Monument record 7526/1 - Probable late Neolithic/early Bronze Age round barrow, south of Kings Meadow Lane

Round barrow intially identified as a cropmark on aerial photographs and subsequently subject to archaeological investigation. The remains were heavily plough-truncated and only the two-phase ring ditch remained. A small centrally-placed pit had been very disturbed by modern ploughing but contained occasional fragments of charcoal and burnt bone, probably human. Area now developed

{1} Cropmark identified in 1982 of a possible ring ditch, very faint. G Foard (25/08/1982); NCCAP:SP9569/36;

{3} Archaeological evaluation in 2000 identified two segments of a previously suspected ring ditch, both of which were recut.

{4} The two-phase ring ditch was more fully excavated later in 2000. The remains were plough-truncated, with no preservation of associated soil horizons. Each excavated section section showed a recut, largely following the course of the original ditch, but in most sections lay towards the inside edge of the original cut. The recut contained pottery of uncertain prehistoric date, but most likely to date to the Middle Bronze Age. Several features were located in the area enclosed by the ring ditch, two of which displayed the characteristics of cremation burials. One of these small pits was centrally located and had been very disturbed by modern ploughing with the remains of the possible cremation deposit scattered beyond its definable limits. The fill of the pit contained occasional fragments of charcoal and burnt bone, probably human, that suggest it may have held the remains of a cremation deposit.

<1> FOARD G.R., 1982, ORAL REPORT TO SMR, (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN50902.

<2> Foard G.; Richardson D., 1983, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1982 (Aerial Photography), p180 Higham (Checked) (Notes). SNN100412.

<3> Lacey M., 2000, Kings Meadow Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, Archaeological Evaluation Report (Report). SNN101217.

<4> Lawrence , S & Smith, A, 2009, Between Villa and Town: Excavations of a Roman roadside settlement and shrine at Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, p. 18-19 (Monograph). SNN111386.

<5> Bedford Borough Council HER, Undated, Bedford Borough NMP, MD003015 (Archive). SNN113023.

Record last edited

Feb 5 2025 7:32PM