Monument record 1556/0/1 - Probable oval mid/late Saxon enclosure

Geophysical survey showed a large curvilinear anomaly up to 60m across. Subsequent evaluation indicated that it dated to the mid/late Saxon period.

{1} Geophysical survey was undertaken. Anomalies consisting of circular trends and pit-like responses were recorded. If the trends are what remains of an original circular enclosure the diameter would be approx 55m.

{2} Anomalies suggestive of partial remains of curvilinear ditches and pits could potentially represent a prehistoric enclosure, possibly a small settlement enclosure. Anomalies, possibly representing pits, were recorded within the curving ditch although no anomalies characteristic of structures such as roundhouses are observable.

{3} A trial trench excavation was undertaken. Ditches corresponding to the geophysical survey results were encountered in trenches 2 and 4, but there was a discrepancy of c8m between the anomaly and the location of the ditch in Trench 3. There was no artefactual material in the ditches in trenches 3 and 4, but the ditch in trench 2 contained sherds of mid/late Saxon pottery dateable to the 7th to 10th centuries, a fragment of an iron pin or bobbin and a metal fragment, possibly part of a bucket with mineralised wood fibres adhering to its surface. A wide range of animal bone was recovered as well as a fragment of barley. No internal features were observed.

<1> Wood, E., 2013, Geophysical Survey Report G1374: Mile Oak Farm, Towcester, Northamptonshire, p.3 (checked) (Report). SNN109801.

<2> Lucey, D., 2013, Mile Oak Farm, Towcester, Northamptonshire: Heritage Statement, p.16 (checked) (Report). SNN109745.

<3> James, P., 2014, Handley Park, near Abthorpe, Northamptonshire: Archaeological evaluation, p. 9 & 15 (Report). SNN110603.

<4> Brown, R., 2014, Handley Park, Abthorpe, Northamptonshire: Programme of Archaeological Observation Investigation, Recording, Analysis & Publication, 2014 (Report). SNN110943.

<5> Horne, B (editor), 2015, South Midlands Archaeology (45), p. 36 (Journal). SNN111358.

<6> Cotswold Archaeology, 2022, Site Data from an Archaeological Evaluation at Handley Park, Nr Abthorpe, Northamptonshire 2014, https://doi.org/10.5284/1100095 (Digital archive). SNN114234.

Record last edited

Dec 13 2024 10:26AM