Monument record 2425/0/20 - Palaeochannel of the River Nene

{1} In the southern end of trench 8, below a depth of 2m, there was a deposit of dark grey black gravely and gritty silts representing the fill of a palaeochannel system. This was not bottomed due to flooding.

{2} Two lengths of river palaeochannel running roughly south to north and near parallel. Observation of the section along the northern side of the meadow showed inclined tip lines indicating that the channel had looped round to form the northern side of an oxbow channel. The two arms of the oxbow channel were 10-14m wide. A total depth was not established, however they are likely to have been at least 1.5m deep and perhaps more.
The uppermost 0.3-0.4m of the main channel fill comprised grey/black gritty silt containing numerous fresh water mollusc shells and scattered unworked wood debris. Above this there was 0.2m of fine clean yellow brown finely banded water deposited silts, which ran onto the eroded upper edge of the channel. A sample of hazel has been dated to 2550-2300 cal BC (68% confidence, 3930+/-60 BP, Beta-175257).

<1> Carlyle-Lancaster S.; Chapman A., 2001, Archaeological Evaluation At Stanwick Quarry, Northamptonshire, p.9 (checked) (Report). SNN101395.

<2> Chapman, A., 2004, Prehistoric palaeochannels and a ring ditch at Stanwick Quarry, Northamptonshire (watching brief 2002-2004) (Article). SNN112189.

<2> Chapman, A., 2004, Prehistoric palaeochannels and a ring ditch at Stanwick Quarry, Northamptonshire (watching brief 2002-2004), p.12-13 (checked) (Full Report). SNN105065.

<3> CBA South Midlands Group, 2003, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter (33), 33/55 (checked) (Journal). SNN103380.

Record last edited

Nov 13 2020 3:00PM