Monument record 2579/0/1 - Possible Romano-British Cultivation Trenches

A series of at least eight parallel trenches thought to be cultivation trenches of some form. Only a small amount of Iron Age pottery was recovered, but this may have been residual.

{1} A series of (at least) eight parallel trenches, orientated east-west (up/downslope) and ranging in length from 21m to 40m. They were confined between two further parallel north-south ditches: [202] on the west-side (89m long), and [215] on the east-side (c.83m long). Six of the east-west ditches terminated just before ditch [202], and the remaining two joined the ditch and appear to have been contemporary features. The eastern end of the east-west gullies saw much variation; none joined or got close to the north-south ditch [215].
Most of the ditches were steep-sided (almost vertical), with a flat base, two having far more gradual sides, were much shallower and may have suffered from more plough truncation. No post-holes were located in the excavated slots, although in one excavated section ironstone in the base of the trench may be evidence for postpacking. The gap between trenches varied between eight and 16 metres.
A further set of ditches were located to the east of north-south ditch [215]. A north-south ditch was positioned on the same alignment as [215], and may have been part of the same boundary. Ditches [78] and [63] were orientated east-west and were of very similar dimensions to the other parallel ditches.
Two further ditches were located in the far south of the excavated area. Both were on the same alignment as the main area of parallel ditches, and were of similar dimensions. These could be part of the same parallel ditch system located to the north.
Dating the construction and use of the ‘parallel trenches’ is limited to 26 sherds of Iron Age pottery, four pieces of lithic debitage, and animal bone fragments, all from the backfill. The parallel ditches were later than the Iron Age pit alignment and earlier than the medieval ridge and furrow. Stylistically, these could be Roman in date. The function of these ditches is uncertain; they could have been used as cultivation / irrigation trenches.

Wiseman, R, Brewer, E, Luxford, R, Losh, J, Roberts, M, Jackson-Slater, C, & Boulton, A, 2020, Archaeology on Furlough: Roman Planting Trenches in the East of England (Report). SNN116499.

<1> Speed G., 2013, An Archaeological Excavation on Land to the West of South Meadow Road, Upton, Northamptonshire, p.30 (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

Jul 23 2024 1:05PM