Monument record 3097/4 - Late Iron Age/early Roman iron working site

Archaeological evaluation identified several undated features within two trenches, all apparently associated with iron production. Subsequent excavation identified a rectilinear enclosure, trackway and a number of pits, including six ore roasting pits dating to the late Iron Age/early Roman period.

{1} In Trench 77 was part of an irregular pit with a deposit of charcoal in its base, which was interpreted as residue from a kiln or furnace. In the adjacent trench (105) was part of a feature that may have been part of an ore roasting pit or a hearth/oven. A badly truncated feature may have been the base of a hearth or oven.

{2} Archaeological excavation of the area around where the features were identified was undertaken in 2022. The excavation revealed the remains of a substantial rectilinear enclosure from which late Iron Age/early Roman pottery was recovered. Further ditches and a trackway delineated by two ditches were undated, but presumed to belong to the same phase. A number of pits contained iron slag, animal fragments and a residual struck flint. The truncated remains of six ore roasting pits were also found.
A single post-medieval ditch and pit were encountered within the north-western corner of the site. The pit was initially interpreted as an ore-roasting pit, but a radiocarbon date of between 1649 and 1922 cal AD and a mixed assemblage of charcoal from the fill suggests opportunistic gathering of firewood and exploitation of heathland environments.

<1> FELL D., 2006, Archaeological Evaluation: Land At Wakerley, Northamptonshire, 2006 (Report). SNN105689.

<2> Jones, G A, Mustchin, A R R & Richmond, A, 2022, Excavations at Wakerley Quarry, Area B, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN115355.

Record last edited

Aug 7 2023 12:59PM