Monument record 5111/0/4 - Possible plough headlands

Two linear earthwork banks were recorded during the evaluation.

{1} Two linear earthwork banks were recorded during the evaluation. Trenches encountered layers of material which may suggest a build up of material over time, as opposed to deliberate deposition of the soils. In both instances the trenches in the immediate area do not suggest extraction of sufficient soil to create a bank, and it is thought that the earthworks may represent medieval or later headlands between the open fields of the pre-enclosure agricultural system.

It could be suggested that on further analysis of David Hall’s map of the parish of Overstone that there is more one phase of headland. A headland matches the eastern earthwork for a short stretch before it follows the current boundary between Fields 1 and 4. The mapped headland to the west does not match the existing earthwork.

{2} Trial trench excavation identified a number of ditches and pits, although many may have been of natural origin. The features followed the same alignment of an earthwork in the field to the north. This was believed to be of a medieval or later date based on pottery found in features beneath its bank material.

<1> Simmonds C., 2011, Archaeological Trial Trench Evaluation on Land at Overstone Leys, Overstone, Northamptonshire Phase 2, p.36 (checked) (Report). SNN107939.

<2> Fairclough, J, 2019, Geophysical survey and archaeological trial trench evaluation on land at Overstone Farm, Sywell Road, Overstone, Northamptonshire, April 2019 (Report). SNN112232.

Record last edited

Nov 26 2020 12:13PM