Monument record 4563/0/2 - Undated cremation burial, Cattle End

Archaeological observation during the construction of a new arena identified an undated human cremation and pit.

{1} A small patch of charcoal and burnt bone measuring approx 0.3m-0.38m in diameter was identified as a cremation burial. The irregularly cut pit was approx 0.09m deep with steeply cut sides falling to a flattened base. The fill comprised grey-black sandy loam containing numerous charcoal flecks and samll fragments of burnt human bone.
The skeletal remains represent one incomplete individual who has been placed in a high temperature, well oxygenated pyre. The bones were placed directly in the ground or within a perishable container that has since vanished. The incompleteness of the remains suggests that wither some remains have not survived or that the deposit was incomplete at the time of burial. As a resuly it is not possible to age or sex the individual confidently.

A pit was also found, approx circular in plan, 0.7m in diameter and 0.3m deep with steep sides falling to a rounded base. The fill contained fragments of unworked flint and charcoal flecks.

<1> Leigh, D.J., 2012, The Excavation of a Human Cremation on Land at 33 Cattle End, Silverstone, Northamptonshire May-June 2012, p.8,11 (checked) (Report). SNN108432.

Record last edited

Jan 18 2019 10:13AM