Monument record 1361/0/7 - Geological features, initially interpreted as probable Iron Age/Roman enclosures

Geophysical survey revealed an area of potential enclosures, ditches and pits thought likely to date to the Iron Age/Roman periods. A single sherd of Samian ware was discovered on the field surface. Subsequent trial trench evaluation found the anomalies were due to geological processes

{1} Two parallel linear anomalies run westwards from the eastern boundary and others run perpendicular to these, forming an approximate grid pattern. These anomalies are likely to represent a series of ditches defining small rectangular enclosures. To their west is a curvilinear anomaly that may represent the partial remains of a D-shaped enclosure. Just north of this is an almost square shaped linear anomaly that may represent a smaller ditched enclosure with a possible entranceway to the east. A potential pit is located north of the rectilinear anomaly, appearing as a small black square shaped
anomaly in the data. During the survey a sherd of Roman Samian ware pottery was found on the surface in this area.

{2} The anomalies recorded by the geophysical survey coincided with a dry valley. The anomalies related to changes in the geological conditions comprising the build-up of alluvium/colluvium at the valley base. Hand-dug sections through these deposits confirmed their natural origins.

<1> Meadows, A., 2015, Archaeological geophysical survey on land east of London Road, Little Irchester, Northamptonshire, December 2015, p. 3 (Report). SNN110474.

<2> Jones, C., 2016, Archaeological evaluation on land east of London Road, Little Irchester, Northamptonshire, May 2016, p. 7 (Report). SNN110721.

<3> Horne, B (editor), 2016, South Midlands Archaeology (46), p. 42 (Journal). SNN111326.

<4> Crank, N. (Editor), 2017, South Midlands Archaeology (47), p. 42 (Journal). SNN111362.

Record last edited

Aug 23 2021 12:43PM