Monument record 9568/1 - Possible Roman-medieval planting beds, south-east of Navigation Cottage

A system of irregular, parallel gullies pre-dating the overlying ridge and furrow were identified during geophysical survey in 2016 and subsequently excavated during trial trench excavation in 2017. Pottery from the features dates to the 12th century, although similar features elsewhere have dated to the Roman period.

{2} Trial trench excavation undertaken in 2017 identified a number of irregular but parallel gullies aligned north-east to south-west. The gullies pre-dated the still upstanding medieval ridge and furrow and could be identified on the geophysical survey {1} results forming a block c 150m square. No pottery was found within the gully fills, but they could date from the Roman period to the earlier part of the medieval period. Similar 'planting beds' found elsewhere have dated to the Roman period and been interpreted as vineyards.

<1> Davies, R., 2016, Geophysical Survey Report: Rail Central, Milton Malsor, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN111831.

<2> Barton, T., 2018, Rail central, Milton Malsor, Northamptonshire: Archaeological evaluation, Summary report, p. 21-22, 53/Site 4 (Report). SNN111747.

Record last edited

Oct 9 2020 12:30PM