Monument record 6614/1 - Late Iron Age, Roman and medieval settlement, Wood Burcote

Archaeological investigations have identified a truncated Iron Age enclosure, which was succeeded by a defined area of Roman activity dating to the 1st to 3rd century AD that included buildings associated with malting and grain preparation, possibly for brewing. It seems likely that the core of the settlement comprised a villa or high status farmstead lying beyond the excavation area to the north-west. To the east an inhumation was identified during trial trench excavation; further possible grave cuts were observed but not investigated further. In the medieval period a possible kitchen range or brew/malting house was constructed in the same location as the Roman structures, possibly part of Wood Burcote Manor.

{2} Trial trench evaluation identified features of Roman date which included ditches, pits, and a possible post built structure. In the easternmost trench part of an inhumation burial and an upturned partial pot dating to the late Iron Age or Roman period was cleaned but left in situ. Further grave-shaped features were observed in the trench but not investigated further. A stone spread could represent a medieval house platform, or the floor make up and wall footing of a building of Roman date.

The pottery sherds recovered were generally large and unworn, with the largest assemblages belonging to the middle Roman period, although earlier and later periods were also represented. The presence of amphorae and samian ware sherds, suggest good access to trade routes and when taken with the presence of roof tile and box flue tile suggest a settlement of medium to high status.

{3} Further trial excavation in 2014 identified further ditches of Roman date.

{4} Archaeological excavation was undertaken in several areas along Burcote Road prior to development in 2016. A truncated Iron Age enclosure, succeeded by a defined area of Roman settlement of 1st to 3rd century date comprising a post-built fence, malting oven, rectangular building of indeterminate purpose and possible granary, were located on a ridge of high ground situated next to ponds, natural springs and marshy ground. There were attempts at cultivation and grain drying in the early Roman period, largely abandoned by the 3rd century AD. Remains peripheral to the main area of medieval occupation were also located on this ridge of higher ground, but largely abandoned by the 15th century.

<1> Cooper, A., 2013, Geophysical Survey Report: Wood Burcote Court, Towcester (Report). SNN111410.

<2> Mumford, J., 2013, Wood Burcote Court, Towcester, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation Report (Report). SNN111411.

<3> Oxford Archaeology, 2014, Wood Burcote Court Phase 2, Towcester, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation Report (Report). SNN111412.

<4> Crank, N. (Editor), 2018, South Midlands Archaeology (48), p. 68 (Journal). SNN111393.

<5> Horne B. (Editor), 2014, South Midlands Archaeology (44), p. 50-1 (Journal). SNN109842.

<6> Porter, S & Finn, C, 2017, Archaeological mitigation excavation on land at Wood Burcote Court, Towcester, Northamptonshire; Assessment Report and Updated Project Design, January-August 2016 (Report). SNN112621.

<7> Scott, E., 1993, A gazetteer of Roman villas in Britain, p. 148, NH 113 (Monograph). SNN110345.

Record last edited

Feb 25 2025 8:14PM