Monument record 7558/0/2 - Roman enclosures, north-east of the M1
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Summary
Evaluation confirmed a later Roman settlement comprising a large rectilinear enclosure with subdivisions and a droveway, with evidence of a roundhouse and domestic activity indicated by pottery from enclosure ditches.
Map
Type and Period (8)
- DITCHED ENCLOSURE (Roman - 43 AD? to 409 AD?)
- SETTLEMENT (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
- TRACKWAY (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
- RECTILINEAR ENCLOSURE (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
- BOUNDARY DITCH (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
- ROUND HOUSE (DOMESTIC) (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
- DITCH (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
- FARMSTEAD? (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
Full Description
{1} Geophysical survey was undertaken in 2020 along the route of a proposed water pipeline. A number of linear anomalies and possible partial enclosures were identified at the south-eastern end. The orientation of the anomalies was different to present and historic agricultural features suggesting an archaeological origin, however, given the narrow area of the survey more detailed interpretation was not possible.
{2} Trial trench excavation identified probable three substantial Roman enclosure ditches in two trial trenches excavated in this area.
{3} Geophysical survey undertaken in 2021 identified more of the enclosure system.
{4} Evaluation confirmed a later Roman settlement comprising a large rectilinear enclosure with subdivisions and a droveway, with evidence of a roundhouse and domestic activity indicated by pottery from enclosure ditches. Pottery suggests the settlement was high status, possibly a villa site, though no structure was found; a villa may lie east of the survey area, but a high-status farmstead is more likely. The settlement in Field 1 was abandoned during the 5th century. There then appears to have been a short hiatus in activity across the site before settlement recommences in the northern part of the site.
<1> Garst, L A & Wilkinson, D, 2021, Geophysical Survey Report of Harpole to Weedon Anglian Water Pipeline Phase 2 (Report). SNN112256.
<2> Cole, E, 2021, Harpole to Weedon Anglian Water Pipeline Phase 2 Archaeological Evaluation Report (Report). SNN112758.
<3> Wilkinson,D, and Langston, A,, 2021, Geophysical Survey Report of Glassthorpe Solar Farm (Report). SNN113546.
<4> Sian Thomas, 2023, Archaeological field evaluation: Flore, Glassthorpe (Northamptonshire) (Report). SNN116965.
Sources/Archives (4)
- <1> SNN112256 Report: Garst, L A & Wilkinson, D. 2021. Geophysical Survey Report of Harpole to Weedon Anglian Water Pipeline Phase 2. Magnitude Surveys fieldwork report. MSSP705. Magnitude Surveys.
- <2> SNN112758 Report: Cole, E. 2021. Harpole to Weedon Anglian Water Pipeline Phase 2 Archaeological Evaluation Report. Oxford Archaeology East Unit Fieldwork Reports. 2519. OA East.
- <3> SNN113546 Report: Wilkinson,D, and Langston, A,. 2021. Geophysical Survey Report of Glassthorpe Solar Farm. Magnitude Surveys fieldwork report. MSSP942. Magnitude Surveys.
- <4> SNN116965 Report: Sian Thomas. 2023. Archaeological field evaluation: Flore, Glassthorpe (Northamptonshire). Archaeological Wales. Report No. 2225. Archaeological Wales.
Finds (4)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (3)
- Event - Survey: Glassthorpe, 2021 (Geophysical survey) (Ref: Magnitude Surveys Ref: MSSP942) (ENN110247)
- Event - Survey: Harpole to Weedon phase 2, 2020 (Geophysical survey) (Ref: Magnitude Surveys Ref: MSSP705) (ENN109928)
- Event - Intervention: Harpole to Weedon pipeline, phase 2, 2020 (Trial trench) (Ref: OA Reference No: 2519) (ENN109946)
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SP 6555 6052 (390m by 201m) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | FLORE |
| Unitary Authority | West Northamptonshire |
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Other Statuses/References
- None recorded
Record last edited
Jan 23 2026 3:50PM
