Monument record 4720 - Site of mid-late Iron Age Settlement, south-west of Roade

A subrectangular enclosure was identified as a cropmark by aerial photography (4720/0/1). Subsequent geophysical survey and trial trench excavation have identified associated Iron Age features. MOLA undertook excavations that targeted these areas in 2020-21.

{1} Trial trench excavation identified Iron Age features in three adjacent trenches. Ditches corresponding to two probable enclosures were identified, as well as a number of other ditches and pits. Later-middle and late Iron Age pottery was recovered from many of the features.

{2} - Subsequent excavations targeted the trial trench areas at Roade Bypass in 2023. There were two Iron Age trackways which were both defined by a metalled surface. 32 sherds of late Iron Age were recovered from these trackways. A fragment from a copper-alloy teret from a cart or chariot was recovered from the trackway. To the east was part of an Iron Age enclosure system that demonstrated evidence of modification. Over eighty sherds of loosely dated Iron Age pottery were recovered from this enclosure (600BC to 40AD). There were at least two circular structures that have been defined as roundhouses. One of the roundhouses looked to be positioned within the possible opening on the southern side of the enclosure and may therefore reflect a different phase of activity. There was a total of 92 postholes recorded. Several of these appeared to define a four-post structures that usually interpreted as above-ground storage cereals. Eight sherds of Iron Age pottery and animal bone were recovered. A total of 56 pits were also identified, five of which were clay-lined, seventeen were identified as storage pits, three had evidence for possible industrial activity and one pit contained an animal burial. A high quantity of Iron Age pottery was recovered (835 sherds). The pits also contained several other finds such as a loomweight, a bone tool and pieces of Iron and copper alloy. One of the pits contained the articulated remains of a dog along with 20 sherds of Iron Age pottery.

<1> Kleisoura, E,, 2018, Junction 15 M1: Roade Bypass, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation (Report). SNN111348.

<2> J. Elston, T. Preece, A. Rojek, A. Shipley, 2023, Archaeological mitigations on land between Courteenhall, Milton Malsor and Blisworth and Roade Bypass, Northamptonshire. Assessment Report and Updated Project Design (Report). SNN115905.

Record last edited

Mar 4 2025 4:58PM