Monument record 9077 - Late Iron Age/Romano-British Settlement, Collingtree

Archaeological investigations ahead of residential development, comprising geophysical survey and trial trench evaluation followed by excavation, identified a settlement originating in the middle Iron Age. There was a peak of activity during the early/mid Roman period but the settlement was in decline by the later Roman period. The settlement appears to have been focused around two springheads. A timber-lined tank was constructed at the lower springhead [see individual records for more details]. A drying oven and a possible workshop area associated with multiple oven-type features were also found.

{1} Significant cluster of Roman pottery identified during fieldwalking survey at c SP7450 5655.

{2}A geophysical survey was carried out on the proposed development site by Northamptonshire Archaeology in the winter of 2013. One of the sites identified by the survey was an extensive, multi-phased, enclosure complex which covers at least 3ha. Within the enclosures are a few small positive anomalies which may represent pits or pockets of magnetically enhanced material (eg ceramics or burnt soil). The site probably had its origins in the Iron Age and continued to be occupied into the Romano-British period.

{3} Archaeological trial trench excavation investigated the late Iron Age to early Romano-British enclosure complex. The evaluation identified at least two overlapping settlement layouts comprising a sub-circular enclosure with possible ancillary ditches and a north-west to south-east aligned series of rectilinear enclosures with evidence for maintenance and minor modification. The relationship between the two was not clarified, although morphologically the sub-circular enclosure is more likely to have later Iron Age origins and the rectilinear enclosures Roman origins. The presence of roof tiles and brick/floor tile as well as painted wall plaster, from one trench in particular indicates that there was a substantial building in the vicinity.
There was a hiatus in occupation from the mid 2nd century to the mid 3rd century AD, with only limited activity subsequently.

{4} Archaeological excavation of the area of settlement was undertaken prior to residential development. The earliest activity was a cluster of intercutting pits that had been truncated by a mid to late Iron Age ditch. Pieces of worked flint were found in the pit fills. Charred hazelnut fragments were found in one of the pits. Subsequently, during the middle to late Iron Age, settlement was defined by a series of enclosures and associated features including a large oval enclosure that was 57m long and 35m wide with an open east side. Part of a rectilinear enclosure was also found along with short lengths of ditch and a small number of pits. The oval enclosure was maintained into the late Iron Age/early Roman period but the area surrounding it was redefined with new boundaries and a trackway was located on its north-east side. Two springheads, located to the north-east of the oval enclosure, were first utilised during this phase. During the early Roman period, the oval enclosure was replaced by a rectilinear enclosure system. There was greater sub-division of space in this period with at least nine enclosures , two industrial foci and two trackways. The springheads were modified, with a stone and timber structure placed over the lower springhead. The upper springhead had an associated pit with a cobbled surface surrounding it. Placed almost centrally within one of the enclosures was a T-shaped drying oven. A small post-built structure may have been located immediately to the west. A highly truncated inhumation burial was also found. During the middle Roman period, many of the sub-divisions were removed creating a large enclosure, with the drying oven remaining in use at the east. Further industrial features included a 'workshop' area containing at least three oven-type features. In the late Roman period, activity declined considerably. There was limited redefinition of enclosures, an articulated cow burial and the remnants of a limestone flag surface.

<1> Unknown, 1994, Fieldwalking at the proposed extension to Collingtree Golf Course, 1994 (Note). SNN111071.

<2> Walford J., 2013, Archaeological Geophysical Survey of Land to the North West of Collingtree, Northampton January - February 2013, p.4 (checked) (Report). SNN109640.

<3> Muldowney L., 2013, Archaeological Evaluation on Land at Collingtree, Northampton April-May 2013, (checked) (Report). SNN109167.

<4> Simmonds, C, and Preece, T, 2024, Archaeological mitigation on land at Collingtree Park, Northampton, Northamptonshire: Post-Excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design (Report). SNN117119.

Record last edited

Jun 24 2026 8:52AM