (Report). SNN108457.

Record last edited

Feb 15 2023 9:10AM