Monument record 1978 - Middle/late Iron Age settlement

Settlement which originated in the middle Iron Age with a small sub-square enclosure and boundary ditch. This was superceded by a large, ditched enclosure within which were two smaller enclosures. Animal remains suggest horses might have been reared on site.

{1} Geophysical survey found evidence of an east-west aligned positive anomaly which may indicate a ditch, although it was unclear if it was part of a larger feature.

{2} It is difficult to interpret the later Iron Age archaeology seen in this area, as only three ditches, a single pit and three possible postholes were recorded. However, it is clear that the large curving boundary ditch was part of an enclosure. The small number of features suggests either smaller scale, or shorter lived, activity.

{3} Archaeological excavation, undertaken as two separate phases in 2020 and 2021 identified middle and late Iron Age settlement. It appears to have originated in the middle iron Age period with the creation of a small sub-square enclosure and probable boundary ditches, which were superceded by a large sub-square enclosure, within which were two D-shaped enclosures on its western side. Several curvilinear ditches may have been roundhouse ring gullies. A large lump of clayey material found in the terminal of one and has been interpreted as the possible remains of an oven. The larger enclosure showed evidence of recutting as did the more southerly of the D-shpaed enclosures. One of the phases may have incorporated the use of stonework. An unfused femur of a foal and a small quantity of roasted iron ore were found in one of the enclosure terminals. An unfuised horse pelvis was found in the northern enclosure ditch and two fragments of human bone were found in one of the ditch terminals. Groups of pits and postholes, some of which may form fence-lines and/or four-post granaries were also identified.

<1> Butler A., 2010, Archaeological geophysical survey on land east of Kettering, Northamptonshire, p. 6 (Report). SNN107967.

<2> Gilmour, N., 2012, Land east of Kettering, Phase A: Archaeological evaluation, 2012, p. 53 (Report). SNN110464.

<3> Clarke, G & Lewis, T, 2023, Plots R20, R21b and DC3, Land East of Kettering, Northamptonshire: Excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design (Report). SNN114952.

Record last edited

Mar 29 2023 2:58PM