Monument record 773/1 - Mid-late Iron Age settlement, Burwell Farm

Archaeological trial trench excavation in 2013 revealed an area of mid-late Iron Age settlement activity on the higher ground north of the River Ouse. Large boundary ditches, a probable roundhouse and possible evidence for weaving structures were identified. Subsequent excavation adjacent to Turweston Road has identified further enclosures, a roundhouse and post-built structure. Early Saxon pits were also identified during the evaluation stage.

{1} Geophysical survey in 2012 identified a number of positive anomalies of possible archaeological origin. These comprise linear and area anomalies that may represent cut ditches and pits. One of the main areas of possible interest was at the north-western corner of the surveyed area.

Subsequent trial trench excavation in 2013 identified a cluster of features dating to the mid-late Iron Age in the northern part of the site, with the density of archaeological features decreasing as the ground sloped down to the south-east. A large re-cut ditch aligned east to west and identified in two trenches may have defined the northern limit of the area of settlement. Two probable beamslots were identified in a dense cluster of archaeological features. The beamslots were parallel and at least 1.4m long. One was excavated and large fragments of limestone had been laid across the base of the feature. A fragment of Iron Age bone weaving comb was recovered from the fill overlying the limestone. The beamslots were interpreted as possible weaving structures. Further ditches, pits and postholes were also identified including a possible fence-line. Settlement activity extended to the eastern side of the site; archaeological remains were more extensive here than suggested by the geophysical survey. A possible curvilinear enclosure was identified, as well as further gulllies, pits and postholes.

An area of pitting located at the western side of the site and suggested by the geophysical survey was targeted by one trench- two similar pits were recorded. The southermnmost pit contained an unusual group of finds, including a small iron knife blade, severely burnt pottery and infant human bones, that have been dated to the early Saxon period; may be evidence of deliberate structured deposition.

{3} An archaeological excavation was undertaken on an area of land, 0.3ha in size, immediately south of Turweston Road. Remains related to the middle to late Iron Age settlement comprised as many as six ditched enclosures, a possible roundhouse and nine post-built structures as well as storage pits, quarry pits and clusters of small pits and postholes.

<1> Harvey, J., 2013, An archaeological evaluation at Burwell Farm, Turweston Road, Brackley, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN111464.

<2> Crank, N. (Editor), 2019, South Midlands Archaeology (49), p. 66 (Journal). SNN111755.

<3> Durman, J and King, A, 2023, Land adjacent to The Butts, Turweston Road, Brackley, Northamptonshire: Archaeological mitigation (Report). SNN115352.

<4> Crank, N. (Editor), 2023, South Midlands Archaeology (53), P. 53 (Journal). SNN116414.

Record last edited

Feb 25 2025 8:12PM