Monument record 808/0/6 - Possible medieval settlement

Archaeological evaluation identified a small number of medieval features initially interpreted as an enclosure, but possibly discrete boundary ditches.

{1} Geophysical survey identified a group of probable archaeological anomalies in the north western corner of this field. One curving linear anomaly appears to define part of a ditched enclosure, measuring c50m across, which extends north-westwards beyond the limit of the survey area. To its east there are two linear anomalies, suggestive of further ditches, and a small and indistinct anomaly, c6m in diameter, which possibly indicates the site of a roundhouse. The morphology of the features suggested an iron Age date.

{2} Trial trench evaluation carried out across the site identified archaeological features. While some corresponded to the results of the geophysical survey, more were identified. Trench 4 contained the largest number of archaeological features; three ditches and three gullies were present. Pottery from the features dated to the 11th to 15th centuries. One of the ditches may correspond to an enclosure identified by the geophysical survey, although it appears to represent a composite of archaeological and natural features rather than a single discrete feature. Might be related to activity at the Old Priory (808/0/2). Further features, which may be natural in origin, were identified in Trench 5, but which appear to correspond to the enclosure.
In Trench 11, there was a large medieval ditch cut by a smaller post-medieval ditch on the same alignment. Borders an area of ridge and furrow, so may be associated with the open field system of the township. The earlier ditch was 7.0m wide and 0.70m deep, the later ditch was at least 3.0m and up to 0.4m deep.

{3} The curving medieval ditch identified by the trial trench evaluation may correspond to a distinct curving earthwork visible on lidar imagery.

<1> Walford, J and Davey, G., 2014, Archaeological geophysical survey of land west of New Street, Weedon, Northamptonshire March to August 2014, p. 3 (Report). SNN110109.

<2> Boismier B., 2014, An archaeological evaluation on land at Farthingstone Road, Weedon, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN110144.

<3> Environment Agency, LIDAR Composite DTM - 1m, Accessed 28/07/2026 (Digital Plots). SNN111710.

Record last edited

Jul 28 2026 4:26PM