Monument record 8923/1 - Probable Iron Age/Roman settlement, north of Chipping Warden

Geophysical survey undertaken as part of the HS2 enabling works identified an extensive area of probable Iron Age and/or Roman settlement spanning the A361. Trial trench excavation of a small part of the settlement investigated a rectilinear and a possible curvilinear enclosure.

{1} Geophysical survey indicated the presence of a network of ditches forming a series of conjoined rectangular enclosures to the east and a peripheral area of more irregular features, probably enclosures, to the west.

{2} Further geophysical survey to the south-east of the A361 identified further rectilinear anomalies representing a southern part of the settlement already identified to the north-west. There was a large main enclosure with internal features and probable annexes. Some of the internal features may be round house ring ditches.

{3} Archaeological trial trench excavation was undertaken as part of the A361 relief road works to the north-west of the existing road. Trenches 41 and 43 identified three sides of a small enclosure. Small quantities of animal bone, pottery and cbm were recovered from the ditch fills. A further ditch was identified to the east of the enclosure. To the south, in trench 34 a curvilinear ditch was identified.

<1> Walford, J, 2018, Geophysical Magnetometer Survey for the A361 Chipping Warden relief road, Chipping Warden, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN112284.

<2> Davies, R, 2020, AWHb Final Report for Geophysical Magnetometer Survey at (AC320/1) Chipping Warden, Chipping Warden Green Tunnel, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN112780.

<3> Finn, C and Sharrock, P, 2018, Interim Statement for Trial Trench Evaluation for the A361 Chipping Warden relief road, Chipping Warden (Report). SNN112283.

Record last edited

Feb 20 2025 4:12PM