Monument record 2807/0/1 - Roman farming, Whilton Sewage Works

Evaluation at Whilton Sewage Works found a series of linear features dated by a single sherd of Roman pottery. Subsequent excavation found that the features were of modern origin, although the five further sherds of pottery recovered possibly originate from Roman manuring regimes

{1} An archaeological evaluation comprising seven trial trenches within the footprint of the proposed extention to the existing sewage works. Archaeological remains were only found in the most northerly trench, located on the highest ground. Three shallow east to west ditches aligned roughly parallel, and less than 0.5m apart, were identified; one is dated by a single Roman pottery sherd.

{3} The excavation uncovered a series of modern linear features which may be wheel-ruts associated with the original landscaping and development of the site as a sewage treatment works. Within some of the ruts there were plastic pieces but also residual Roman pottery. The Roman material is likely to derive from manuring scatters implying a heavily farmed landscape surrounding a Roman settlement (farmstead) probably
located on the higher ground to the north-west of the sewage treatment works.

<1> Atkins R., 2010, Roman ditches at Whilton Sewage and Water Treatment Works, Whilton, Nr Daventry, Northamptonshire, 2010 (Report). SNN107890.

<2> Horne B. (Editor), 2012, South Midlands Archaeology (42) (Journal). SNN108346.

<3> Atkins, R., 2011, Roman Farming at Whilton Sewage and Water Treatment Works, Whilton Nr. Daventry, Northamptonshire: Excavation Report, June 2011 (Report). SNN110847.

Record last edited

Oct 5 2017 2:49PM