Monument record 726/0/167 - Possible Roman plot boundary

A line of substantial post-pits and a parallel ditch probably enclosed the compound or plot of an affluent Romanised household, perhaps fronting onto Watling Street to the east prior to the construction of the defences in the 2nd century

{1} It was only in the eastern half of Area A that there were any features clearly dating to the late 1st or early 2nd centuries AD. These were dominated by a series of linear boundaries running parallel to Watling Street. The westernmost feature was a ditch and adjacent line of substantial postholes forming a boundary that was about 25m long.

It is possible that this was the rear boundary for a property that fronted onto Watling Street, forming a plot that was about 100m long, perhaps four times its width.

Further ditches aligned perpendicular to Watling Street may also have been plot boundaries and may be tentatively equated to plot boundaries found to the east on the Former Cinema site.

<1> Thompson, A. & Chapman, P., 2013, Roman settlement and Burial at Water Lane, Towcester, Northamptonshire Excavations 1997-98 (Report). SNN108517.

<2> Thompson, A. & Chapman, P., 2013, Roman settlement and Burial at Water Lane, Towcester, Northamptonshire Excavations 1997-98 Appendices (Report). SNN108519.

Record last edited

Oct 19 2017 12:04PM