Monument record 1641/20 - Extra-mural settlement to the east of Irchester Roman town

Exploratory excavation to assess the impact of post-medieval/modern gardens associated with Chester House Farm on Roman remains identified a Roman side road with properties fronting both sides and burials.

{1} Archaeological excavation of the former orchard in order to assess the survival of archaeological remains. Hand cleaning of features was carried out, but little further investigation was undertaken. A side road was identified aligned approximately north to south; geophysical survey suggested the line of the road extends for another 75m further south, defined by ditch lines which at their southern end joined a perpendicular double ditch. At least three buildings were recorded fronting onto the road, but possibly as many as five or six. Two of the buildings had hearths cut into their floors. A possible well was also identified. At least one group of inhumations may have been 'back yard' burials.

{3} Two stone-lined wells were excavated on a community dig at Chester Farm. The wells were both 0.7m in diameter and between 3m and 4m deep. A substantial assemblage of 2nd-4th century Roman pottery and animal bone was recovered from both wells. Several small pieces of waterlogged wood were also recovered.

Oxford Archaeology (Cambridge), 2022, Images and Site Data from an Excavation at Chester Farm, Irchester, Northamptonshire 2016, https://doi.org/10.5284/1101055 (Digital archive). SNN115705.

<1> Meadows, I., 2013, Targeted Archaeological Excavations at Chester Farm, Irchester, Northamptonshire November 2012 (Report). SNN109458.

<2> Meadows, I, 2013, Archaeological Trial trenching within the former Kitchen Garden and supposed Deserted Medieval Hamlet at Chester Farm, Irchester, Northamptonshire, August 2013 (Report). SNN112981.

<3> Bush, L, 2017, Roman wells at Chester Farm, Irchester, Northamptonshire: Post-Excavation Assessment (Report). SNN114366.

Record last edited

Sep 4 2024 9:56AM