Monument record 2514/3 - Site of probable Iron Age/Roman settlement

Extensive area of enclosures and associated features identified by geophysical survey. It comprises the northern end of a 'ladder settlement' of probable Roman date. It exhibits the typical rectangular layout, with a semi-regular patter of ditches defining plots of land on either side of a central trackway.

{1} Geophysical survey identified an area of settlement comprising the northern end of a 'ladder settlement' of probable Roman date. It exhibits the typical rectangular layout, with a semi-regular patter of ditches defining plots of land on either side of a central trackway. A few of the anomalies do not fit this overall plan and may be of a different phase.

Other archaeological features may include large pits and possibly kilns/ovens. Towards the north-west of the settlement a small group of negative linear anomlies may represent the footings of a building.

{2} Archaeological trial trench excavation was undertaken in 2018-2019. Residual pottery found in later features suggests that the settlement probably originated in the later Iron Age, with identifiable activity beginning in the 1st-2nd centuries AD when the outer boundary of the settlement was defined. The pottery recovered indicates that settlement occupation continued into the late 4th century-early 5th century AD, associated with modifications to the settlement layout. Both the outer boundary ditch and the central trackway, which divided the settlement in half, showed evidence of maintenance.

No evidence for the large pits indicated by the geophysical survey was found, and there was only limited evidence for industrial/craft activities, with the recovery of a single kiln bar. Other than smal quantities of roof tile, there was no direct evidece for any stone-founded buildings, although there was a larger quantity of stone in the topsoil.

<1> Walford, J, 2017, Archaeological geophysical survey of the proposed Rushden Eastern SUE development site, Northamptonshire, September 2016 to August 2017, p. 7-8 (Report). SNN112344.

<2> Newman, J, 2019, Land East of Rushden (SUE) Rushden Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation, September 2019 (Report). SNN112343.

Record last edited

Apr 23 2025 6:43PM