Monument record 1513/1 - Possible Iron Working Sites Along The Willow Brook, Undated

Geophysical survey identified a number of potential ironworking sites. Iron slag was also noted on the field surface

{1} Few magnetic anomalies of possible archaeological origin are noted in the southern two thirds of the survey area. However, scatters of tap slag were observed on the surface of the fields north of Weldon Park, the highest concentrations in the areas of detailed survey Blocks 1-5, although lighter concentrations were also noted within Blocks 6-9. Data from Blocks 1-5 show background disturbance and dipolar magnetic anomalies consistent with the presence of concentrations of slag. Larger discrete dipolar anomalies may identify iron smelting furnaces. A curvilinear ditch spatially associated with the smelting debris is identified in Block 1.
A linear area of magnetic enhancement in Block 3 defines a former field boundary; significant amounts of ferrous or thermoremanent debris appears to have been dumped or accumulated in or adjacent to this boundary.
Three discrete anomalies in Block 9 may identifiy iron smelting furnaces, however the readings are very strong which might indicate that the ferrous objects are of relatively modern origin.
Although the geophysical survey has suggested that iron smelting occurred in the north of the Phase 1 survey are, and with the exception of the curvilinear anomaly in Block 1, anomalies suggesting the presence of infilled features spatially associated with the iron smelting debris are absent.
No pot sherds were noted on the surface during the fieldwork and the period during which iron smelting residue accumulated cannot be inferred.

<1> Hancock A., 2005, Phase 1 Geophysical Survey: Land East of Weldon, Corby Northamptonshire, 2005, p.12 (checked) (Report). SNN109963.

Record last edited

Jun 18 2018 2:12PM