Monument record 5130/1/10 - C2nd AD Rectilinear Enclosure With Internal Curvilinear Enclosure of Possible Structure

Series of rectilinear ditched enclosures

{2} Phase 2.2: expansion of the Romano-British settlement, C2nd AD.
A series of broadly rectilinear enclosures and boundaries were constructed on a north-east to south-west alignment, these marking the disuse of the earlier enclosures to the south-west. The area now formed part of a planned, unified system of enclosures and boundaries on the middle terrace of the south-facing slope. 57% of the contexts which contained pottery have been dated to the C2nd AD. This strongly suggests that this C2nd phase of expansion and redevelopment represents the main period of settlement use when activity was flourishing.
The unifying element of the landscape in this phase is a boundary aligned south-west to north-east. It is consistently dated to the C2nd AD and functions variously as a boundary and part of a series of rectilinear enclosures. The boundary was subsequently recut on the same lines, although in Area 2 it was partially segmented possibly to accommodate new access points in the enclosures.
Enclosure 14 was sub-rectangular in plan c.40m x 30m internally. Its northern limit was identified by the geophysical survey where it overlay the Iron Age boundary ditch sequence. Two sherds of later pottery came form this enclosure but are believed to be intrusive because of its stratigraphic position. The enclosure was re-cut twice, retracting slightly to the north-east.
Segmented, sub-circular Enclosure 15 was sited in the north-west corner of Enclosure 14. It was undated, but is tentatively phased here because of its spatial relationship with Enclosure 14. A single posthole was recorded in association with the discontinuous ditch, although no other structural elements were observed, its form and size suggests that it might have been associated with a structure.
Enclosure 17 lay to the south of 14, and like Enclosure 14 had been recut twice.

<1> Prentice J., 1999, An Archaeological Evaluation at Upton, Northampton (South-West District), April 1999, (unchecked) (Report). SNN63063.

<2> Muldowney L., 2012, Archaeological Excavation at Sites F & G, Weedon Road, Upton, Northamptonshire: Assessment Report and Updated Project Design, p.19-27 Fig.10 (checked) (Report). SNN109851.

Record last edited

Nov 28 2016 10:19AM