Monument record 4558/1 - Iron Age Enclosure

{1} The double-entrance to the enclosure was orientated south-west, unlike the majority of enclosed Iron Age settlements in the county which have entrances that are easterly orientated. The entrance to the west fits geographically with good views across the valley. Usually when enclosures do not face east, there are contextual interpretations available to explain the reason.
The enclosure ditch extension had a much wider entrance than the enclosure itself (4.89m compared to 2.45m). Perhaps the area enclosed by the outer ditch was used for storing/housing livestock (needing a wider entrance), and the inner enclosure used purely for domestic purposes. It is unknown if there was an internal enclosure bank. There were substantial quantities of ironstone fragments from the inner ditch, particularly at the ditch termini. This could be evidence for a stone revetment. If there were earthwork banks then the enclosed settlement would have been prominent in the landscape.

<1> Speed G., 2013, An Archaeological Excavation on Land to the West of South Meadow Road, Upton, Northamptonshire, p.57 (checked) (Report). SNN109336.

<2> Speed, G., 2015, A pit alignment, Iron Age settlement and Roman cultivation trenches west of South Meadow Road, Upton Northampton (Report). SNN110230.

Record last edited

Nov 7 2023 2:39PM